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Scandinavian Design Sofa

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1960s Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design Sofa
Located in Burton, TX
Presented as found, this Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design Sofa is constructed of a solid teak
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Canvas, Teak

Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
By Coja Culemborg
Located in Budapest, HU
seater Scandinavian design sofa by Coja (Netherlands) with good quality thick leather seat.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
Coja Leather Loveaseat Sofa, 1960s
H 32.29 in W 55.12 in D 37.01 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Banana Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen "Banana" sofa model 220. Manufactured
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa by Kurt Olsen Model 220 Papa Bear Style, 1960's
By Kurt Olsen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian designed sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk as Model 220
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

70s, scandinavian design, completely reupholstered sofa, furniture wool, teak
Located in Tarm, 82
Completely renovated-reupholstered 2 pers. sofa. Scandinavian design. Made in about 1970-75
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

1960s, Scandinavian design by Arne Norell, sofa, model "Kontiki", original.
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Scandinavian design by Arne Norell. 3 seater sofa, model "Kontiki" in original very good
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Sofa, Model Baseline Designed by Jens Juul Eilersen
By Jens Juul Eilersen
Located in Lejre, DK
Baseline Chaiselong sofa, designed by Jens Juul Eilersen in a cream white colour. Baseline radiates
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Scandinavian sofa 1950s
Located in PARIS, FR
This small Scandinavian sofa dates back to the 1950s. Its designer is unknown. It embodies the
Category

Vintage 1950s European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian sofa 1950s
Scandinavian sofa 1950s
H 27.56 in W 45.48 in D 26.78 in
Scandinavian Modern Two Seater Sofa Dark Brown Leather of Danish Design, 1960s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
The two-seater sofa in dark brown leather, Danishly designed and manufactured by Stouby Møbelfabrik
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Scandinavian modernism sofa table
Located in Brescia, IT
mid-century Nordic design. Good condition. A conservative restoration has been done. It may show
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian modernism sofa table
Scandinavian modernism sofa table
H 20.87 in W 24.81 in D 18.12 in
Scandinavian Spokeback Sofa, 1940s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful sofa, manufactured in Scandinavia in the 1940s. The elegant shape of the backrest is
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Spokeback Sofa, 1940s
Scandinavian Spokeback Sofa, 1940s
H 24.81 in W 35.44 in D 76.78 in
Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, leather, wood, Scandinavia, 1950s A beautifully sculpted sofa in the style of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
Scandinavian Sofa in Red Leather
H 31.5 in W 49.22 in D 29.93 in
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
Light and elegant, this vintage wooden sofa epitomizes the homey sophistication of Danish Modern
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Bouclé, Upholstery

20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofa
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofa
H 33.1 in W 74.8 in D 30.3 in
Art Deco Style And Scandinavian Design Bouclé Fabric And Black Wooden Sofa
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Art Deco Style And Scandinavian Design Bouclé fabric and black wooden armchair.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Design Seating Set
Located in Praha, CZ
- Armchair and sofa - Well preserved - Original upholstery - Table not included - 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Scandinavian Design Seating Set
Scandinavian Design Seating Set
H 30.71 in W 47.25 in D 31.5 in
Scandinavian Designer Black Yellow Sofa
Located in Paris, FR
shapes, an intrinsic part of our design. This sofa is very versatile with it´s multifunctional pillows
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Birch

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design 3 Seat Sofa by Dux, Denmark, 1960's
By Dux of Sweden
Located in Oud-Turnhout, VAN
Vintage Mid-Century Modern scandinavian design 3 seat sofa by Dux, made in Denmark 1960's. Well
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Teak

Scandinavian Angular Sofa in Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
the 1960s. The design of this sofa is angular and sharp in its execution. It is very balanced in its
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Scandinavian Angular Sofa in Brown Upholstery
Scandinavian Angular Sofa in Brown Upholstery
H 31.11 in W 95.67 in D 31.5 in
Otto Schultz Scandinavian Modern "Boet" Sofa
By Otto Schulz
Located in Kramfors, SE
Rare Scandinavian modern Swedish sofa Boet from the mid 20th century. The sofa is designed by Otto
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Otto Schultz Scandinavian Modern "Boet" Sofa
Otto Schultz Scandinavian Modern "Boet" Sofa
H 27.56 in W 57.09 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern Sofa from Arne Norell "Divina"
By Arne Norell
Located in Skå, SE
Experience the iconic Scandinavian Modern sofa, the "Divina" by the acclaimed designer Arne Norell
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
H 29.93 in W 102.37 in D 41.34 in
Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, teak, Scandinavia, 1950s This understated sofa is an iconic example of Scandinavian
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
H 33.08 in W 68.12 in D 24.81 in
20th Century Scandinavian Upholstered Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
aesthetic with the functional minimalism of Scandinavian furniture. Its design combines angular and circular
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

