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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 

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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Set of 3 Bar Stools by Piet Hein
Located in Copenhagen, DK
3 bar stools in original patinated black leather on steel frame. Piet Hein / Fritz Hansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Ikea Rare Red Metal and Wool Three pod Stool, Model Eskilstuna, 1990s
By Graeme Findlay, IKEA, Carmel McElroy
Located in Schagen, NL
Scandinavian Modern stool, model Eskilstuna, from the Ikea PS series, 1999. The stool features a Red Lacquered Tubular Metal Base with a Red Wool Seating. The ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Ottomans by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Pair of Kai Kristiansen rosewood ottomans produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark, circa 1950s. The seats has been reupholstered in off-white, pure wool fabric from Chase Erwin.   
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Olof Ottelin, Finland, Pine Stool, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A Finnish pine Modernist stool, Circa 1970s, by Olof Ottelin, the top with four rectangular blocks joined by extended dowels raised on straight legs.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavain Stool
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavain stool in black lacquered beech.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Danish Modern Stool / Sidetable in Teakwood and Black Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Cool little stool or side table made in Denmark in the 1960s. The stool is made from solid Bangkok teakwood with an amazing grain. It featur...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

1970s, Swedish Pine Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming Swedish Pine stool from 1970 with great patina. Spade shaped seat that makes it the perfect small side table or foot stool. Good vintage condition with age appropriate wear,...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Modern Öresund Design by Børge Mogensen Stool
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern Öresund design by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner. The stool is from the 1960s and made in light oak. Good vintage condition consistent with age and use...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
eatures a distinctive five-section fan of bent birchwood, whose joins cascade down the legs, and the original leather-wrapped top with a beautiful patina. The piece can serve as a si...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Scandinavian Stool 'Le Roi' by Norr11, Natural Oak
Located in Paris, FR
'Le Roi' Stool by Norr11 Dimensions : Diameter: 36 cm Height: 44 cm Model shown on the picture: Color: natural oak Natural French Rattan --- The Le Roi Coffee Table is constructed...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Tripod Stool in Solid Beech Wood, by Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid Century, Ca 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Fine patinated vintage tripod stool in solid beech. Made by an unknown Danish Cabinetmaker in 1960s. Made in the style of Mogens Lassen, This m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

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

1940's Vintage Swedish Pair of Stools
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming rustic pair of Swedish Vintage stools from the 1940's. Beautiful sculptured shape on the seat with 3 rounded legs. Very comfortable and ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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

Danish Modern Rosewood and Vinyl Bar Stools by Johannes Andersen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern bar stools by Johannes Andersen for BRDR Andersen Vejen feature rosewood frames with black vinyl seats that are 13 inch i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

Pine Stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pine stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, Circa 1970s. Solid, glued pine.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Plywood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood stool designed and produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Plywood

Papyri Stool in Walnut with Handwoven Danish Cord
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 walnut. The seat features a continu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Bar Stool in Rosewood by Erik Buch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian bar stool in rosewood by Erik Buch. Measure: H seat 62 cm.
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rosewood

Swedish Stools in Pine
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare stools manufactured in Sweden, ca 1970. Studio craft stools with a round seat, resting on four legs that are beautifully connected with vis...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool, Cognac Leather, Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category

2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of 5 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool Dark Brown Leather Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category

2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Mid-Century Stool in Solid Stained Pine Produced in Sweden Ca 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish stool in solid stained pine produced in Sweden during the 1970s. Acquired from the original owner family and in good vintage condition with genuine patina from age and u...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish Wooden Tripod Milking Stool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this milking stool. In earlier da...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair Contemporary Classic Counter Bar Stool Navy Blue Leather Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category

2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Swedish Grace Axel Larsson Seagrass and Beech Stool for SMF, 1930's
Located in Uccle, BE
A stool by Axel Larsson for Svenska Möbelfabriken (SMF) Bodafors, designed circa 1929. The stool is made of stained beech with seagrass. Gently restored.  
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Seagrass, Beech

Josef Frank, Stool or Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany stool or bench designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Stool, Ingvar Hildingsson, Pine, 1970s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Classic sculptural milking stool, designed and produced in the studio of Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp. Signed and labeled. Solid Pine Sweden, 1970's E...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mogens Koch MK-30 Folding Stool for Interna
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch 1898-1992. A foldable stool, model No. MK-30, by Danish architect and designer Mogens Koch. Made of Palisander frame with black leather seating. Manufactured by Inte...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Palisander

