Scandinavian Modern Stools
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
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
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Contemporary Lo-Pi Bar Stool, Natural Oak with Danish Cord Seat & Brass Rails
Located in Norwich, GB
Our low-pi bar stool at 61cm (24") tall has satin brass foot rails and is available in the following finishes: matt clear oak, limed oak, fumed oak or ebonised oak
Our iconic pi s...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stool with Sheepskin, Made in Denmark 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Danish Cabinetmaker Stained Oak Stool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Denmark has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th century, the country also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. I...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Trip Trap Cutter Stool of Oak Designed by Niels Hvass
By Trip Trap, Niels Hvass
Located in Lejre, DK
Trip trap cutter stool of oak designed by Niels Hvass. The item is in great used condition. We have more in stock.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Papyri Stool in White Oak with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested whi...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Papercord, Wood
Hee Bar Stool High - White , by Hee Welling for Hay
By Hee Welling
Located in Dubai, AE
The absence of superfluous details in the Hee Bar Stool seems even more pronounced by its height and the presence of long slender legs. The ultimate in elemental design, this versati...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Ukrainian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Danish Modern, Organic Wooden Hand Crafted Wabi Sabi Tripod Stool, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Decorativ Scandinavian wooden tripod stool with bark seat.
This wabi sabi stool will fit in many types of home decors. Modern, Scandinavian or an Art Deco interior style.
A be...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Bent Møller Jepsen Stool Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare 3 legged stool designed by Bent Møller Jepsen. Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Leather
Ingvar Hildingsson, Stool, Solid Oak, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A sculptural solid oak stool designed Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp, Sweden, 1960s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Pine, Sweden, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool produced in Sweden. Signed "Erik" and dated 1961.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Turned Pine, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Vintage Stool by Arne Hovmand Olsens Denmark, 1950’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 39cm W, 25,5cm D, 48,5cm H.
Condition: Good.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Stool Designed by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø. Great condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine Wood, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Bar Stool Maple White
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Fabric, Webbing, Sweden, C. 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, fabric, and webbing stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1983
Located in High Point, NC
A solid turned pine stool produced in Sweden, 1983. Signed and dated to underside.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, from the furniture line “Pirkka”. Cool, rounded design with pine seats and black lacquered legs.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Papyri Stool in Blackened Ash with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested ash.
The seat features a continuous...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Ash
Madison Bar Stool Walnut Orange
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Turned Pine, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Pair of Stools by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of two PK 91 - folding stools in steel and black leather. Poul Kjærholm / E. Kold Christensen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Storia Stool in Oak by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The four-legged stool is designed for both contract environment and domestic use with durable joints, comfortable seat and three different heights. Its Nordic craftsmanship soul can ...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Mid Century Scandinavian Pine Minimalist Architect Stool 1/6
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Stool comes from Denmark.
It has a minimalistic and architectural design.
Puristic and beautiful.
Made of solid scandinavian pine wood.
We have 6 stools in Stock.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Carl Malmsten Visingsö Solid Pine Stools
Located in Kramfors, SE
Set of 2 stools Visingsö by Carl Malmsten för Svensk fur. The stools are solid pine with beautifully curved characteristic edges. Designed in 1953. This pair is from around 1965 and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Solid Pine Stools, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid pine stools / side tables manufactured in the 1970s. In the style of Roland Wilhelmsson, Gilbert Marklund, Yngve Ekström, Axel Einar Hjorth etc. Two stools available.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Dot Stool with Black Leather Designed by Arne Jacobsen, 1971
Located in Lejre, DK
Dot Skammel, designed by the renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1971, is a timeless piece of furniture that exudes simplicity and elegance. Produced by the renowned Danish fu...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
Stool
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool by unknown designer.
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rattan, Beech
Danish Modern "Gold Hill" Stool in Oak and Saddle Leather by Poul Hundevad, 1960
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing vintage "Gold Hill" folding stool designed by Cabinetmaker Poul Hundevad, Denmark. This example from the 1960s in the most beautifully patinated oak and leather.
The model stems from a folding stool from the bronze age circa 1400 BC found during an excavation in Guldhøj (Golden Hill) in Denmark. The stool was designed by Hundevad in 1960 based on the drawings by this stool and is a Danish modern furniture icon. This example still has the original leather with the story of the gold hill stool...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Leather
Tripod Stool in Solid Oak Wood, by Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid Century, Ca 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A tall beautiful warm patinated vintage tripod stool. Made by an unknown Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s.
This modern stool will fit in many types...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Pair of Bar Stools in Beech and Patinated Leather by Fritz Hansen, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of bar stools, designed and made by Fritz Hansen. Great condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Beech
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Brassy Gold
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Contemporary pi Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Oak, Wood
Teak Wooden and Braided Resin Rattan Effect Outdoor Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant outdoor bar stool with a structure in teak combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The armrest...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Resin, Teak
Swedish Designer, Stools, Solid Turned Pine, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of solid pine stools, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Walnut, Red Velvet Modern Essex Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the collection.
The pieces are designed to fit ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Stool Probably Produced by Bodafors in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool by unknown designer. Probably produced by Bodafors in Sweden.
Category
1940s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Papyri Stool in Cherry with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested cherry.
The seat features a continu...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Cherry
Axel Einar Hjorth, Utö Tabouret in Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932
Located in Berlin, DE
Axel Einar Hjorth, stool, model 'Utö'.
Solid acid stained Nordic pine.
Executed by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Designed in 1932.
Iconic design from the 'sports cabin' series na...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Rivet Stool I by Bill Amberg, vegetable-tanned leather with hand-set rivets
Located in Saffron Walden, GB
A product of their experiments into leather’s capacities for weight-bearing and structural support, the Rivet Stool by Bill Amberg is created from a single piece of wonderfully thick shoe sole leather. With no internal structure, it takes the material out of its expected context to produce a bold, lightweight, versatile and robust item of furniture.
The 6mm vegetable-tanned leather is folded into place and secured with hand-set copper rivets. Its form is inspired by Nordic birch-bark containers and references traditional Native American leather objects, with a contemporary aesthetic updated for modern living.
The Rivet Stool is made by hand in London by Bill Amberg's team of leather artisans. It will develop a rich patina over time. Due to the characterful nature of the shoe sole leather, each piece will be slightly different, with natural markings and variations in colour. The base of the stool can be dip-dyed using a choice of leather dye.
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Copper
Walnut, Purple Velvet Modern Essex Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the collection.
The p...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Walnut Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Contemporary pi Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics....
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Campaign Safari Counter Stool with Brown or Black Leather Upholstery
Located in Ballard, CA
The Safari stool is a testament to Danish midcentury furniture with its simple and gracefully curved frame. Upholstered with a sling seat affixed with sturdy leather straps, the stoo...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
Black Lacquered Gallery Stool by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, 1998 for Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
The Gallery stool was a major design breakthrough when it was launched in 1998. With striking simplicity, the properties of moulded plywood are pushed to the maximum limit to form a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Maple Prairie Green
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Designer Stool Bar Chair
Located in Paris, FR
This bar chair is following the design of our dinning chairs. Its minimalistic crisp lines and functional form are inspired by the new Nordic design.
This chair is made of sustainab...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch, Wool
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Madison Bar Stool Maple Gray
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and solid stained oak frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Alvar Aalto, Artek, Ingvar Hildingsson, and Fritz Hansen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $52,616 while the average work can sell for $1,856.
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