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
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.
Hans J. Wegner Set of Early Production Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1960s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A rare set of 6 model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner iconic chair. The chairs have an amazing deep patina to ...
Papercord, Oak
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Pine
Set of 6 Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model 316 Teak Dining Chairs, 1955
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Balen, BE
A set of six Model 316 dining chairs in teak, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1955. Exemplifying the elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Danish Modern de...
Seagrass, Teak
Børge Mogensen Oak & Leather "Spanish" Arm Chairs Model BM3238, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "BM 3238" arm chairs in oak and natural saddle leather. Designed in the 1950s by Borge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen made these ...
Leather, Oak
Jacob Kielland-Brandt Dining Chair in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kielland-Brandt, dining chair, solid pine, Denmark, 1960s This remarkable chair is designed by Danish designer Jacob Kielland-Brandt in the 1960s. It has a strong expression, ...
Pine
Danish Set of Six Dining Chairs in Blonde Wood and Dark Grey Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, faux leather, Denmark, 1960s. Modest and elegant set of six dining chairs. Its design shows clear lines and an open backrest. The dark grey leather...
Faux Leather, Beech
Set of four N. O. Møller Dining Chairs, solid teak, full grain leather
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of four N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid teak. Seats new upholstered with tan aniline leather Model 75, made by J. L. Møller, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Teak
Göran Malmvall pine chair 510 by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish side chair, Model 510, designed by Göran Malmvall for the manufacturer Karl Andersson & Söner, Huskvarna. Originating from the late 1940s, it is a late example of the "sports...
Pine
Set of 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller solid beechwood dining chairs, Denmark
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Savvaerk
Located in Bern, CH
Setof 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller Danish modern dining chairs. Solid beechwood construction. Curved backrest, recessed seat with cylindrical lags. Scandinavian minimalism in Brutalist ...
Pine
Set of 8 Niels Otto Møller Model 75 in Oak and Papercord, 1960s Denmark
Located in Balen, BE
Wonderful set of 8 oak dining chairs, Model 75 by Niels Møller. Produced in the 1960s in Denmark at J.L. Møller's Møbelfabrik. Probably the most successful and appreciated design by ...
Papercord, Oak
Aksel Bender Madsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Four Armchairs in Oak
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen for Fritz Hansen, set f four dining chairs, oak, black upholstery, Denmark, circa 1955 This set of four Danish dining chairs feature a blond oak frame that forms...
Fabric, Oak
"Skoga" Pine Lounge Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Skoga” lounge chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine in a striking, modernist design. This model was designed in 1933 and intended both for inside and garden use. This eye-catch...
Pine
NV-45 Easy Chair in Rosewood & Leather by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The very rare NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and crafted by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, stands as one of the most iconic and sculpturally expressive works in t...
Leather, Rosewood
Dietiker Ono, Modern Swiss Dining Chair, in American Walnut Wood by This Weber
By Dietiker
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Ono is a classic piece of Swiss design and the lightest of all wood chairs, weighing only 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg). Designed by This Weber. Manufactured with care from American Walnut wood...
Walnut, Leather
Roundette Nesting Dining Chair Hans Olsen Frem Røjle Danish Modern
By Frem Røjle, Hans Olsen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an iconic set of four (4) "Roundette" nesting dining chair designed by Danish architect Hans Olsen in the 1950s and manufactured by Frem Røjle. Smart Nesting Design. The chairs feature a unique frame This allows the seat and upper frame to slide completely flush underneath the matching circular Frem Røjle dining table...
Upholstery, Teak
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage armchair by Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Curved laminated oakwood design with light grey upholstery. Dimensions: 55 W x 48 D x 75 H cm. Chair of the 61 series, stackable laminated...
Wool, Oak, Plywood
$195
Rattan Pod Chair
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1970s Rattan / wicker pod chair. Cute little accent. Smaller scale, great texture. CONDITION NOTES: Some looseness to the woven wicker parts. I a...
Wicker, Rattan
$2,235Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and Sahara coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. ...
