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Scandinavian sofa 1950s
Located in PARIS, FR
This small Scandinavian sofa dates back to the 1950s. Its designer is unknown. It embodies the
Category

Vintage 1950s European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian sofa 1950s
Scandinavian sofa 1950s
H 27.56 in W 45.48 in D 26.78 in
Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
countries. This sofa possesses design elements that define Scandinavian mid-century modernism, including
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, leather, wood, Scandinavia, 1950s A beautifully sculpted sofa in the style of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
H 31.5 in W 49.22 in D 29.93 in
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofa Upholstered in Bouclé, Scandinavia ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
One of the most significant contributions of the Scandinavian countries to the European fine arts
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Beech & Red Mohair Sofa, c. 1950's
Located in Norwalk, CT
& Red Mohair Sofa. A sublime ode to the 1950s, this piece flawlessly embodies the spirit and artistry of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Vintage Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofa from Bröderna Andersson, 1950s
By Bröderna Anderssons 1
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This three-seater sofa was made by the Swedish manufacturer Bröderna Anderssons during the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Vintage Danish Midcentury Modern Scandinavian Brown Leather 3-Seater Sofa, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This three-seater Mid-Century Modern vintage sofa was made in Denmark during the 1950s. The sofa is
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, teak, Scandinavia, 1950s This understated sofa is an iconic example of Scandinavian
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
H 33.08 in W 68.12 in D 24.81 in
Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, leather, Scandinavia, 1950s This three-seater sofa beautifully reflects the stylistic
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 30.32 in
Mid-Century Sofa by Eva and Nils Koppel for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmark, 1950’s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Eva & Niels Koppel
Located in Norwalk, CT
tactile delight that invites hours of relaxation and intimate conversations. Born in the 1950's, an era
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Viggo Boesen, Rattan Sofa, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rattan and Cane sofa designed by Viggo Boesen-see other listing with matching chair.  
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan

Viggo Boesen, Rattan Sofa, 1950s
Viggo Boesen, Rattan Sofa, 1950s
H 31.5 in W 53.94 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Modern Original "Samsas rund" Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
Sofa "Samsas rund" by Carl Malmsten in beech and upholstery for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1950s. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Early 1950s Rare Danish Corner Sofa
Located in Handewitt, DE
Mid century dansih corner sofa. Early production. Upholstery in original yellow frabric. Around
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Early 1950s Rare Danish Corner Sofa
Early 1950s Rare Danish Corner Sofa
H 30.71 in W 66.93 in D 27.56 in
1950s Boucle Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten Carl Malmsten Small Sofa, c1940s This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Beech

1950s Boucle Sofa by Carl Malmsten
1950s Boucle Sofa by Carl Malmsten
H 31.5 in W 59.06 in D 27.56 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard FD130 Teak sofa in Cognac Leather - Denmark, 1950's
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Amazing minimalistic solid Teak and Cognac leather sofa model FD130 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

1950s Arne Vodder Sofa FD161 France & Daverkosen
By Arne Vodder
Located in Handewitt, DE
Arne Vodder Sofa, model FD161 for France & Daverkosen Denmark, c.1950. 2-seater. On the armrests
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Teak

Swedish Cabinetmaker Sofa and Armchairs, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa and armchairs
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Rare sofa by G.A. Berg, Sweden, 1950s
By G.A. Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish pine sofa produced by Gustav-Axel Berg, Sweden, 1950s. Newly upholstered cushions.
Category

Vintage 1950s European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

Rare sofa by G.A. Berg, Sweden, 1950s
Rare sofa by G.A. Berg, Sweden, 1950s
H 33.47 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark, 1950s. Beech, teak and fabric. 2 adjustable positions.  
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
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H 30.32 in W 56.3 in D 31.5 in
Rare Illum Wikkelsø Sofa in Oak early 1950s.
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare oak sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen’s Møbelfabrik, early 1950s. Dismountable frame
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Rare Illum Wikkelsø Sofa in Oak early 1950s.
Rare Illum Wikkelsø Sofa in Oak early 1950s.
H 28.35 in W 74.02 in D 29.14 in
Flemming Lassen, 'Ingeborg' Sofa from the 1950s, Asko
By Flemming Lassen, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
. This sofa was manufactured by Asko in the 1950s. It has curvy armrests and a slightly round buttoned
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Rare Sofa Attributed to Gerhard Berg, Norway, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare sofa produced in Norway. Attributed to Norwegian designer Gerhard Berg. Most likely produced
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Bouclé

