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.
A pair of 1960s Teak Johannes Andersen Dining Chairs for Uldum Denmark
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Offering a pair of Johannes Andersen-designed curved dining chairs for Uldum Møbelfabrik Denmark, these Scandinavian Modern classics are carved from solid teak wood. Symbolizing Dani...
Textile, Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Lacquered Finish & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Set of Ten Dining Chairs Designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Aino Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of ten dining chairs designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s. Birch and cane. Very rare model. Measurements: H: 74 cm/ 29" W: 58 cm/ 22 3/4" D: 42 cm/ 16 1/2" Prove...
Cane, Birch
Walnut Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Steel
Black Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Honey Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Steel
Walnut Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Lacquered Finish & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Lacquered Finish & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Steel
Lacquered Finish & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Black Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Black Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Steel
Black Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Steel
Walnut Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Walnut Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ad...
Steel
Honey Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 2000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 2000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Honey Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in a...
Steel
Honey Stained & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure: 1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko. The specificity of this piece, in addition to...
Steel
Modern Ash Wood & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in addition to its...
Steel
Modern Ash Wood & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1000 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure:1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ...
Steel
Storage box/container on wheels
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and rare teak storage box on wheels, Denmark, 1960–70s. This elegant and functional mid-century design features a cubic form with finely crafted dovetail joints and smoot...
Teak
Modern Ash Wood & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 1500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system: 500mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in addition...
Steel
Modern Ash Wood & Steel Shelving System - Handcrafted Modular Shelves 500 mm
By Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi
Located in Vilnius, LT
Gate shelves system Measure:1000mm This ingenious system of modular shelves was imagined by designer and architect Artem Zakharchenko-Halytskyi. The specificity of this piece, in ...
Steel
Chinese Red Lacquer Canopy Bed with Footrest, c. 1900
Located in Chicago, IL
A Chinese canopy bed, or marriage bed, was the most important part of a bride's dowry and was the central feature of her personal quarters. Traditionally, beds were central to Chines...
Elm, Reed
Gold Leaf Finish Faux Bamboo Magazine Holder
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A faux bamboo magazine holder with a gold leaf finish in original vintage condition.
Gold Leaf, Metal
$2,200
H 29.73 in W 54.02 in D 25.83 in
Japanese Antique Pine & Cedar Dining Table, 1950s–1960s - Japandi Wabi-Sabi
Located in Chiba, Chiba
A Japanese antique dining table crafted from pine and cedar, dating from the 1950s–1960s. Its understated presence allows it to blend gently into a wide variety of interiors, offerin...
Wood
$3,200
H 47 in W 29.5 in D 12 in
Japanese 19th Century Zebra Wood Tansu Chest with Sliding Doors and Open Shelves
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Japanese zebra wood tansu chest from the 19th century, with sliding doors, glass panels and secret storage. Created in Japan during the 19th century, this tansu chest features a li...
Zebra Wood, Glass, Wood
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
H 19.5 in W 48.5 in D 16 in
Antique Chinese Altar Cabinet, Handcrafted Elm Wood, Circa 1900-1940
Located in Pomona, CA
This Antique Chinese Altar Cabinet is from the early 20th century, handcrafted from northern China area. The intricate carvings of traditional Chinese design decorate the front of th...
Wood
$2,344
H 58.47 in W 34.85 in D 18.71 in
Freestanding Valet featuring drawers, shelves, and a coat rack, Italy, 1950s.
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A mobile valet stand featuring drawers, shelves, and a coat rack, crafted from walnut wood, glass, and brass, Italian manufacturing from the 1950s. Essential for an entryway and hig...
Brass
$1,300
H 31.58 in W 27.25 in D 13.39 in
Japanese Traditional Design Exhibition Stand / Japanese Old Wooden Shelves
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
It is a shelf made of very beautiful traditional Japanese decoration and wood. The wood is paulownia and ebony. Paulownia is a material often used for tansu. It's a soft tree, but it...
Other
Pair of Chinese Antique Lady's Chairs
Located in Somis, CA
Chinese 19th century lady's chair in original condition is very hard to come by, especially in pairs. Here we have a pair of extraordinary ones in remarkable condition, with fabulous...
Wood
$2,214Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 41.34 in W 33.47 in D 22.84 in
Pair of Japanese Kyokuroku Folding Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Japanese red lacquered folding meditation armchair for monks. Pair of kyokuroku chairs in original red lacquer with gilt carvings and embossed brass hardware. One chair wit...
Brass
$2,450
H 37.25 in W 35.5 in D 10.75 in
1960s Danish Solid Teak Bookcase by Peter Hvidt for Soborg Møbelfabrik
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
An outstanding example of Danish modern craftsmanship, this solid teak bookcase by Peter Hvidt for Søborg Møbelfabrik (1960s) showcases both refinement and utility. Constructed entir...
Teak
Qing Dynasty Period Lacquered Leather Trunk with Distressed Patina
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Chinese antique Qing Dynasty period storage trunk from the 19th century made of red lacquered leather with distressed patina, Ming style brass h...
Leather
$3,500
H 39 in W 28.75 in D 12.25 in
Vintage Zebra Wood Japanese Cabinet with Sliding Doors and Curving Open Shelves
Located in Yonkers, NY
A vintage Japanese zebra wood cabinet from the mid 20th century, with sliding doors and open shelves. Created in Japan during the midcentury period, this cabinet features a linear si...
Zebra Wood
An Oak Cabinet by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, BE
This example made 1940s by cabinetmaker Mikael Laursen. Model presented at the exhibition “Købestævnet” in Fredericia, 1942.
Oak
Dining Table 'AT-304’ by Hans Wegner
Located in Berlin, BE
Dining table produced by Andreas Tuck with a rectangular teak top that can be extended to the sides and curved, crossed beech wood legs with brass joints.
Brass
Set of 12 Stackable Alvar Aalto 611-Chairs for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This chair was first designed in 1929 by Alvar Aalto in collobaration with the carpenter Otto Korhonen. This stackable model suited big halls and public ...
Birch
Vamdrup Stolefabrik Vintage Set of 4 Teak Dining Chairs
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of 4 sculptural Danish modern teak dining chairs by Vamdrup Stolefabrik. These chairs are part of the VS 231 series. Each chair has new black stylish upholstery that does not det...
Upholstery, Teak
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wall Mirror Wegner Era
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a midcentury Danish modern teak wall mirror Wegner Era. Made in Denmark, circa 1960s. Dimensions: 27 1/2" W x 44 1/2" H x 1 3/4" D.
Wood, Teak
Clausen and Son Teak Sideboard, Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
A beautifully designed and crafted teak sideboard manufactured by Clausen and Son of Silkeborg, Denmark. Featuring a Minimalist modern design with supe...
Teak
Sold
H 40 in W 26 in L 40 in
Westnofa Siesta Chair by Ingmar Relling Bent Plywood Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a lounge chair and ottoman by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa. Rare bent plywood cantilever model with matching ottoman. Bent plywood finished in rosewood color a...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 41.74 in D 19.3 in
Chest of Drawers Designed by Ole Wanscher for Illums Bolighus, Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Stockholm, SE
Chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for Illums Bolighus, Denmark, 1940s. Walnut and brass. H 78 cm/ 30 3/4". L 106 cm/ 3' 5 1/2". D 49 cm/ 19 1/4".
Brass
Bed Designed by Peder Moos, Denmark, Circa 1945
By Peder Moos
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bed/daybed of pine, designed by Peder Moos, Denmark. 1944/45
Pine