Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Black Dining Bench
Located in Paris, FR
This bench is an interpretation of qualities as peacefulness and tranquikity so well integrated in the Nordic atmosphere. This bench was designed with minimal lines and is multifu...
Birch
Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Iconic bench model 153 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1960s. The bench is in very good original condition. As with a lot of Alvar Aalto's works the beauty c...
Birch
Swedish Bench in Birch by Nesto Möbel AB, Sweden 20th Century
By Nesto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Featuring fourteen symmetrically-arranged wooden birch spindles—a design trait of Nesto Möbel— that slightly incline backwards, this bench provides a comfortable seating experience.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous slatted bench in hand selected birch designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. Please see all pics and video as t...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970 Pair Avail
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Pair available. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a ...
Birch
$1,165
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Birch
Expertly Restored - Scandinavian Modern Sheepskin Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Birch Wood, Original Sheepskin ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and w...
Sheepskin, Birch
$1,631Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench from circa 1960s, designed by Alvar Aalto. The bench has recently been reupholstered with Johanna Gullichsen's Helios Ochre fabric. The bench is in good used condition.
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. Very good condition and wonderful patina. This bench features ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. The bench has a later upholstery with old fabric designed by Aino Aalto...
Birch, Fabric
$4,500Sale Price|25% Off
Pair of hand crafted solid Teak benches or nightstands with single drawers
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of mid century studio made benches or nightstands details take center stage in this unique pair of lowboy nightstands or benches which feature solid teak construction with beaut...
Birch, Teak
Functionalist Entryway bench by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Functionalist entryway bench with drawers and small cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth. Made from beech, partially stained black. Clean lines with rounded corners, legs embossed with strip...
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Artek X-Leg/Fan Leg Bench/stool, 1954
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare model with wider dimensions. Alvar Aalto, X-leg or fan leg bench/stool, Artek, 1954 Artek, Finland, 1954, birch, leather MKeasures: 23.75 W × 23.75 D × 16.5 H in (60 × 60 × 42 ...
Birch
Early Bruno Mathsson black formica Annika bench
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Early and rare Annika bench from Bruno Matthsons workshop. Original black formica and dark stained edges on birch veneer. Very decorative and versatile edition of a classic desig...
Formica, Birch
19th Century Scandinavian Birch Bench
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Elegant Swedish birch bench, circa 1890. Shaped arms and back, with open panel fish like design in the arm and back rests. Rich birch color and patina. Standing on 7 tapered legs....
Birch
Scandinavian Birch Hall Bench
Located in Denton, TX
Antique vanity bench made of a combination of elm and birch with new sherpa faux fur upholstery.
Upholstery, Wood
Alvar Aalto Bench in Birch, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
Rare customized bench designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1950s. Comes from closed school, established in 1940s.
Birch
Sold
H 16.15 in W 16.15 in
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather seat. Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to crea...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench, birch with original light beige faux leather upholstery. Designed by Alvar Aalto. Good used condition. The bench is from 1960s.
Fabric, Birch
Sold
H 17.52 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Custom List for Sandra, three Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather seat. Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to crea...
Leather, Birch
1940's Petit Curved Danish Bench
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Petit 1940's Danish Upholstered Bench with wood legs. Bench is slightly curved and in the style of larger classic Danish sofas of the same period. Original upholstery. We can assis...
Upholstery, Birch
"Småland" Bench by Yngve Ekström for Stolab, Sweden, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström
Located in Karis, Nyland
Beautiful rare bench "Småland" designed by Yngve Ekström in Sweden around 1950. This unique piece is completely made of birch wood. In good original condition with wear consistent...
Birch
Alvar Aalto L-Leg Bench/ Table Model 106
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Highland, IN
This exceptional example of Allto's slat bench/ table by Artek dates to circa 1948 and was sold at Chicago's landmark modern design store Baldwin Kingrey. It has a beautiful patina f...
