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 Danish Modern Teak Credenza with Tambour sliding doors
By Hans J. Wegner, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Brande Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and refined sideboard signed by the famous Danish designer IB Kofod-Larsen for Brandes Møbelfabrik, a Scandinavian design classic of the 1950s. Made of teak, this piece has a mi...
Birch, Teak
Henning Kjærnulf, Oak Sideboard, Danish Mid-Century, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Arne Vodder, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural Danish Modern sideboard / credenza designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in solid oak, the piece features the designer’s ch...
Brass
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
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
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
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
$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
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
$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
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 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
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$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
$1,410Sale 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
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
Henning Kjærnulf for EG Møbler, Solid Oak Sideboard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Hans J. Wegner, 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
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
Peter Løvig Nielsen Teak Credenza, Hand-Crafted Scandinavian Modern
Located in Round Top, TX
Teak credenza with center adjustable shelf. Beautiful original condition and ready to use. Amazing grain throughout, with original sticker to finished back; Denmark 1960s. Designed ...
Teak
$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
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
$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
Sideboard model "Ladoga" by Erik Wörtz, 1960s
By Erik Wortz
Located in Brescia, IT
Rosewood sideboard with sliding doors and center drawers. Design by Erik Wörtz, 1960s. Sideboard model "Ladoga" designed by Erik Wörtz, first production in 1967. Made of rosewood, i...
Rosewood
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
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
$5,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
1950's Scandinavian Brazilian Rosewood Sideboard with Center Bar
By Bruno Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
This handcrafted Danish sideboard from the 1950s is made of dark Brazilian rosewood with stunning grain patterns. The sliding doors open to reveal a center bar with an interior light...
Rosewood
Red 4-Door Customizable Low Sideboard in Wood, Design Eric Gizard - Paris
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 he...
Ash, Wood
Sideboard "Ulvö" Yngve Ekström Bjärsta 1960s
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Yngve Ekström
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak sideboard with sliding doors and center drawers, birch interior with dividers. Yngve Ekström, Bjärsta, 1960s, "Ulvö" model. Designed by Yngve Ekström in the 1960s, the "Ulvö" s...
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
$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
Rosewood Sideboard by Henry Rosengren Hansen for Brande Møbelindustri, Denmark.
By Henry Rosengren Hansen, Brande Møbelindustri
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant rosewood sideboard by Henry Rosengren Hansen. Nice details like the joinery of the legs and sculpted handles that meet at the center of the front.
Rosewood
$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
Mid Century Danish Modern Large Scale Cabinet, Chest or Credenza in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A stunning Scandinavian cabinet from the 1960's. This sleek piece features gorgeous book-matched teak wood, large door and six drawers with tons of interior storage space. Nice shall...
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
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian Sideboards in Teak and Rattan by Alf Svensson
By Bjästa Möbelfabrik, Alf Svensson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Two sleek and sophisticated sideboards, crafted by the renowned designer Alf Svensson and produced by the esteemed Bjästa Möbelfabrik of Sweden, gracefully adorn this piece from the ...
Teak, Rattan
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
Weave 86, Cabinet from Ringvide, Birch wood black oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave 86 Birch cabinet, made of solid birchwood and laminated birchveneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of Scan...
Birch, Oak
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
Danish Modern Teak Sideboard Credenza by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Bernhard Pedersen & Son, Brande Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Johannes Andersen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik, this exceptional teak credenza showcases the refined structural elegance and sculptural restraint that define the very best of Sca...
Stainless Steel
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
$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
Finn Juhl for One Collection, freestanding Credenza of walnut, 2000s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl freestanding credenza in walnut. White and blue sliding doors with shelfes behind. Standing on a black painted steel base with walnut shoes. ' Made by Onecollection
Steel
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
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
Vintage walnut sideboard 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
German production 1960s walnut, with three doors and drawers: warm grain, horizontal lines, low carved legs. German production from the 1960s, walnut sideboard with a desoign that e...
Nutwood
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Credenza, Model 309
Located in San Francisco, CA
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen credenza, Model 309. High quality construction and materials crafted in solid teak with a tambour door. Sophisticated cabinetry skills make this c...
Teak
Weave double sided credenza, from Ringvide. Birch wood, black 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
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
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
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
$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
Danish Modern Teak Display Console by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1950s
By Johannes Andersen, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Bernhard Pedersen & Son, Brande Møbelfabrik
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Attributed to Ib Kofod-Larsen for Brande Møbelfabrik, this exceptional Danish Modern teak display console embodies the refined architectural sensibility that defined Scandinavian des...
Stainless Steel
$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
$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
Danish Mid Century Oak Brutalist Credenza Gangso Mobler
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Poul H. Poulsen for Gangsø Møbler oak sideboard credenza circa 1970s, with large ceramic tile fronted doors. 84.5w 18d 30h
Ceramic, Oak
$3,826Sale Price|20% Off
Large High Teak Sideboard with Floating Top 1950s, Made in Denmark
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful high sideboard with floating top and solid wenge handles, a timeless design of furniture with lots of storage space on the left side 2 panel doors and 2 shelves on the right side 2 panel doors short and 1 shelve below 2 wide drawers. Simple modern storage unit...
Teak