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.
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Long Teak Credenza or Dresser by Westnofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
You can use this in any room of the house! A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction made by Westnofa Furniture in Europe. It features a sleek front with 6 dee...
Teak
Swedish Grace "Haga" Sideboard by Carl Malmsten
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant sideboard by Carl Malmsten for NK, model called “Haga”, made from birch. Stained top and base, graphic inlays on the door fronts. Lovely attention to detail.
Birch
Henning Kjærnulf for EG Møbler, Solid Oak Sideboard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Arne Vodder, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful mid-century sideboard designed by Henry Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, crafted in solid oak during the 1960s–70s. This piece exemplifies the refined Scandinavian design ...
Oak
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Credenza Sideboard Server c 1950/60's
By Brouer Mobel
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern rosewood credenza, server, sideboard, server, marked Brouer on verso, as shown. The server features two drawers over two swing out doors, which...
Rosewood
$4,875Sale Price|25% Off
Beautiful Scandinavian modern teak credenza by Fredrik Kayser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Scandinavian modern teak credenza by Fredrik Kayser. Amazing construction with 3 sliding doors with 2 adjustable shelves and 3 drawers on the right behind them. Sits on a s...
Birch, Teak
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern sliding door Teak Credenza by Ib-Kofod Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern sliding door Teak Credenza by Ib-Kofod Larsen. Great sized credenza with 3 front sliding doors that have sculpted finger pulls. Behind the doors are 2 Adjus...
Teak
Kurt Østervig Sideboard in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kurt Østervig, sideboard, walnut, Denmark, 1950s Sophisticated walnut sideboard by Kurt Østervig. The quality of this piece is reflected in the very well made seamless wood joints a...
Walnut
Weave 196, Credenza from Ringvide. Solid Oak wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave 196 Oak natural oil Weave credenza, made of solid oak wood and laminated oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scandinavian...
Birch
Mid Century Danish Rosewood Credenza Sideboard with drawers and Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Rosewood high Credenza Sideboard with 3 storage drawers and Cabinet with Adjustable shelves. Has 4 felt lined drawers. Made circa 1960s. Very clean inside and out ...
Birch, Rosewood, Pine
Credenza from Ringvide, Weave Frame, Birch Wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Credenza, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designe...
Birch, Oak
Scandinavian Teak Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Cabinet, Denmark 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcentury modern design teak credenza cabinet designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for Soborg Mobelfabrik with sliding roller shutter doors and three int...
Wood, Teak
Weave double sided credenza, from Ringvide. Birch wood, natural oil.
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Double sided Credenza, made of solid wood and veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed...
Birch, Oak
Weave Double Sided Credenza, from Ringvide, Oak Wood, Natural Oil
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Double sided Credenza, made of solid birch wood and veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the Weave serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Long Teak Credenza with Tambour Doors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction. It features two sliding tambour doors, two drawers and two shelf spaces. Marked made in Denmark. Original clean cond...
Teak
Weave 196, Credenza from Ringvide. Solid Birch wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave 196 Birch natural oil Weave credenza, made of solid birch wood and laminated birch veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scand...
Birch
Credenza from Ringvide. Weave Frame, oak wood, natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Sideboard, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas...
Birch, Oak
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
Danish Modern teak credenza with sliding doors by ib Kofod Larsen
By Faarup Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern credenza with sliding doors and 3 adjustable shelves by ib Kofod Larsen. Circular door slide handles. Minimalist design. Made By Faarup Møbelfabrik made in Denmark. Loc...
Teak
$3,597Sale Price|40% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern 4 door teak credenza sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern teak credenza sideboard. Made in Norway, c. 1965. Wonderful light teak wood with (4) upper short drawers and (4) lower cabinet doors. The ca...
Birch, Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Credenza with 3 Sliding Doors, 1970s Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern Teak credenza with 3 sliding doors and (2) felt lined drawers with interior shelving. Nice light teak and modern danish design. Has carved inset handles on all 3 slidin...
Teak
Hans J. Wegner Danish Modern Sideboard in Oak and Rattan Model "Ry26", 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful and rare low oakwood sideboard / credenza model "RY-26" from the 1960s by Hans J. Wegner. Made by "RY Møbler", Denmark. The sideboard features rattan / woven cane and inlai...
Rattan, Oak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Mid century danish modern teak credenza with key
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern teak credenza with key. This teak credenza features (2) center cabinet doors with curved handles that has a center shelf behind it. Also has a symmetrical d...
Birch, Teak
Mid Century Modern Danish Rosewood Credenza by Bernhard Pedersen & Son. C. 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid Century Modern Danish Rosewood Sideboard Credenza by Bernhard Pedersen & Son, Denmark. Circa 1970s Features a quintessential Scandinavian Midcentury Modern design wi...
