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.
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
Set of 8 Chairs in Oak & Hessian, Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
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, Fabric, Textile, Burlap
Niels Moller Model 71 Dining Chairs, Rosewood & Leather, 1950s
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
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
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
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
Set of 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller solid beechwood dining chairs, Denmark
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Savvaerk
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
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
Rustic Swedish Lounge Chair Probably 1940s - Reupholstered in Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Wood
$700Sale 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
$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
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
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
$12,205 / 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
Børge Mogensen Style Lounge Chair Model 2207 in Natural Patinated Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Stunning Børge Mogensen Style designed lounge chairs made in a supple natural vegetable tanned beige leather. Almost identical to Borge Mogensen's model 2321. One of the most elegant...
Leather, Oak
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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
"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
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
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 12 Brutalist Chairs in Pine & Shearling Lambswool, Danish Modern, 1970s
By Rainer Daumiller, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
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
$6,623Sale 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
$2,242Sale 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
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
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
$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
'Hippo' Bar Chair 65 by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.3
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
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
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
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
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
'Shanghai' Chair by Norr11, Black Oak, Natural Rattan
$700Sale 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
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
$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
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
$654Sale 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
$654Sale 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
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair in Teak, 1st Edition, with Rare Provenance.
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
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
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
$1,156 / 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
$1,553 / 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
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 Niels Koefoed, Koefoeds Møbelfabrik 1
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
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
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.03
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
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
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
Pair of Hans Olsen Model 134 Oak Chairs with Blue Fabric Upholstery
By Hans Olsen, N.A. Jørgensens
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
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
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, model Grand Prix model 3130
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
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
$654Sale 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
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Natural Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Natural Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 024. Wood types available: nat...
Wool, Oak
Danish Modern Wingback Chair in Oak & Traditional Danish Olmerdug Wool, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful and large Danish Modern wingback chair hand made by a cabinetmaker in Denmark in the 1950s. Great dramatic angles and proportion...
Oak, Wool
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Dark Smoked Oak, Spectrum Leather, Mineral
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Hippo chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: dark smoked oak Fabric: Spectrum / Noir Leather Mineral 30160 Wood type...
Leather, Oak
'Hippo' Bar Chair 65 by Norr11, Natural Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
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
$794Sale 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
$654Sale 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
$700Sale 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
$701Sale 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
$700Sale 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
! Poul Kjærholm PK 22 Chair Reupholstered in Cowhide E. Kold Christensen 1963
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Poul Kjærholm (1929–1980) the praised Danish designer, the "furniture architect", designed the emblematic PK22 Chair in 1956. Standing out from the other Danish mid century designers, his predilection material wasn't wood but steel. This PK22 gets its outstanding comfort from the cowhide which is floating above the metal structure, thanks to the curved crossbars that holds the feet together without interfering with the seat's ergonomy. The obviously powerful and effective design speaks for itself, fitting perfectly a more intimate space needing structure and discretion thanks to the thin and light side view, as well as larger rooms thanks to the wide seat and backrest creating subtle geometric shapes. The chair has been reupholstered in an elegant black and white cowhide, whose unique pattern interacts gracefully with the design. The frame bears...
Steel
Set of Swedish pine chairs by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare scultptural chairs designed by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk in Sweden during the 1930s. Made in pine with a great original patina.
Pine
$795 / item
Verner Panton Pop-Art C1 Chairs
Located in Dronten, NL
Elevate your interior with this exceptional C1 armchair, designed by the legendary Verner Panton and produced by Vitra, a name synonymous with timeless quality and innovation in mode...
Stainless Steel
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