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Scandinavian Functionalist

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Scandinavian Functionalist Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful ceiling light with decorated glass shade. Designed and made in Norway from ca 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in very good vintage condition. It is fitted w...
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Functionalist Ceiling Light, Norway, 1950
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative ceiling lamp in chrome, with shade in glass. Designed and made in Norway by Høvik Lys from circa 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in very good...
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian Functionalist, Ballerina Pendant Lamp, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Ballerina or spinning top shaped pendant lamp composed of a brass top, black lacquered aluminium shade and a brass supported conical shade in pinstriped glass. It was made in Scand...
Category

Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Functionalist Flushmount Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Decorative ceiling light with decorated opaline glass shade and base in porcelain. Designed and made in Norway from circa 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and is in very g...
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Porcelain, Glass

Scandinavian Functionalist Flushmount Hallway Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
Decorative ceiling light with an embossed shade metal frame. Designed and made in Sweden from circa 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in good vintage condition. The lam...
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Materials

Blown Glass

Scandinavian Functionalist, Black Ballerina Pendant Lamp, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Ballerina shaped pendant lamp composed of a black lacquered aluminium shade and a conical shade in pinstriped glass. It was made in Scandinavia during the 1940s probably by either ...
Category

Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Functionalist Hallway Ceiling Light, Norway, 1950
Located in Oslo, NO
Wonderful and decorative ceiling lamp in steel, with shade in opaline glass. Designed and made in Norway by Høvik Lys from circa 1950s first half. The lamp is fully working and in ve...
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian Functionalist Table Lamp from Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1930s
By Bohlmarks
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant table lamp from Böhlmarks, made from brass with a green lacquered shade. Lovely decorative details on the top and handle.
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Functionalist Wooden Stool, G. A. Berg, Sweden, 1930s
By G.A. Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cool wooden stool by G. A. Berg, in a clean functionalist design with a rounded triangular seat and
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Scandinavian Functionalist Hanging Lamp in Brass and Opaline Glass, Nautical
By Lyfa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare internally adjustable nautical hanging lamp in solid brass, white opaline glass and copper alloy outer shade. You can adjust the spreading and intensity of the light via the s...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Extension Dining Table, c. 1960's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Scandinavian Functionalist fashion, minimalist design prioritizing utilitarian function has replaced any signs
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Modern Chair by Elias Svedberg for Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden 1950’s
By Elias Svedberg, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian functionalist designers that includes—among others—Bruno Mathsson and Axel Larsson. A gifted
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch

Swedish Functionalist Sideboard, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking Swedish functionalist sideboard from the 1930s. Neat size, with a set of drawers with
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Swedish Functionalist Sideboard, 1930s
Swedish Functionalist Sideboard, 1930s
H 29.34 in W 57.09 in D 21.66 in
Functionalist Room Divider Denmark, 1930s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Functionalist Room Divider and Jardinieres made in Denmark in the 1930s in lacquered plywood
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Plywood

Functionalist Room Divider Denmark, 1930s
Functionalist Room Divider Denmark, 1930s
H 27.56 in W 59.06 in D 7.88 in
Swedish 1930s Functionalist Zebrano Chest of Drawers
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish functionalist chest of drawers in striking zebrano veneer. Cool round brushed steel handles
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Zebra Wood

Pair of Functionalist Floor Lamps by Bertil Brisborg
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Bertil Brisborg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of cool functionalist floor lamps by Bertil Brisborg. Made from steel with leather dressed
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

Axel Larsson functionalist chest of drawers, Bodafors, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Amazing functionalist chest of drawers by Axel Larsson, made in from birch with round wood knobs on
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Vintage Functionalist Desk by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk by Alvar Aalto made from birch with original green top. Lovely, clean lines. Neat size, small drawer to the left.
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Functionalist Entryway bench by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Functionalist entryway bench with drawers and small cabinet by Axel Einar Hjorth. Made from beech
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Birch

