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.
Scandinavian mid century Clam wall lamps, perforated metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A charming pair of Swedish wall lamps, produced by an unidentified manufacturer in the 1950s. The lamps feature elegant clam-shaped backplates crafted from perforated metal, painted ...
Steel
Small Scandinavian Snow Ball Table Light in Brass, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unusually small table lamp with a great presence. It is composed of a stylized tripod brass base with ball feet and a free-resting white acrylic sphere. In Scandinavia we call this d...
Brass
$1,116
Wooden Pendant Lamp
By Kai Kristiansen, Grete Jalk, Achille Castiglioni, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Arne Vodder
Located in München, DE
Extraordinarily beautiful wooden pendant lamp from the 1960s. Loving and high-quality processing. The design and the material create a very warm and pleasant light. Condition: ...
Pine
Böhlmarks wall lamp 8661, Scandinavian design, brass & steel, Sweden, 1940s
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Harald Notini
Located in Forserum, SE
A beautiful wall fixture, model 8661, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in the 1940s. Attributed to the architect Harald Notini, artistic director at th...
Brass, Steel
Pair of large wooden modernist table lamps, 1930s, Finland
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless charm of this pair of large wooden modernist table lamps from 1930s Finland, crafted with an impressive scale that makes a bold statement in any space. These im...
Fabric, Birch
Lovely Ceiling Lamp Made in Teak by Temde Swiss, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Lovely Ceiling Lamp Made in Teak by Temde Swiss, 1960s Above the opening of the plastic balls, the plastic has yellowed slightly due to the heat from the light bulb. It is visible, ...
Metal
Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model 1076 in Brass & Rattan, Idman 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Helsinki, FI
An atmospheric ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp features a renewed rattan, wood-slatted shade that softens the li...
Metal, Brass
$323Sale Price|15% Off
Panton 'Panthella 160' Original Brown Portable Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Verner Panton
Located in Glendale, CA
Panton 'Panthella 160' Original Brown Portable Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen The 'Panthella 160' lamp was designed in 1971 by Danish designer Verner Panton and remains one of his mos...
Metal
Danish Modern Table Lamp, Walnut Base with Capiz Shell Shade, 1960s
Located in Round Top, TX
Capiz shell shade + Danish Modern walnut table lamp, circa 1960s. An exquisite and uncommon combination of materials and forms that are complementary and please the eye. Capiz shad...
Brass
Swedish Modern sculptural wall sconces in glass by Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
By Lyfa, Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of rare Swedish Modern sculptural wall sconces model 1715, in goldcolored glass by Carl Fagerlund, for LYFA, Sweden with Orrefors glass.
Brass
Brass & Rattan Table Lamp Model 61052 by Mauri Almari for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and atmospheric table lamp model 61052 designed by Mauri Almari for Idman, Finland, in the 1950s. A refined example of Finnish mid-century lighting, combining warm natural ma...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and beige white fabric pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Staining to fabric. Dramatic patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Variable drop. Overa...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and burgundy fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 62.5"H x 30.0"W x 30.0"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Stan...
Fabric, Birch
Swedish Pine Wood Wall Lamps by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1970s. * Set (2) of pine wood sconces with white fabric shades. * Manufacturer: Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden * St...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Pair of Kent Eriksson Glazed Ceramic Oval Table Lamps, Designhuset, Sweden 1970s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of table lamps was designed by Kent Eriksson in collaboration with Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Designhuset in Sweden during the 1970s. Each base is marked “KE”...
Ceramic, Fabric
Handmade ceramic desk lamp from Norwegian artist Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted desk lamp by Norwegian ceramic artist Johanne Birkeland, aka Jossolini. This unique piece consists of two parts: a ceramic lamp base and a ceramic lamp shade. Both ar b...
Brass
Brass & Silk Fabric Flush Mount, Idman Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant and atmospheric flush mount ceiling light produced by Idman Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The design features a square, softly rounded silk fabric shade that is pleated fro...
Brass
Vintage Louis Poulsen 'Black Louis' Clamp Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Multi-adjustable Wall light with clamp mount. The light can be directed in any direction. Everything is black besides the red on/off switch and It is called black Louis and was made ...
