Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Black Dining Bench
Located in Paris, FR
dining table. This bench is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Birch
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Black Dining Bench
Located in Paris, FR
dining table. This bench is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste
Birch
$1,205
H 17.33 in W 28.35 in D 15.75 in
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
Birch
Swedish Bench in Birch by Nesto Möbel AB, Sweden 20th Century
By Nesto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish and Scandinavian designers of the 20th century often took inspiration from the beauty of
Birch
$1,000
H 17.5 in W 28.25 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Choice bleached and varnished birch
Birch
$1,420
H 17.75 in W 44.25 in D 15.75 in
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
Birch
$1,687Sale Price|30% Off
H 17.72 in W 53.55 in D 15.75 in
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
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured
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
Birch, Fabric
$4,500Sale Price|25% Off
H 14 in W 40 in D 13 in
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
Birch, Teak
Alvar Aalto console, model for Arkek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
artistic elegance. Dimensions: 28” h x 28 1/2” w x 16” d Materials: birch, laminated birch Condition
Birch
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
$8,138
H 25.6 in W 42.92 in D 17.72 in
Functionalist Entryway bench by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Functionalist entryway bench with drawers and small cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth. Made from beech
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Artek X-Leg/Fan Leg Bench/stool, 1954
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare model with wider dimensions. Alvar Aalto, X-leg or fan leg bench/stool, Artek, 1954 Artek
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
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
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
Birch
Sold
H 16.15 in W 16.15 in L 16.15 in
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench, birch with original light beige faux leather upholstery. Designed by Alvar Aalto. Good
Fabric, 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
Upholstery, 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 Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather
Leather, 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
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
Birch
Alvar Aalto 153A Bench for Artek in Black Lacquer
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Glendale, CA
its original manufacturer, Artek of Finland. This bench is executed in solid birch wood with black
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
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 Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Aalto bench is a design classic by Alvar Aalto from 1945. Even though it dates back to decades ago
Birch
Pair of Antique Swedish Karl Johan Birch Stools, circa 1860-1890
By Karl Johan
Located in Round Top, TX
upholstery that complement the yellow flame birch and painted black finials. Both benches are tight and
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
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
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
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
Birch, Oak
Alvar Alto Slat Bench 153A
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
A classic Aalto design, this solid birch slat bench was produced made in Finland by Artek and sold
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 Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Beautiful and rare Pirkka bench by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara produced by Laukaan Puu in
Birch, Pine
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
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
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 H.I. Gruppen, Stig Lönngren 1
Located in Hudson, NY
A marrying of vintage and modern with this curved birch sofa bench designed by Stig Lönngren for
Birch, Wool
$1,024
H 4.53 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Helena tynell bubble glass flush mount ceiling lamp , 1970’s Germany
By Helena Tynell
Located in Delft, NL
Helena tynell bubble glass flush mount ceiling lamp , 1970’s Germany Dimensions: 25cm Diameter , 11,5cm Height Condition: Good Material: Glass , metal Color: Gold Manufacturer: Hele...
Metal
$373
H 1.97 in W 1.97 in D 1.97 in
20th Century Door Knob model "Milà no.3" by Antoni Gaudi Polished Solid Brass
By Antoni Gaudí
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid cast brass with polished finish. A company that has always attributed such great importance to the author of the designs could never forget the great figures in history. That ...
Brass
Set of 3 Alvar Alto Stool 60 by Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Montclair, NY
Set of 3 vintage original vintage Alvar Alto 60 stools from early 1960s. From a private home with one owner who purchased them in the late 1950s. Two with blue linoleum tops and one ...
Bentwood, Birch
Organic Modern Floor Lamp Natural Wood Handmade Ivory Fluted Shade
By Isabel Moncada
Located in San Antonio, TX
PATA DE ELEFANTE (LARGE) floor lamp was designed for the Atomic collection by Mexican artist Isabel Moncada. Named Pata de Elefante –Elephant‘s Foot– for the prominent shape at its ...
Textile, Wood, Linen, Fiberglass
$1,278 / item
H 13.78 in W 39.38 in D 13.78 in
Vodo bench, in oak and metal, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vodo is a line of furniture redefining internal landscapes. Objects made of bent sheets of metal, recalling voids like windows opened towards inhabited spaces, sculptures that become...
Sheet Metal
$1,155Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
$7,369Sale Price|20% Off
H 71.66 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
21st Century Gallery Cabinet, Inlay in Olive Root, Maple, Ash, Made in Italy
By Hebanon Fratelli Basile, Hebanon Studio
Located in Nocera Superiore, Campania
This tall cabinet in ash tree and olive burl features a front that, with the use of black ash and whitened maple wood, reproduces a trompe d'oeil expertly executed with artisanal met...
Iron
Rare Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with rare color imitation leather. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful honey ...
Faux Leather, Birch
Circa 1880 Italian Large Gilt wood LXV Style Confidente Sofa
Located in London, Park Royal
A rare antique find from Tuscany Italy. This 'Confidante' sofa, circa 1880, is in beautiful condition. The large frame is finely carved in the LXV style, with its original water gild...
Gold, Gold Leaf
$4,800
H 86 in W 39 in D 9.5 in
Custom-Crafted Art Nouveau Style Wrought Iron Gate with Stylized Flower
By Ron Moore
Located in San Francisco, CA
A custom-crafted Art Nouveau style wrought iron gate with stylized flower; of assymetrical form with a lively floral head emanating from one corner; with artist's initials 'RSM'.
$7,716 / set
H 5.91 in Dm 7.49 in
Danish Modern "Studio" Wall Lamps in Brass & Opaline by Vilhelm Lauritzen, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare pair of Vilhelm Lauritzen "Studio" lamps made in the 1940s by Louis Poulsen. The lamps are made from patinated brass and opaline glass. The model was recently reintroduced in an...
Brass
$5,378 / set
H 25.4 in W 18.31 in D 15.36 in
Pair Scandinavian Modern Isku Oy Finland Bent Plywood Birch Bedside Tables
By Isku
Located in Reading, Berkshire
A beautiful pair of original Isku Oy of Finland, Scandinavian Modern, bent plywood birch bedside tables with maker's labels 1980s. In the style of Alvar Aalto. Finding inspiration i...
Birch, Pine
$25,000
H 32.25 in W 84.13 in D 22 in
Paul Evans CityScape Sideboard for Directional Brass Tiles & Burl Wood Doors
By Directional, Paul Evans
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare 1970s Paul Evans Cityscape sideboard with waterfall ends for Directional with brass tiles and book matched Burl wood doors. Interior laminated in black with adjustable shelves, ...
Brass
$3,800 / item
H 25.5 in W 15 in D 22 in
Four-Drawer Office Cabinet Attributed to Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A birch cabinet resting on a recessed plinth base with four (4) drawers that lock and have integrated pulls. Designed in the 1940s and produced for decades, this cabinet was likely p...
Birch
George Nakashima Triangular Cherry Table
By George Nakashima
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
George Nakashima Cherry Wepman Table Large form with legs posting through the top Expressive Free edge
Cherry
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.