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.
Mid Century Danish Modern Scandinavian Teak Twin Size Murphy Bed with Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Scandinavian Teak Twin Size Murphy Bed with Cabinet. In the Style of Hans J. Wegner / RY Mobler. Teak cabinet with fold-down Murphy bed stored inside. Mattr...
Brass, Steel
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform King Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Day or Single Beds in Teak
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, daybed/single beds, teak, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant en simplistic design by Børge Mogensen. Suitable to utilize as a day bed or a single bed. Th...
Teak
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage German Modern King size teak bed frame with springs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage German Modern King size teak veneer bed Frame with springs headboard and footboard. Just add a Mattress. Fits King size mattress does not need a box spring. Located in Brookl...
Steel
$4,485 / item
Natural Rattan King Size Bed Frame
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The King Size Bed Frame brings a relaxed yet refined presence to the bedroom, defined by clean architectural lines and a textured woven finish. The...
Rattan, Wood
"Avenir" Blonde Burl Wood Platform King Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
Vintage Minimalist Dutch old growth pine King floating bed Frame Rustic
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Minimalist Dutch pine Custom Made European grand king bed bed Frame or Daybed by Ate Van Apeldoorn. Very cubic and brutalist with dovetail joinery. Bed sitting on two bases w...
Pine
“Kromvik” Chrome Bed frame with Original Sultan Base By Knut Hagberg, IKEA 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Knut Hagberg for IKEA in 1982, the “Kromvik” bed is a well-known example of Scandinavian postmodern design. The frame is executed in polished tubular chrome steel, formi...
Chrome
1960s Fully Restored Danish Queen Size Rosewood Bed with Floating Nightstands
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored Danish queen size rosewood bed with floating nightstands by Sannemanns Møbelfarik. Sannemanns Møbelfabrik rosewood bedroom set consisting of strict Danish moder...
Rosewood
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern teak twin size bed frame with headboard and footboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern teak twin size bed frame with headboard and footboard. Mid-Century Modern teak single Bed. Fits a twin size mattress that has a boxspring. Made in Denmark circa 1960 Be...
Teak
Rare Poul M. Volther Single Bed in Teak and Cane 1950s
By Poul Volther
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul M. Volther, single bed, teak, cane, Denmark, 1950s This rare bed design is a creation of Danish designer Poul M. Volther, conceived in the 1950s. The bed strikes a balance betw...
Cane, Teak
Jules Wabbes Rare Single Bed in Elm with Metal Details
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, single bed, elm, metal, Belgium, 1960s This particular bed is specifically designed as a hanging bed for the ferry boat ‘Reine Fabiola’. From 1963 to 1964, Jules Wabb...
Metal
60s 70s Danish Modern Mid Century Teak Queen Platform Bed, Classic Clean design
Located in Madison, WI
Very beautiful teak danish Queen bed with bed slats. Ready to go. Very beautiful clean, classic teak bed design. Sleek Danish mid century design, a ...
Teak
Laurel Bed, Modern Walnut Platform Queen Bed with Ash Slats
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Inspired by Danish simplicity and organic design, the laurel bed features sculpted legs, modest angles, and sturdy joinery. The bed is constructed from Nort...
Wood, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Solid Walnut Bookcase Storage Twin Size Headboards, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
This pair of 1970s Mid Century Modern bookcase storage single headboards are in excellent condition. They are made out of solid walnut wood in the Sca...
Hardwood, Walnut
$5,760 / item
LM Platform Bed
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The LM Platform Bed is straightforward and composed, defined by clean lines, precise joinery, and balanced proportions. Nothing is hidden or unnecessary—...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Fir
$4,396Sale Price / set|20% Off
King Size Modern Platform Bed with Adjustable Positions and Nightstands
By Dyrlund
Located in Chattanooga, TN
At once functional and elegantly minimal, this adjustable king‑size platform bed is a design revelation—a rare vintage piece that harmonizes flexibility with architectural clarity. C...
Oak
Campbell Bed, Transitional Modern King Bed with Ash Slats and Sculpted Joinery
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a large sculpted frame for comfort and ascetic, the Campbell Bed is meticulously hand shaped with gauge and file to feature large coves and sculpted joints. Pegged mortice and tenon joinery allow for a floating headboard...
Wood, Walnut
Mid century Danish Modern Full teak Platform bed headboad with storage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid century Danish Modern Teak Platform Full Size Bed. Beautiful Platform bed that sits on a platform base with footboard. It has (2) top teak sliding doors in the headboard...
Birch, Teak
Set of 2 Beds by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark, 1950's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of two beds in Teak and Rattan by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960’s. Beds: we all need them! We spend important hours in them...