Aluminum
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Sconces by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1970s. * set (2) of pine wood night lamps / sconces with light beige fabric shades * Manufacturer: Solba...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Set of Green Glass Desk Lamps by Michael Bang for Holmegaard, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Dark Green Desk Lamps designed by Michael Bang for Danish Holmegaard Glasværk in 1975. * Set (2) of dark green glass table lamps with brass details and white fabric shades. ...
Glass, Blown Glass
Large Eight Arms Solid Pine Chandelier with Glass Shades by Luxus Sweden, 1960s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden, Luxus Vittsjö, Uno Kristiansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This "like new" solid pine wood, eight arm chandelier was created in this “golden age of Scandinavian design”, a period that saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated visual lang...
Blown Glass, Pine
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An etched glass and brass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.0"H x 22.0"D Stem Length (inch...
Brass
Model 51145 Brass & Glass Chandelier by Mauri Almari for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Mauri Almari, Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A sculptural five-arm chandelier designed by Mauri Almari for Idman in Finland during the 1950s. Model 51145 is executed in polished brass with softly shaped opaline glass shades, ea...
Brass
Vintage Swedish wall light 1940th
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vintage Swedish wall light, Circa 1940th. Patinated brass with flexible arm and perforated shade. Newly rewired with candelabra socket.
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster, rope and brass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. White blemish present due to natural occurrence to ma...
Alabaster
Mid-Century Modern Sizable Flush Mount with Brass Wire, Model 20399, Idman 1950s
By Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This elegant Mid-Century Modern flush mount ceiling light by Idman, crafted in the 1950s, exudes timeless charm with its soft, diffused glow and beautifully balanced design. The roun...
Metal, Brass
Orrefors Swedish Modern Blue Cased Glass Table Lamp Numbered 1950s
By Orrefors
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Sculptural table lamp produced in Sweden during the 1950s by the celebrated glassworks Orrefors. This piece is a documented model, identified via labeled examples of identical form a...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Sculptural Floor Lamps Made in Pine, Sweden 1970s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno Kristiansson
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Floor lamps manufactured in Sweden. It’s made in solid pine. These ones with organically sculptured pine that gives a wonderful floor lamp. The floor lamps have 3 lamp sockets each. ...
Pine
Large Brass & Synthetic Textile Flush Mount by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
Striking and generously sized flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The design features a wide, pleated shade made from synthetic ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster, brown rope and brass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Minor scratches to alabaster fixture. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall ...
Alabaster
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white opaline glass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dramatic patina; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.0...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster and brown rope pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.5"H x 16.25"D Dimensi...
Alabaster
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, lacquered metal and white-opaline glass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Patina brass. Minor imperfections on fixture. Overall Dimensions (inches)...
Brass
Set of 10 chandeliers "Pinus" by Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus, 1970s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, produced by Luxus. Set of 10 available. Listed price is for one chandelier.
Pine
Very rare Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unusually large model, 45 cm in diameter, compare to the more common 28 cm model. Probably made in very few numbers. Produced and designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd, Sweden,...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell 1940s “Umbrella” model 5061, Taito Oy, Finland
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the 1940s with the Paavo Tynell “Umbrella” model 5061 from Taito Oy, Finland. This rare pair of iconic lamps features exquisitely perforated lampsha...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, Taito Oy Finland
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the Paavo Tynell rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, crafted by Taito Oy, Finland. This iconic piece exemplifies Scandinavian Vintage Design, blending...
Brass
Hans Bergström '10/8' Swedish Modern 8-arm Chandelier in Brass, 1940s
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Prague, New Town
Swedish Modern 8-arm chandelier, model '10/8', designed by Hans Bergström. Manufactured by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden, 1940s. Made from brass and wood, features new lampshades. In...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Pine Wood Table Lamp by Aneta, 1970s, Sweden
By Aneta
Located in Værløse, DK
Modern Scandinavian Table Lamp in Pine Wood attributed to Jan Wickelgren and made by Aneta Sweden in the 1970s. * Pine wood table lamp with bell-shaped shade * Designer: Jan Wickel...
Bentwood, Pine
Scandinavian mid-century chandelier, five arms, brass & textile, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Scandinavian modernist chandelier from the 1940s, crafted from brass and featuring five elegantly curved arms radiating from a central wooden obelisk. Each arm is fitted with a con...
Brass
E. Hansson & Co, Malmö, mid century table lamp 568, brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A rare modernist table lamp, model 568, produced by the Swedish manufacturer E. Hansson & Co. in Malmö during the 1940s. The lamp features a beautifully perforated, disc-shaped brass...