20th Century Scandinavian Upholstered Sofa
20th Century Scandinavian Upholstered Sofa
H 31.6 in W 78.8 in D 28.5 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak Sofa after Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Scandinavian modern teak sofa after Grete Jalk features stylish Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
traits of Scandinavian Modern Design. The base and backrest are pure and clear in their execution, giving
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
Scandinavian Sofa in Oak and Brown Leather
H 29.53 in W 66.93 in D 30.32 in
Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa from 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Scandinavian design teak sofa from the 1960s.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa from 1960s
Scandinavian Midcentury Sofa from 1960s
H 27.17 in W 72.05 in D 27.56 in
Illum Wikkelsø Scandinavian Modern Leather 'Capella' Sofa
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian Modern Capella sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for N.Eilersen. The sofa is from the second half
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Apex 3 Seat Sofa - Modern Scandinavian Sofa with Wooden Legs
By Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
The Apex collection brings a fresh look into our houses with its modern lines and Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Apex 2 Seat Sofa - Modern Scandinavian Sofa with Wooden Legs
By Prieto Studio
Located in London, GB
The Apex collection brings a fresh look into our houses with its modern lines and Scandinavian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Danish Modern Teak Gondola Scandinavian Sofa, 1980s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Basel, BS
Solid Teak frame Original Danish Mid Century Modern very long Gondola Sofa. This design is pleasing
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Scandinavian Midcentury Rosewood Sofa "Monte Carlo", 1965
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Top-quality lounge sofa designed by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler in 1965. Its beautiful
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Scandinavian Midcentury Rosewood Sofa "Monte Carlo", 1965
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Top-quality lounge sofa designed by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler in 1965. The "Monte Carlo
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Fried Egg Sofa Scandinavian Grey
By Hans Olsen
Located in Viby J, DK
The fried egg sofa is an exclusive design that features the same idiom and line as Hans Olsen’s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Fried Egg Sofa Scandinavian Grey
H 29.53 in W 29.53 in D 78.75 in
Wooden Swedish Sofa Designed by Carl Westman
By Carl Westman
Located in Madrid, ES
Stained wood sofa designed in 1899 by Carl Westman. Model "Arbetarmöbeln", which means "Workers
Category

Antique 1890s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Wooden Swedish Sofa Designed by Carl Westman
Wooden Swedish Sofa Designed by Carl Westman
H 38.19 in W 74.81 in D 25.99 in
Three seater sofa "Eva", design Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Hudson, NY
Mathsson designed in 1931 - on behalf of Värnamo hospital. It was made of bent-glued beech with saddle
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bentwood

Scandinavian Modern Sofa in Walnut and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, walnut, Scandinavia, 1960s This Scandinavian Modern sofa is characterized by a
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut, Faux Leather

Midcentury Sofa in Patinated Leather, Danish Design 1950s
By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Light curved three-seat sofa in patinated leather designed and made in Denmark. Great original
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Midcentury Scandinavian Two Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Hans Wegner for Getama in 1953, the GE 290 sofa is one of Hans Wegner's timeless pieces
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Scandinavian Sofa with Sculptural Frame in Stained Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, stained wood, Scandinavia, 1960s This sofa embodies a splendid construction
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Ekornes Postmodern Sheepskin Sofa, Shearling, Scandinavian Art Deco Style
By J.E. Ekornes
Located in Mckinney, TX
This sofa has been elevated to the next level! Simple, beautiful Scandinavian design merges with
Category

Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Scandinavian Modern, ARNE NORELL, Sofa Ilona, leather/fabric/beech
By Arne Norell
Located in Skå, SE
your decor with the Arne Norell Illona sofa, embodying the essence of Scandinavian Modern design
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Beech

