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
Pair of Eero Aarnio “Elephant Boot” Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs , 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of rare Eero Aarnio “Elephant Boot” Lounge Chairs Designed in Finland, made in Hong Kong, c. 1970, Woven natural rattan, bamboo. Decals on ...
Wicker
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
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 Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
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
Pair of Carl-Johan Boman Easy Chairs in Floral Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A pair of Finnish easy chairs designed by Carl-Johan Boman in the 1940s. The chairs have low, generous proportions with curved wraparound backrests, sprung seats and softly rounded s...
Upholstery, Birch
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
Stressless Leather Recliner and Ottoman Norway Ekornes Scandinavian Modern
By Ekornes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an stressless leather recliner and ottoman manufactured by the Norwegian brand Ekornes. It features specialized built-in engineering like the Glide-system an...
Leather
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mogens Voltelen for Ivan Schlechter 'Copenhagen' Lounge Chair Leather and Teak
By Mogens Voltelen, Ivan Schlechter
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
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
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, 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
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Unknown Designer in Oak and Leather, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare pair of lounge chairs by an unknown designer and maker, produced in Sweden during the 1920s. Crafted in solid oak and upholstered in dark brown, almost black leather. The chairs...
Leather, Oak
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
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
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
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
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
Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283
By Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner famous and beautiful chair is an adaptation of an old Chinese chair of the Ming dynasty; “China Chair”. A very comfortable armchair made in mahogany. Loose seat cushio...
Leather, Mahogany
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
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
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
Hans J. Wegner “Mama Bear” Oak & Teakwood Lounge Set by AP-Stolen, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and highly desirable original production lounge set by Hans J. Wegner for AP-Stolen, Denmark, comprising the iconic AP27 lounge chair, affectionately known as the “Mama Bear,” t...
Oak, Teak
Rare Otto Schulz for Boet Lounge Chair in Pink Wool Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Otto Schulz for Boet, lounge chair, reupholstered in wool velvet “Gabriel Blush” by Pierre Frey, beech, Sweden, ca. 1932 A Different Vision of Modern Living Otto Schulz (1882–197...
Velvet, Beech
$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 Otto Schulz, La Maison Pierre Frey, 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
$8,037 / 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
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
Danish Modern Model 45 Lounge Chair, Finn Juhl Manner, Pair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Modern Model 45 Lounge Chair, Finn Juhl Manner, Pair Offered for sale is a pair of the iconic Model 45 Lounge Chair, originally designed in 1945 by the renowned master of D...
Upholstery, Hardwood
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Danish Late Art Deco Lounge Chair with Cabriole Legs
By Georg Kofoed
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful very stylish Danish low lounge chair from the 1930-40's. We are unaware of the designer and maker for this chair but they are a bit in the style of famed maker, Georg Kof...
Wool
$3,400 / item
Borge Mogensen, Model 2254 Lounge Chair, 1956
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful highback lounge chair 'BM-2254/ Slædestolen' designed by Børge Mogensen in 1956 and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Sweden, mahogany frame with adjustable seat and back...
Upholstery, Mahogany, Suede
Berga Mobler Lounge Chair in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, armchair, 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 text...
Fabric, Beech
Søren Hansen sculptural wingback armchair for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A sculptural wingback armchair designed by Søren Hansen and produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark during the 1940s. Upholstered in button-tufted wool fabric, with a beech frame and gen...
Fabric, Beech
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno 'Mondi Soft' Armchair in Beige Upholstery
By Jouko Järvisalo, Inno Interior OY
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
Danish 1940s Lowback Easy Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size. Padd...
Wool, Beech
Oak & Cognac Leather ‘Spanish Chair’ Model 2226 by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Karis, Nyland
An early 1960s production of Børge Mogensen’s iconic ‘Spanish Chair’, Model 2226, manufactured by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark. The chair combines a substantial solid oak frame ...
Leather, Oak
Poul M. Volther Lounge Chair and ottoman, Corona
By Erik Jørgensen, Poul Volther
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul M. Volther lounge chair and ottoman in original patinated full grain leather. Frame of brushed steel. Model EJ-5 Corona, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Stainless Steel
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
Pr. Hans Wegner Carl Hansen & Son CH07 Lounge Chairs made in Denmark c. 1990's
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of the iconic CH07 lounge chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner, made in Denmark by Carl Hansen & Son, circa 1990's. Originally produced in an extremely small number ...
Upholstery, Plywood
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
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
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey fabric and birch lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced and spring seat ideally restored. ...
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Midcentury “CH 27” Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “CH 27” lounge chairs by Hans J. Wegner, made from oak and rattan. Beautiful pattern in the rattan and whimsical carved “horns” at the tops of the backs.
Rattan, Oak
Steen Østergaard Lounge Chair in Oak and Moss Green Upholstery
By Stol-Ex, Steen Ostergaard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Steen Østergaard for Stol-Ex, lounge chair, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1962 Made in 1962, this armchair bears the mark of Danish architect and industrial designer, Steen Østergaard, craf...
Fabric, Oak
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.