Oak
$1,400 / set
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen Pair of Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Frederik Sieck
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen, pair of chairs model 3200, skai, black lacquered wood, metal, Denmark, design 1962 This industrial pair of chairs was designed by the Swedish design...
Metal
Niels Moller Model 71 Dining Chairs, Rosewood & Leather, 1950s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in London, England
Niels Moller - Model 71 Dining Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, 1951 Niels Moller's Model 71 dining chair was one of his earliest and most expressive works, designed in 1951 in the ear...
Leather, Rosewood
Calif-Asia, Low Chair, Rattan, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan chair designed and produced by Calif-Asia, USA, c. 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 3.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Rattan
Contemporary Chair 'BAIA' by Kensaku Oshiro x DK3, Chrome Frame, Black Leather
By DK3, Kensaku Oshiro
Located in Paris, IDF
BAIA dining chair Steel frame, wooden or upholstered backrest Model shown on main image: Frame: Chrome Backrest: Leather Fabric: Black Pelle leather Dimensions: H.74 x 58 x 50 cm ...
Steel, Chrome
Four Danish Solid Brazilian Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Bruno Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
Set of 4 Mid-Century rosewood dining chairs, 1958, Denmark. Handcrafted from solid Brazilian rosewood, the frames feature comfortable angled backrests and are upholstered in patinate...
Rosewood
Jørgen Christensens Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Christensen, set of eight dining chairs, leather, oak, brass, Denmark, 1950s Exclusive set of eight dining chairs designed by Danish designer and cabinetmaker Jørgen Christe...
Brass
American Designer, Low Foldable Chairs, Rattan, Usa, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bamboo, rattan and metal folding lounge chairs designed and produced in the USA, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 1.75" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Rattan
$698Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and red boucle . Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorb...
Oak, Bouclé
The Chieftain Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Chieftain easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark in the early 1960s, stands as one of the most revered and iconic pieces in...
Leather, Rosewood
Nordiska Kompaniet Side Chair, Swedish Modernism, 1959
Located in Dronten, NL
A refined side chair by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), the renowned Swedish manufacturer celebrated for its pivotal role in 20th-century Scandinavian design. Nordiska Kompaniet is best kn...
Bronze
Set of 12 Brutalist Chairs in Pine & Shearling Lambswool, Danish Modern, 1970s
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 12 sculptural dining chairs in solid pine, reupholstered seats in a great quality lambswool. Made by Finsdahl Møbelfabrik, Denmark in the 1970s. These brutalist chairs have a ...
Wool, Wood, Pine, Lambskin
Knud Faerch Teak Cowhorn Chair 1950s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Knud Faerch
Located in London, England
Knud Faerch - Cowhorn Chair, c1950s Produced in the 1950s by renowned cabinetmakers Slagelse Mobelvaerk in the town of Slagelse, Denmark. The Cowhorn armchair is one of Faerch's mos...
Leather, Teak
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of five Model 65 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy, and retailed by Artek in Finland. The chairs are in beautiful vinta...
Laminate, Birch
Sculptural Nanna Ditzel Teak Armchair, Model 113, Kolds Savvaerk, Denmark, 1950s
By Kolds Savvaerk, Nanna Ditzel
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare armchair was designed by Nanna Ditzel and produced by Povl Kolds Savværk in the mid-1950s. The Model 113 is an important example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design, ...
Papercord, Teak
$395 / item
Rustic Danish Chairs in Straw and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, oak, straw wicker, Denmark, 1960s This collection comprises an extensive array of rustic Danish church chairs, constructed from durable oak wood and characterized by...
Straw, Oak
$15,000 / item
Pair of "Stokke" Chairs by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark. 1960s. A pair of "Stokke" chairs with rosewood rails and original suede upholstery. Signed to the canvas. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen, 1944
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Clam easy chair, designed by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944, represents a rare and exemplary piece of Scandinavian mid-century design. The...
Fabric, Lacquer, Wood
$699Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and City Velvet reloaded from Chivasso . Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century M...