Swedish, Small Functionalist Wall Light / Sconce, Nickel, Sweden, 1940s
By Lyfa
Located in High Point, NC
A small functionalist wall sconce / wall light, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s Other
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Nickel

Functionalist Console table by Axel Larsson, Bodafors, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson, Bodafors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking functionalist console table by Axel Larsson, made from stained wood with shelves under the
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Console Tables

Materials

Copper

Swedish Designer, Functionalist Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A functionalist wall light / task light, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Features brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Functionalist Birch Desk by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Alvar Aalto, made from birch in a compact functionalist design. Drawers to the
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Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Birch

Danish Cabinetmaker 1940s Functionalist Side Chairs, Att. Magnus Stephensen
By Magnus Stephensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Set of Danish Modern side chairs made in the 1940s and attributed to Danish architect Magnus Stephensen. Executed in solid elm tree and black leatherette. Big chairs with wonderful o...
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Elm

Vintage Functionalist Table or Desk Lamp from ASEA, Sweden, 1930s
By ASEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cool functionalist table or desk lamp from ASEA, with smooth, graphic lines. Black wooden handle
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Swedish, Adjustable Functionalist Desk Light, Brass, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable desk light / table lamp. Designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s-1940s. Features wood, brass, and a brand new linen lampshade. Dimensions variable, stated dimensions...
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Functionalist Birch and Linen Lounge Chairs by Axel Larsson for Bodafors
By Axel Larsson, Bodafors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful lounge chairs by Axel Larsson, with curved armrests creating striking, open and elongated silhouettes. Made from birch, upholstered with linen fabric.  
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Linen, Birch

Scandinavian modern chest of drawers, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great functionalistic chest of drawers produced in Sweden during the 1950s. Made in birch with
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
Located in Oslo, NO
glass. The lamp is from the early 1950s when the 'funkis/functionalist' movement inspired by continental
Category

Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
Scandinavian Ceiling Light, 1950s
H 37.21 in Dm 19.69 in
Scandinavian Modern sideboard by Otto Schulz, Sweden, 1930s
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant functionalist sideboard by Otto Schulz, with bold lines and contrasting birch and darker
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Birch

Vintage Midcentury Scandinavian Modern Brown Leather Executive Swivel Chair
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
and cabinet profile are in line with the modernist IDEA of functionalist furniture. We also have a
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Swivel Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Scandinavian Tin and Glass Accent Ceiling Lamp, Scandinavia, 1920s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Lighting is a huge part of Scandinavian design, ranging from the warm, low light of a candle to the
Category

Vintage 1920s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Tin

Scandinavian Midcentury Lion Figurine by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson. Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stoneware

Scandinavian Modern Harald Notini "Flowerball" Vase for Pukeberg, Böhlmarks 1934
By Harald Notini, Pukeberg Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
produced by Pukeberg's Glass Factory, stands as a sublime functionalist piece in opaque glass. Notini's
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Brass and Yellow Glass Funkis Harlequin Patterned Flushmount, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This caged functionalist flushmount with panels in harlequin patterned glass was manufactured in
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Art Deco Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Finn Juhl Scandinavian Modern 46 Armchair, Wood and Elegance Black Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
functionalists of his time. Among these was the great architect Vilhelm Lauritzen who hired Finn Juhl at his own
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Finnish Birch Cabinet in Alvar Aalto Style, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
patina consistent with age and use. Beautiful Scandinavian Modern and functionalist design.
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Palle Suenson Table in Solid Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson, table, teak, Denmark, c. 1940 Striking Scandinavian Modern table by Danish
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Tables

