Scandinavian Design Furniture 1940
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Vintage Handwoven Scandinavian Modern with Marta Maas-Fjetterström Design
By Märta Måås-Fjetterström
Located in Stockholm, SE
"Marta Maas-Fjetterström is for the rugs what Picasso has been for art in the 20th century". Says Anette Granlund, Swedish Antique Expert on textiles.
A vintage handwoven modern rug...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Materials
Linen, Wool
Mint "Grön äng" carpet designed by Märta Måås-Fjetterström in 1928, Sweden.
By Märta Måås-Fjetterström AB 1, Märta Måås-Fjetterström
Located in Ystad, SE
condition and all tassels intact.
Pure wool rölakan flatweave.
Designed in Sweden 1928, this carpet made
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair, Carin Bryggman, 1940/1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern rocking chair, designed by Carin Bryggman, 1940/1950s. Birch frame with
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Steneby Hemslöjdsförening Sweden, 1940s modernist table lamp Scandinavian design
Located in Forserum, SE
arts and crafts. The lamp is a later example of the "sportstugemöbler" (sport lodge furniture) style
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Textile, Bakelite, Beech
H 14.18 in Dm 7.09 in
Swedish Grace Sofa Love Seat in Cream Boucle, Mid Century Design 1940's
Located in London, GB
This elegant 1940’s sofa is a beautiful example of Swedish Grace design, blending simplicity with
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Birch
H 30.71 in W 49.22 in D 25.2 in
Scandinavian Armchair "The Chair", Designed by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian desk chair in solid mahogany Hans Wegner. Edition Johannes Hansen, circa 1970. Assisi
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Set of Three Brass Cups Designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito, circa 1940
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Impressive set of three decorative objects design by Paavo Tynell and produced in the 40's by TAITO
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Brass
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Mahogany
H 21.66 in W 32.68 in D 17.33 in
Extension Table in Walnut by Danish Master Cabinetmaker, circa 1940
Located in Lejre, DK
design are typical of Danish furniture design from the period and emphasize the high standards of
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Walnut
Midcentury Uplight in Copper, Designed by Louis Poulsen Danish Design, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Uplight in painted copper, designed in 1940s by Louis Poulsen, Denmark. Original condition.
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Copper
Jerk Werkmäster, Scandinavian ceramic table lamp, Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s
By Jerk Werkmaster, Nittsjo, Nittsjo Keramik, William Morris (English)
Located in Forserum, SE
An exquisite table lamp designed by Jerk Werkmäster circa 1940 for the Swedish ceramics studio
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Glass and Brass Pendant, Finland, 1940/1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pendant, manufactured in Finland, 1940/1950s. Brass frame with glass detail and opaline glass
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Elegant Light Blue Pendant by Paavo Tynell - 1940's
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Espoo, FI
sophistication and charm. Enhance your home with this amazing piece of Scandinavian Vintage Design, available now
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Niels Vodder produced poet sofa designed by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Björnlunda, SE
in 1941 at the Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition and also designed for Finn Juhl's home in the 1940's
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Fog & Mørup, Scandinavian mid-century modernist table lamp, brass, Denmark 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Forserum, SE
Lauritzen, a pioneer of functionalist design known for his modernist buildings as well as furniture and
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Iron
H 15.75 in W 6.3 in D 13 in
Vintage brass wall lamps 1940s, Danish design with timeless el
By Fog & Mørup
Located in Lejre, DK
functional designs that seamlessly blend beauty with usability.
The lamps feature a distinctive design that
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
Materials
Stoneware
Alvar Aalto Y-Stool, Modes with Rattan Seat, Design, 1946
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hyvinkää, FI
A rare Alvar Aalto Y, stool with a rattan cover, the stool was launched in 1946. Good condition for its age and the rattan is beautifully patinized.
