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.
1930s Extremely Grand Danish Lounge Chair Reupholstered in Yellow Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, anigre, mohair, Denmark, 1930s This grand Danish lounge chair from the 1930s is defined by its generous proportions and beautifully balanced form. The wide seat, high ...
Mohair
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox C...
Sheepskin, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chair in Grey Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox C...
Sheepskin, Wood
Pair of Carl-Johan Boman Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin and Wood, Finland, 1935
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Carl-Johan Boman at Boman Oy in Finland. The chairs are newly reupholstered in our own upholstery workshop with moonlight sheepskin. The chair com...
Sheepskin
Set of Lounge Chairs by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling, Norway, 1950s
By Dokka Mobler, Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in Westport, CT
An exceptional pair of 1950s Norwegian lounge chairs designed by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling for Dokka Møbler. Each chair features an elegantly sculpted teak frame, fully refinishe...
Leather, Bouclé, Teak
Ole Wanscher Safari Chairs in Oak & Light Canvas, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A very rare pair of original Ole Wanscher oak framed "Safari chairs" with canvas seats and tilting backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture in the 1960s. This is Wanschers take on the ...
Canvas, Oak
Bachelor Chairs by Verner Panton, a pair Fritz Hansen Denmark
By Fritz Hansen, Verner Panton
Located in Portland, OR
Verner Panton “Bachelor” chairs, a pair. Designed 1955 and produced by Fritz Hansen, Denmark. Steel tubular frames are minimalist and clea...
Steel
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In fair vintage condition, showing significant wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scr...
Wood, Velvet
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and yellow fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new...
Fabric, Wood
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chairs Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chairs model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 and 1950s/60s This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige checkered lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the wo...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of 1970'sNorwegian leather Kengu lounge chairs by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of 1970's Norwegian Kengu lounge chairs by Elsa & Nordahl Solheim for Rybo Rykken. Bentwood frames have canvas sling with brown leather cushions that rest on top, very...
Leather, Bentwood
Nordiska Kompaniet, Lounge Chair, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1939
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and striped fabric lounge chair, model ”Lovö”, produced by Nordiska Kompaniet c. 1939. Reupholstered in Zak + Fox Pharos 05. Overall Dimensions (inches): 35.75"H x 24.5"W x ...
Fabric, Pine
Ivar Opsvik Safari Lounge Chair for Bruksbo, Norway, 1970s
By Bruksbo
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A striking Safari lounge chair designed by Ivar Opsvik and produced by Bruksbo in Norway during the 1970s. The chair features a sculptural stained beech frame combined with generous...
Leather, Beech
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Walnut, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, birch and grey velvet lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Scattered scuffs an...
Velvet, Birch, Walnut
Pair of “Hunter” Lounge Chairs by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1970s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of “Hunter” lounge chairs designed by Torbjørn Afdal and manufactured by Bruksbo in Norway. Safari-style wooden frames with leather straps and deeply tufted brown leather cushions.
Leather, Wood
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chair model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 This iconic chair, made with 250 metres o...
Steel
Mogens Voltelen for Ivan Schlechter 'Copenhagen' Lounge Chair Leather and Teak
By Ivan Schlechter, Mogens Voltelen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Ivan Schlechter, lounge chair model ‘Copenhagen', teak, patinated leather, brass, Denmark, design 1936 The Copenhagen lounge chair was designed by Mogens Voltel...
Brass
Modern PP130 Teak Circle Chair, Hans J. Wagner, PP Møbler
Located in Miami, FL
Offered for sale is a modern copy of the iconic PP130 Circle Chair that was designed by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler. Created in bleached teak, this modern Circle Chair is both styli...
Metal
$14,700 / item
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chairs, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Pair of 1930s Swedish Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Striped Upholstery
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Pair of 1930s Swedish Art Deco Lounge Chairs in Striped Upholstery. Combining comfort with architectural form, these chairs feature the beautiful curves characteristic of Nordic Art ...
Upholstery, Oak
$5,676 / item
A Round Arm Lounge Chair, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb modern round arm Danish-style armchair. Handmade beech frames, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, golden brown, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric with solid oak fee...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Pair of Carl-Johan Boman Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin and Wood, Finland, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Carl-Johan Boman at Boman Oy in Finland. The chairs are newly reupholstered in our own upholstery workshop with moonlight sheepskin. The chair com...
Sheepskin
Expertly Restored - Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling Boucle & Leather Lounge Chair
By Dokka Mobler, Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Boucle Fabric, New Leather Buttons ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history ba...
Leather, Fabric, Wood, Teak
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chairs and Ottoman, Model 2202 / 2204, leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chairs and ottoman original upholstered with red leather. Legs of oak. Model 2202 and 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of floral-printed fabric and dark-stained wood designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Fabric in distress; reupholstery encouraged. Wear consistent with age and use. Over...
Fabric, Wood
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Niels Vodder, Mogens Voltelen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, 'Copenhagen II' lounge chair, model 'MV60', solid oak, leather, brass, Denmark, design 1960, made 1960s/70s The MV60 lounge chair, also known as Co...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow fabric and wood lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to...
Fabric, Wood
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Danish late Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Birch Armrests Halabala Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1940's with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch a really nice color. Style s...
Wool, Beech
Rare Marianne Boman-schleutker for Boman Easy Chair in Pink Velvet and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marianne Boman-schleutker for Oy Boman Ab, easy chair, model 'Marianne', velvet, birch, Finland, circa 1941 Designed by the Finnish female interior architect Marianne Boman-Schleut...
