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1940s Danish "Canada" Arm Chairs in Stained Beech by Fritz Hansen
By Christian E. Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
leader in moulded and laminate wood furniture. Looking to German Functionalism, Scandinavian design comes
Category

Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Beech

Scandinavian Modern Sideboard or Cabinet on Wheels, 1930s Functionalism
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Unique early modernist sideboard made in the 1930s Scandinavia. The sideboard stand on wooden casters and can be moved around. Original paint.
Category

Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Green Art Deco Globose Vase, Ewald Dahlskog, , Scandinavian Modern
By Bo Fajans, Ewald Dahlskog
Located in Stockholm, SE
presented at the Stockholm exhibition in 1930, that was the start for the functionalism. The vase has a
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mid-century Modern Scandinavian Extendable Teak Coffee Table with Drawer
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
characterized by high-quality manufacturing precision. The Scandinavian idea of functionalism and a high level
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Set of 4 Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Oak Wood & Vinyl Dining Chairs
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
. They reflect the Scandinavian design of the Mid-Century Modern era, where simplicity, functionalism and
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Modern Kay Fisker Sterling Silver Pitcher Handmade Anton Michelsen
By Anton Michelsen
Located in EL Waalre, NL
functionalism as practiced at the German Bauhaus, and it was through such work, that the modernist International
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hans Hansen Scandinavian Modernist Yellow Gold Necklace, 1970
By Hans Hansen
Located in Bruxelles, BE
"Hans Hansen" in the 1970'. A fine example of Scandinavian modernist jewellery. Marked : Hans Hansen
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hans Hansen Scandinavian Modernist Yellow Gold Necklace, 1970
Hans Hansen Scandinavian Modernist Yellow Gold Necklace, 1970
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W 5.01 in Dm 15.36 in L 5.32 in
Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Blue Galaxy Art Glass Vase Decanter Scandinavian 1950
By Kosta Boda, Bertil Vallien
Located in Miami, FL
hearken back to the Functionalism and the populist roots of Modernism. Born in 1938 in Sollentuna, Sweden
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Finn Juhl Scandinavian Modern 46 Armchair, Wood and Elegance Black Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
international furniture artist. Finn Juhl was greatly inspired by both modernism in art and functionalism in
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

"Eva" Lounge Chair by Dux Created by Bruno Mathsson 1960s Scandinavian Modern
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
a classic example of Swedish functionalism and is exhibited in the permanent collection at MoMa
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Vintage armchairs with cushions
Located in Brescia, IT
hark back to the organic design of Scandinavian functionalism. Thanks to the presence of the cushion
Category

Vintage 1980s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Birch

Vintage armchairs with cushions
Vintage armchairs with cushions
H 40.16 in W 27.56 in D 33.86 in
Pair of Original Drawer Units from the Arne Jacobsen Royal SAS Hotel, Copenhagen
By Arne Jacobsen
Located in Dronten, NL
(1902-1971) was a Danish architect and designer, renowned for his contributions to functionalism. One of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Night Stands

Materials

Formica, Wenge

Set of Eight Modernist Orchestra Chairs by Sven Markelius, Sweden 1930’s
By Sven Markelius, Bodafors
Located in Valby, 84
Swedish functionalism. Sven Markelius was educated from 1909 to 1913 at the Royal Technical University in
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch

Danish Cabinetmaker "Funkis" Cabinet / Shelving Unit in Dark Stained Oak, 1930s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
. Functionalism is the style-historical term for a development in architecture that arose after the First World
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Wall Relief in Solid Pine, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1958
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
design. Tapiovaaras design thinking represented pure functionalism. According to him, the intended use
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Rare Mid-Century Modern Magnus Stephensen Armchairs for Fritz Hansen 1930s
By Magnus Stephensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
MAGNUS STEPHENSEN & FRITZ HANSEN SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful pair of armchairs by Danish
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Seagrass, Beech

Finnish Modern Apu 604 Side Table by Maija Heikinheimo for Asko, 1930s
Located in Espoo, FI
. This exquisite piece seamlessly merges Scandinavian modern design with the functional elegance of
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood

Henning Kjaernulf Sideboard
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Dallas, TX
minimalist lines exemplify the quinessential Scandinavian design ethos. With ample storage space this piece
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Oak

Henning Kjaernulf Sideboard
Henning Kjaernulf Sideboard
H 31.32 in W 93 in D 23.5 in
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Ten 'Butterfly' Chairs in Plywood
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
cubist functionalism in his architecture, he nevertheless mainly preferred organic forms in the design of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Steel

Sett LN11 Side Table-Dark Chrome /Bianco Carrara Marble, by Luca Nichetto for &T
By Luca Nichetto
Located in Dubai, AE
Nichetto, the look is sharp and sophisticated, alluding to the influence of Scandinavian functionalism
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble, Aluminum

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 1 drawer
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Oak

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Walnut

Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
Pair of bedside table model Cosmopol. 2 drawers
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 12.41 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Walnut

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Walnut

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
H 35.44 in W 55.12 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Walnut

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Oak

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
H 35.44 in W 55.12 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Oak

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
H 28.35 in W 55.12 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Walnut

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
H 48.43 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Walnut

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
H 35.44 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Oak

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
H 48.43 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Oak

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
H 35.44 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Ch...

