Vallila

Passion for interior decoration since 1935

Vallila is an industry leading Finnish family-run home textile company with ambitions to be a creative and refreshing leader in the world of interior design. We all believe in continuity, reliability and constant renewal.

The founder of the company, Mr. Otto Berner built the premises for his company in the eastern part of downtown Helsinki called Vallila. It became the name of the company, and the beautiful red brick building still acts as the headquarters and showroom of Vallila Interior.

Vallila’s extensive collections include selections of home textiles, rugs and furniture combined with 75 years of Interior Design experience and know-how. Vallila has an unlimited amount of innovative ideas, long-term experience, commitment and determination that will fulfill customers’ desires for fresh and tranquil interiors. Vallila’s enthusiasm for interior design transforms interiors into more beautiful, more inspiring spaces in which to live or work – in a way that almost approaches perfection.

Vallila’s designs are created by two in-house designers joining together with various visiting designers from different areas of expertise – such as sculpting, jewellery and graphics.

Vallila has been awarded the ‘Design from Finland’ –label of origin

- ‘Design from Finland’ label of origin indicates that product planning and design takes place in Finland. - Vallila was one of the first companies to receive the label of origin for their in-house designed patterns.

The ‘Design from Finland’ label indicates that Finnish design, innovation, research and product development is of high importance to the company.

Vallila has been awarded the label for their in-house designed patterns for interior textiles, which include curtain and soft furnishing fabrics, ready-made curtains, cushion covers, wallpaper and rugs. Their Collection is renewed twice a year, in spring and autumn, and it has an average of 300 products which are based on in-house designs. The collections are created by Vallila’s two in-house designers as well as 3-6 visiting designers. The products are sold through retailers in Finland and across the world.

Vallila's Brand History

1935 Otto Berner establishes Suomen Silkkituote Ltd. He has studied weaving in his home country of Switzerland, and after visiting Finland, notices that there is a market in his new home country for linings, under garment material and other fabrics.

1939 Vallila builds its own business premises. Otto Berner is very precise in his wish for quality and sends of the fabrics to Belgium to be dyed.

1944 The name of the company is changed to Vallilan Silkkitehdas Ltd on the 10th of March. Operations are focused on silk lining, for which there is a market for. The war ends and the company, along with the country’s economy, grows.

1950s The company starts to move into interior decoration fabrics, half the weaving machines produce drapes for Finnish homes, and the company premises expand considerably.

1962 Otto’s son, Rudolf “Rudi” Berner, begins his career in Vallila. With the assistance of the Swiss weaving professional, the so called “dreher” fabric begins to be woven and becomes an important part of the collection. As the 60s proceed, thicker, and heavier fabrics begin to be fashionable.

1967 Co-operation is started with Edward Terzibasiyan, a well known designer of printed fabrics. A new era begins with the manufacture of in-house designed printed fabrics.

1970 American artist and designer, Howard Smith joins the company. His bold, large and colourful designs give the collection an exciting new look and are a big success. This co-operation continues through the 70s and the Vallila brand is established. Designs like Makeba and Miriam, named after the singer, Miriam Makeba are still in today’s collections.

The early 1970s The move into wholesale begins in 1971 after weaving operations stop. The importing of fabrics produced by Creation Baumann starts and an increasing emphasis is given to printed fabrics.

1986 Rudolf’s daughter, Anne Berner, joins Vallila and starts to develop the interior decorating of public spaces and project operations.

1987 The 11th of November, the company name is changed to Vallila Interior, better reflecting the company’s operations. Howard Smith designs the Vallila company logo, which, with small alterations is still in use today.

1988 Verhoshoppi Ky is acquired and a subsidiary company, Decorama Ltd, is established to focus on the Contract business. On the 1st of August Anne’s younger brother, Mikael ‘Miku’ Berner, joins the company.

1989 Anne Berner takes over the management of Vallila Interior.

1990s Attention turns towards the opening markets of the Baltic countries and Russia. Interia International is founded as an export company to focus on contract and retail business opportunities. The first of Vallila’s “Shop in Shop” is launched in 1995 with good success.

2000s Vallila grows steadily into one of Finland’s best known interior decoration brands. As Keha and Decohouse are acquired, the company grows and expands to include wallpaper, furniture, lighting and carpets. By the end of the decade, the company reaches a turnover of 35 – 40 million Euros, has over 20 shop in shops throughout Finland and employs approximately 130 people.

2010 As a result of the consolidation of all its subsidiaries, the company is a major turn-key provider and emphasizes on strengthening its brand and developing its export market.