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.
Pair of Danish 1940s Alfred Christensen Low Back Easy Chairs with open Armrests
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic pair of elegant Danish low back armchairs from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully curved oak. legs and armrests have a ...
Wool, Oak
Danish Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, Metal, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet, wood and metal lounge chair designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inch...
Metal
1960s, Lounge Chair 'Mexico' by Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An original 1960s “Mexico” armchair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden. This striking piece reflects Norell’s signature blend of Scandinavian craftsmanship and South American-inspired d...
Leather
Armchair by Fritz Hansen, Model 1590, Elm & Lambswool, Danish Modern, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful example of the iconic Model 1590 lounge chair produced by Danish manufacturer Fritz Hansen in the 1940s, a reupholstered seat in luxurious shearling lambswool. Crafted in...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Elm
Josef Frank, Lounge Chairs, Mahogany, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of mahogany and white fabric lounge chairs designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear to wood frame consistent with age and use. Reupholster...
Fabric, Mahogany
Arka Chair by Yngve Ekström, Hand-Crafted Oak, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Portland, OR
Nice early example of the Arka chair by Yngve Ekström. Sweden, 1950s. Solid oak. Excellent patina, structurally sound. Classic petite Scand...
Oak
Pair of mid century 1950's Scandinavian cocktail armchairs with new upholstery
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of mid century 1950's Danish cocktail armchairs newly reupholstered in a beige ribbed chenille fabric. Similar in style to some Fritz Hansen or Alfred Christiansen des...
Chenille, Beech
Brown Leather Lounge Chair 'Model Superstar" by Sigurd Ressell. 1970s
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A striking and comfortable 1970s Danish lounge chair designed by Sigurd Ressell for Trygg Møbler, known as the “Superstar” model. This iconic piece features a sculptural frame in dar...
Metal
Pine and Leather Safari Chairs by Karin Mobring, A Pair
By IKEA
Located in Portland, OR
“Diana” model safari-style lounge chairs designed by Karin Mobring and manufactured in 1972 for IKEA, Sweden. Frames of solid pine with stitched saddle leather seats and backrests, a...
Brass
Fritz Hansen PK 20 wicker lounge chair designed by Poul Kjærholm
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pre Owned Fritz Hansen PK20 wicker lounge chair designed by Poul Kjærholm. Minimalist Low lounge chair with Stainless steel frame and raw wicker hand woven upholstery. Good Pre owned...
Stainless Steel
Otto Schulz for Jio Möbler 'Schulz' Easy Chair in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Otto Schulz, Jio
Located in Prague, New Town
'Schulz' easy chair, designed by Otto Schulz. Produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping (Sweden), 1940s. Recently reupholstered in light sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 73 cm / 28.74 in Wi...
Sheepskin, Beech
$15,640 / set
Arne Norell Easy Chairs Model Inca, 1970s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Karlstad, SE
Pair of Arne Norell “Inca” Lounge Chairs, Sweden, 1970s Classic pair of “Inca” lounge chairs designed by Arne Norell in the 1970s. The chairs feature Norell’s signature combination ...
Leather, Beech
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
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Danish modern Madsen & Schubell tan Leather Swivel Lounge chair with ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern Madsen & Schubell tan Leather Swivel Lounge chair with ottoman. Great Scandinavian designed chair and ottoman with tan leather cushions and leather backing with Oak...
Metal
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 Rust brown leather cushions and brown leather a...
Brass
$48,123 / set
Danish Modern "Papa" Bear set of 2 armchairs, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Uccle, BE
This unique set features two early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by A.P. Stolen in Denmark around 1951. Priced as a pair, we are also open to selling...
Oak
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair with ottoman , Model AP62, Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair and ottoman, upholstered with patinated cognac leather. Frame of rossewood. Model AP 62, made by AP.
Leather, Rosewood
1970s, Norwegian design by Sigurd Ressel, chair with footstool, model "Falcon".
By Vatne Møbler, Sigurd Ressell
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Norwegian design by Sigurd Ressel, loungechair with footstool, model "Falcon". Furniture leather, canvas, bent beech wood. Original good condition with very nice patina: no sm...
Leather, Canvas, Beech
Original Danish 1950s Lounge Chair attributed to Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sublime lounge chair from Danish midcentury era very similar to the iconic model "Pragh" designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen and ...
Wool, Teak
Fritz Hansen Lounge Chairs "No. 1588" Elm, Cane & Sheepskin, Denmark, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Exceptional and highly sculptural pair of Fritz Hansen lounge chairs, model No. 1588, designed and produced in Denmark during the 1940s. Crafted in beautifully patinated solid elm wi...
Sheepskin, Cane, Elm
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen Pair of 'PK20' Lounge Chairs in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, pair of lounge chairs model 'PK20', leather, chrome-plated steel, Denmark, 1968 A highly modern design that embraces clear lines and curvaceou...
