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
1960s Danish Rosewood Stool by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Danish rosewood stool comprised of three solid rosewood legs of triangular shape with softened corners joined together by three solid rosewood ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Mogens Lassen Stool in Elm for K. Thomsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Lassen stool in Elm. Executed by K. Thomsen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Reverse with paper label.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Elm
Olof Kettunen Stools by J. Merivaara in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of stools designed by Olof Kettunen. Produced by J. Merivaara in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swivelling Bar Stool
By Arne Vodder
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak barstool with a leather swivel seat.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Gustav Bertelsen, Pair of Stools, Solid Teak, White Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of solid teak and white fabric stools designed and produced by Gustav Bertelsen, Helsingør, Denmark, 1950s.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Swedish Studio Crafted Pine Stool or Corner Table by Stig Sandqvist, 1940s
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stool made by Swedish wood worker Stig Sandqvist. This stool could also be used as a side table, perfect fitting in a corner. The stool is made of solid pine and shows a beautiful pa...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern upholstered bar stools with teak frames.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Otto Schulz Scandinavian Modern Footstool Mohair Upholstery Nickel Nail Heads
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern footstool by Otto Schulz for Boet with scrolled design. Newly upholstered with gray mohair upholstery and detailed with nickel nail heads. Measures: Length 25.5",...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Nickel
Swedish Stool in Pine by Torsten Claeson, 1930s
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare stool in pine by Torsten Claeson, Sweden.
This stool was presented in 1939 at the Röhsska Museum as "sports cottage furniture"; a type of furniture that became popular at the...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stool in Teak and Cane Attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Teak
Svante Skogh Chair with Stool for Asko Finland, Design 1954
By Svante Skogh, Asko
Located in Skanninge, SE
A wonderful set of an easy chair with stool. By Swedish designer Svante Skogh for Finnish maker Asko. This is model no 2418. Recently restored and newly upholstered in a light green ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Poul Kjærholm PK 33 Stool for E. Kold Christensen, Original Condition, 1959
Located in Houston, TX
Poul Kjærholm, original condition.
PK 33 stool.
E. Kold Christensen,
Denmark, 1959.
Matte, chrome-plate spring steel with patinated, laminated wood...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
1950s Danish Stool by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and well crafted stool having a shapely black leather seat floating on tapered teak dowel legs.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Footrests
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of teak footrests with original black butt leather.
Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen 1959 and made by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark.
Well made...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Verner Panton Low Cone Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton Low Cone Stool Designed in 1958 and Produced by Plus-linje. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheet Metal
Larsen & Madsen Solid Mahogany Leather Stool from Willy Beck, 1950
Located in Munich, DE
Ejner Larsen (1917-1987),
Aksel Bender Madsen (1916-2000).
Solid mahogany side chair-height stool built by Danish master cabinetmaker Willy Beck. Original black leather is in fin...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Red "Paver's" Stool
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A small red aniline dyed beech stool resembling an inverted game piece. Favored by paver's as it provided a portable and low seat.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Pair of Stools, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of stools in beech, made in Sweden, mid-1900s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Contemporary Scandinavian Design "Objects of Use" Multi-function Object #4
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Objects of use is the result of two worlds meeting. Two professions intertwining. Two people crossing, clashing and correlating. Objects of use is the f...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
1940s Swedish Fumed Oak Folding Stool by Osten Kristiansson for Luxus
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fumed oak folding stool with original black leather sling seat. Leather is worn and cracked.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Norwegian Stool by Krogenæs Møbler circa 1970
Located in Farsta, SE
Stool by Krogenæs Møbler circa 1970
The patina and wear on this one is really appealing and shows the craftsmanship and its historical inspiration on the Norwegian "fjøsekrakk" that...
Category
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Unsymmetric Pine Stool or Side Table by Stig Sandqvist, Vemdalen, Sweden 1950s
Located in Farsta, SE
Unsymmetric Pine Stool or Side Table
by Stig Sandqvist, Vemdalen, Sweden 1950s
Company Vemdalia.
Carved signature 'Stig Sandqvist' underneath.
Made out of pine wood, consistent wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Iconic Pk 91 Folding Stool by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, DK 1982
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic PK91 folding stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and manufactured for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1982. This stool is from the second generation and has a stainless steel frame with its...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Sgabello svedese vintage
Located in Brescia, IT
Sgabellino originale scandinavo in legno lamellare.
