Scandinavian 1930s
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery
Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Art Deco Table Lamps
Brass
Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Art Deco Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Metal
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Vintage 1930s Finnish Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool, Linen
Early 20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Fabric
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Mid-20th Century Swedish Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Danish Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
20th Century Russian Folk Art Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool, Linen
Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool, Linen
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian ...
Wool
Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Linen
Early 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Early 20th Century Swedish Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Wool
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Pewter
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Metal
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Mirrors
Pewter
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Bronze
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Metal
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Pine
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Ceramic
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Rosewood
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Glass
Glass
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Paperweights
Pewter
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wine Coolers
Silver Plate
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric
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Scandinavian 1930s For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Scandinavian 1930s?
A Close Look at scandinavian-modern Furniture
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
- What is Scandinavian silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Scandinavian silver is a metal that is 83 percent pure silver and 17 percent copper or other metals. Artisans use it to produce jewelry, tableware and a variety of decorative objects. You'll find a collection of Scandinavian silver jewelry, serveware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is a Scandinavian table?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A Scandinavian table likely refers to a table that was produced in Denmark, Finland or Sweden. In the context of furniture design, a “Scandinavian table” features attributes commonly associated with Scandinavian modernism. Characterized by bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries, Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with this style was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. On 1stDibs, find a variety of vintage Scandinavian modern tables from some of the world's top sellers.
- What is Scandinavian glass?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Scandinavian glass is decorative glassware produced by artisans from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Some notable glassworks from the region include Alsterfors, Aseda, Ekenas Glasbruk, Flygsfors, Hadeland Glassverk, Pukeberg, Reijmyre and Ryd Glasbruk. Shop a variety of Scandinavian glass on 1stDibs.
- What is Scandinavian design?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 11, 2019
Scandinavian design, associated with the countries of Northern Europe, is characterized by simplicity, functionality and beauty,
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Because Scandinavian design focuses on craftsmanship and clean lines, it is a style that lasts the test of time. Designed to maximize light and focusing on minimalism and functionality, it is very aesthetically pleasing.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A traditional Scandinavian rug is called a rya or rye. With their shag knotted wool pile, these rugs originally served as blankets for 15th-century sailors. The rugs gained popularity in the U.S. and around the world in the 1980s. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of vintage rya rugs.
- What are Scandinavian rya rugs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Scandinavian rya rugs are accent rugs that have a hand-knotted high shag pile usually made of wool. Originally, the rugs served as bedding for sailors, but they became popular decorative accents in the U.S. in the 1970s. Shop a variety of rya rugs on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Scandinavian style refers to a movement in furniture design that is characterized by simplicity and functionality. Scandinavian modernists tended to focus on clean, simple lines. Scandinavian design is minimalist and devoid of clutter. Find a variety of Scandinavian modern furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, people had record players in the 1930s. In fact, record players began to become more common during the decade and continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Thomas Edison made the first phonograph record player in 1877. Shop a variety of record players on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetry help define what Scandinavian modern design looks like. For furniture, designers working in this style often use native woods such as pine, ash and beech, giving pieces a light color palette. The emphasis of Scandinavian modern design is on functionality over ornamentation, so most furnishings have little to no decorative embellishment. Some iconic examples of Scandinavian modern design include Arne Jacobsen's Ant chair, Greta Magnusson-Grossman's Grasshopper table lamp, Alvar Aalto's Stool 60, Poul Henningsen's Artichoke lamp and Hans J. Wegner's Wishbone chair. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of Scandinavian modern furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 2, 2023
There isn’t much of a difference between Nordic and Scandinavian design in that when it comes to furniture and decor, the descriptors “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” are often used interchangeably. The term Scandinavia is primarily used to refer to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. (It is sometimes inclusive of Iceland and Finland, too.) The Nordic region of the world also includes the likes of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden as well as Iceland, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland.
Scandinavian modernism is a warm and organic iteration of modernist design that chiefly originated in Denmark, Sweden and Finland during the 1930s. It was introduced to the United States during the mid-20th century and had a profound influence on American mid-century modern design.
Scandinavian modernists are known for their emphasis on craftsmanship and use of natural materials such as ash, pine and beech. Scandi interiors are minimalist, bright and airy, and feature neutral palettes and classic shapes.
Characteristics of the work of such Scandinavian modernists such as Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl and Greta Magnusson Grossman include bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries. 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.
For design enthusiasts all over the world, the promotion of functionality and simplicity associated with Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design continues to prove irresistible.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023In the 1930s, phones typically looked like rotary telephones. They had either a round or square base with a numbered dial that spun when you dialed and a handset receiver with both an earpiece and a mouthpiece. A cord connected the handset to the base. Find a variety of rotary phones on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
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