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

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.

Materials: brass Furniture

Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.

From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.

“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”

He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.

West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”

Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right flush-mount-ceiling-lights for You

Antique and vintage flush mount lighting fixtures can help you create inviting, ambient lighting in your space, and who doesn’t want that?

While electric light bulbs were a huge improvement over gas and oil lamps for lighting our homes, we still had much work to do in order to arrive at the broad range of table lamps, pendants, sconces and other fixtures that are available today.

Lighting technology and design improved substantially over time. Engaging engineers, scientists, architects and designers alike, the field of lighting became a major proving ground for state-of-the-art materials like plastics, inventive new mechanisms and emotionally resonant styles that included the ethereal (Isamu Noguchi’s Akari light sculpture), the whimsical (Gino Sarfatti’s 2109 ceiling light and Sputnik chandelier) and the eclectically postmodern (the Toio floor lamp crafted by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni). Eventually, flush mount light fixtures became a practical option for home lighting.

Flush mount lighting fixtures are among the most convenient ways to light a small room with a low ceiling. These structures sit directly against the ceiling’s surface and cast light downward, illuminating a large area and defining the room. Semi-flush mount lighting fixtures hang several inches from the ceiling. They also produce ambient light but can be a little more decorative and lean toward the style of chandeliers.

Flush mount lighting is versatile. Larger fixtures distribute more ambient light across the center of the room, while smaller flush mount fixtures are best for accent or task lighting. The main drawback of flush mount fixtures is that they don’t make a strong statement. You can remedy this by strategically arranging decorative accents that flourish in soft lighting.

Lighting is an essential part of any interior design project. Often, having the right light fixture is key to creating an attractive, radiant room. Ample lighting paired with enticing design creates an elevated, inviting atmosphere, helping to set the desired mood. Selecting the right lighting for your home, however, isn’t merely about creating an especially bright bedroom or a moody dining room. There are many different kinds of fixtures and illumination to consider, with flush mount lighting fixtures among them.

Make a statement with a<a href=/furniture/lighting/flush-mount-ceiling-lights/material/metal/ target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> metal flush mount lighting fixture — a copper or chrome fixture can prove dazzling in your living room. Art Deco flush mount lighting fixtures, with their geometrical shapes and unique detailing in crystal, glass and brass, will go toward creating a cohesive look amid your collection of authentic Art Deco era posters and other wall decor.

Hollywood Regency fixtures — defined by a flamboyant design style for which we credit decorator Dorothy Draper — can introduce glamour and glitz to your living room with their mirrored finishes and complex floral motifs.

Explore a collection of antique and vintage flush mount lighting fixtures on 1stDibs to see what style best suits your space.