If you – like me – have a soft spot for Bauhaus design, a visit to LebenCph in Copenhagen is like a visit to the candy store.
The shop’s main theme is lighting, with a focus on Bauhaus design mixed with industrial design from Eastern Europe around the same period. Their collection of Kaiser idell lamps in many different editions is impressive. Same goes for the large variety of illuminated neon letters and posters also from in and around the Bauhaus period.
Shop owners, Michael and Jean, collect items for the shop in markets around Europe, bring them home and repair them carefully before putting them up for sale.
LebenCph is not just another interior store. It’s a time capsule for this specific branch of 1920-1940 design and the passion for it is felt in both customers and the owners as well.
I’ve never visited the store and not ended up having a conversation with someone while falling in love with yet another dark green President lamp, that I can’t really afford, but will buy one day.
No, it’s not cheap. Good design costs. But despair not. In the back of the store you’ll find the “student shelf” with less expensive but still very cool and tasteful items.
LebenCph is a bit on the outskirts of the city, but you won’t regret venturing out.
While you’re in the area, I recommend grabbing lunch or a coffee at Ingolfs Kaffebar or visit Amagers only real bookshop Zittans.