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
$925Sale Price|26% Off
Pair of 1970's Rainer Daumiller solid pinewoo dining chairs, Denmark
Located in Bern, CH
Pair of 1970's Rainer Daumiller Danish modern dining chairs. Solid pinewood construction. Curved backrest, recessed seat with cylindrical lags. Scandinavian minimalism in Brutalist s...
Pine
Henning Kjærnulf Dining Chairs, Oak & Wool, Scandinavian Modern, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and striped wool. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razor...
Wool, Oak
Contemporary Set 'Mammoth', Chair + Ottoman, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 5
By Norr11, Rune Krøjgaard
Located in Paris, IDF
Mammoth chair + ottoman Signed by Rune Krøjgaard & Knut Bendik Humlevik for Norr11. Dimensions: - Chair: W 89 cm / D 87 cm / H 104 cm / SH 35,5 cm - Ottoman: W 61,5 cm / D 53 ...
Bouclé, Oak
Mid Century Folke Ohlsson for DUX Scissor Chair Made in Sweden c 1960's
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century Scandinavian Modern design by Folke Ohlsson, for Dux, circa 1960's. The chair, known as the Scissor Chair, features a sleek architectural frame of solid beech wood...
Upholstery, Beech
$652Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and HOLIDAY BIRILLINO sand/white fabric from C&C Milano Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely wit...
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
Walnut Campaign Counter Stool with Leather Upholstery, Midcentury Style
Located in Ballard, CA
The Safari stool is a testament to Danish midcentury furniture with its simple and gracefully curved frame. Upholstered with a sling seat affixed with sturdy leather straps, the stoo...
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bar Stools
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of four teak barstools made in Denmark circa 70's or 80'd. The stools feature sculptural teak frames with the black naugahyde cushions. Seats were poorly recovered and...
Naugahyde, Teak
Pair of Armchairs in Suede and Woven Cord by Werner West, Finland, 1930s
By Werner West
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Finnish armchairs combining solid stained elm construction with natural materials and expressive detailing. The frames are built from elm with a warm stained finish, g...
Suede, Papercord, Elm
$652Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and beige boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razor...
Oak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Rosewood Set of 6 Dining Chairs Style of Niels Moller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic set of very elegant and simple dining chairs with ladder backs and generous seats created from Rosewood. Late sixties and in excellent v...
Fabric, Rosewood
Exceptional Swedish Folk Art Chair ca 1790
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Swedish Folk Art Chair, ca1790 This chair is just love - like a sun with its intricate carvings and patina. It’s also a bit of a head-scratcher. Where is it from? Which...
Pine
'Hippo' Bar Chair 65 by Norr11, Black Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Bar Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Black Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 24 Wood ty...
Wool, Oak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 A rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish architect-designer Ib Kofo...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Beech and Sheepskin by Viggo Boesen, 1930s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Danish architect and designer Viggo Boesen and produced by Hos Wulff in Denmark during the 1930s. The chairs feature a stained beec...
Sheepskin, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Armchair by Jacob Kjær, Mahogany & Leather, 1940s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jacob Kjær. Armchair upholstered with original patinated leather, with buttons. Frame of mahogany. Made by Jacob Kjær.
Leather, Mahogany
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001. Arne Jacobsen stacking dining chairs Model 3107 with cognac leather removable upholstery. Model 3107 also know as series 7, B...
Leather, Bentwood
$652Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and original Dragør fabric as they were made originally with. Provided by Danish Art Weavery. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
Finn Juhl "NV-45" Chair for Baker, 1950s
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Coronado, CA
Walnut and wool "NV-45" lounge chair, designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Baker in the 1950s. The chair features a masterfully sculpted walnut frame with complimenting gray woo...
Upholstery, Walnut
$2,900 / set
Danish Canvas Sling Safari Chairs
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Denmark. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Sling fabric
Fabric, Wood
$792Sale Price / item|47% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$652Sale Price / item|55% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another...
Oak
$699Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and cognac pure aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$698Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and vintage tobacco aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
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