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.
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chair model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 This iconic chair, made with 250 metres o...
Steel
Arne Vodder for Bovirke Chaise Longue in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Bovirke, chaise longue, leather, beech, Denmark, 1950s. Chaise longue designed by Arne Vodder for Bovirke in the 1950s. This chaise longue has an open frame in blond...
Leather, Beech
Mogens Voltelen 'Copenhagen' Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, lounge chair model ‘Copenhagen', beech, patinated leather, brass, Denmark, design 1936, made 1940s The Copenhagen lounge chair was designed by Moge...
Brass
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, 'Copenhagen II' lounge chair, model 'MV60', solid oak, leather, brass, Denmark, design 1960, made 1960s/70s The MV60 lounge chair, also known as Co...
Brass
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chairs model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1950s/60s and 1958 This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Axel Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' Lounge Chair in Solid Pine
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Lovö wingback lounge chair, model '36291', solid pine, fabric, Sweden, 1932 A significant aspect of Axel Einar Hjorth’s oeuvre is the so-ca...
Fabric, Pine
Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA GE530, Denmark, 1970s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Hans J. Wegner - Lounge Chair and Ottoman GETAMA GE530 , Denmark Classic GE530 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, featuring a clean design and high-quality craftsmanship in ...
Oak
Easy chairs model “Bodö” by Svante Skogh for AB Hjertquist & Co, Nässjö, 1957
By Svante Skogh
Located in Karlstad, SE
A well-balanced pair of Swedish easy chairs from the late 1950s, designed by Svante Skogh. The Bodö model is defined by its clean, architectural frame in warm-toned wood, with angula...
Leather, Oak
Danish Early 1950s Easy Lounge Chair
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy style lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size....
Wool, Beech
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair, patinated grace leather
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen lounge chair model Egg. Original upholstered with patinated Grace full grain aniline leatherleather. Four star base. With tilt function Made by Fritz Hansen, brown l...
Leather
Rare Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 'Typenko' Lounge Chair
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, lounge chair from the 'Typenko' series, model '36100', reupholstered in wool “Tyrone Rouge” by Pierre Frey, and suede, nickel-plated brass, ...
Steel, Nickel
Rustic Swedish Lounge Chair Probably 1940s - Reupholstered in Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Wood
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, 1994 The distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedish desig...
Iron
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chair in Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox C...
Sheepskin, Wood
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden
By Dux of Sweden, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden The Pernilla 69 is a classic easy chair designed by iconic Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. Bentwood beech fram...
Leather, Canvas, Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
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
Swedish Mid Century, Karin Mobring, A Pair of Armchairs, Model "Natura", 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of charming Swedish Mid Century Modern lounge chairs in solid pine, upholstered in leather with a fine patina. Designed by Karin Mobring, model "Natura" in the 1970s. Reminisc...
Leather, Pine
$15,400 / item
Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, armchairs in Pierre Frey Teddy mohair fabric, beech, Denmark, 1940s This bold and curvy armchair is based on a solid construction with a tender touch due to the soft t...
Fabric, Beech
$3,400 / item
Torbjørn Afdal Leather Arm Chairs, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful leather arm chairs designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960, with chocolate brown leather and stained hardwood frame, sling armrests in belt leather, strapped c...
Leather, Canvas, Wood
Karin Mobring, A Pair of Armchairs, Model "Natura", Swedish Mid Century, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of charming Swedish Mid Century Modern lounge chairs in solid pine, upholstered in leather with a fine patina. Designed by Karin Mobring, model "Natura" in the 1970s. Reminisc...
Leather, Pine
Pair of Danish late Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Birch Armrests Halabala Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930's with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch a really nice color. Style s...
Wool, Beech
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
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
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Pair of Danish Cabinetmaker 1950s Sheepskin Armchairs
By Hans Hansen
Located in London, England
Hans Hansen & Son - Pair of Armchairs, c1940s A pair of lounge chairs produced in Denmark, between 1940-1950 by cabinetmakers Hans Hansen & Son, based in Odense on the island of Fun...
Sheepskin, Beech
High-Back Lounge Chair in Oak & Lambswool, Danish Modern, Viggo Boesen, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen, Alfred Christensen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Scandinavian high-wingback lounge chair from the 1950s, expertly crafted in oak and recently reupholstered in luxurious shearling lambswool. The chair embodies the essenc...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Oak, Wool
Ekornes Stressless Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 2000s.
By Ekornes Stressless, Ekornes
Located in Asaa, DK
Ekornes Stressless Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman, 2000s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern recliner with footstool produced by Ekornes Norway Model ...
Leather
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling Lounge Chair in Bicolor Purple Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling, lounge chair, Pierre Frey Teddy mohair, Umeå, Sweden, 1930s Designed by Bo Wretling and produced in the Otto Wretling workshop, this rare lounge chair...
Metal
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
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
Mogens Koch for K. Ivan Schlechter 'Fireside' Wingback Chair with Ottoman
By Mogens Koch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Koch for K. Ivan Schlechter, 'fireside' wingback lounge chair and ottoman, model MK50, mahogany, leather, Denmark, design 1936, production 1964-1979. Mogens Koch's wingback c...
Leather, Mahogany
Hans J Wegner Flag Halyard Chair, 1950 Mid Century Danish Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, PP Møbler PP225 Flag Halyard Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner, features a stainless steel frame wrapped in specialize...
