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.
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...
Oak, Lambskin
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
$19,474 / set
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Fabric and Rosewood, 1930s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Art Deco easy chairs, crafted in Sweden during the 1930s, embodies the elegance and geometric fluidity that characterize the period’s design sensibility. At once sc...
Fabric, Rosewood
Niels Moller Model 71 Dining Chairs, Rosewood & Leather, 1950s
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
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
Set of 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller solid beechwood dining chairs, Denmark
By Hirtshals Savvaerk, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Bern, CH
Setof 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller Danish modern dining chairs. Solid beechwood construction. Curved backrest, recessed seat with cylindrical lags. Scandinavian minimalism in Brutalist ...
Pine
$12,333 / set
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Leather and Brich, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of easy chairs, produced in Finland during the 1950s, exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian design principles through its functional form and material use. The chairs f...
Leather, Birch
Göran Malmvall pine chair 510 by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish side chair, Model 510, designed by Göran Malmvall for the manufacturer Karl Andersson & Söner, Huskvarna. Originating from the late 1940s, it is a late example of the "sports...
Pine
Fritz Hansen Model 1514 Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Long Island City, NY
Fritz Hansen opened the doors of his Copenhagen workshop in 1885. With the help of his son Christian, the company soon established its reputation for outstanding quality and forward-...
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 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
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
$708Sale 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
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
$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
Danish Mid Century, Set of 8 Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural and highly recognizable set of eight high-back “Razorblade” dining chairs crafted in solid oak. Designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbler and produced circa t...
Oak, Lambskin, Wool
Set of 12 Brutalist Chairs in Pine & Shearling Lambswool, Danish Modern, 1970s
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 12 sculptural dining chairs in solid pine, reupholstered seats in a great quality lambswool. Made by Finsdahl Møbelfabrik, Denmark in the 1970s. These brutalist chairs have a ...
Wool, Wood, Pine, Lambskin
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Danish Mid Century Modern Stokke Lounge Chair in Rosewood Suede & Aliminum
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Uncommon lounge chair designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa in Denmark circa 1960's. Features a rosewood & aluminum frame with original olive suede cushions. All in all in gr...
Aluminum
Set of Four Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model Domus chairs, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Birch. The chairs are refinished. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. The chairs a...
Birch
Swedish Folk Art Chair ca 1821
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Folk Art Chair dated 1821 This exceptional folk art chair, crafted from pine wood in 1821, is 202 years old. The beautiful patina and various repairs over the years have ma...
Pine
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid Century Lounge Chair by Svein Dysthe for Dokka Mobler
By Svein Ivar Dysthe, Dokka Mobler
Located in New York, NY
Chic, architectural and rare Danish modern lounge chair designed by Svein Dysthe for Dokka Mobler. This example has a rosewood frame, and has been professionally reupholstered to the highest standards, using top grade leather. Impressive and iconic midcentury chair...
Leather, Rosewood
$2,266Sale 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
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Carl Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs, Finland
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Rare pair of Scandinavian Modern lounge chairs, model “Lehti” (leaf) designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs. Manufactured by Puunveisto Oy - Träsnideri in Finland during the 1950s. ...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Armchair by Jacob Kjær, Mahogany & Leather, 1940s
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jacob Kjær. Armchair upholstered with original patinated leather, with buttons. Frame of mahogany. Made by Jacob Kjær.
Leather, Mahogany
$6,662Sale Price / set|30% Off
Erik Buch 1960s Dining Chairs Set of 8 1960s mid century modern Blue
By Erik Buch
Located in Lewes, England
Very rare set of 8 1960s dining chairs designed by Erich Buch for Nova Stolefabrik Superb find - these are very unusual pieces and in good structural condition with teak colour wood...
Birch
'Hippo' Bar Chair 65 by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.3
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Bar Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Light Smoked Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 3 W...
Wool, Oak
Pair of Rare Easy Chairs with Solid Beech Wood, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of easy chairs, produced in Sweden during the 1950s, embodies key elements of Scandinavian modern design through its thoughtful use of natural materials and craftsmans...
Leather, Beech
$708Sale 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
Harry Østergaard for Skovby Danish Dining Chairs
By Harry Østergaard, Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood frame with leather upholstered seat. Designed by Harry Østergaard for Skovby Møbelfabrik in the 1960s in Denmark.
Leather, Hardwood
'Shanghai' Chair by Norr11, Black Oak, Natural Rattan
High Childs Chair "Peggy" by Karin Mobring for Ikea, Sweden, 1950s
By IKEA
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vintage Ikea childs high chair designed by Karin Mobring in 1959, model "Peggy". Original red color in very good condition.
Birch
Erik Worts Rosewood & Cane Armchair with Leather Seat 1950s
Located in London, England
Erik Wørts - Rosewood and Cane Back Armchair Erik Worts achieved great commercial success in his design career largely through collaborations with IKEA in Sweden and FDB Mobler in D...
