Swedish luxury bedding brand Hästens has opened its second standalone Canadian showroom in Vancouver, expanding its presence on the West Coast as demand grows for ultra-premium sleep experiences. The new Hästens Vancouver showroom, located at 1913 Burrard Street, spans over 2,800 square feet and serves as the brand’s exclusive destination in British Columbia for its hand-crafted beds, including the world-renowned Grand Vividus model priced at over $1 million.
This follows the success of Hästens’ first Canadian location, which opened earlier this year on Hazelton Avenue in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. Both stores operate as licensed partner locations, offering immersive “sleep spa” experiences where clients can test the brand’s meticulously handcrafted beds made from all-natural materials in Köping, Sweden.
“We just opened this March, so we’re relatively new, about seven months in, and we’re already profitable,” said Ringo Wu, General Manager and owner of Hästens Vancouver. “Our clients have really embraced Hästens. They value the benefits our beds bring to sleep and overall well-being.”
A New Hub for Luxury Sleep on Burrard Street
The Hästens Vancouver showroom occupies a prime location just off West 4th Avenue, surrounded by luxury automobile dealerships and design-forward retailers in the city’s upscale Burrard Corridor. The synergy between these brands was not lost on Wu when choosing the location.
“I looked at South Granville, Gastown, and near Robson Street, but ultimately Burrard offered the best of both worlds,” Wu explained. “We have people visiting from Shaughnessy, Point Grey, and West Vancouver, and many of them drive past our store regularly. One of our clients actually dropped off his car at Ferrari for maintenance, walked over, and bought a bed. The location really works.”
The 2,888-square-foot store was designed to meet Hästens’ exacting global standards, with space for 13 fully dressed beds representing the brand’s range — from entry models like the Maranga to the top-tier Grand Vividus. Each model is presented in an atmosphere that resembles a serene, minimalist Scandinavian home, complete with soft lighting and muted tones to encourage relaxation.
“Headquarters requires a certain size to ensure the best sleep experience,” said Wu. “The store layout allows clients to explore all models comfortably, including different firmness levels and customization options.”
Experiencing the World’s Finest Sleep
The Vancouver store provides visitors with Hästens’ signature “sleep spa” experience — an immersive environment where shoppers can test various models, including the entry-level Maranga (starting at approximately $37,000 for a king) and the 2000T, a model that revolutionized bed design when it debuted in 1978.
The crown jewel is the Grand Vividus, a masterpiece of craftsmanship requiring approximately 600 hours to make by a small team of five master artisans in Sweden. Each bed features intricate hand-stitching, premium natural materials such as horsehair, wool, cotton, and flax, and even decorative details like saddle leather strips and rivets that must be perfectly aligned.
“If they do the rivets crooked, they have to take out the entire strip of leather and redo it,” Wu explained. “It’s about perfection in every corner and every angle. That’s the Hästens way.”
Recent price adjustments pushed the Grand Vividus above the million-dollar mark. Despite its extraordinary price, the Grand Vividus continues to attract global demand, serving as both a status symbol and a testament to the brand’s devotion to perfection.
A Strategic Luxury Neighbourhood
Burrard Street, south of False Creek, has become one of Vancouver’s most dynamic luxury corridors. High-end car brands such as Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini all maintain showrooms nearby, creating a natural audience for Hästens’ clientele.
“In the six months I’ve been at the store, I’ve seen Maybachs, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royce SUVs passing by daily,” Wu said. “That tells me there’s still strong wealth in Vancouver, and those are the clients who understand the value of quality sleep.”
Despite challenges in luxury retail elsewhere, Wu said business has exceeded expectations. “We’ve actually seen a huge increase in sales during the summer months, when others were reporting slowdowns. From June until now, it’s been incredible growth.”