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Rattan
Glass Table Lamp, Gunnel Nyman, Idman Oy, 1940/1950s
By Gunnel Nyman, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Glass table lamp, designed by Gunnel Nyman, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1940/1950s. Original silk
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Wilhelm Kåge 'Argenta' Vase for Gustavsberg, 1940s – Silver Inlaid Flower Design
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Göteborg, SE
features a deep green glaze and an elegant silver inlaid flower design. A fine example of Scandinavian
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Silver
H 5.71 in Dm 4.73 in
Coat Rack, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, 1940/1950s
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Coat Rack, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, 1940/1950s
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Birch
Model 9633 Floor Lamp, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 9633 floor lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass frame
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Wilhelm Kåge 'Argenta' Vase for Gustavsberg, 1940s – Silver Inlaid Fish Design
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Göteborg, SE
This round ceramic vase from the Argenta series was designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg in the
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Silver
Model 9201 Table Lamp, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 9201 table lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass frame
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Bijou Functionalist Finnish Design Folding Secretaire, Flame Birch, 1940s
By Werner West
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful folding secretaire with a minimalist vibe and a functional design. This piece is
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets
Materials
Birch
H 45.67 in W 33.86 in D 15.75 in
Model 2063 Floor Lamp, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1940/1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 2063 floor lamp, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by Orno Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs Beige Suede Carl Johan Boman, Finland, 1940s
By Carl-Johan Boman
Located in Odense, DK
. He designed furniture for his company Oy Boman Ab, Helsinki.
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Suede, Birch
H 29.53 in W 30.71 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Modern 1940s Rattan Lounge Chairs by Tove Kindt-Larsen at Wengler
By Robert Wengler, Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
Located in Odense, DK
underestimated. Her furniture was characterized by a fine sense of quality and a design language that responded
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rattan
H 33.08 in W 26.78 in D 31.5 in
Side Table Designed by Carl Axel Acking for Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors
By Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Carl Axel Acking for Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors,
Sweden. 1940's
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Oak
H 22.05 in W 41.74 in D 15.75 in
Armchair Made In Red Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Frits Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
H 44.49 in W 25.6 in D 20.87 in
Armchair Made In Blue Velvet & Mahogany Designed By Fritz Henningsen From 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair, designed by Fritz Henningsen, combines luxurious comfort with timeless elegance
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
H 44.49 in W 25.6 in D 20.87 in
Swedish Modern Bowl, Glazed Earthenware, Bo Fajans, Design Eva Jancke-Björk
By Bo Fajans, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Swedish modern bowl in glazed earthenware, by Eva Jancke-Björk for Bo Fajans, ca 1940-50
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls
Materials
Earthenware
1940´s Set of Pinewood & Sheepskin Lounge Chairs by Swedish Cabinetmaker
By Madsen & Schubell, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
quality.
The chairs bears resemblance to other designs from the period such as the Danish "Clam Chair" by
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Pine
H 31.5 in W 19.69 in D 28.35 in
1940´s Set of Pinewood & Sheepskin Lounge Chairs by Swedish Cabinetmaker
By Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Odense, DK
in white natural sheepskin of the best quality. The design is eye-catching and the chairs are as cozy
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Pine
H 33.86 in W 27.56 in D 34.65 in
Pair of Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak and Black Lounge Chairs
By Milo Baughman
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair of Scandinavian teak and black lounge chairs. Simplicity at its finest. This custom quality
Category
Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Scandinavian Modern Chromed Table Lamp by Vilhelm Lauritzen, 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare table lamp designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and manufactured by LYFA, Copenhagen in the 1940s
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Chrome
Scandinavian Modern Brass Floor Lamp by LYFA, Denmark, Bent Karlby, 1940s
By Lyfa, Bent Karlby
Located in Odense, DK
has since the 1930s won multiple international design awards for their spectacular lamps such as the
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
Lisa Johansson-Pape & Gunilla Jung Glass and Wooden slat Pendant, 1940/1950s
By Gunilla Jung, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish glass and wood slat shade -pendant, designed by Gunilla Jung & Lisa Johansson-Pape, 1940
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
1950s, Danish Design, Set of 4 Dinning Chairs, Oak Wood, Cherry-Red Velour
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design from about 1950s. Set of 4 dinning chairs, oak wood, cherry-red velour. Made
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
H 36.23 in W 19.69 in D 25.6 in
Easy Chair Model Schulz Designed by Otto Schulz Produced by Boet in Sweden
By Otto Schulz
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Schulz designed by Otto Schulz. Produced by Boet in Sweden.