Leather, Rosewood
Rustic Swedish Pine Chair, Carl Malmsten Style, Early 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A rare rustic dining / office chair in stained pine. Made in the style of Carl Malmsten "Skedblad" in the early 1900s. It has an incredibly strong character, with its rounded shape...
Pine
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
$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
$660Sale 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
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.03
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Hippo chair. Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: light smoked oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 03 Wood types available: natura...
Wool, Bouclé, Oak
"Knoll" Armchairs by Jon Brunstad & Arne Velle, Norway 1955 - Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs of model "Knoll" designed by Jon Brunstad/ Arne Velle at Hjalmar Brunstad Fabrikker AS in Norway 1955. They are reupholstered with Sheepskin (moonlight) and is in...
Wood, Sheepskin
Hans Wegner Sawbuck Chair
Located in New York, NY
A Danish oak and leather armchair. Designed by Hans Wegner Name - Sawbuck chair Model Number - CH-28 armchair was designed by Hans Wegner in 195...
Oak, Leather
Kilta Chair in Black Naugahyde by Olli Mannermaa for Martela Oy, Finland, 1960
Located in Dronten, NL
A refined example of Finnish modernism, this Kilta chair by Olli Mannermaa pairs elegant organic lines with everyday durability. The molded plastic shell creates a supportive, embrac...
Steel
Axel Einar Hjorth - Utö Dining Chair - produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Axel Einar Hjorth “Utö” Dining Chairs - price per piece (5pcs in total avaible). These chairs, part of the Utö expo designed by Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. T...
Wood, Pine
$660Sale 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
$1,567 / item
PIA Chair by Poul Cadovius, Walnut
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
PIA chair Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: H 75 x 49 x 48 cm (seat height 45cm) Wood: – Oak – Smoked oak – Black lacquered oak – Walnut Paper cordel: – Natural – Black (Contact us) -- The Pia chair signed by DK3 was imagined and designed by the famous designer Poul...
Walnut
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair in Teak, 1st Edition, with Rare Provenance.
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Architect and furniture designer Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair in Teak, 1st Edition, with Rare Provenance. The chair, originally known as Model 3130, was first introduced in 1957 ...
Birch, Teak
$1,168 / item
Model Aslak Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Aslak chairs, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Asko, 1960s. Six pieces in total, sold separately. Birch frame, red faux leather seats. Good vintage condition, pat...
Faux Leather, Birch
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
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
Niels Koefoed Lis Dining Chairs, Soap-Treated Oak & Leather, Denmark
By Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1, Niels Koefoed
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Niels Koefoed dining chairs made in soap treated oak. Upholstered with patinated tan leather. Model Lis, made by Niels Koefoeds Møbelfabrik Hornslet, 1960s.
Leather, Oak
Pair of Hans Olsen Model 134 Oak Chairs with Blue Fabric Upholstery
By N.A. Jørgensens, Hans Olsen
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of chairs designed by Hans Olsen in 1955 with oak frame, seat and back made of bentwood, upholstered in blue wool. Manufactured by N. A. Jørgensens Møbelfabrik, model 134/55.
Fabric, Oak, Bentwood
Contemporary Set 'Mammoth', Chair + Ottoman, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 5
By Rune Krøjgaard, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Mammoth chair + ottoman Signed by Rune Krøjgaard & Knut Bendik Humlevik for Norr11. Dimensions: - Chair: W 89 cm / D 87 cm / H 104 cm / SH 35,5 cm - Ottoman: W 61,5 cm / D 53 ...
Bouclé, Oak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Palomino Sheepskin & Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig freshly upholstered in hand sewn rich Oatmeal / Ivory Shearling. An early Mid Century Scandinavian ...
Sheepskin, Walnut
$660Sale 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
$802Sale 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
$660Sale 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
$708Sale 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
$707Sale 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 mokka latina aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$708Sale 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 cognac pure aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
Pair of Swedish Elm Bentwood Chairs in the Style of Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful pair of Swedish side or dining chairs in the style of Alvar Aalto. Measures: SH 18 SD 15.5 W 16.25 D 19.5 H 30.75.
Elm, Bentwood
Børge Mogensen Set of 8 "BM-1" Dinning Oak Chairs for C.M Møbler, 1947, Denmark
By Børge Mogensen, C.M. Madsen
Located in The Hague, NL
Here is a refined 1stDibs-ready description including oak and papercord details: --- **Børge Mogensen B01 Chair in Oak and Papercord** Designed by Børge Mogensen, the B01 chair is...
Papercord, Oak
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Base of chrome steel tube. Model 3130 Grand Prix, made by Fritz Hansen.
Steel
'Hippo' Bar Chair 65 by Norr11, Natural Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Bar Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Natural Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 24 Wood ...
Wool, Oak
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