Midcentury Sofa in Patinated Leather, Danish Design 1950s
By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Light curved three-seat sofa in patinated leather designed and made in Denmark. Great original
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Danish Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Sofa, Denmark, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Guild Exhibitions from the 1920s to peak by the mid-century era. This three-seater sofa is a beautiful
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

New Upholstered Hans Wegner GE-290 / 3 Sofa 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-290 / 3 sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1950s. Made in solid oak. New cushions with
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s. Organically shaped Mid-Century Modern sofa made by Danish master
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s
Vintage Danish Sofa, 1950s
H 30.32 in W 61.03 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa by Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs
Located in Karlstad, SE
Three-seat sofa model "Trienna" by Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs, 1950s. Stunning sofa made of oak
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Olof Ottelin 'Duetto' Sofa, Keravan Puusepäntehdas Stockmann, Finland, 1950s
By Olof Ottelin, Oy Stockmann AB
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Olof Ottelin and produced by Keravan Puusepäntehdas for the
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

"Divina" sofa by Arne Norell, Westbergs möbler, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten, SE
"Divina" two seater sofa attributed to Arne Norell. Produced in Sweden by Westbergs Möbler during
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Danish Mid-Century Sofa by Schiller Polstermøbelfabrik, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
process, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialization. This sculptural sofa is a
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Modern Sofa with Cherry Wood Legs, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Fabric

"Minerva" Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Møllgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Stockholm, SE
“Minerva” sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Møllgaard, made up from two sections. Can be easily switched
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Nordic Mid-Century Two-Seater Sofa, Scandinavia ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
the iconic Scandinavian sofas - think about Finn Juhl’s “46” sofa -, this model is also a “body for
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Carl Malmsten "Ulla" Three-Seater Birch Sofa, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
ordinary. Story has it that this rare sofa model was designed in 1938 for an exhibition in New York
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Birch

1950s Oak Frame Sofa by Magnus Olesen
By Magnus Olesen
Located in High Point, NC
An oak sofa from Magnus Olesen, produced in Denmark in the 1950s. An upholstered wooden sofa
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Oak

1950s Oak Frame Sofa by Magnus Olesen
1950s Oak Frame Sofa by Magnus Olesen
H 29.5 in W 74 in D 29.5 in
Dyrlund Three-Seat Sofa, 1950s, Denmark
By Dyrlund
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage midcentury three-seat sofa by Dyrlund, Denmark. Elegant solid teak frame with new cream
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Dyrlund Three-Seat Sofa, 1950s, Denmark
Dyrlund Three-Seat Sofa, 1950s, Denmark
H 27.56 in W 74.81 in D 29.53 in
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa for Ab Record, Sweden 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
This model “Samspel” sofa was first introduced at the exhibition at Röhsska Museet (the Swedish
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

Midcentury Sofa Attributed to Nanna Ditzel, 1950s
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in HEVERLEE, BE
wooden legs. The sofa has been reupholstered in blue fabric. 1950s - Denmark Perfect condition Dimensions
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

"Susanna" Sofa by Oiva Parviainen for Lahden Lepokalusto, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna sofa created by Lahti
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa for AB Record Bollnäs, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Samspel”, or “Interaction” sofa model was first introduced at the exhibition at Röhsska Museet
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Olof Ottelin "Duetto" Sofa for Kervo Snickerifabrik Stockmann, Finland, 1950s
By Olof Ottelin
Located in Utrecht, NL
This lovely “Duetto” loveseat was designed back in the 1950s to bring the sitters closer together
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Tellus Sofa by Folke Jansson for SM Wincrantz, Sweden 1950s
By Folke Jansson, SM Wincrantz 1
Located in Utrecht, NL
geometric shapes superimposed on them. This “Tellus” sofa is a beautiful example of this combination, with a
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Mid-Century Cabinetmaker Sofa, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa. Rounded out
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1950s Prototype Sofa by the Danish Designer & Furniture Maker Svend Skipper
By Svend Skipper
Located in Handewitt, DE
Unique four-seat sofa by the Danish designer and furniture maker Svend Skipper. This prototype has
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brocade, Teak

