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Scandinavian Modern Brass Chairs

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Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Gio Ponti, Paolo Buffa
Located in Carimate, Como
Beautiful and stylish Italian Mid-Century Modern set of 6 dining chairs, with greatly worked and
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Norell Safari Lounge Chair for Scanform
By Arne Norell, Scanform
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A 'Sirocco' safari chair designed by Arne Norell in 1966 and produced by Scanform in Colombia, a
Category

Mid-20th Century Colombian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern Italian Walnut Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs
By Ico & Luisa Parisi, Paolo Buffa, Gio Ponti
Located in Carimate, Como
Very elegant Italian Mid-Century Modern set of 6 dining chairs, with greatly shaped wooden
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Danish 1950s Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Boomerang Chair, France & Son
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Designed by Architects Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen in 1954 the Boomerang chair is one of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Gustav Bertelsen Lounge Chair
By Peter Hvidt, Gustav Bertelsen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Gustav Bertelsen, armchair, teak, niger leather, brass
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Lounge Chair with Sculpted Armrests, 1960s
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Great looking semi high-back lounge chair produced in Denmark during the 1960s. This chair has a
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Set of Two '2' Oak Accent Chairs by Hickory in Knoll Ivory Boucle Fabric, 1960s
By Edward Wormley
Located in Deland, FL
These stately side chairs by Hickory Mfg have been newly upholstered in a luxurious Ivory Boucle (a
Category

Vintage 1960s American Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Black
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, FR
_________________ Samurai is a modern interpretation of the low-slung hunting chair type, with construction inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather

Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Black
Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Black
H 29.53 in W 25.99 in D 32.68 in
Low Swedish Beech Lounge Chair by Folke Ohlsson for Dux, 1960s
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Charleston, SC
Folke Ohlsson slipper lounge chair manufactured for dux in Sweden, circa 1950s. This danish modern
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Slipper Chairs

Materials

Brass

Danish ‘Safari’ Lounge Chair in Solid Ash and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, leather, ash, brass, Denmark, 1960s This Danish 'Safari' armchair shows very
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Boomerang Chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a very good original example of this classic chair, freshly upholstered in white boucle.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Boomerang Chair For France & Daverkosen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Designed by Architects Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen in 1954 the Boomerang chair is one of
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of Commissioned Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, Merivaara 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
classical chairs as Domus, Aslak, Kiki and Nana. Tapiovaara won a number of gold medals at the Triennals in
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish TeVe chair by Alf Svensson for Ljungs Industrier, Dux, 1950s
By Dux of Sweden, Ljungs Industrier Sweden, Alf Svensson
Located in Forserum, SE
A TeVe lounge chair, designed by the Swedish architect Alf Svensson in 1953 for the manufacturer
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Pair of 'Spanish Chairs' in Oak and Cognac Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, pair of 'Spanish Chairs,' oak, leather, brass, Denmark
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Interior Crafts Chieftain Chair for "Structure" after Finn Juhl late 1990s
By Finn Juhl, Interior Crafts
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A chieftain chair in mahogany and green leather. This is a faithful remake produced by Interior
Category

1990s American Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

1950s Racquet Chair by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen
By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen, Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
the Windsor chair though the modern lamination technique has made possible an independent and personal
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Windsor Chairs

Materials

Brass

Helge Vestergaard "Racket Chair"
By Helge Vestergaard-Jensen, Niels Roth Andersen
Located in Madrid, ES
Easy chair with cherry frame. Back and seat with nylon strings. Head-rest upholstered with light
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Helge Vestergaard "Racket Chair"
Helge Vestergaard "Racket Chair"
H 44.89 in W 29.53 in D 33.08 in
Pair Danish Leather and Cane Lounge Chairs by Pierre Sindre for Garsnas
By Gärsnäs Mobler
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Danish leather and cane lounge chairs by Pierre Sindre for Garsnas. The chairs have curved
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius for Poul Bachmann 'PB10' Lounge Chairs
By Poul Bachmann, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius for Poul Bachmann, pair of folding lounge chairs, model ‘PB10
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Niels Kofoed Easy Chairs Model Lars Produced by Niels Kofoed
By Niels Koefoed
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model Lars designed by Niels Kofoed. Produced by Niels Kofoed in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