Questo pezzo d’arredo moderno e funzionale ricalca le linee e il gusto del design scandinavo di metà secolo. Il colore del legno ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Pine Stool produced by Möbelkompaniet Ahl & Wahlén, Sweden, 1960
Located in Farsta, SE
A pine stool produced by Möbelkompaniet Ahl & Wahlén, Sweden, 1960
Heigth: 42 cm/16.5 inch
Diameter: 29 cm/11.4 inch
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Sgabello svedese vintage
Located in Brescia, IT
Sgabellino originale scandinavo in legno lamellare.
Questo pezzo d’arredo moderno e funzionale ricalca le linee e il gusto del design scandinavo di metà secolo. Il colore del legno ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
1960's ‘Hadar’ Pinewood stool by Carl Malmsten
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1960’s ‘Hadar’ solid pine wood stoolby Carl Malmsten. The design features simple and efficient lines combined with characteristic round edges. Original piece manufactured in Sweden i...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Josef Frank stool model 2009 by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Located in Forserum, SE
Stool model 2009, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from solid walnut with vibrant red leather upholstery, it features ornamental brass rivets adorning its legs...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Poul Kjaerholm for E Kold Christensen, Early PK91 Folding Stool, with cushion
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
An early PK-91 folding stool in chromed steel with original slung canvas seat and additional loose cushion upholstered in brown leather. By repute, the cushion is the work of Ivan S...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Norwegian Milking Stool early 18th-century
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Milking Stool early 18th-century
It has a beautiful grey-toned smooth surface and exceptional patina.
Seat from Birch tree and legs from Pine tree. On the legs you can st...
Category
Early 18th Century Norwegian Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch, Pine
Oak Stool with Sheepskin Seat, Scandinavia ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Minimalism may be currently in fashion, but there is one iteration of clean design that will never go out of style, which is Scandinavian Modernism. It is no small achievement to be ...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Set of Three Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of three model 60 Stools, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with linoleum top. Good vintage condition, minor patina and ...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Distributed via ICF.
Category
1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Set of 3 stools in style of Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of 3 Swedish midcentury stools in Axel Einar Hjorth Style.
Stained pine.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 70’s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Padova, IT
Stool mod. K65 was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935.
The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters.
The lowered backrest offers the right support ...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Danish Stools, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of 4 original vintage Scandinavian stools.
Featuring simple, minimal lines, they have a tubular metal frame forming the legs and a mo...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Pair of Axel-Einar Hjorth "Skoga" Stools / Side Tables by Nk, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Skoga pine stools / side tables designed by Axel-Einar Hjorth, 1930s.
Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Teak & Red Lacquered Stool / Side Table by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful Scandinavian Modern side table or stool by Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø. The stool is made from red lacquered wood and teakwood and features a big upholstered cushion in...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Set of 3 Solid Scandinavian Modern Pine Stools, Finland, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
A set of 3 Scandinavian stools or sidetables in heavy solid pine.
Good vintage refinished patina, ready for use.
Finland 1960s.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Vintage Designer Danish Woven Stool, 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
This is a beautiful vintage stool from Denmark, produced in the 1960s.
The frame is made of sturdy teak and the seat is made of woven sea grass. This is slightly thinner than cane and gives the stool a subtle and simple look.
This handmade stool...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Seagrass, Teak
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
Pair of Verner Panton Cone "HIGH" Barstools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Verner Panton Cone "HIGH" barstools. These are attributed to ROSENTHAL as the Manufacturer. They are "VERY" tall at 36".
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Assymentrical Pine Stool or Side Table by Stig Sandqvist, Sweden, 1960s
Located in London, GB
A Swedish modern asymmetrical Studio pine stool or side table made by Stig Sandqvist, Sweden. Made by Sandqvist in Vemdalen and marked 29 / 6 / 1969. Good original condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Propellar Stool
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Propellar stool. With tray. Original canvas.
Frame in solid ash.
Model Propellar 8783, made by Rud R...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Ash
Set of Two Industrial Workshop Stools by AB Odelberg Olsen, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Munich, DE
Set of two extremely rare industrial workshop stools. Manufactured by AB Odelberg Olsen, 1930s, Sweden.
Executed in Bakelite seat and enameled steel base....
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Hans Wegner AP-29 "Papa Bear" Footstool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner AP-29 "Papa Bear" footstool designed in 1953 and produced by AP Stolen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Leather
Four Piet Hein Barstools
By Piet Hein
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Four Piet Hein barstools designed in 1961 and produced by Fritz Hansen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Aluminum, Chrome
Set of Three Erik Buck Bar Stools
By Erik Buch
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of three Erik Buck bar stools produced by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri A/S. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rosewood, Teak
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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