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
H 29.53 in W 34.26 in D 27.56 in
Oak and Leather Aarhus ‘Town Hall’ Chair designed by Hans Wegner for Plan Mobel
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Winnipeg, MB
A rare and absolutely incredible ‘Town Hall’ lounge chair designed by Hans Wegner for Plan Mobel
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
H 34 in W 27 in D 25 in
Pair of Model 1001 Floral Flush Mounts, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1940/1950s
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of rare model 1001 hand-painted flush mounts, designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Brass
H 5.12 in Dm 17.72 in
Rare 1940s Danish Brass Lamp with Adjustable Design for Table or Floor Use, US P
Located in Lejre, DK
This rare lamp from the 1940s was designed and made in Denmark, crafted from brass. What makes this
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
H 57.09 in W 21.66 in D 9.85 in
Chandelier designed by Hans Bergström. Produced by Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare chandelier designed by Hans Bergström. Produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Sweden during the 1940-50s
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
H 35.44 in Dm 25.6 in
Vase ‘Tobo’ Designed by Erich and Ingrid Triller, Sweden, 1940s
By Erich and Ingrid Triller
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase ‘Tobo’ designed by Erich and Ingrid Triller,
Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware.
Dimensions:
H: 18 cm
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Thorkild Olsen for Royal Copenhagen. Porcelain vase in modern design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Thorkild Olsen (1890 - 1973) for Royal Copenhagen.
Porcelain vase in modernist design.
1942.
Model
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Porcelain
Vase “Veckla” Designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Stig Lindberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase “Veckla” designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg,
Sweden, 1940s.
Ceramic.
Measurements:
H
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Vase “Veckla” Designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Stig Lindberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase “Veckla” designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg,
Sweden, 1940s.
Porcelain based stoneware
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Set of Scandinavian Modern Screens or Room Dividers in Stained Beechwood, 1940s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Scandinavian cabinetmaker. Beautiful five-panel screen, room divider, framing with intricately carved geometric
Category
Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Materials
Beech
H 64.97 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in
Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Umbrella Stand Model no. 115 Birch & Brass 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Rare early Umbrella stand model no. 115 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. This example was
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Brass
H 18.9 in W 8.27 in D 12.6 in
Arne Bang, Lidded Jar / Bowl in Fluted Design in Sand-Colored Glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Arne Bang, lidded jar in fluted design in sand-coloured glaze.
Model No. 118.
1940s/1950s.
In
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Jars
Materials
Ceramic
Scandinavian Ice Bucket by Olaf Gunnar Hjertzell and Strömbergshyttan, 1940s
By Strombergshyttan
Located in Esbjerg, DK
partially split stylish 3-armed design . Vaguely hallmarked OGH 925s to the inside of the handle. The
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Barware
Materials
Sterling Silver
Miniature Dark Blue Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 4,5 cm (1.8") high and 8 cm
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
Materials
Stoneware
Pair of Rare Aalto Model 69 Wartime Chairs, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
patients. Aalto designed the Paimio Sanatorium in its entirety, including furniture and lighting, and this
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
1940s Danish "Canada" Arm Chairs in Stained Beech by Fritz Hansen
By Christian E. Hansen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
leader in moulded and laminate wood furniture. Looking to German Functionalism, Scandinavian design comes
Category
Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Set of Four Chairs, Arttu Brummer for Helsinki University, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
named after him. Brummer set up his own design studio in 1913 after graduating as a furniture designer
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Wingback Armchair, attr. Runar Engblom, Finland, 1940s
By Runar Engblom
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern Design.
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Set of Armchairs, Werner West, Keravan Puusepät Oy, 1940s
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Werner West
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
. Reupholstered with quality Kvadrat wool fabric. Beautiful Scandinavian Modern design. The armchairs are sold as
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Birch
Armchair Model 35, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. The company was set up to sell furniture designed by
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Birch
H 35.44 in W 24.81 in D 28.35 in
Danish Modern, Honey Sheepskin, Oak, Sofa, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Danish Modern, Honey Shearling, Oak, Sofa, Denmark, 1940s
Danish modern sofa designed by an
Category
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
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Scandinavian Design Furniture 1940 For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the Scandinavian design furniture 1940 you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, every Scandinavian design furniture 1940 was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the Scandinavian design furniture 1940 you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Each Scandinavian design furniture 1940 bearing Scandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one Scandinavian design furniture 1940 that is appealing in its simplicity, but Bruno Mathsson, Otto Schultz and Frits Henningsen produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Scandinavian Design Furniture 1940?
The average selling price for a Scandinavian design furniture 1940 at 1stDibs is $4,049, while they’re typically $200 on the low end and $193,111 for the highest priced.
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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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.
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