Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Benches
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Pine
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Ash
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Pine
20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Cherry
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Walnut, Upholstery, Leather
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Carts and Bar Carts
Marble
2010s British Club Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
2010s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
2010s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Enamel, Nickel
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Steel, Chrome
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Beds and Bed Frames
Rattan, Teak
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Wood, Rope
Mid-20th Century Belgian Dining Room Chairs
Wood
2010s Belgian Modern Club Chairs
Linen
2010s Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal, Brass
2010s Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass, Bronze
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Oak
2010s Austrian Jugendstil Chandeliers and Pendants
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Recent Sales
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass, Steel
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Teak
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Suede
2010s Bulgarian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
2010s Bulgarian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak, Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Pine
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Wood
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Sheepskin, Pine
Vintage 1960s German Scandinavian Modern Benches
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Sheepskin, Birch
Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Sheepskin, Wool, Felt, Cotton, Foam, Teak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Leather, Wood
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Teak, Wenge
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Birch
Vintage 1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood, Leather
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1950s North American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Zebra Hide, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Footstools
Leather, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Leather, Rosewood
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Ash, Sheepskin
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Leather
Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Benches For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Benches?
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
- 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.
Finding the Right Benches for You
Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.
Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.
Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.
For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.
Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Design Icon Ilse Crawford on Her Colorful New Hans Wegner Chairs
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
113 Chairs That Prove Danish Design Isn’t Limited to Denmark
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.