Wood
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century danish modern rosewood credenza with bookcase shelf unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern tall rosewood credenza with bookcase has Key. Lower (2) door credenza with (4) drawers the other side has adjustable shelves. The top tall wall unit bookcas...
Rosewood
Midcentury Swedish Sculptural Dresser, William Hinn
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful curved and sculptural dresser or credenza from the 1950s Sweden with an exposed biomorphic frame of exquisitely hand-sculpted solid walnut...
Walnut
$1,676Sale Price|20% Off
Sideboard By Karl Erik Ekselius For JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. 1960s
By Karl-Erik Ekselius, JOC Mobler Vetlanda
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very beautiful and high quality sideboard / credenzas in teak and designed by Karl Erik Ekselius for JOC Design Vetlanda Sweden. This cabinet is in absolutely beautiful condition and...
Beech, Teak
Mid-century Scandinavian Low Teak Sideboard Media Credenza 68 ''
Located in Oakland, CA
Handcrafted from beautifully grained old-growth teak, this mid-century Danish low credenza features two sliding doors that open to reveal a mahogany interior with adjustable shelves....
Teak
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Low Chest or Bench Style of Kai Kristiansen
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Scandinavian Modern teak low chest or bench composed in the style of Kai Kristiansen. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will ...
Teak
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Danish Modern Teak 2 tier Credenza Sideboard Cabinet
By Arne Vodder, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Danish Modern Teak 2 tier Credenza Sideboard Cabinet. Top section features three sliding doors with concave circle pulls revealing 5 drawers on the left and adj...
Birch, Teak
$1,436Sale Price|50% Off
Danish Teak Wood Sideboard with 19 Drawers, Scandinavian Modern
Located in None, IT
Teak wood sideboard, has 19 internal drawers and three sliding doors; The external doors are equipped with a key lock. Danish design, 1970s. Conditions: In good condition, it show...
Teak
Johannes Andersen Mid-century Danish Brazilian Rosewood Credenza
Located in Oakland, CA
Finely crafted mid-century rosewood credenza designed by Johannes Andersen for Silkeborg Møbelfabrik, Model 93, circa 1960, Denmark. The sideboard is handcrafted from book-matched ol...
Rosewood
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
Scandinavian Mid Century Danish Modern light oak 4 drawer 2 door credenza
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Mid Century Danish Modern light oak 4 drawer 2 door credenza. Beautiful sideboard in light oak that has (4) drawer and (2) sliding doors with 2 adjustable shelves. Inter...
Oak, Teak
$4,800 / item
1980s Danish Modern Rosewood Credenza by Drylund
By Drylund
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous and functional Danish Modern Credenza by Drylund, circa 1980. The piece has three functional cabinets, with the right two designed with open bays and the left with 4 spaciou...
Wood
1960's Mid-century Danish Teak Credenza with Doors and Drawers
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s Danish teak credenza crafted with three sliding doors and series of four drawers, each adorned with angled triangular pulls, raised on tapered legs. The interior is made of cub...
Teak
$2,000Sale Price|50% Off
Mid century Scandinavian Danish 3 door painted credenza with Key
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Danish 3 door painted credenza or sideboard. Has 3 top drawers with 3 lower doors with Key. Behind doors are 3 flat drawers and 4 adjustable shelves. All solid Oak custo...
Oak, Lacquer
H.P. Hansen Teak Credenza, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1962
By H.P. Hansen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
H.P. Hansen Teak Credenza with sliding doors and center drawers. Beautiful shape with top newly refinished. 86" long with tons of useful storage! Teak shows great grain and door...
Teak
Rosewood Tambour Door Credenza by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Danish modern rosewood tambour door credenza with center dovetailed drawer section and adjustable shelf on each side.
Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood
$1,910Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Teak Buffet, Credenzas By Carl Löfving & Söner, Sweden
By Carl Löfving & Söner
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Extremely beautiful and high quality buffet cabinet / credenzas with seven drawers and an extendable shelf allover in very good condition designed by Kurt Karlsson for Löfvings & Sön...
Brass
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sculptural Danish Teak H.P. Hansen Sideboard Credenza
By H.P. Hansen
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern sideboard credenza by H.P. Hansen in teak, circa 1960s, made in Denmark. This showcase piece features sliding doors accessorized with sculptural handles. Offers pl...
Teak
Oak Highboard by Henning Kjærnulf, Baroque & Mid-Century, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking highboard in oak with rich carved details. Attributed to Henry Kjærnulf. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Probably m...
Oak
Beautiful Danish modern teak credenza with sliding doors by Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Danish Modern teak sideboard with sliding doors with vertical concave pulls. Designed by Aksel Kjersgaard. The sliding doors open to three cabinet spaces with adjustable sh...
