Scandinavian Modern Linen Armchairs
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Pine
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Spruce
Vintage 1940s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Beech
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Cane, Beech
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Birch
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Pine
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Oak
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Cotton, Linen, Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Birch, Satinwood, Fabric, Cotton, Jacquard, Linen
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Beech
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavi...
Wool
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Rattan, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Rattan, Oak
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Canvas, Oak
Vintage 1960s German Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Metal
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Teak, Plywood
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Birch
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Living Room Sets
Fabric, Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Oak, Teak
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Leather, Fabric, Linen, Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs
Oak, Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Linen, Oak
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Oak
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Pine, Bouclé, Upholstery
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Hardwood
2010s North American Modern Side Chairs
Hardwood
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
2010s Table Lamps
Iron
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary British Organic Modern Wall Lights and Sco...
Plaster
2010s African Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Clay, Earthenware
2010s Belgian Modern Sofas
Linen
21st Century and Contemporary Australian Organic Modern Chandeliers and ...
Copper, Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...
Metal
21st Century and Contemporary Mexican Organic Modern Table Lamps
Linen, Wood
2010s American Table Lamps
Brass
2010s Brazilian Modern Chairs
Leather, Textile, Upholstery, Laminate, Hardwood
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Beech
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Wood
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Cane, Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Pine
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Pine
Antique Late 18th Century Swedish Gustavian Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Fruitwood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Canvas, Pine
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Wool, Wood
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Linen
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Rosewood
2010s Danish Armchairs
Linen, Oak, Wool
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Beech, Linen
Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Metal
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Oak
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Wood
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Beech
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Oak
Vintage 1950s American Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Rosewood
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Canvas, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Wood
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Leather, Linen, Oak
Vintage 1960s American Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Walnut
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Pine
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Rattan, Birch
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Teak, Upholstery
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Wool, Linen, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Pine
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Birch
Vintage 1920s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Wool, Mahogany
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Pine
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Oak, Linen
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Linen, Birch
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Brass
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Linen, Rattan, Teak, Walnut
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Antique 1660s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Fabric, Oak
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Pine
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Oak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Teak, Fabric
Vintage 1950s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Teak, Upholstery
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Wool, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Linen Armchairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Scandinavian Modern Linen Armchairs?
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
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
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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 armchairs for You
Armchairs have run the gamut from prestige to ease and everything in between, and everyone has an antique or vintage armchair that they love.
Long before industrial mass production democratized seating, armchairs conveyed status and power.
In ancient Egypt, the commoners took stools, while in early Greece, ceremonial chairs of carved marble were designated for nobility. But the high-backed early thrones of yore, elevated and ornate, were merely grandiose iterations of today’s armchairs.
Modern-day armchairs, built with functionality and comfort in mind, are now central to tasks throughout your home. Formal dining armchairs support your guests at a table for a cheery feast, a good drafting chair with a deep seat is parked in front of an easel where you create art and, elsewhere, an ergonomic wonder of sorts positions you at the desk for your 9 to 5.
When placed under just the right lamp where you can lounge comfortably, both elbows resting on the padded supports on each side of you, an upholstered armchair — or a rattan armchair for your light-suffused sunroom — can be the sanctuary where you’ll read for hours.
If you’re in the mood for company, your velvet chesterfield armchair is a place to relax and be part of the conversation that swirls around you. Maybe the dialogue is about the beloved Papa Bear chair, a mid-century modern masterpiece from Danish carpenter and furniture maker Hans Wegner, and the wingback’s strong association with the concept of cozying up by the fireplace, which we can trace back to its origins in 1600s-era England, when the seat’s distinctive arm protrusions protected the sitter from the heat of the period’s large fireplaces.
If the fireside armchair chat involves spirited comparisons, your companions will likely probe the merits of antique and vintage armchairs such as Queen Anne armchairs, Victorian armchairs or even Louis XVI armchairs, as well as the pros and cons of restoration versus conservation.
Everyone seems to have a favorite armchair and most people will be all too willing to talk about their beloved design. Whether that’s the unique Favela chair by Brazilian sibling furniture designers Fernando and Humberto Campana, who repurposed everyday objects to provocative effect; or Marcel Breuer’s futuristic tubular metal Wassily lounge chair; the functionality-first LC series from Charlotte Perriand, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret; or the Eames lounge chair of the mid-1950s created by Charles and Ray Eames, there is an iconic armchair for everyone and every purpose. Find yours on 1stDibs right now.
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