How Hästens Awakened the Allure of Luxe Slumber.
BY ANETTA NOWOSIELSKA
Dreams may be the mind’s playground, but the bed beneath us plays a starring role in the show. Its quality can turn restless tossing into serene slumber, allowing the subconscious to wander with abandon. Today, sleep has emerged as the ultimate luxury—its value surpassing even the most recognizable insignias of wealth. This elusive commodity has become the currency of modern affluence, a coveted prize in the relentless pursuit of self-care. With nap clinics, luxury bedding, and even dream consultants on the rise, the quest for optimal slumber is as integral to wellness as balancing one’s diet and honing physical prowess.
Enter Hästens, that purveyor of equestrian-laden opulence, which has somehow redefined what a bed could mean to anyone of taste, wealth, or the desire to sleep like a baby. How, exactly, did this Swedish brand of checkered mattresses—whose prices range from reasonable to that of the GDP of small nations—capture the imaginations (and pocketbooks) of those in search of the ultimate indulgence? The answer lies in a meticulous commitment to craftsmanship and an audacious rejection of modern convenience.
For the record, one doesn’t simply buy a Hästens mattress. What one does, in fact, is invest—in heritage, and in a bed designed to last decades. Fire-resistant, these mattresses are built not only to withstand a blaze but also to endure for generations of use. Constructed using natural materials such as horsehair, flax, cotton, and wool, each Hästens mattresses are handcrafted and can take up to 600 hours by artisans who’ve mastered the arcane arts of mattress making. No synthetic foams or shortcuts here— this is the old way of doing things. And the horsehair? Oh yes, that’s no marketing gimmick. Sourced from the mane of well-cared-for horses all around the world, the hair is curled, cleaned, and used as a breathable cushion, ensuring that Hästens sleepers stay cool while floating on a layer of decadence. As a result, each layer seems to cradle the body, offering a sensation that hovers between weightlessness and gentle support.
Behind Hästens’ mystique is its birthplace—the historic factory in Köping, Sweden, a shrine to the art of a craft, a place where technology takes a back seat to human expertise. The process, almost medieval in its purity, speaks to an age when products were made to last, and those partaking in their making were revered. A walk through the factory reveals a wall honoring each team member, including, in some cases, multiple generations of families who have dedicated decades to this place. Every mattress is built from the ground up by artisans. There are no assembly lines, no mass-production robots—just people, thread, and natural materials, all coming together in a harmonious choreography of technique. That’s not to say there is no innovation. Though it’s seen a few modern tweaks, the bed remains a timeless icon, weathering passing trends without ever compromising its essence.
These dreamy contraptions are the ultimate irony in an age of mass consumption: they are expensive precisely because they eschew the very principles that have defined modern life. A sleep test removes any doubt from the age-old “is it really worth it?” Quandary. A quick nap on a Hästens mattress is enough to convert anyone ready to redefine what true rest should feel like. It’s a revelation for those bold enough to challenge the ordinary—like the Swedish Royal Court, which has appointed Hästens as its official sleep purveyor. And while most of us may never rest our heads on such extravagance, we can take comfort in knowing that somewhere out there, someone is sleeping very, very well. | hastens.com