Teak
Hansen & Pedersen, Danish Mid Century Modern, Freestanding Teak Credenza, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning Danish Modern freestanding sideboard / credenza by Hansen & Pedersen, crafted in the 1960s from warm, rich teak wood. The piece features sliding doors with organically sha...
Ceramic, Teak
Small Scandinavian rosewood sideboard
Located in Brescia, IT
Sideboard from the 1950s-60s in rosewood and oak with hinged doors, drawers with carved handles, and shaped legs. Small Scandinavian 1950s-60s sideboard in rosewood with frame light...
Palisander
Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson 'Öresund' in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner, 'Öresund' cabinet, Oregon pine, Denmark, 1960s A neat and uncomplicated sideboard designed by the Danish master Børge Mogensen in the sixt...
Pine
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern rosewood 3 drawer 3 door credenza rounded corners
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern rosewood 3 Drawer 3 Door Wide Credenza. Has 3 top drawers and 3 lower doors with adjustable shelves. Sits on a plinth base. Circa 1970s. Drawers have metal glide ...
Rosewood
$3,375Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian modern 3 door blonde maple credenza by Skovby Denmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern 3 door blonde maple credenza by Skovby. This credenza has very simple design and lines in blonde maple finish. Has 3 front cabinet doors with drawers and adjustab...
Maple
Borge Mogensen Cabinet Credenza with Sliding Doors Scandinavian Modern Oak Teak
Located in Chicago, IL
Borge Mogensen chest of drawers. Oak and Teak. Measures: 33"H x 53"W x 22"D Two sliding doors The interior on one side has three removable treys, the other side contains two shel...
Steel
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinet and Side Chairs
Located in Oakland, CA
An elegant three-piece ensemble, handcrafted in Denmark by master cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen. The collection includes a traditional Scandinavian cabinet in Oak, showcasing dramatic ...
Oak
Weave Bedside 45 from Ringvide, Birch wood, black oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet mod...
Birch, Oak
French handcrafted blue gray 3-door sideboard, by designer Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
Credenza from Ringvide, Weave Frame, Birch Wood, black oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Credenza, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén. The minimal yet expressive sideboard weave is made of solid birchwood and birchveneér. Inspired by the most common kind of wood and weed weaving the Weave sideboard...
Birch, Oak
Pair of Danish Midcentury Rosewood Sideboards by Svend Langkilde, 1960s
By Illums Bolighus, Svend Langkilde
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of striking rosewood sideboards by Svend Langkilde in a neat size. Cool, graphic legs forming triangle shapes, decorative sculpted opening. Distinct brass hinges. One of the sid...
Rosewood
Weave Bedside 60 from Ringvide, Birch wood natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet mod...
Birch, Oak
$3,847Sale Price|44% Off
Mid century danish modern credenza flip down desk bookcase shelf unit by Lovig
By Lovig Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful mid century Danish modern credenza with flip down desk and shelf unit designed by Lovig for Dansk. Nice flip down desk area with cubbies ...
Brass
Green 4-Door Low Sideboard Design Eric Gizard Paris - handcrafted in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 h...
Ash, Wood
Danish MCM rosewood sideboard by Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in Sayreville, NJ
Rare sideboard in rosewood by Arne Vodder. Produced by Helge Sibast, 1960s. Front with four doors enclosing shelves, drawers, sliding trays and a bar interior. Inbuilt lighting. T...
Rosewood
IB Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Sideboard, Mfg. Faarup Mobelfabrik / Denmark 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Rosewood credenza designed by IB Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Mobelfabrik. Very Rare model. Circa 1960’s. Retains original finish and patina, The book-match rosewood graining is ...
Rosewood
Scandinavian vintage oak sideboard with tin drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Oak sideboard with hinged doors and tin side drawers with a clean, geometric design typical of the 1960s/70s. Scandinavian oak sideboard made in the 1960s/70s, characterized by sobe...
Oak
Midcentury Danish Modern Sideboard Credenza by Sannemannn Moble. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Credenza Sideboard by Sannemannn Mobler, Denmark. Circa 1980s Features a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design, with clean lines and a b...
Teak
IB Kofod Larsen Danish Rosewood Credenza
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid-century Rosewood credenza designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark, 1955. This sideboard features book-matched rosewood with four cabinet doors below four drawers. Upon opening, the ...
Rosewood
$5,975Sale Price|23% Off
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sideboard Credenza by Kurt Østervig for KP Møbler
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Danish modern sideboard credenza in teak designed by Kurt Ostervig for KP Mobler, made in Denmark, circa 1960s. This piece maxi...
Teak