Hunting Stools Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of hunting stools by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Incredibly Rare Tall Stool by Nanna Ditzel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very uncommon tall stool by Nanna Ditzel for Domus Danica, circa 1969. These examples were made for a very short time and in very small numbers. This piece in a bright yello...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Scandinavian Birch Stool by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1970s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Rare Scandinavian birch stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson for I H Slöjd in Sweden, 1970s. This beloved stool features three club-shaped legs and a round seat. The stool is made e...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Hans Wegner AP-30 Teak Piano Stool c1950s
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner AP-30 Piano Stool, 1957 Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark, this model is based on the AP-29 Papa Bear ottoman. The rarely seen piano stool has an additional cro...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Clarkester Counter Stool Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Swedish Mid Century Four Legged Stool in Solid Pine, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare four legged stool in solid pine produced in Sweden ca 1970s. In good vintage condition with small signs and patina from age and use. Dimensions: Height: 38 cm Diameter of th...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish Large Stool Upholstered in 'Casentino' Woollen Fabric, Denmark 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a two and three seater sofas, this beautiful, stylish and comfortable stool has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940s. I...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Modern Pinewood Bar Stools, 1970's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Set of four pinewood bar stools in the style of Rainer Daumiller. Traces of use consistent with age and use.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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

Danish Modern Teak Stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and Storage, Circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1970s Danish Modern teak stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and under seat storage. Vinyl seat upholstery in great condition. Measures 17.25" W x 15...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Iron

Swedish Designer, Stool, Teak, Shearling, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and shearling stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

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

Revolver Bar Stool, Rotatable High, Black, by Leon Ransmeier for Hay
Located in Dubai, AE
The Revolver bar stool is positioned on a bearing mechanism that enables the seat and footing to rotate 360 degrees. The slim, slightly dished seat features curved edges for additi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of Coffee Table and 3 Stools by Sven Ellekaer for Christian Linneberg
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very original set consisting one glass top coffee table and three matching stools by Sven Ellekaer for Christian Linneberg. Hopefully you can see on one of the photos there are a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Glass, Teak

Wolfgang C R Mezger for Davis Furniture Scandinavian Modern Barstools, C 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
Wolfgang C R Mezger for Davis Furniture Scandinavian modern barstools, Circqa 1970s. Priced per item. Good vintage condition. Some wear appropriate with age and use. Very few scratch...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Norwegian Pine Stool, Krogenæs Møbler, Ca 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A carved solid pine three leg stool by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, Circa 1950s-60, with a carved tractor form seat raised on three rectangular legs joine...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Biennale Stool-Table in Oak, by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Biennale stool was made for the Architectural Biennale of Venice, as something that can be found in many Finnish cottages or homes. Naturally, the B...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

20th Century Scandinavian Solid Pine Tripod Stool, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Scandinavian Modern solid pine tripod stool, mid century, ca 1970s. General good vintage condition. A organic sculptural design, perfect match for the modern interior.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Stool Model Pragh Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell. Great condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin

Stool by Uno & Osten Kristiansson
Located in Uccle, BE
Swedish designers and brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson, known for their lighting and mirror designs, were particularly active from ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Faux Leather

Scandinavian Modern Hardwood Bar Stools
Located in Vienna, AT
Three bar stools with hardwood frames, 1960s, H 80 cm. Seats upholstered in cognac-colored imitation leather.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Swedish Birch and Upholstered Stool, Ca 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish polished birchwood stool, circa 1940s, with a rectangular glazed linen seat raised on turned and tapered legs.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Danish Patinated Oak Tripod Stool, Denmark, ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this oak stool. In earlier days, ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Swedish Mid Century Tripod Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare tripod stool in stained pine. Produced in Sweden by an unknown designer. Stamped "Gröning Design - Bergsjö Sweden." In the manner of the more f...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Alvar Aalto Y61 Stool
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to create the unique Y-leg. This vintage example was sold in the US by ICF and has a rich patina attesting to y...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Canvas, Birch

Stool or Ottoman by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Moment Stool or Ottoman designed by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper is a modern and versatile piece of furniture that combines comfort, functionality, and style. Its innovative design reflects the contemporary aesthetic while offering a practical seating solution. The stool or ottoman features a sleek and streamlined silhouette that seamlessly blends into any living space or commercial environment. Its clean lines and minimalist form exude a sense of sophistication and modernity. The designers' attention to detail is evident in the carefully selected materials and impeccable craftsmanship. The seat is designed to provide optimal comfort, whether used as a footrest, additional seating, or as a standalone piece. The cushioning is plush and supportive, upholstered in high-quality Knoll fabric, ensuring a luxurious feel and durability. The Moment Stool by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper embodies the essence of contemporary design, seamlessly blending form and function. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any space, from residential homes to modern offices or commercial lounges. Whether used as a standalone piece or paired with other furniture, this stool or ottoman adds a touch of modern sophistication and comfort to any interior. Moment is an ottoman, stool, bench depending on the configuration and perception. Purchase one, two or all three. Bottom of tapered diameter measures 20.25" and top 17". Photographed with Herman Miller DCM chair and Macbook Pro...
Category

2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Foam

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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