Birch
Alvar Aalto 153A Bench for Artek in Black Lacquer
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alvar Aalto 153A Bench for Artek in Black Lacquer. Originally designed in 1945 and produced by its original manufacturer, Artek of Finland. This bench is executed in solid birch ...
Birch
Bench Designed by Aino Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Aino Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Birch and cane. Measures: L 100 cm/ 39 3/8" D 40 cm/ 15 3/4" H 40 cm/ 15 3/4" Provenance: Jaako Lindberg's collection.
Cane, Birch
Sold
H 17.33 in W 44.3 in D 17.52 in
Early and Rare Version of Artek Bench "153b" by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, Finland
Aalto bench is a design classic by Alvar Aalto from 1945. Even though it dates back to decades ago, Bench 153B still continues to charm with its simple and streamlined elegance. The ...
Birch
Pair of Antique Swedish Karl Johan Birch Stools, circa 1860-1890
By Karl Johan
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair of antique Swedish Karl Johan birch stools, circa 1860-1890. The 18″ high seats have new black upholstery that complement the yellow flame birch and painted black finials.
Sold
H 34.5 in W 77.5 in L 34.5 in
Scandinavian Biedermeier Sofa or Upholstered Bench in Birch, circa 1830
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
A Swedish Karl Johan sofa or daybed in birch with upholstered back, sides and seat, with curved crest rail, ball finials and square block feet. Bottom pulls out and seat lifts up to ...
Upholstery, Birch
Scandinavian Modern Vanity Bench, Sweden, circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Simple and comfortable, this sleek, single bench features a padded seat atop slender, spooled, golden birch legs.
Birch
Bench/Coffee Table “Annika” Designed by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bench/coffee table “Annika” designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1960s. Karelian birch. Measures: H 32 cm / 1' 3/5" L 120 cm / 3' 11 1/4" D 40 cm / 1' 3 3/4".
Birch
Sold
H 11.82 in W 66.93 in D 15.75 in
Bruno Mathsson Low Bench or Side Table by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare low bench or side table designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch, Oak
Sold
H 17.13 in W 44.1 in D 18.51 in
Alvar Aalto Birch Bench, Artek, Finland, 1950s, Scandinavian Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Finland
Birch bench designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland in the 1950s.
Birch
Alvar Alto Slat Bench 153A
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Highland, IN
A classic Aalto design, this solid birch slat bench was produced made in Finland by Artek and sold in the U.S. by ICF.
Birch
Sold
H 16.15 in W 70.87 in D 10.24 in
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Bench for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Beautiful and rare Pirkka bench by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara produced by Laukaan Puu in the 1950s. The bench has a nicely preserved original patina and a true vintage cha...
Birch, Pine
Scandinavian vintage "Visingsö" birch bench by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Bench model "Visingsö" designed by Carl Malmsten. Made of birch with tapered legs and handcrafted details. Scandinavian bench "Visingsö" designed by Carl Malmsten, one of the most i...
Birch
Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Aalto design end, side table, bench in solid wood, with slatted top. This example is vintage 1970/1980's. It is in very good, original, clean and ready use use condition showi...
Birch
Danish Lacquered Birch Sofa Bench c1940, vintage woven cover c1850
Located in Hudson, NY
A wonderful bench in three-seat sofa size with curved back on an exquisite lacquered birch frame, newly upholstered with a vintage 1850s American loomed wool fabric. Sofa is Danish, ...
Birch, Wool
Sold
H 30.75 in W 69.5 in D 22.5 in
1970s Stig Lönngren Swedish Sofa/Bench with 19th century Coverlet Seating
By Stig Lönngren 1, H.I. Gruppen
Located in Hudson, NY
A marrying of vintage and modern with this curved birch sofa bench designed by Stig Lönngren for H.I. Gruppen in the early 1970s, Sweden. Beautiful wood panels perfectly joined and b...
Birch, Wool
George Nelson Classic Slat Bench 1950's Original Signed!