Mette Sofa by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell for Bovenkamp, Netherlands, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell, Bovenkamp, Arnold Madsen
Located in Ranst, VAN
Mette' sofa designed by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell for Bovenkamp, Netherlands 1950s. The sofa
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Teak

1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Beech

Danish Mid-Century Modern Three-Seater Sofa, Denmark, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
sofa shows, they believed that furniture should create a sense of tranquillity and have a modest
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Arne Norell 'Divina' Two Seat Sofa, Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare two seat sofa was designed by Arne Norell in the late 1950s. The model is called 'Divina
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Beech

Ilmari Lappalainen "Laila" Sofa for Asko, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Lappalainen
Located in Utrecht, NL
. Designed in the halcyon phase of what we know today as Mid-Century Modern, this charming sofa is a unique
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Danish Upholstered Two-Seater Sofa with Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Danish-made freestanding sofa is characterized by the best qualities of Danish mid-century
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Linen, Wood

Teak and Metal Sofa Table Designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1950s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare sofa table designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Early production from his own company when they
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Scandinavian Low Table in Solid Patinated Pine, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in solid pine, made in Denmark in the 1950s. Great original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian "A2" Multi Table by Bengt Johan Gullberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Bengt Johan Gullberg
Located in Hägersten, SE
Company during the 1950s. Made from black lacquered steel and teak wood. Very good vintage condition with
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Steel

Pair of Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen Sofas, Gustav Bertelsen, Denmark, 1950s
By Gustav Bertelsen, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in The Hague, NL
the master cabinet maker Gustav Bertelsen in the early 1950s. The sofa has been newly upholstered in
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Wood, Teak

Teak and Cane Sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen, Denmark, 1950s
By Juul Kristensen, Hans Olsen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Very elegant and high end Danish Mid-century three-seat sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen from
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Teak

N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik Sofa Model 96 in Tibetan Sheepskin, Denmark 1950s
By N.A. Jørgensens
Located in Utrecht, NL
of Scandinavian mid-century design, while also utilizing the new techniques the 1950s brought by
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Walnut Sofa with Leather Webbing by Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Finland, 1950s
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa by Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, made from walnut with sculptural details. The amazing leather
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Vintage Scandinavian Leather Black Sofa by John-Bertil Häggström for Swed-Form
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This elegant, quilted sofa designed by John-Bertil Häggström for the Swedish manufacture Swed-Form
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

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1950s Scandinavian Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the 1950s Scandinavian sofa you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of wood, fabric and hardwood, every 1950s Scandinavian sofa was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the 1950s Scandinavian sofa you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A 1950s Scandinavian sofa is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Scandinavian Modern and Mid-Century Modern styles are sought with frequency. Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA and Carl Malmsten each produced at least one beautiful 1950s Scandinavian sofa that is worth considering.

How Much is a 1950s Scandinavian Sofa?

A 1950s Scandinavian sofa can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $6,000, while the lowest priced sells for $600 and the highest can go for as much as $114,454.

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 

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. 

Finding the Right seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About 1950s Scandinavian Sofa
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023
    Some popular watches for men during the 1950s were the Rolex Submariner, the Enicar Sherpa Dive, the Breitling Navitimer, Omega, Constellation and the Rolex GMT-Master. Rolex, Timex, Orvin, Tower and Elgin were among the top watchmakers for women during the decade. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    The clothing style in the 1950s was well tailored and classic. For women, dresses with padded busts, cinched waists and hips, and full circle skirts were popular, and the collared button-up shirt dress came into fashion during the decade. Men tended to wear suits in neutral gray, dark blue and brown colors made out of easy-to-care-for synthetic fabrics. Straight-cut double-breasted blazers were commonly worn for casual occasions. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage clothing from the 1950s.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023
    In the 1950s, several diamond cuts were popular. They included the brilliant round cut, the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. Rings that featured a large central stone flanked by smaller baguettes were also trendy during the decade. Find a collection of vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023
    There were a few popular diamond cuts in the 1950s. One was the brilliant round cut, which is still common today due to its simple shape and prominent sparkle. Other favorite cuts of the decade included the Asscher cut, the emerald cut and the marquise cut. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    In the 1950s, a Chanel bag was priced between $200 and $300. The iconic Chanel 2.55 bag cost $220 when first introduced in February 1955. Accounting for inflation, that works out to around $2,536 in today's money. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of Chanel bags from some of the world's top boutiques.