There are many things in life that are overrated, but a good night’s sleep isn’t one of them. In an era defined by speed and constant stimulation, rest has become a precious commodity, and increasingly, a design consideration in its own right.
With the opening of its new Melbourne flagship, Swedish bedmaker Hästens brings its craft-led approach to sleep to the city’s CBD. Located at the top end of Collins Street, the store presents the brand’s full range of beds and accessories within a carefully curated interior setting.
While Hästens has been available in Australia for some time through Great Dane, including a standalone store in Sydney, the Melbourne flagship offers local customers the opportunity to experience the complete collection in one dedicated space. Great Dane founder Anton Assaad and creative director Megan Marshall have led the brand’s Australian presence, shaping how Hästens is presented locally.
Globally, Hästens operates in 59 countries, with a longstanding emphasis on handcraft and natural materials. The brand produces 12 bed styles, each made to order and tailored to the individual. Construction begins only once an order is placed, with no stock held, underscoring a slow and deliberate production process.
Beds are handmade using materials such as wool, cotton, flax and horsehair, combined with a proprietary spring system designed to support airflow and adaptability. Longevity and durability are central to the brand’s ethos, with some Hästens beds remaining in use for decades and passed down through generations.
The Melbourne store’s interior carries its own narrative. The space was previously home to a Hermès pop-up, and it was during that time that Assaad and Marshall first noticed the blue-and-white tiled entry. Echoing Hästens’ signature check pattern, the tiles later became a point of connection when the opportunity to secure the site arose.
Inside, the showroom is designed to feel calm and generous, with room to move and linger. A selection of furniture pieces, collected by Assaad and Marshall over time and complemented by items from the Great Dane collection, adds depth and warmth to the setting.
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The official opening was marked by a gathering of industry figures and guests, including Jasper Sundh, Hästens’ regional director for wholesale Europe, Swedish ambassador Klas Molin, and respiratory and sleep disorder physician Dr Marcus McMahon. Speaking at the event, Sundh reflected on the importance of partnerships and shared values.
“The people make the difference,” Sundh noted. “Working with partners who understand the product and the philosophy behind it is essential.”
As conversations around health and wellbeing continue to evolve, sleep is increasingly recognised as a foundational element of daily life. The Melbourne flagship positions Hästens not simply as a retail destination, but as part of a broader dialogue around rest, longevity and the environments we create to support them.