By George Nelson
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic, original 1950's vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller slat bench. Original ebonised finish with warm patina. This is a hard to find original bench, retaining its foil la...
Maple
$2,995
H 14 in W 48.25 in D 18.5 in
Early Mid Century Modern George Nelson Platform Slatted Bench for Herman Miller
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Topeka, KS
Iconic Early Mid Century Modern George Nelson Platform Bench for Herman Miller composed of a natural maple slatted bench and black painted maple legs. Beautiful condition, keeping in...
Maple, Paint
Bench by Krogenäs, Norway, 1960s
By Furusnickarn AB
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine bench by Krogenäs, newly upholstered in sheepskin. Produced in Norway.
Sheepskin, Pine
Brutalist Oak Wooden bench Vintage
By George Nakashima
Located in Paddington, NSW
Vintage live-edge bench crafted from solid oak wood, showcasing a beautifully sculptural seat with organic, flowing contours that emphasise the natural character of the material. The...
Oak
$6,950
H 14 in W 92.25 in D 18.63 in
Mid-Century George Nelson Herman Miller Long Slatted Platform Bench in Birch
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine American Mid-Century Modern slatted Platform Bench. Designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. In natural and black-lacquered birch with three trapezoidal legs. Model no....
Birch
'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Natural Ash and Rattan
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
'Le Roi Bench' designed Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Dimensions: W 120 CM D 35 CM H 42 CM W. 47.24" D. 13.78" H. 16.54" Materials: Solid Ash and Rattan Fi...
Rattan, Ash
$2,098
H 22.05 in W 39.38 in D 20.87 in
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare vintage coffee table produced by Artek in Finland, dating to the late 1950s–1960s. The table combines a warm teak tabletop with solid birch legs, a material pairing characteri...
Wood, Birch, Teak
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
H 32 in W 48.5 in D 21 in
Vintage Midcentury Drexel John Van Koert Profile Series Bench
By John Van Koert
Located in Pasadena, TX
Drexel Profile Series John Van Koert Vintage midcentury John Van Koert Profile Series bench Bench version of the Profile Series by John Van Koert for Drexel. Rich w...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern French Bench in Warm Wood and Rush
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, beech, rush, France, 1950s A charming French bench from the 1950s, crafted in beechwood with a focus on clarity of line and proportion. The geometric backrest is elegantly d...
Rush, Beech
$3,300
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 19.3 in
One "T-Bench", Olavi Hanninen for Aranjou, Brutalist Solid Elm, France, 1950s
By Olavi Hanninen
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
One Brutalist elm T bench formerly attributed to Olavi Hanninen, but manufactured by the Aranjou company in Angers, France in the 1960s. The pictures reference two benches, however t...
Elm
$2,950
H 24.41 in W 32.29 in D 15.75 in
Mid Century Modern Telephone Bench with Danish Paper Cord Seat, Yugoslavia 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find an extremely rare Telephone Bench done in oak, with seats woven with Danish paper cord, designed in style of Hans J. Wegner. Also known as Gossip Bench,...
Papercord, Oak
$3,123Sale Price|89% Off
H 29.53 in W 94.49 in D 39.38 in
Plank Table Made In Oak With A Black Metal Frame
Located in Lejre, DK
This oak plank table, featuring a sleek black metal frame, exudes modern elegance with a touch of rustic charm. Crafted from two solid oak planks with natural edges, it showcases the...
Metal
GP, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Bench, Pine, Sweden, 1978
Located in Stamford, CT
GP, Swedish Designer, Mid-Century Modern, Bench, Pine, Sweden, 1978 Mid-century modern bench designed and produced in Sweden in 1978. This example features an interesting carved apr...
Pine
Rud Thygesen Ashwood and Cane Bench
By Rud Thygesen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Designed by Rud Thygesen and executed by master cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen, this bench is effortlessly graceful. Bent and laminated ash with visible joinery. The cane is delica...
Cane, Ash
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf feature makes it perfect as an arm chair or reading space side table. The vintage honey l...