Rattan, Teak
George Tanier King Size Teak Headboard, Scandinavian Modern, 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
George Tanier King Size Headboard with a pull out angled back for reading. Currently screwed into place on back so the center can not angle out. Have seen with leather tabs on bott...
Teak
Pair Of Danish Modern Rosewood And Cane Twin Headboard Bed Frames
By Kai Winding
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of lovely mid-century Scandinavian Modern rosewood and cane twin headboards with bed frames have been attributed to such designers as Kai Winding and Poul Hundevad, made in...
Cane, Rosewood
$1,879Sale Price / set|46% Off
Bamboo Rattan Headboard & Footboard by Dux of Sweden, Mid-Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
Make a bold and organic statement with this vintage DUX of Sweden bamboo full headboard and footboard set, a rare example of mid-century Scandinavian artistry. Intricately designed w...
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,600
Danish Teak Headboard
Located in Highland, IN
This strikingly simple and elegant headboard of solid old-growth teak shows the influence of Shaker design on mid-century Danish designers. Likely crafted by S. Winters Møbelsnedkeri...
Teak
$6,480 / item
Nestle Bed
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The Nestle Bed is an exercise in simplicity and proportion. Built entirely from solid hardwood with exposed joinery, it celebrates structure rather than concealing it. Clean lines an...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Woven Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimens...
Mahogany, Cane
$4,035 / item
Natural Rattan Queen Size Bed Frame
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Queen Size Bed Frame brings a relaxed yet refined presence to the bedroom, defined by clean architectural lines and a textured woven finish. The bed features a minimalist rectang...
Rattan, Wood
Jens Risom Mid-Century Danish Single Bed Head & Footboards with Vinyl Cushions
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
4 SETS of Mid-Century Danish single / twin size teak rectangular bed headboards and footboards with mustard yellow vinyl cushions (JENS RISOM)(PRICED PER SET)(Similar headboards: DUF...
Teak
$1,850Sale Price|42% Off
'Cleopatra' Daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping Netherlands, c. 1953, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish 'Cleopatra' daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping, Netherlands, was designed and produced in circa 1953. Signed on the springs as can be seen in the photos. Featurin...
Metal
$9,987 / set
Rare Bed Frames in Walnut and Cane, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Bed Frames in Walnut and Cane, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Walnut and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions ...
Walnut, Cane
Falster Møbelfabrik King Size Headboard
Located in Highland, IN
This big king-size Danish modern headboard by Falster Møbelfabrik combines subtle design, excellent craftsmanship, and beautifully figured wood...
Walnut
Lit double vintage style scandinave en teck des années 60 avec chevets suspendue
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Lit double vintage style scandinave des années 60, en teck, avec tête de lit, cadre, pied de lit, et chevets suspendus à tiroirs, lampes intégrées avec montage électrique refait à ne...
Teak
King Bed Frame, Handmade In Cherry and Maple With Butterfly Inlays
Located in Bloomington, IN
The headboard of our king size "Butterfly" handmade bed features curved inlays that evoke river rushes, and a matching pair of inlaid butterflies. They are set into a backdrop of gorgeous curly maple that appears to ripple like water. Each butterfly is unique. Butterflies in your bed may be different from those shown in the photos, though monarchs may be requested. - Pictured here in cherry + curly maple. - Also available in walnut + curly maple and mahogany + curly maple - Listing does not include mattress or box spring. Box spring is not needed with our closely spaced slat system. - Solid hardwood construction. - Mortise and tenon joinery. - Commercial grade worry-free finish (satin).. - Our beds can be tailored to fit with adjustable bed frames. Contact us today for more info. We welcome customization requests: size, wood selection and design features may be tailored to your needs. Or request a different kind of piece made in this style. Designed and hand crafted to order at Nathan Hunter...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
Luxury King Size Coastal Bed Frame – Solid Wood Bed Frame with Slatted Headboard
Located in Bloomington, IN
"Seaside" Coastal Bed Frame: Bring timeless coastal elegance to your bedroom with the Seaside Bed Frame, a handcrafted solid wood platform bed designed for both style and durability. Inspired by the natural beauty of coastal living, this bed frame features a sleek inlaid headboard...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
FRAMA Contemporary Scandinavian Design Daybed with Linen Mattress and Oak Frame
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KR-180 Daybed by Kim Richardt is a piece of furniture that uses the simple contrasts of vertical and horizontal lines to create a structurally pure form. A soft natural canvas is fitted around a dense foam mattress, creating the appearance of a pure rectangle atop a solid white oiled oak frame with a monumental structure, almost a silhouette of a bridge. Features – Flat packed – Easy to assemble without additional tools – Mattress is made of three-layered foam for extra comfort – Perfect for a living room, or as a functional guest bed...
