1960s Scandinavian
Vintage 1960s European Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
Glass
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Pitchers
Glass, Blown Glass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Planters and Jardinieres
Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Canapes
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Lambskin, Fabric, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Velvet, Beech
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Velvet, Teak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Steel
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Night Stands
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Milk Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Cotton, Wool
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Rattan
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Oak, Teak
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Birch
20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Steel
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Toys and Dolls
Beech
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s Armchairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Fabric, Ash
Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Western European Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Metal
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Art Glass
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Barware
Plastic, Teak
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Barware
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Art
Stoneware
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Barware
Teak
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Walnut
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Chrome
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Lanterns
Art Glass
Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Night Stands
Teak
Vintage 1960s Italian Scandinavian Modern Bookcases
Metal
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Linen, Ceramic
Vintage 1960s Italian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Blown Glass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Cord, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Console Tables
Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary European Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Bouclé, Velvet, Wood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dry Bars
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Fabric, Foam, Beech, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Rosewood
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1960s Scandinavian For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 1960s Scandinavian?
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.
- What is a Scandinavian table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A Scandinavian table likely refers to a table that was produced in Denmark, Finland or Sweden. In the context of furniture design, a “Scandinavian table” features attributes commonly associated with Scandinavian modernism. Characterized by bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries, Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with this style was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Scandinavian modern tables from some of the world's top sellers.
- What is Scandinavian glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Scandinavian glass is decorative glassware produced by artisans from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Some notable glassworks from the region include Alsterfors, Aseda, Ekenas Glasbruk, Flygsfors, Hadeland Glassverk, Pukeberg, Reijmyre and Ryd Glasbruk. Shop a variety of Scandinavian glass on 1stDibs.
- What is Scandinavian design?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 11, 2019
Scandinavian design, associated with the countries of Northern Europe, is characterized by simplicity, functionality and beauty,
- What is Scandinavian silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Scandinavian silver is a metal that is 83 percent pure silver and 17 percent copper or other metals. Artisans use it to produce jewelry, tableware and a variety of decorative objects. You'll find a collection of Scandinavian silver jewelry, serveware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A traditional Scandinavian rug is called a rya or rye. With their shag knotted wool pile, these rugs originally served as blankets for 15th-century sailors. The rugs gained popularity in the U.S. and around the world in the 1980s. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage rya rugs.
- What are Scandinavian rya rugs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Scandinavian rya rugs are accent rugs that have a hand-knotted high shag pile usually made of wool. Originally, the rugs served as bedding for sailors, but they became popular decorative accents in the U.S. in the 1970s. Shop a variety of rya rugs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Scandinavian style refers to a movement in furniture design that is characterized by simplicity and functionality. Scandinavian modernists tended to focus on clean, simple lines. Scandinavian design is minimalist and devoid of clutter. Find a variety of Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- Were there watches in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, there were watches in the 1960s. The first recorded wristwatch dates back to 1868, when Patek Philippe, a watchmaker founded in Geneva in 1839 by Polish expats Antoni Patek and Franciszek Czapek, designed a timepiece for Countess Koscowicz of Hungary. Shop a collection of vintage watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is a caftan from the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A caftan from the 1960s or any other era refers to a long ankle-length variation on a robe or a tunic. Caftans, which are sometimes referred to as kaftans, feature full sleeves and usually have a deep, open neck. While these garments can be made from any fabric, most caftans are made of wool, silk or cotton. Find a selection of caftans from top fashion boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- What was worn in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Fashion in the 1960s progressed toward a more casual look for men and for women during the decade. For women, the skirt suits of the 1950s prevailed during the early ‘60s and eventually miniskirts came along. Late-1960s fashion included ponchos, peace signs, chain belts, puffed “bubble” sleeves, frayed bell-bottom jeans for men and women, tie-dyed shirts, work shirts, sandals, headbands and moccasins.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because Scandinavian design focuses on craftsmanship and clean lines, it is a style that lasts the test of time. Designed to maximize light and focusing on minimalism and functionality, it is very aesthetically pleasing.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 2, 2023
There isn’t much of a difference between Nordic and Scandinavian design in that when it comes to furniture and decor, the descriptors “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” are often used interchangeably. The term Scandinavia is primarily used to refer to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. (It is sometimes inclusive of Iceland and Finland, too.) The Nordic region of the world also includes the likes of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden as well as Iceland, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland.
Scandinavian modernism is a warm and organic iteration of modernist design that chiefly originated in Denmark, Sweden and Finland during the 1930s. It was introduced to the United States during the mid-20th century and had a profound influence on American mid-century modern design.
Scandinavian modernists are known for their emphasis on craftsmanship and use of natural materials such as ash, pine and beech. Scandi interiors are minimalist, bright and airy, and feature neutral palettes and classic shapes.
Characteristics of the work of such Scandinavian modernists such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Greta Magnusson Grossman include bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries. 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.
For design enthusiasts all over the world, the promotion of functionality and simplicity associated with Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design continues to prove irresistible.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetry help define what Scandinavian modern design looks like. For furniture, designers working in this style often use native woods such as pine, ash and beech, giving pieces a light color palette. The emphasis of Scandinavian modern design is on functionality over ornamentation, so most furnishings have little to no decorative embellishment. Some iconic examples of Scandinavian modern design include Arne Jacobsen's Ant chair, Greta Magnusson-Grossman's Grasshopper table lamp, Alvar Aalto's Stool 60, Poul Henningsen's Artichoke lamp and Hans J. Wegner's Wishbone chair. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of Scandinavian modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Furniture from the 1960s is often called mid-century modern. This style emphasizes the importance of good design that looks attractive and performs its function well. Notable mid-century modern designers include Eero Saarinen, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Charles and Ray Eames. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of mid-century modern furniture.
- What did men wear in the 1960s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024What men wore in the 1960s varied over the course of the decade. At the start of the ’60s, when the Mod style was all the rage, men often sported boxy Italian-style suits with tight-fitting trousers for work and dressier occasions and polo shirts and turtlenecks paired with fitted trousers for casual dress. As the decade progressed, the Peacock Revolution occurred, with menswear becoming flashier with bright colors and bold prints. Fedoras and trilby hats were common in the early ’60s, but by the start of the 1970s, hats for men were much less common, marking a major departure from the style conventions of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. Explore an assortment of 1960s men's apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024The dresses they wore in the 1960s varied depending on the time of day and the occasion. For everyday wear, many women opted for simply tailored frocks called shift dresses. They often featured bold geometric prints in eye-catching colors. In the evening, women tended to opt for gowns with plunging necklines, fitted waists and flowing full skirts. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage dresses from the 1960s.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Go-go boots were fashionable in the late 1960s through the 1970s. A calf-length to knee-length boot became synonymous with 1960s and 1970s fashion and is still highly coveted today by fashion enthusiasts. Shop a wide range of vintage go-go boots on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Generally, 1960s-style furniture is called mid-century modern. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Some of the most notable furniture designers of the time include Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Hans J. Wegner. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024Who the most famous fashion designer of the 1960s was is open to debate. Many designers helped define the looks of the decade, each influencing style in their own way. Among these notable designers were Mary Quant, André Courrèges, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Bonnie Cashin, Hubert de Givenchy, Emilio Pucci, Paco Rabanne and Ossie Clark. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage apparel and accessories from the 1960s.
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