Steel, Chrome
Pair Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low lounge chairs Swedish Design. Designer and maker - Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid century modern Vintage Rosewood and soft...
Brass
Otto Schulz Pair of ‘Schulz’ Easy Chairs in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Otto Schulz, Jio
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of ‘Schulz’ easy chairs, designed by Otto Schulz. Produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping (Sweden), 1940s. Recently reupholstered in light sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 73 cm / 28...
Sheepskin, Beech
Pair of Carl-Johan Boman Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin and Wood, Finland, 1935
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of lounge chairs designed by Carl-Johan Boman at Boman Oy in Finland. The chairs are newly reupholstered in our own upholstery workshop with moonlight sheepskin. The chair com...
Sheepskin
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of beige brown-striped fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Minor to moderate wear to fabric (one has fraying on armrest). Minor scuffing...
Fabric, Wood
A Pair of Mid-Century Armchairs in Green and Birch, Finland 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of 1950s modernist armchairs crafted in Finnish birch with their original green velvet upholstery. The design plays with elegant, curving lines along the arms and ba...
Birch, Fabric
"Aulanko" Sheepskin Armchair/Lounge Chair by Märta Blomstedt, Finland, 1939
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing lounge chair by Märta Blomstedt, designed for the interior of the “Aulanko” hotel in 1939. Märta Blomstedt was the architecht behind the hotel. Oversized, voluptuous design w...
Sheepskin, Wood
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari Lounge chair by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo, Arne Norell, Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari lounge Chair by Bruksbo Norwegian Furniture Maker. A Single of very rare safari chair by Brukso / Stranda, Norway. This chair is...
Leather, Hardwood
Pair of Swedish Modern Lounge Chairs, Shearling Lambswool & Elm, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of Swedish Modern lounge chairs, originally crafted in Sweden in the 1930s–1940s, this set has been thoughtfully reupholstered in high-quality off-white shearling la...
Sheepskin, Elm
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early version of the A38 “high back” Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains sel...
Sheepskin, Birch
Hans Wegner Carl Hansen & Son CH07 Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in New York, NY
It is not an overstatement to describe this chair as iconic, the Hans Wegner model CH07 has firmly established its position in the hierarchy of 20th century design. This example was ...
Upholstery, Plywood
Pair of Wulff Lounge Chairs in Sheepskin Scandinavian Grey22 & Walnut for &T
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Introducing Wulff, a lounge chair whose upholstered form pays tribute to the hand-crafted designs of the 1930's. Wulff promises superior craftsmanship and outstanding comfort with l...
Sheepskin, Walnut
$8,734 / item
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. As voluminous as it is comfortable, Armchair 400 was created b...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Scandinavian Lounge Chair Esko Pajamies “Pele” for Lepokalusto, Finland, 1970s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This lounge chair was manufactured by the Finnish furniture company, Lahden Lepokalusto Oy in the 1970s. The “Pele” lounge chair by Finnish designe...
Suede, Oak
1970s, Norwegian design by Sigurd Ressel, lounge chair, model "Falcon".
By Sigurd Ressell, Vatne Møbler
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Norwegian design by Sigurd Ressel, lounge chair, model "Falcon". Furniture leather, canvas, bent beech wood. Original good condition with very nice patina: no smells, no stain...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and off-white fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 29.0"H x 24.5"W x 25.5"D ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Lounge Chair in Shearling in the Style of Fritz Hansen
By Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
This Danish Modern lounge chair was hand-crafted in the 1940s and takes after the "Easy Chair" design by Fritz Hansen. Like Hansen's design, this chair is built with comfort in mind....
Wool, Beech
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and white fabric lounge chair or club chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Seat height: 16.25” All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon ...
Fabric, Birch
Danish Midcentury Wingback Lounge Chair Attributed to Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very stylish Danish wingback lounge chair from circa 1950. We love the organic slim profile of the design reminiscent of the styles that were to emerge in the Danish midcentury late...
Wool, Beech
$19,991 / set
Pair of Mohair Velvet Sampo Wing Chairs from Dagmar
Located in London, England
Christian Sorensen - Sampo Chair, c1940s These are made to order new editions of a classic 1940s Danish design. The Sampo Chair originated from the workshop of little-known Copenha...
Fabric, Bouclé, Oak
Mid Century Rosewood Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Sirocco Safari lounge chair and ottoman in rosewood designed by Arne Norell for Möbel AB, Sweden. Features the original hand stitched slings in cowhide and tan leather. Accen...
Cowhide, Leather, Rosewood
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model-1032 Reclining Chair w/ Ottoman for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 39.50in H x 28.75in W x 33.50in D Seat Height: 17in Ottoman: 16.50in H x 23.50in W x 16.50in D ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Centur...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
$2,275Sale Price|30% Off
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Tufted Leather lounge chair by Tormod Alnas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Tufted Trega Leather lounge chair and ottoman by lounge chair by Tormod Alnas. Soft Brown Leather with Canvas backing and sling chrome frame. Good Vin...