1940s Swedish Lamb Leather Wing Chairs Armchairs
Located in Farmingdale, NJ
, they look quite modern. From the estate of a local judge. A rare find in this condition and well looked
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Leather

Arne F. Tidemand Ruud for Nocraft 'Holmenkollen' Chair with Ottoman
By Arne Tidemand Ruud, AS Inventar
Located in Waalwijk, NL
ottoman, leather, teak, brass, fabric, steel, Norway, 1959 This easy chair with ottoman is designed by
Category

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel

Mogens Koch Side Chair and Stool
By Mogens Koch
Located in Valby, 84
Rare side chair and stool designed by Mogens Koch in the 1930’s for the office’s at Skive
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch Side Chair and Stool
Mogens Koch Side Chair and Stool
H 31.5 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Arne Norell "Sirocco" Safari Chair for Norell Möbel AB, Sweden 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Utrecht, NL
leather, and brass buckles. This chair features the original handstitched slings, backrest, and seat in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Fine Pair of NV53 Chairs by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are a very fine pair of NV53 chairs designed by a master of chair design, Finn Juhl and made
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Dark Smoked & Nature
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, FR
_________________ Samurai is a modern interpretation of the low-slung hunting chair type, with construction inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Kaare Klint Safari Chair Produced by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark
By Kaare Klint
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare safari chair designed by Kaare Klint. Produced by Rud Rasmussen in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Erik Ole Jørgensen for Bovirke Easy Chair in Suede
By Bovirke, Erik Jørgensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Erik Jørgensen, lounge chair model BO361, chromed metal, suede, wool, rope, brass, Denmark, design
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Kaare Klint Deck Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint deck chair in teak with brass fittings. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Kaare Klint Deck Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
Kaare Klint Deck Chair for Rud. Rasmussen
H 36.23 in W 22.84 in D 29.53 in
Sven Staaf, Lounge Chair, Shearling, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Sven Staaf
Located in High Point, NC
A beige shearling, wood and brass lounge chair designed and produced by Sven Staaf, Sweden, 1940s
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Slipper Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Hans Wegner for GETAMA High Back Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman Model GE290
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hans Wegner for Getama High Back Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Beautiful Wood in Original Condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953. Finn Juhl originally
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Hans Wegner GE-270 Lounge Chair, 1956
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, GB
Hans Wegner GE-270 lounge chair, 1956 Classic Wegner lounge chair produced by GETAMA in Gedsted
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Hans Wegner GE-270 Lounge Chair, 1956
Hans Wegner GE-270 Lounge Chair, 1956
H 29.14 in W 26.38 in D 28.75 in
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Dining Chair in Teak
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, dining chair, model 71, teak, brass, Denmark, 1959
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Dining Chair in Teak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen Dining Chair in Teak
H 30.71 in W 19.3 in D 20.08 in
Pair of Teak Japan Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are beautiful, original Finn Juhl chairs from the early 1960's. Originally designed in the
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Tidemand-Ruud Lounge Chair Model Holmenkollen by Norcraft in Norway
By Arne Tidemand Ruud
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare lounge chair model Holmenkollen designed by Arne Tidemand-Ruud. Produced by Norcraft in Norway.
Category

Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Erik Ole Jørgensen for Bovirke Easy Chair in Cognac Brown Suede
By Bovirke, Erik Ole Jørgensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Erik Jørgensen for Bovirke, lounge chair, model BO361, chrome-plated steel, suede, wool, brass
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass, Steel, Chrome