Linen, Oak
Poul Volther Diva Daybed Sofa Gemla, Denmark, 1959
By Poul Volther
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice sophisticated daybed sofa Model 981 designed by Poul M Volther and manufactured by Gemla, Denmark, 1959. This sofa is called 'Diva' and has a solid oak structure which can ...
Leather, Oak
Tai Bed by Roberto Pamio and Renato Toso for Stilwood
By Roberto Pamio & Renato Toso, Stilwood
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Bellissimo letto firmato dai Designers Pamio e Toso, produced for Stilwood in the mid-1970s. Linee essenziali, design scandinavo sono messe in evidenza dalla delicatezza dell'essen...
Other
Rare Children's Bed by Flemming Lassen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare children's bed in solid patinated Oregon pine from 1935. By Flemming Lassen and Erhard Rasmussen.
Pine
Queen Bed Frame, Handmade In Mahogany and Maple With Butterfly Inlays
Located in Bloomington, IN
The headboard of our queen size "Butterfly" handmade bed features curved inlays that evoke river rushes, and a matching pair of inlaid butterflies. They are set into a backdrop of go...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
Modern Coastal Queen Bed Frame with Wood Slat Headboard – Handmade Solid Wood
Located in Bloomington, IN
"Seaside" Coastal Bed Frame: Bring timeless coastal elegance to your bedroom with the Seaside Bed Frame, a handcrafted solid wood platform bed designed for both style and durability. Inspired by the natural beauty of coastal living, this bed frame features a sleek inlaid headboard...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Barcelona, ES
A Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank in 1939. Made for Firma Svenskt Tenn.
Rattan, Mahogany
Queen Bed Frame, Handmade In Cherry and Maple With Butterfly Inlays
Located in Bloomington, IN
The headboard of our queen size "Butterfly" handmade bed features curved inlays that evoke river rushes, and a matching pair of inlaid butterflies. They are set into a backdrop of gorgeous curly maple that appears to ripple like water. Each butterfly is unique. Butterflies in your bed may be different from those shown in the photos, though monarchs may be requested. - Pictured here in cherry + curly maple. - Also available in walnut + curly maple and mahogany + curly maple - Listing does not include mattress or box spring. Box spring is not needed with our closely spaced slat system. - Solid hardwood construction. - Mortise and tenon joinery. - Commercial grade worry-free finish (satin).. - Our beds can be tailored to fit with adjustable bed frames. Contact us today for more info. We welcome customization requests: size, wood selection and design features may be tailored to your needs. Or request a different kind of piece made in this style. Designed and hand crafted to order at Nathan Hunter...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
Lit bébé vintage en bois de chêne et rotin des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Lit bébé ou petit enfant vintage des années 60, style mignon et joli, en bois de chêne et rotin, sommier à treillis métallique, bon état général avec des signes du temps qui passe, q...
Rattan, Wood
Queen Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile
$3,759Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Børge Mogensen Teak and Rattan Bed Frames
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of teak wood bed frames with rattan headboard from the 1950s. Designed by Børge Mogensen and manufactured in Denmark. Stamped by maker. Easy to dismantle for shipping and then assemble. Beautiful pieces for guest or children bedrooms...
Rattan, Teak
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Headboard
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century king-size rosewood rectangular headboard with inlaid veneered panels. Some surface wear. Headboard only, does not include rails or footboard.
Rosewood
King Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile
Full Size Coastal Style Bed Frame – Handcrafted Solid Wood with Slat Headboard
Located in Bloomington, IN
"Seaside" Coastal Bed Frame: Bring timeless coastal elegance to your bedroom with the Seaside Bed Frame, a handcrafted solid wood platform bed designed for both style and durability. Inspired by the natural beauty of coastal living, this bed frame features a sleek inlaid headboard...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
California King Bed Frame, Handmade In Cherry and Maple With Butterfly Inlays
Located in Bloomington, IN
The headboard of our California king size "Butterfly" handmade bed features curved inlays that evoke river rushes, and a matching pair of inlaid butterflies. They are set into a backdrop of gorgeous curly maple that appears to ripple like water. Each butterfly is unique. Butterflies in your bed may be different from those shown in the photos, though monarchs may be requested. - Pictured here in cherry + curly maple. - Also available in walnut + curly maple and mahogany + curly maple - Listing does not include mattress or box spring. Box spring is not needed with our closely spaced slat system. - Solid hardwood construction. - Mortise and tenon joinery. - Commercial grade worry-free finish (satin).. - Our beds can be tailored to fit with adjustable bed frames. Contact us today for more info. We welcome customization requests: size, wood selection and design features may be tailored to your needs. Or request a different kind of piece made in this style. Designed and hand crafted to order at Nathan Hunter...
Wood, Cherry, Mahogany, Maple, Walnut
King Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scandin...
Textile
Double Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile