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.
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Set of Six Armchairs in Oak & Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, set of six dining chairs, oak, leather, brass, Denmark, 1964 These dining chairs remind of the classical foldable 'director-chairs', yet t...
Brass
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark 1970s, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking set of eight dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured shearling. Refreshing design with bold baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modern...
Lambskin, Oak
Set of 6 Cantilever Dining Chairs 'FF' by Friends & Founders, Leather and Chrome
Located in Paris, IDF
A set of six cantilever dining chairs answers a specific brief for a full dining table: chairs light enough in profile to keep a room from feeling crowded around a table for six, wit...
Chrome
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 "Woodland Rose" a design by Studio Atkinson. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-C...
Oak, Fabric
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
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
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn 'Sawbuck' Dining Chair in Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 'Sawbuck' dining chair, model CH29, teak, beige fabric, Denmark, design 1952 Hans Wegner's chair exemplifies a solid construction, despite its...
Fabric, 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
Hans J. Wegner Set of Early Production Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
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
Two Armchairs, Scandinavian design - In the manner of Finn Juhl - Sheepskin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exceptional pair of armchairs showcases outstanding craftsmanship and a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. Every detail reflects the skill of an accomplished cabinetmaker, from the...
Sheepskin, Wood
NV-45 Easy Chair in Teak, Leather & Wool by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, is a landmark in Danish mid-century furniture design. Introduced shortly after the end ...
Leather, Teak, Wool
Vamdrup Stolefabrik Armchair in Teak and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vamdrup Stolefabrik, armchair model 'VS 231', teak and orange fabric, Denmark, 1960s. The armchair with a solid teak frame, raises a handsome original orange upholstery seat. The f...
Fabric, Teak
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
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
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
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
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
Uno & Östen Kristiansson Pair of Stools in Leather and Teak
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus of Sweden, pair of stools. leather, teak, France, 1950s Elegant in line and practical to use, these stools by Uno & Östen Kristiansson are exempla...
Leather, Teak
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
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
Vintage Scandinavian Style Safari Lounge Chair, Wood Frame and Natural Canvas
Located in Trenton, NJ
A beautifully executed vintage safari lounge chair that reflects the restrained sophistication associated with Scandinavian modern design. Featuring a solid wood frame supporting a s...
Textile, Wood
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair in Cognac Leather
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pelican Chair designed by Finn Juhl, edition produced by House of Finn Juhl. Upholstered in rich cognac leather, this example highlights the Pelican Chair's sculptural silhouette thr...
Leather
Pair of Indra Easy Chairs in Beech, Brass & Leather by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Indra easy chairs, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, is a compelling example of mid-century Swedish design where material ric...
Brass
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
$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
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
Contemporary Chair 'BAIA' by Kensaku Oshiro x DK3, Chrome Frame, Black Leather
By Kensaku Oshiro, DK3
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
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
$2,230Sale 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
Niels Moller Model 71 Dining Chairs, Rosewood & Leather, 1950s
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
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
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
Pair of Clam Easy Chairs in Sheepskin & Wood by Arnold Madsen, 1944
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare and iconic pair of Clam Easy Chairs, designed by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, stands among the most distinctive and collectible pieces in...
Leather, Sheepskin, Wood
'Hippo' Bar Counter 65 by Norr11, Black Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, 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
Mid Century Folke Ohlsson for DUX Scissor Chair Made in Sweden c 1960's
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
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
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
Set of four Swedish pine chairs by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Set of four rare sculptural chairs designed by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk, Sweden, 1930s. Crafted in pine with a beautiful original patina, these chairs feature a distinct...
Pine
Set of Niels Koefoed Dining Chairs, Model "Lis", 1960s
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Niels Koefoed
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of Niels Koefoed dining chairs made in rosewood Upholstered with tan coloured full grain aniline leather. Model Lis, made by Niels Koefoeds Møbelfabrik Hornslet, 1960s.
Leather, Rosewood
Suite de 4 chaises scandinaves vintage en teck des années 50 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
4 chaises style scandinave vintage en teck massif et skai noir des années 60, très bon état général. Assise capitonnée large et confortable. Ref 220 201 Hauteur totale : 84 cm Hauteu...
Faux Leather, Teak
$697Sale 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
Niels Koefoed Dining Chairs, oil-Treated Oak & Leather, Denmark
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Niels Koefoed
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Niels Koefoed dining chairs made in oil treated oak. Upholstered with vintage tan full grain aniline leather. Model Lis, made by Niels Koefoeds Møbelfabrik Hornslet, 1960s.
Leather, 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
Pair of Elizabeth Chairs in Wengé and Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of easy chairs, model U56—widely known as the Elizabeth Chair—was designed in 1956 by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by the esteemed Danish cabinetmaker Christensen...
Wenge, Leather
Pair of Easy Chairs by AB Erik Ek's Snickerifabrik, Malmö, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
"Fåtölj nr 186". Excellent condition. Newly reupholstered in honey colored sheepskin. Sold in Sweden through the retailer Gösta Jonsson.
Sheepskin
$697Sale 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
$650Sale 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
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
Easy Chair in Leather and Teak by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Sälen easy chair, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by OPE Möbler in Sweden during the 1950s, stands as a compelling example of Scandinavian mid-century furniture that mar...
Leather, Teak
$650Sale 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
Model 42A Teak & Oak Dining Chair by Helge Sibast, Sibast Furniture, 1953
Located in Bern, BE
Model 42A Teak & Oak Dining Chair by Helge Sibast, 1953. Beautifully crafted European oak frame with teak backrest. Upholstered in original olive and white striped woollen fabri...
Wool, Oak, Teak
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
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Black Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Black Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 024 Wood types available: natura...
Wool, Oak
$1,975 / item
BAIA Red Chair by Kensaku Oshiro, Oak, Leather
By Kensaku Oshiro, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
'Baia' chair designed by Kensaku Oshiro for DK3. Steel, leather and walnut Dimensions: H 70 x 55 x 48 cm Model shown on main picture: Frame: Red Wood: Oak Leather: Pelle Frame: ...
Steel
$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
$2,425Sale Price|50% Off
Rope Chair in Pine, Attributed to Poul Kjaerholm & Jørgen Høj, Denmark, 1960's
By Poul Kjærholm, Thorald Madsens Snedkeri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rope chair in pine - attributed to Poul Kjaerholm & Jørgen Høj, Denmark 1960's Made of stained pine wood and rope pine this curious piece is often attributed to Poul Kjærholm & J...
Rope, Pine
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
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
$5,407Sale Price|20% Off
Hans Wegner Peacock Chair, C1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
“Peacock Chair”. Easy chair with ash frame and teak armrests. Seat with woven paper cord. Model JH 550. Designed 1947. This example made approx. 1960s by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen...
Ash
$650Sale 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
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
$788Sale 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
$649Sale 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
$697Sale 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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