Materials

Oak

Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
H 28.35 in W 27.56 in D 15.75 in
1970er Cylinda Eiskübel aus Edelstahl mit Zange von Arne Jacobsen für Stelton
By Stelton
Located in Berlin, DE
. Since the very beginning, Cylinda Line has been an undisputed icon of Scandinavian design. Today, Arne
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Coat Rack, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, 1940/1950s
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
ideas about furniture design. Tapiovaaras design thinking represented pure functionalism. According to
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Birch

Pair of 1960s Danish Modern Indoor planters in Oak, design by Axel Kjersgaard
By Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen, Aksel Kjersgaard, Arne Jacobsen
Located in København K, 84
, a traditional and durable hardwood, these planters embody the Scandinavian preference for natural
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Materials

Zinc

1970's Ilmari Tapiovaara ''Tapiolina'' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Madrid, ES
. Italy, 1970s. Ilmari Tapiovaara’s work is characterized by the most radical functionalism. He studied
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash

1970's Ilmari Tapiovaara ''Tapiolina'' Chairs
1970's Ilmari Tapiovaara ''Tapiolina'' Chairs
H 29.14 in W 18.51 in D 16.15 in
Set of Two Chest of Drawers, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
ideas about furniture design. Tapiovaaras design thinking represented pure functionalism. According to
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Teak

Alvar Aalto Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
simplicity and functionalism. This plain bench has been one of the most wanted Aalto pieces since it came
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
Alvar Aalto Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
H 17.33 in W 28.35 in D 15.75 in
writing desk model Roman Large
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Oak

writing desk model Roman Large
writing desk model Roman Large
H 28.35 in W 63 in D 27.56 in
writing desk model Roman Medium
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Walnut

writing desk model Roman Medium
writing desk model Roman Medium
H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
writing desk model Roman Medium
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Oak

writing desk model Roman Medium
writing desk model Roman Medium
H 28.35 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
writing desk model Roman Small
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Walnut

writing desk model Roman Small
writing desk model Roman Small
H 28.35 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Hans Wegner, Wishbone CH24 Pour Carl Hansen, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
element. Hans Wegner, the great Danish designer of Scandinavian Modernist Design, placed great importance
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

writing desk model Roman Small
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Roman is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writi...

Materials

Oak

writing desk model Roman Small
writing desk model Roman Small
H 28.35 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Side table 741 by Axel Larsson for Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, 1940s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Axel Larsson
Located in Forserum, SE
unwavering commitment to functionalism and a minimalist aesthetic. Today, Axel Larsson is closely linked to
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch, Elm

Early model 83 birch dining table by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten, SE
, and glassware as well. His furniture designs are considered Scandinavian Modern, an aesthetic
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Birch

Kaare Klint Sofa Model 4118 in Leather and Mahogany
By Kaare Klint
Located in San Diego, CA
one of the first designers to put functionalism and the practical study of architecture and furniture
Category

Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vintage Modern Teak Drop-Leaf Coffee Table 5362 by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
to 160 cm wide, when the basic width is 80 cm. This is an example of Scandinavian functionalism. The
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Teak

Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Early 'Egg' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
carries real uniqueness and distinctiveness. A truly classic Scandinavian Modern piece. This specific
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

Side Table by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Dronten, NL
) and his opposition to functionalism. He "considered the rationalization of the home according to
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Beech

Side Table by Carl Malmsten
Side Table by Carl Malmsten
H 24.41 in W 47.25 in D 33.86 in
Midcentury Dining Chairs by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
forms. Their work, a symphony of simplicity and functionalism, resonated through the 1950s, echoing a
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Rush, Teak

Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk, 1940s, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
thinking represented pure functionalism. According to him, the intended use and structural concept of a
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch, Paint

Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk, 1940s, Finland
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk, 1940s, Finland
H 28.94 in W 47.25 in D 29.53 in
A Pair of Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60 In Birch, 1950s Artek
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
the simplicity and functionalism. These items are not meant for the faint hearted. They make a bold
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Viggo Boesen Lounge Chairs in Nutwood and Sheepskin, 1930s Danish Modern
By Hos Wulff, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
Absolutely amazing pair of 1930s Scandinavian Modern easy chairs attributed to Danish architect
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Nutwood

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Functionalism Scandinavian For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic functionalism Scandinavian available at 1stDibs. A functionalism Scandinavian — often made from wood, metal and fabric — can elevate any home. If you’re shopping for a functionalism Scandinavian, we have 287 options in-stock, while there are 110 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer functionalism Scandinavian, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A functionalism Scandinavian, designed in the Scandinavian Modern, mid-century modern or modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one functionalism Scandinavian that is appealing in its simplicity, but GamFratesi, Hans J. Wegner and Finn Juhl produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Functionalism Scandinavian?

The average selling price for a functionalism Scandinavian at 1stDibs is $5,187, while they’re typically $59 on the low end and $102,608 for the highest priced.

A Close Look at scandinavian-modern Furniture

Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.

ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN 

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.

Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.

Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.

The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak

Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. 

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