Stainless Steel
Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler 'Scandia' Lounge Chair in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler, lounge chair model 'Scandia' in teak, metal, Norway, circa 1957 This chair was part of the Scandia series, designed by Norwegian designer Hans Brattru...
Metal
Stressless Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ekornes c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman, in baseball glove brown leather, on bentwood bases. The chair and ottoman swivel on the disk form base, the chair back reclines t...
Leather, Bentwood
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Leather, Oak
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and red fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Light fraying and minor stains on fabric, vintage fabric ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent...
Fabric, Oak
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
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
Arne Norell 'Merkur' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather and Mahogany
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, lounge chair, model 'Merkur', leather, mahogany, Sweden, 1960s The Merkur easy chair, a design by Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-1971), epitomi...
Leather, Mahogany
Pr. Mid Century Wegner Style Folding Rope Lounge Chairs Circa 1950/70's
Located in New York, NY
Often referred to as Wegner like, these mid century folding lounge chairs have become iconic in their own right. Made in either Yugoslavia, or possibly Czechoslovakia, the chairs fea...
Rope, Wood
Pair of Norwegian leather and chrome Harald Relling lounge chairs for Westnofa
By Harald Relling
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of late 1960's - early 1970's Norwegian lounge chairs by Harald Relling for Westnofa. Has brown leather upholstered cushions that sit on a canvas sling which is stra...
Chrome
Pair of 1930s-1940s Danish Easy Chairs with Open Armrests Late Art Deco
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930-40s with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in Cuban Mahogany with great grain and pa...
Mahogany
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
Otto Schulz Pair of ‘Schulz’ Easy Chairs in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Jio, Otto Schulz
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
Mid Century Modern Osaka lounge chair by Martin Visser for Spectrum
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Osaka lounge chair by Martin Visser for Spectrum. Made in the Netherlands c. 1970 chrome plated brushed tubular steel, woven wool upholstery with leather straps. L...
Steel
Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kircodan, lounge chair, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This chair reflects the hallmarks of 1960s Danish modern design: a streamlined silhouette, an emphasis on natural materials, an...
Leather, Teak
Bröderna Anderssons Lounge Chair in Teak and Light Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bröderna Anderssons, lounge chair, velvet, teak, Denmark, 1950s A deep dark frame in wood curves around the seat and backrest. The chair is upholstered in a soft blue velvet that is...
Velvet, Teak
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari Lounge chair by Bruksbo
By Percival Lafer, Arne Norell, Bruksbo
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
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Cane & Tweed Lounge Chair for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut-Stained Beechwood, New Cane Backrest, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam
Upholstery, Foam, Walnut
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno 'Mondi Soft' Armchair in Beige Upholstery
By Inno Interior OY, Jouko Järvisalo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno Interior OY, armchair model 'Mondi Soft', chrome-plated metal, fabric, lacquered wood, Finland, design 1986 Finnish interior...
Metal, Chrome
Rare Marianne Boman-schleutker for Boman Easy Chair in Pink Velvet and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marianne Boman-schleutker for Oy Boman Ab, easy chair, model 'Marianne', velvet, birch, Finland, circa 1941 Designed by the Finnish female interior architect Marianne Boman-Schleut...
Velvet, Birch
Scandinavian Modern Teak Lounge Chairs, Denmark, C. 1960s
Located in Westport, CT
A striking pair of vintage Danish Modern lounge chairs crafted in solid teak, showcasing sculptural arms and elegantly tapered legs. Expertly restored by our team, the frames have be...
Velvet, Teak
1950s Danish High-Back Lounge Chair in Original Green Mohair
Located in Oakland, CA
1950s Danish high-back lounge chair constructed with a solid wood frame in a curved form, featuring hand-tied springs and horsehair padding, upholstered in its original green mohair ...
Mohair
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'PD30' Lounge Chair in Teak and Black Leather
By Povl Dinesen, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for Povl Dinesen, lounge chair, model 'PD30', leather, teak, Denmark, 1960s. This design by Ib Kofod-Larsen features beautiful contours and clear geometry. The leath...
Leather, Teak
Arne Hovmand-Olsen and P. Mikkelsen Pair of Lounge Chairs in Green Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen and P. Mikkelsen pair of lounge chairs, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s This exquisite pair of lounge chairs designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen for P Mikkelsen in the 19...
Fabric, Teak
Arne Vodder for Bovirke Chaise Longue in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Bovirke, Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Bovirke, chaise longue, leather, beech, Denmark, 1950s. Chaise longue designed by Arne Vodder for Bovirke in the 1950s. This chaise longue has an open frame in blond...
Leather, Beech
Otto Schulz Lounge Chair in Green Pierre Frey Tweed and Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Otto Schulz, Jio
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge/easy chair was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping, Sweden in the late 1940s. The design is distinguished by its curved, enveloping bac...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
1930s Pair of Finnish Art Deco Curved Lounge Chairs in Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of lounge chairs, birch, fabric, Finland, 1930s These lounge chairs present a distinctly 1930s Finnish take on Art Deco. Their shape is defined first and foremost by the curve...
Fabric, Birch
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Early 'Egg' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, early 'egg' lounge chair, model 3316, leather, metal, Denmark, design 1958, produced 1966. This chair is one of the most iconic designs in the histor...
Metal
Alfred Christensen, Lounge chair and ottoman in Lamb Wool, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alfred Christensen lounge chair with ottoman new upholstered with lamb wool. Legs and armrests of stained beech. Made in the 1940s by Slagelse Møbelværk.
Sheepskin, Beech
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.