Arne Norell Sirocco Easy Chair by Arne Norell AB in Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy chair model Sirocco designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Natural Oak & Nature Leather
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, FR
_________________ Samurai is a modern interpretation of the low-slung hunting chair type, with construction inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen Spanish Chair, Oak and Leather, 1958
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in London, GB
Børge Mogensen - The Spanish Chair, c1958 Manufactured by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Copenhagen
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen Spanish Chair, Oak and Leather, 1958
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in London, GB
Børge Mogensen - The Spanish Chair, c1958 Manufactured by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Copenhagen
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of Arne Dahlén Lounge Chairs in Green Bouclé and Teak, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Dahlén, Dahlens Dalum
Located in The Hague, NL
was solely devoted to the production of chairs. The soft geometric angles give this chair a modern
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Hans Olsen Easy Chairs Model 500 Produced by C/S Møbler
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chairs model 500 designed by Hans Olsen. Produced by C/S Møbler in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Contemporary Chair 'Samurai' by Norr11, Natural Oak & Brandy Leather
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, FR
_________________ Samurai is a modern interpretation of the low-slung hunting chair type, with construction inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Hans J. Wegner GE290A White Oak Lounge Chairs
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A handsome pair of GE 290A lounge chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama. Frames are crafted
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Easy Chair Model 480 by Alf. Juul Rasmussen
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair model 480 designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Produced by Alf. Juul Rasmussens
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

K. Rasmussen for Peter Wessel Wingback Leather Lounge Chair, 1960
By K. Rasmussen, Peter Wessel
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This beautiful wingback chair is designed by K. Rasmussen for Peter Wessel from Norway. It has the
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Easy Chairs Model Bm-2254 by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model BM-2254 / Slædestolen designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of "Model 1514" Leather Chairs by Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of "Model 1514" Chairs by Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940's Original leather, Brass studs 23.6 in
Category

Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Brass

A pair of Swedish design cocktail/lounge chairs or fauteuils.
Located in SON EN BREUGEL, NL
A stunning pair of Scandinavian design cocktail or lounge chairs/ fauteuils. The chairs have a
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood, Beech

1970s, Danish vintage club chair, original velour upholstery
Located in Tarm, 82
, very good condition. Legs - original wheels, brass springs in the seat. No smells. Very comfortable
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Børge Mogensen Spanish Chair, Oak and Leather, 1958
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in London, GB
Børge Mogensen The Spanish Chair, c1958 Manufactured by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Copenhagen
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Arne Norell Ilona Oak and Cognac Leather Campaign Safari Chair, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Ilona campaign safari chair rendered in a turned oak frame with cognac leather back, side
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

Danish Wingback Lounge Chair in Original Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, pine , leather, Denmark, 1950s This lounge chair is in beautiful patinated and
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Pine, Leather

Vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Teak Lounge Chair-Denmark, 1960s
By Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lovely and dynamically-proportioned lounge or easy chair attributed to Arne Hovmand-Olsen and
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Pair of easy chairs in white and black lacquered wood produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs designed by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Chair in Mahogany
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, dining chair, model 71, mahogany, brass, Denmark
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch MK16 Folding Chair for Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1950s
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch & Rud Rasmussen Scandinavian Modern A beautiful beech and canvas folding chairs
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Beech

Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Safari Chair in Brown Canvas and Ash
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, safari chair model 'KK47000', ash, canvas, metal, brass, leather
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal, Brass

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Scandinavian Modern Brass Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of Scandinavian modern brass chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, brass and wood, all Scandinavian modern brass chairs available were constructed with great care. Find 380 antique and vintage Scandinavian modern brass chairs at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 16 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. Scandinavian modern brass chairs have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Scandinavian modern brass chairs are generally popular furniture pieces, but Scandinavian Modern and Mid-Century Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many Scandinavian modern brass chairs are appealing in their simplicity, but Arne Norell, Kaare Klint and Rud Rasmussen produced popular Scandinavian modern brass chairs that are worth a look.

How Much are Scandinavian Modern Brass Chairs?

Prices for Scandinavian modern brass chairs start at $600 and top out at $97,679 with the average selling for $5,508.

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. 

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.