Making Sleep an Art Form
Founded in 1852 by Pehr Adolf Janson in Köping, Sweden, Hästens originally operated as a saddlery. Its transition into bedmaking evolved naturally when artisans discovered horsehair’s remarkable properties for mattresses — elasticity, breathability, and moisture resistance.
By 1952, Hästens became the official bedding supplier to the Swedish Royal Court, a distinction it still holds. Now under the leadership of fifth-generation CEO Jan Ryde, the company continues to handcraft every bed in Sweden using natural, sustainable materials.
No foam or synthetic materials are used. Instead, layers of horsehair, cotton, wool, flax, and pine are combined with hand-tied pocket springs and dovetail-jointed wooden frames. Each bed carries a brass plaque signed by its craftsman, underscoring the brand’s philosophy that true luxury lies in time, care, and authenticity.
“Each Hästens bed is built to last generations,” said Wu. “That’s something you don’t see in most products today.”
A Vision for Expansion
Wu, who previously worked with Hästens in Taiwan, became a franchise partner after being a long-time client. “My family owns nine Hästens beds,” he said. “We loved them so much that we decided to invest in the brand in Taiwan. When I moved back to Vancouver three years ago, I saw an opportunity — there was no Hästens here, so I brought it.”
The process took nearly two years from proposal to opening. “It was a long journey,” Wu recalled. “We spent about a year negotiating contracts, another year on design approvals, and several months on construction. But it was worth it.”
Wu has plans for the future, including pop-up locations in markets such as Holt Renfrew in downtown Vancouver, Park Royal, Oakridge Park, or even Whistler, where he envisions a potential partnership with luxury hotels.
A second permanent location in Western Canada could also be in the long-term plan, possibly in Calgary. “Hästens encourages partners to expand, but for now, my focus is on building Vancouver’s success,” he said.
The Science and Craft Behind Rest
The Hästens philosophy centres on sleep as a foundation for wellbeing — an idea supported by growing scientific research linking quality sleep with mental clarity, immunity, and longevity. Each bed is crafted to support spinal alignment and regulate temperature through natural ventilation layers.
Wu often hosts events that blend wellness and lifestyle. “In May, we organized a series of sound bath sessions in our showroom,” he said. “We invited about twenty guests at a time, and most of them fell asleep during the session. It was amazing. Outside of your home, to be able to fall asleep on a new mattress in under an hour, that really says something.”
Hästens’ approach is holistic: its design philosophy of “form follows function” means even the brand’s iconic blue-and-white check pattern, introduced in 1978, serves a purpose. Each square measures exactly five centimetres, helping craftspeople maintain perfect symmetry when cutting and stitching fabric.
Tailored Comfort for Every Sleeper
The Vancouver store features Hästens’ full range of continental beds, adjustable models, and accessories such as toppers, pillows, and bedding. Entry models such as the Maranga start at around $37,000 for a king size, while frame beds set to arrive later this year will start below $20,000.
Wu noted that not all of his customers come from ultra-wealthy backgrounds. “We have many regular people who come in and say, ‘This is too expensive,’” he said. “But when they understand the value including the materials, the craftsmanship, the longevity, they realize it’s an investment in their health.”
For some, that starts with smaller purchases like a Hästens topper, known for its breathability and pressure relief. “Once they try it, many come back for the full bed,” Wu said.
Scandinavian Craft Meets Vancouver Lifestyle
Vancouver’s reputation as a wellness-oriented, design-conscious city makes it a natural fit for Hästens. The brand’s minimalist aesthetic, focus on natural materials, and deep roots in Scandinavian craftsmanship resonate with local consumers who value sustainability and understated luxury.
“Vancouver is a lifestyle city,” said Wu. “People care about health, comfort, and quality of life. And that aligns perfectly with Hästens’ philosophy.”
He believes that the city’s mix of wealth and wellness makes it ideal for Hästens’ long-term growth in Canada. “Our beds aren’t just for sleeping — they’re about transforming how people live. Once you experience a Hästens, you understand what real rest feels like.”