Velvet, Birch
Pair of 1970s Swedish Pine "Tälja" Lounge Chairs by Sven and Christian Larsson
By Sven Larsson
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Pair of 1970s Swedish Pine "Tälja" Lounge Chairs by Sven and Christian Larsson. Constructed from thick, solid Swedish pine showcasing beautiful natural wood grain and a warm, honey-t...
Pine
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Seal' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler, Sälen' (Seal) lounge chair, model '503-799', teak, leather, Sweden 1956. The 'Sälen' (seal) lounge chair is a design by Danish designer Ib Kofod-L...
Leather, Teak
K. Rasmussen Leather and Teak Wingback Lounge Chair with Ottoman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 40in H x 28in W x 29in D Seat height: 15.50in Ottoman: 15in H x 22.50in W x 17in D. Materials: Teak Wood, New Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam _________...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
$15,400 / item
Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, armchairs in Pierre Frey Teddy mohair fabric, beech, Denmark, 1940s This bold and curvy armchair is based on a solid construction with a tender touch due to the soft t...
Fabric, Beech
Otto Schulz Lounge Chair in Green Pierre Frey Tweed and Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Otto Schulz, Jio
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge/easy chair was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping, Sweden in the late 1940s. The design is distinguished by its curved, enveloping bac...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kircodan, lounge chair, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This chair reflects the hallmarks of 1960s Danish modern design: a streamlined silhouette, an emphasis on natural materials, an...
Leather, Teak
Rustic Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered 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, Pine
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Pine, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and brown velvet lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to ...
Velvet, Pine
Danish Modern Clam Lounge Chair in Lambswool & Oak, Alfred Christensen, 1950s
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Odense, DK
A charming and sculptural Danish Mid Century Modern clam lounge chair from the 1950s, attributed to Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk. The chair features a generously uphols...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Wood
Børge Mogensen 'Spanish Chair' in Oak and Cognac Leather
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 'Spanish Chair,' oak, leather, brass, Denmark, 1958. This well-known design by Børge Mogensen has a very strong appearance. The sincere co...
Brass
Arne Norell Ari Lounge Chair in Patinated Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Low slung steel framed leather 'Ari' Lounge chair by Swedish designer Arne Norell from 1966. This vintage lounge chair comes with original patinated leathe The soft high gloss chrome...
Steel
Alfred Christensen Lounge Chair for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmark, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in amstelveen, NL
Rare Danish lounge chair designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk, dating from the 1940s. The chair has been fully reupholstered in exceptional Icelandic long-haired sh...
Sheepskin, Beech
Danish Modern Highback Lounge Chair the style of Alfred Christensen, 1940s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish very comfortable high back armchair from the 1940s in the style of Fritz Hansen and Alfred Christensen with open armrests in beautiful stained beech. Nice slim elegant...
Wool, Teak
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Leather lounge chair Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Safari lounge chair by Torbjørn Afdal. Solid wood frame in dark brown Stain brass hardware with brown leather cushions with lots of patina and ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Rocking Chair, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and green velvet rocking lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Moderate surface scratches...
Velvet, Birch
Danish Early 1950s Easy Lounge Chair
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy style lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size....
Wool, Beech
Stressless Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ekornes c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman, in baseball glove brown leather, on bentwood bases. The chair and ottoman swivel on the disk form base, the chair back reclines t...
Leather, Bentwood
$8,017 / set
Poul Kjærholm pair of PK22 Lounge Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Kjærholm pair of lounge chairs in original patinated tanleather. Frame of brushed steel. Model PK22, made by Fritz Hansen.
Stainless Steel
Bröderna Anderssons Lounge Chair in Teak and Light Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bröderna Anderssons, lounge chair, velvet, teak, Denmark, 1950s A deep dark frame in wood curves around the seat and backrest. The chair is upholstered in a soft blue velvet that is...
Velvet, Teak
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno 'Mondi Soft' Armchair in Beige Upholstery
By Inno Interior OY, Jouko Järvisalo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno Interior OY, armchair model 'Mondi Soft', chrome-plated metal, fabric, lacquered wood, Finland, design 1986 Finnish interior...
Metal, Chrome
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, 1994 The distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedish desig...
Iron
Pair of Danish Midcentury Cocktail Lounge Chairs, ca. 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. Strong...
Wool, Beech
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair Model 3316, Wool Felt, Steel Base, 1970s
Located in Portland, OR
Arne Jacobsen “Egg” chair model 3316 for Fritz Hansen. A cocoon of comfort in a timeless design. Swivels and has the lever underneath to lock in place. Base is stamped FH. Upholster...
Steel
Small Danish Slipper Chairs in Oak by Slagelse ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the sit...
Teak
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Leather high lounge chair Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Safari high lounge chair by Torbjørn Afdal. Solid wood frame in dark brown Stain brass hardware with tan leather cushions and brown leather arm...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green fabric and stained birch lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. One has loose trim on left arm rest. Other has loose trim at top of backrest. Min...
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Danish late Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Birch Armrests Halabala Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930's with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch a really nice color. Style s...
Wool, Beech
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and blue fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Mild to moderate wear to fabric (small hole in seat cushion, staining in headrest area, and minor fra...
Fabric, Birch
Danish Modern "Safari" Lounge Chair in Saddle Leather by Aage Bruun, 1960s
By Aage Bruun & Son
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and exceptionally preserved Danish Modern “Safari” lounge chair designed by Aage Bruun, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in solid beechwood with thick saddle leather sling construc...
Leather, Beech
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.