Scandinavian Modern Original "Samsas rund" Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Madrid, ES
sofa was first designed in 1923 by Carl Malmsten for the Stockholm concert hall and it became and
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

60s, Danish design, renovated seater "Banana" sofa, genuine sheepskin.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design. Refurbished-reupholstered 2 seater "Banana" sofa. Upholstered in quality
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech

Grand Storängen Sofa by Storängen Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Grand Storängen sofa by Storängen Design Dimensions: D 120 x W 240 x H 130 x SH 45 cm Materials
Category

2010s Swedish Post-Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch

Grand Storängen Sofa by Storängen Design
Grand Storängen Sofa by Storängen Design
H 51.19 in W 94.49 in D 47.25 in
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa, Newly Produced, Designed in 1956
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Tranås, SE
The sofa Samspel was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and was then produced by the furniture
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak, Pine

Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Mid-Century Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Scandinavian Midcentury Carl Malmsten Boucle "Samsas" Sofa, Sweden, 1960s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This mid century icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Scandinavian Modern Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Ljungs Industrier 1954
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Skå, SE
Experience the epitome of Scandinavian Modern design with the Folke Ohlsson Sofa Scania, a
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Midcentury "Coupe" Sofa in Leather Designed by Børge Mogensen
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Model 2292 sofa in patinated leather, designed by Børge Mogensen and made by Fredericia furniture
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Vintage Scandinavian Rosewood and Black Leather Three Seat Sofa
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern 3-seater sofa in rosewood and leather circa 1960's, Denmark. This comfortable
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Swedish Modern "Paradise" Sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in New York, NY
A modern Swedish "Paradise" Sofa by designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist (1925-1997) for Nordiska
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Scandinavian Modern Sofa from Folke Ohlsson in Rattan and Teak
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Skå, SE
Elevate your interior with the exquisite Scandinavian Modern sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Scandinavian Modern Sofa from Folke Ohlsson in Rattan and Teak
By Folke Ohlsson
Located in Skå, SE
Elevate your interior with the exquisite Scandinavian Modern sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rattan, Teak

1960s, Danish design by Georg Thams, reupholstered 3 seater sofa.
By Georg Thams, Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik
Located in Tarm, 82
, reupholstered 3-seater sofa model 53. Brand new upholstery according to original design. Quality Nevotex
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Scandinavian Modern sofa Skrindan by Kerstin Hörling Holmqvist, Material: Walnut
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Skå, SE
unparalleled comfort and support. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the Skrindan sofa embraces your body
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

1960s, Danish design, 2 seater "Banana" sofa, original condition, velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design. 2 seater "Banana" sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

FRAMA Contemporary Wooden Minimal Design Atelier Couch with Linen Cushion
By Frama
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Inspired by traditional, box-formed seating silhouettes, the Atelier Couch was created to inspire
Category

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Spruce, Linen

1960s, Danish design, reupholstered 3 seater "Banana" sofa, vintage velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design. Refurbished-reupholstered 3 seater "Banana" sofa in quality vintage bottle
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Ash

1960s, Danish design, reupholstered 2-seater "Banana" sofa, vintage velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish renovated-reupholstered 2-seater "Banana" sofa. Very durable cherry-red velour. Brass
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Oak

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Scandinavian Design Sofa For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the Scandinavian design sofa you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each Scandinavian design sofa for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, fabric and hardwood. There are 3433 variations of the antique or vintage Scandinavian design sofa you’re looking for, while we also have 327 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a Scandinavian design sofa — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A Scandinavian design sofa, designed in the Scandinavian Modern, mid-century modern or modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. You’ll likely find more than one Scandinavian design sofa that is appealing in its simplicity, but Hans J. Wegner, Børge Mogensen and GETAMA produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Scandinavian Design Sofa?

A Scandinavian design sofa can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,801, while the lowest priced sells for $60 and the highest can go for as much as $105,000.

Finding the Right seating for You

With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.

Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.

Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.

The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.

Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.

With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.

Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.

No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.

Questions About Scandinavian Design Sofa
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 11, 2019

    Scandinavian design, associated with the countries of Northern Europe, is characterized by simplicity, functionality and beauty,

  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Because 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 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 ExpertApril 22, 2024
    Bold, 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.