It was the tiled stoves at Stockholm's Ett Hem hotel that sparked our obsession. As it turns out, the traditional stoves (kakelugn) marry form with function, burning wood at a slower, more efficient rate with the capability of heating large living spaces.
The stoves were first designed in Sweden in the 18th century in response to a shortage of wood suitable for burning. With a heat-retaining cast iron core and long multi channel flues, the kakelugns retain heat, keeping rooms warm up to a whole day after the fire is out, according to Appliancist. Today, the stoves are available in their original design in Sweden and abroad through Lindholm Kakelugnar, or as a modernized version from Contura; read on for more information.
Above: Antique kakelugn vary in shape (they can be round, rectangular, or columnar) and are designed to be placed in a corner or against a wall. Heights range from about 5 feet 10 inches up to 9 and 10 feet tall, but can be altered according to the height of an interior.
Above: In Ilse Crawford's Ett Hem Hotel in Stockholm, Swedish tiled stoves feature prominently in the bedrooms. For sourcing ideas in the room featured, see Steal This Look: A Serene Swedish Bedroom.
Above: The modern Contura 560K Glazed Stove is reminiscent of the traditional stoves with specially made ceramic tiles (available in white and sand) but equipped with modern features like a fan that pushes heat uniformly from room to room. With an output of 3-7 kilowatts, the stoves heat spaces sized up to 120 square meters. For other options without tile, see our post: 10 Easy Pieces: Freestanding Wood Stoves.
Above: Lindolm Kakelugnar, based in Sweden, has been selling and building antique tiled stoves for the past 45 years. The company stocks a range of pieces, including a selection of stoves manufactured from the 1860s to the 1920s. The Kakelugn 238 D (above R) is made to fit flat against the wall and features an upper warming oven. Alternatively, a traditional-style kakelugn can be custom made in Ontario by Stone House Pottery.
Keep warm with 59 of our favorite Fireplaces & Stoves in our Shop section. Looking for more wintery Scandinavian style? See our recent issue, Saint Lucia, in our archive.