Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
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
Contemporary Pi Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Black 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Contemporary PI2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Black Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood
Black Large Sheepskin Bean Bag Cover, Merino Sheepskin, Made in Australia
Located in Dural, AU
This luxurious black sheepskin bean bag chair cover is the modern must-have decor accent for anyone who wants to live in ultimate comfort.
Australian, Merino sheepskin is a world-class natural fiber known for its super plush, super dense, and super cozy wool. This luxurious and large sheepskin bean bag...
Category
2010s Australian Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Sheepskin
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair with Ottoman in Original Burgundy Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, wingback chair and ottoman, leather, wood, Denmark, 1940s.
Refined and timeless, the classical wingback chair by Frits Henningsen embodies elegance and comfort. Cr...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Split Willow Skein Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Oak, Willow
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Limed Oak Slatted 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. Also influenced by the ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Ebonised Oak Slatted Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Pair of Custom Made Round Boucle Ottomans with Walnut Legs
Located in London, GB
A round, custom made shearling ottoman on hardwood base with oiled walnut legs. The foam body is covered in premium, cotton-wool blend boucle fabric.
These items are made to order ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Bouclé, Walnut
Contemporary pi Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Black 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Contemporary pi Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Black 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Fumed Oak Slatted Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Split Willow Skein Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Willow, Oak
Svend Ellekaer 1950s Rosewood Ottoman
Located in London, GB
Round ottoman, 1962
3-leg rosewood frame with round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric. Manufactured by Christian Linnebergs Møbelfabrik, Denmark.
Literature: Mobilia Magazine...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Rosewood, Bouclé
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Povl Dinesen Danish Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Povl Dinesen
Located in New York, NY
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Povl Dinesen Danish modern lounge chair and ottoman. The lounge chair rocks slightly and the ottoman is height adjustable. Mechanism on the side of the chair locks the chair in place. Has a removable headrest...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen FD-130 Teak Chair and Ottoman in Cowhide
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, the company was a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Cowhide, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Rosewood Ottomans
Located in London, GB
Pair of vintage ottomans by Danish producer Spottrup Mobler made from exotic rosewood. The seats have been reupholstered in luxurious pure-woo...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Aage Christiansen Lounge and Ottoman by Erhardsen & Andersen
Located in Highland, IN
This supremely comfortable lounge chair features swivel function and two positions of locking recline. Designed by Aage Christiansen for Erhardsen & Andersen Denmark, it retains its ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Sven Ellekaer Three-Legged Stools in Teak, Chr. Linneberg, Denmark, 1962
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of stools was designed by Sven Ellekaer and produced by Christian Linneberg Møbelfabrik in Denmark, 1962. The round seat pads are upholstered in a black and white vinyl leather, resting on a three-legged frame in teak wood. The decoratively applied vertical lines of a contrasting wenge wood veneer in the legs are unique for this model, which was normally executed entirely in teak or rosewood.
We also have a lounge chair available, see the last picture of the listing. See listing reference LU1803326426552 for the chair.
Literature reference:
Mobilia Magazine...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wenge, Faux Leather, Teak
1950s Vintage Danish Rosewood Ottoman
Located in London, GB
Spottrup Mobler
Round ottoman, 1950s
3-leg rosewood frame with round seat pad covered in new Italian bouclé wool fabric.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Bouclé, Rosewood
Pair of Swedish Modern Ergonomic Chairs with Matching Ottomen
Located in New York, NY
Sink back into these back-friendly leather armchairs, put up your feet and fall asleep watching your favorite Netflix! Th perfect reward after a stressful day. Crafted of walnut stai...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Oak Slats Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Campaign Safari Ottoman with Brown or Black Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
The campaign Safari ottoman is a reference to the Danish style furniture from the 1960s with its simple curved frame. Upholstered with a sling seat affi...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery, Leather
Contemporary pi Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Black 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the twentieth century modernist idiom, Scandinavian modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Highland, IN
This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Birch, Upholstery
Danish Modern Teak Stool / Ottoman
Located in Denton, TX
Solid thick teak wood with dovetailed corners can be also used for a side table.
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Teak
Contemporary pi Stool Fumed Oak Frame, Oil Finished, Split Willow Skein 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 Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Wood, Willow
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Natural 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. Also influenced by the ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Papercord, Wood
1950s PK33 Stool by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early 'PK-33' stool, with a round black leather cushion on three satin-chromed flat bar legs. Maker's mark on underside.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Oak Stools Produced by Willy Beck
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender stools, produced by Willy Beck, Copenhagen, Denmark in 1961. Oak frame, upholstered with white velour textile. The seats are marked underneath w...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Upholstery, Fabric, Oak
Danish Orange Leather Pouf by Ivan Schlechter
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Versatile upholstered unit adaptable to a wide variety of uses from low lounge seating, Asian style dining and yes, even as an ottoman if so desired. New production by the original m...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Danish Orange Leather Pouf by Ivan Schlechter
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Versatile upholstered unit adaptable to a wide variety of uses from low lounge seating, Asian style dining and yes, even as an ottoman if so desired. New production by the original m...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Rare Vintage Arne Norell Teak Armchair and Ottoman with Leather Straps
By Arne Norell
Located in East Hampton, NY
Grand Scandinavian design with so many handsome details like leather straps for headrests and armrests. Fully restored with new sunbrella canvas fabric in khaki and refinished teak w...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Teak
2000s Henrik Bønnelycke Sculptural Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Knebel, DK
Sculptural lounge chair and ottoman designed by Danish architect Henrik Bønnelycke for Nelo in 2003.
The white lounge chair and ot...
Category
Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Paint, Wood
Pair Of Borge Jensen Danish Ottomans in Brown and White Cowhide
Located in New York, NY
A pair of midcentury Danish teak wood rectangular ottomans or stools with newly upholstered light whiskey and cream loose cushions designed by Borge Jensen & Sonner for Bersnstorffsm...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
1950s Danish Teak and Wool Ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant ottoman or stool crafted of solid teak and upholstered seat in charcoal grey wool.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Danish Modern Scoop Arm Walnut Lounge Chair with Adjustable Ottoman
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Danish modern scoop arm walnut lounge chair with adjustable ottoman. Solid walnut construction with very stylish swooped arms.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Walnut
Knud Færch for Slagelse Møbelværk, rocking ottoman of oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Knud Færch rocking ottoman with frame of oak.
Upholstered with tan leather.
Made by Slagelse Møbelværk.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Danish Art Deco, A Round Footstool, Reupholstered Seat in Lambswool, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A lovely round Art Deco stool in beech and reupholstered seat in a great quality shearling lambswool. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1940s.
This nice footstool will fit in man...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Beech, Lambskin
Fredrik Kayser Danish Rosewood Ottoman or Bench in Black Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
Solid rosewood framed ottoman by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Møbler, Norway. The bench is upholstered in the original black leather.
Measurements
W 22,25’’ x D 17’’ x H 15,5’’
Seat Heig...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Rosewood Vintage Circular Ottomans, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
Spottrup Mobler
Round ottomans, 1950s
Rosewood frames with round seat pads covered in Italian bouclé wool fabric.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Bouclé, Hardwood
Red Leather Stool
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A round leather ottoman / stool retaining the original red leather upholstery and leather handle.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Leather
Scandinavian Modern ottomans and poufs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern ottomans and poufs 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 ottomans and poufs, popular names associated with this style include par-avion co., Viggo Boesen, Space Copenhagen, and Emily Barbara. 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 ottomans and poufs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $403 and tops out at $19,400 while the average work can sell for $2,266.
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