Brass
Swedish Pine Wood Table Lamp by Markslöjd, Sweden, 1980s
By Markslöjd
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Desk lamp made by Markslöjd in the 1980s. * Table lamp in Pine wood with a white fabric shade. * Manufacturer: Markslöjd, Sweden * Style: 1532 * Year: circa...
Wood, Pine
Sisal and Walnut Pendant Lamp by Temde
By Temde Leuchten, Ib Fabiansen, Fog and Morup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Jean Rispal
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and large pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Condition: Very good vinta...
Raffia, Walnut, Plastic
Scandinavian Teak and String Pendant with Brass Details, Sweden 1980s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant Scandinavian pendant lamp from the 1980s, most likely of Swedish origin, combining warm teak, delicate string detailing softly diffusing the light and refined brass accent...
Brass
Teak And Linen Umbrella Counter Balance Pendant By Domus, 1970s
By Domus
Located in Zaandam, NL
Teak and linen umbrella pendant by Domus, 1970s. This lamp is in great condition considering its age. The linen shade is removable if needed to be washed. This is the largest version...
Linen, Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Style Ceramic Table Lamp Possibly Upsala Ekeby
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated earthy brown and sand textured glaze Mid Century, Danish Modern style table lamp, possibly Anna-Lisa Thompson for Upsala Ekeby, unsigned. The lamp features...
Brass
Table Lamp Model 30595 by Bertil Brisborg for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), Sweden
By Bertil Brisborg, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Karlstad, SE
Elegant table lamp designed by Bertil Brisborg for Nordiska Kompaniet, model 30595. The lamp features a wide, gently domed brass shade with a warm patina, paired with a slender colum...
Brass
Modernist Table Lamp by Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful table lamp by Hans Bergström, made from brass and mahogany. Scalloped edges around the top and bottom of the shade. Handle embossed with decorative stripes. Hans Bergström...
Brass
Scandinavian mid century chandelier, teak & glass, three arms, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Scandinavian mid-century chandelier, produced by an unidentified Swedish manufacturer in the 1950s. The design combines warm natural teak with shiny brass details, exemplifying the...
Brass
Handcrafted desk lamp by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted desk lamp by Norwegian ceramic artist Johanne Birkeland, aka Jossolini. This unique piece consists of two parts: a ceramic lamp base and a ceramic lamp shade. Both ar...
Brass
Swedish Pine Wood Wall Lamps by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1970s. * Set (2) of pine wood sconces with white fabric shades. * Manufacturer: Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden * St...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster and brown rope pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Scratches on bottom of fixture. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (i...
Alabaster
Lars Holmström Attribution, Pendant Light, Glass, Pewter, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pewter, brass and glass pendant light attributed to Lars Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, c. 1930s. Dramatic patina: wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.0...
Brass, Pewter
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'V-180' Wall Light in Brass and Golden Glass
By Markyard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, Markaryd, wall lamp model ‘V-180’, brass, blown glass, Sweden, 1960s This elegant wall light, designed by the renowned Swedish design...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.5”H x 7"W x 13.0"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 4.0"H...
Brass
Rare Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early seven-armed pendant in brass and opaline glass shades. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, late 1950s.
Brass
Minimalist Pair of Lisa Johansson-Papé Flushmount, Mod. 70-017 Glass, Orno 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, FI
A minimalist flushmount with a metal base and a white opaline glass shade designed by Lisa Johansson-Papé and manufactured by Orno Oy in Finland in the 1950s. The lamp is in its orig...
Metal
Scandinavian table lamp, Bo Fajans, ceramics and rattan, Sweden, 1940s
By Bo Fajans
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and impressive Swedish table lamp from the 1940s, crafted in glazed ceramics with brass and stained pine details. Signed underneath by the ceramics manufacturer Bo Fajans. Th...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Brass Wall Lights, Falkenbergs Belysning, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of cool brass wall lights from Falkenbergs Belysning, in a brutalist boxy design that emits a warm glowing light through the halftone screens.
Brass
Swedish Mid-century Chandelier, Brass & Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Scandinavian modernist chandelier crafted from brass, featuring five curved arms supporting conical opal glass shades. The shades are in perfect condition and secured by metal fitt...
Brass