Chrome
Mid Century Folding Lounge Chair made in Yugoslavia after Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Classic mid century folding lounge chair, made in Yugoslavia, after the iconic Wegner design. The chair features a solid wood frame, with a woven cord backrest and seat. This example...
Cord, Wood
Gote Mobler Nassjo Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman Sweden c. 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century swivel lounge chair with matching ottoman, in original black leather upholstery. The lounge chair swivels and features a lock mechanism, the ottoman also swiv...
Leather, Wood
1930s Finnish lounge chairs model 217 Continent, for ASKO
By Asko
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Delve into the timeless charm of the 1930s with ASKO's model 217 Finnish lounge chairs, embodying an elegant yet simple design that complements any Scandinavian Vintage Design interi...
Upholstery, Wood
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Bentwood Black Leather Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Black Leather Beech bentwood lounge chairs by Skippers Mobler. Tags on back and underneath. Very clean chair with light beech bentwo...
Leather, Beech
Walnut Finish Cane Back Armchair with Oatmeal Fabric Upholstery, Soho Collection
Located in Miami, FL
A Soho armchair designed by Sérgio Batista for Uultis, with walnut finish, natural color cane and oatmeal fabric. The Soho armchair perfectly blends vintage elegance with modern craf...
Walnut, Leather, Fabric, Cane, Wood
Danish Modern Bentwood Sling Chairs By Bernstorffsminde Mobelfabrik Circa 1970
By Bernstorffsminde Møbelfabrik A/S, Walter Gropius, Artek
Located in Southampton, NJ
Vintage pair of Danish Modern sling chairs having bentwood beech frames with top of world class cut and loop velvet linen in the manner of Walter Gropius of France. Manufactured by B...
Brass
A. Mikael Laursen & Søn, Modern Brutalist Solid Teak Set of Two Lounge Chairs
Located in Antwerp, BE
A. Mikael Laursen & Søn, beautiful rare set of 2 lounge chairs in solid teak with a nice grain and thick black buffalo leather 1960s made in Denmark. Also a three seat sofa available...
Leather, Pine
$4,200 / set
Pair of Swedish Oversized Lounge Chairs, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of oversized Swedish lounge chairs, 1960, with original beige floral upholstery with colorful accents and fluted teak legs, the hazelnut brown fabric on the sides of t...
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Scandinavian Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare “Gary” lounge chair by Arne Norell, also known as “The Thumb”, with two thumbs up instead of one. Generous form with curved lines. Upholstered in charcoal grey with a contrastin...
Wood
Gustav Axel Berg, Lounge Chair, Bentwood, Webbing, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch bentwood and beige fabric webbing lounge chair designed and produced by Gustav Axel Berg, Sweden, c. 1940s. Fabric webbing presents with moderate discoloration consistent wi...
Wood, Bentwood
Restored Vintage Poul Jensen for Selig Z Chair, New Leather, Denmark, 1950s
By Poul Jensen
Located in Chattanooga, TN
An iconic example of Danish Modern design, this Z Chair was designed by Poul Jensen and produced by Selig in Denmark during the late 1950s. Celebrated for its sculptural form and arc...
Leather, Hardwood
$6,015 / set
Arne Norell Safari Chairs, Model Scirocco
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of Arne Norell safari chairs. Original upholstered cushions with patinated leather. Frame of ash. Model Scirocco, made by Norell.
Leather, Ash
Forsyth Bespoke Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair and Ottoman in California Sheepskin
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
We have an incredible collection of vintage chairs and design icons waiting for a new life. Our authentic, upcylced Egg Chairs are some of our most popular designs. This egg chai...
Sheepskin
$3,400 / item
Borge Mogensen, Model 2254 Lounge Chair, 1956
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful highback lounge chairs 'BM-2254/ Slædestolen' designed by Børge Mogensen in 1956 and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Sweden, mahogany frame with adjustable seat and bac...
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
Danish Modern Hans J. Wegner Lounge Chairs Model "CH-27" Oak & Rattan, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Odense, DK
Rare pair of lounge chairs model CH-27 designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured in Denmark by Carl Hansen & Søn in the 1950s. Made from solid oak with rattan cane weave seats and ...
Rattan, Oak
Pair of Ari Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, 1966
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in New York, NY
This is the design-rich ARI Chairs by Scandinavian designer Arne Norell. Norell's significance in design history is evidenced by his 1973 award of 'Showpiece of the Year' from the Br...
Steel
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Brown Leather Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Brown Leather lounge chairs with dark stained wood legs. Leather shows a lot of patina with signs of use and age. Very comfortable c...
Leather, Wood
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.