Werk

Discover the World of Werkwaardig: Remarkable Design from Amsterdam

The name says it all. Werkwaardig is a play on the Dutch word merkwaardig — meaning remarkable — created simply by flipping an M into a W. It stands for design that matters. Founded in Amsterdam in 2016 by product designers Timo Keultjes and Diederik Dam, Werkwaardig arrived with a clear and refreshing mission: to fight for fun and against boring mass production in interiors. The result is a body of work that is witty, warm, and genuinely surprising — objects that make you look twice and feel something. At Nexclusives, we carry a curated selection of Werkwaardig pieces for those who believe an interior should have a personality. 

The Sidepig — An Icon Born from a Sketch

The Sidepig is perhaps Werkwaardig's best-known piece — an abstract side table shaped like a cheerful pig, with a chubby belly, a stubby trunk, and a curly tail that doubles as a handle. It is the kind of object that could have been lifted from a comic strip, yet it functions perfectly as a coffee or side table and is crafted to the highest standards. Available in a range of colours, the Sidepig brings instant warmth and character to any space — living room, children's room, hotel lobby, or garden. It is also the piece that best captures Werkwaardig's central belief: that functional and fun are not opposites. 

The Twisted Candleholder — Where Form Becomes Feeling

The Twisted candleholder is Werkwaardig's quiet showstopper. Its gently contorted form — as if the candlestick itself paused mid-movement — gives it a sculptural presence that elevates any surface it lands on. Available in a range of colours from bold primaries to soft pastels, it works as a standalone object or grouped in multiples for a more dramatic effect. Simple in concept, striking in execution.

The Climbing Lamp — Energy Frozen in Light

Werkwaardig's lamps freeze bodies full of dynamic energy — human figures in the act of climbing, carrying light to the summit. It is a piece that blurs the line between lighting and sculpture, between product design and storytelling. Hung on a wall or placed in a corner, the Climbing Lamp brings a sense of movement and humanity to an interior — a reminder that the best objects in a home say something about the people who live there.

Amsterdam at Heart — Design with a Dutch Sensibility

Werkwaardig's studio and warehouse are located in Amsterdam East, next to the former Bijlmer prison — a neighbourhood with a blend of industrial and rustic charm that is evolving into one of Amsterdam's most distinctive creative quarters. Inspired by Amsterdam's identity as a place where different people, cultures, and countries come together, Werkwaardig designs with the intention of connecting people — through objects that spark joy and invite conversation. It is a deeply local sensibility expressed through pieces that travel well. 

Sustainability as a Starting Point

Sustainability sits at the heart of Werkwaardig's design process. Throughout every project, the studio strives to create the most sustainable version of each piece — from material selection to production methods. To ensure high quality, products are exclusively manufactured in the Netherlands. These are objects made to last, and made responsibly. 

Why Choose Werkwaardig?

Werkwaardig designs furniture and home accessories that spark feelings and inspire imagination — mixing fresh ideas with things that feel real and down to earth. In a world of safe, predictable interiors, Werkwaardig offers something genuinely different: objects with a point of view, a sense of humour, and a commitment to quality that ensures they stand the test of time. For those who want their home to feel truly inhabited — and truly theirs — Werkwaardig is an easy choice. 

Explore the Werkwaardig collection at Nexclusives, available in our Amsterdam showroom and online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is Werkwaardig based and where are their products made?
Werkwaardig is based in Amsterdam East. To ensure the highest quality, their products are exclusively manufactured in the Netherlands.

2. Are Werkwaardig pieces suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Werkwaardig designs products that work across a range of settings — from homes and offices to gardens and hotels, both indoors and outdoors. We recommend confirming outdoor suitability for specific pieces at the time of purchase. 

3. Are Werkwaardig pieces available in different colours?
Yes. Many Werkwaardig pieces — including the Sidepig and Twisted candleholder — are available in a wide range of colours. Contact us to check current availability.

4. Can I view Werkwaardig pieces in person?
Yes. A selection of Werkwaardig pieces is on display in our Amsterdam showroom. We recommend getting in touch in advance to confirm which designs are currently available to view.

5. Where can I purchase Werkwaardig products?
You can shop the Werkwaardig collection online at Nexclusives.com or visit us in Amsterdam.