Materials

Teak

Palle Suenson Table in Solid Teak
Palle Suenson Table in Solid Teak
H 29.73 in W 29.34 in D 29.34 in
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
pottery. He was a prominent figure in the Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly well-known for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
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H 7.09 in Dm 3.94 in
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly well-known for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly well-known for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
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H 8.27 in Dm 4.73 in
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly well-known for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
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H 7.09 in Dm 3.94 in
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Floor Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
in the Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Floor Vase 1950s Sweden
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Floor Vase 1950s Sweden
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H 17.33 in Dm 7.88 in
Rare Large Milk-White Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
prominent figure in the Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Danish Cabinetmaker "Funkis" Cabinet / Shelving Unit in Dark Stained Oak, 1930s
By Kaare Klint, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Odense, DK
adaptation of the functionalist Bauhaus-style, that was dominant in the 1930s. In Denmark it was nicknamed
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Fritz Hansen Furniture poster for Arne Jacobsen models butterfly chair Danish
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
the Functionalist movement. Born in Copenhagen, Jacobsen attended the School of Architecture at the
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Big Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian design and ceramics scene during the 20th century. Gunnar Nylund is particularly well-known for
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Big Vase 1950s Sweden
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Big Vase 1950s Sweden
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H 12.8 in Dm 4.53 in
Birch Cabinet by Axel Larsson, Bodafors, Sweden, 1930s
By Axel Larsson, Bodafors
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large birch cabinet by Axel Larsson, in a functionalist design with a clean look. Appealing rounded
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto "Chair of Our Times", a Collector's Gem
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This minimalist functionalist chair known as "The product of our time", is a rare gem and is the
Category

Vintage 1920s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch, Lacquer

Alvar Aalto "Chair of Our Times", a Collector's Gem
Alvar Aalto "Chair of Our Times", a Collector's Gem
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H 31.89 in W 18.9 in D 19.69 in
Rare cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto for AB Artek in Hedemora, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
shipped to USA. The factory stopped producing Aaltos furniture in 1957. Functionalistic design, made in
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Geometric oak cabinet by Eyvind Beckman, Swedish Modern, 1940-50s
By Eyvind Beckman
Located in Hägersten, SE
with few signs of age related wear and patina. In Sweden during the early 1930s, the functionalist
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Cabinets

Materials

Oak

Swedish modern elm side table in the manner of Oscar Nilsson, 1930-40s
By Oscar Nilsson
Located in Hägersten, SE
with few signs of age related wear and patina. In Sweden during the early 1930s, the functionalist
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Elm

Pair of beechwood and patinated leather Easy Reading Chairs by Bruno Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Uccle, BE
design, typical of Scandinavian Modernism. Seat height : 34 cm. Signed underneath. Bruno Mathsson
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Rare Bent Wood Bench by Architect Risto V. Luukkonen, Vakiopuu Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
the pioneer functionalist architects to lead the movement in Finland. His career started in the 1920s
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Wilhelm Kåge Green & Brown Stoneware Dish, Bowl, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
best known for his contribution to functionalist style, as well his work as the artistic leader of the
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware

Elias Svedberg Lounge Chairs, 1939
By Elias Svedberg, Sparreholms Snickerifabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
history. Designed by Elias Svedberg in the 1930s, these lounge chairs reflect the functionalist principles
Category

Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Wood

Elias Svedberg Lounge Chairs, 1939
Elias Svedberg Lounge Chairs, 1939
H 34 in W 30 in D 33 in
"Aalto goes high" Spring Chair Model 42 by Shekki
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Sanatorium, and helped pave the way for Alvar Aalto´s international breakthrough with his functionalist
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Gunnel Nyman Finnish Modern Side Table, 1937
By Gunnel Nyman
Located in Espoo, FI
appreciate the marriage of history and modernism. Picture it as a striking accent in a Scandinavian-inspired
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Danish adjustable orchestra musician chairs with backrests
By Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in DK
1940s to a functionalist design by Vilhelm Lauritzen. The materials used for the building were very
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

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Scandinavian Functionalist For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal Scandinavian functionalist for your home. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, every Scandinavian functionalist was constructed with great care. There are many kinds of the Scandinavian functionalist you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right Scandinavian functionalist, those designed in Scandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made Scandinavian functionalist over the years, but those crafted by Axel Larsson, Bodafors and Ingvar Hildingsson are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Scandinavian Functionalist?

Prices for a Scandinavian functionalist can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $350 and can go as high as $16,005, while the average can fetch as much as $2,200.

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 

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

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. 

Read More

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