Birch
Sven Larsson, Bench, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
By Sven Larsson
Located in High Point, NC
A pine bench designed by Sven Larsson and produced by Sven Larsson Möbelshop, Sweden, c. 1970s. Top has light scratches Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inche...
Pine
LU Louis Sconce AS
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in the US. Multiples available fo...
Brass, Nickel
$792Sale Price / item|47% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
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. M...
Oak
$652Sale Price / item|55% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
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 ...
Oak
$699Sale Price / item|52% Off
H 33.47 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
By Henning Kjærnulf
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 Moder...
Oak
LU Louis SM Sconce
By Lumfardo Luminaires
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The handsome LU Louis SM Sconce is a smaller version of our LU Louis Sconce, an all brass wall sconce in lightly patinated brass with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. M...
Brass
The Howard, Custom Made Belgian Linen Armchair
Located in Jesteburg, DE
Introducing the home collection. A small selection of timeless Flemish designs made by hand for us in a small third generation workshop in Belgium. Has been used by many influent...
Linen
Danish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak chest of drawers designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.88"H x 29"W x 15.75"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Oak
$10,298
H 39.38 in W 47.25 in D 19.69 in
Original Josef Hoffmann & J. & J. Kohn Bench Vienna Secession, 1901
By Jacob & Josef Kohn, Josef Hoffmann, Woka Lamps
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare and early bench, obviously the role model for the famous Barrel chair #720 which was presented four years later, in 1905.
Bentwood, Plywood
$13,404 / item
H 49.22 in Dm 70.87 in
Brass and Parchment Paper Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Impressive chandelier made of white enameled brass arms holding six beautiful parchment paper shades, which can be adjusted thanks to the handle of each socket. Signed by the arti...
Brass
$8,542 / set
H 24.01 in W 13.78 in D 13.78 in Dm 13.78 in
Pair of Constant Night Stands in Poplar Burl wood by Master for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Envisioned by designer Yaniv Chen, the Constant nightstand exudes an air of refined luxury, celebrating the inherent splendor of Poplar burl wood. Meticulously crafted with impeccabl...
Burl, Poplar
Danish 1950's 3-seat sofa by To Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful super elegant sofa by Ole Wanscher for Cabinet maker A.J. Iversen ca. mid 1950's. Very elegant design raised on teak legs with stretchers (usually seen in Kaare Klint's fam...
Wool, Teak
$29,139
H 61.82 in W 37.41 in D 17.72 in
Exceptional Bo Lindahl Cabinet in Walnut and Rosewood Marquetry, Sweden, 1953
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional cabinet was designed and handcrafted by Bo Lindahl in Sweden. This unique masterpiece was created as a journeyman's piece at the Central Workshop School in Häggvik, ...
Brass
$5,830
H 54.73 in W 21.07 in D 12.6 in
Swedish Modern Wooden Cabinet by Ulf Ekdahl (Attr.), Sweden mid 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish modern design remains popular today due to its clean lines, functionalism, and timeless aesthetic. Ultimately, it offers a combination of beauty and practicality that remains...
Wood
$15,152 / set
H 37.01 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Scandinavian Modern Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Velvet Sweden 1940s
By OPE
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A wonderful pair of wingback chairs made in Sweden during the 1940s. The shape and structure together with the wooden armrest give these chairs a sophisticated and modern look. To...
Velvet, Birch
Kai Kristiansen Danish Oak Nightstands, 1950s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Bedside Cabinets, c1960s. A pair of patinated oak bedside cabinets, produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark in the early 1960s. The design features Kristian...
Oak
$19,000
H 15.75 in Dm 25.2 in
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan 5-arm Chandelier in Brass, Sweden 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Prague, New Town
A rare 5-arm brass chandelier, model ’80’, designed by Swedish architect and lighting designer Hans Bergström (1910-1996). Manufactured by Ateljé Lyktan in the 1940s. Made of brass a...
Brass
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.
Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.
Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.
Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.
For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.
Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.