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 Chairs 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, 1958 and 1950s/60s This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chair 'El Dorado’, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was designed in 2002 for...
Brass
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
Pair of Mid-Century Swedish Armchairs by Bruno Mathsson, Model "Eva", 1960s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of iconic "Eva" lounge chairs designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson, Sweden. First introduced in the 1930s, the Eva chair remains one of the most celebrated...
Leather, Beech
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
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chairs 'El Dorado’, limited edition, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was de...
Brass
Otto Schulz Lounge Chair in Green Pierre Frey Tweed and Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By Otto Schulz, La Maison Pierre Frey, 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
Pair of Beautiful mid century tan Cognac leather safari sling lounge chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Beautiful mid century modern safari lounge chairs in the style of Arne Norell. Lovely Cognac tan leather sling seat. Has sturdy round hardwood frame with thick leather stitch...
Brass
Hans J. Wegner set of Early Edition CH25 Lounge Chairs in Oak & Papercord, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully aged and increasingly rare pair of early edition CH25 lounge chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted in...
Papercord, Oak
Rustic Swedish Pinewood Lounge Chair 1930-1940s - 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
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
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
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
Børge Mogensen 2254 pair of Oak Sled Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Cane, 1956
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Børge Mogensen pair of lounge chairs and ottoamn designed in 1956 model number 2254 for Fredericia Stolefabrik. Cubical frames made of solid oak with finger joints and cane. This h...
Bouclé, Cane, Oak
Karin Mobring Model Diana Cognac Sling Lounge Chair 1972
By IKEA
Located in Diest, BE
This Ikea Classic Vintage Lounge chair was designed 1972 by Karin Mobring. It is made of a solid scandinavian pine wood. The leather is a thick vegetal saddle leather which gets much...
Leather, Wood
$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
$2,366Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$10,769 / set
Pair of Armchairs, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A super pair of modern Danish style lounge chairs / armchairs. Beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a golden brown, premium, soft, pure mohair fabric. Handmade in E...
Mohair, Beech
Pair of Scandinavian Mid Century modern All Black Leather Low Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern all black Leather lounge chairs with black lacquer frame legs. Leather shows nice patina with signs of use and age. Very comfortable...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
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
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Seal' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler, Sälen' (Seal) lounge chair, model '503-799', teak, leather, Sweden 1956. The 'Sälen' (seal) lounge chair is a design by Danish designer Ib Kofod-L...
Leather, Teak
Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA GE530, Denmark, 1970s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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
Pair of Danish Midcentury Cocktail Lounge Chairs, ca. 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. Strong...
Wool, Beech
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
$1,337Sale Price|19% Off
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
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
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
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
Danish 1940s Lowback Easy Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size. Padd...
Wool, Beech
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
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model "Tema 1" Beechwood Lounge Chairs for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Rubber Pirelli Straps ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
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
Small Danish Slipper Chairs in Oak by Slagelse ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the sit...
Teak
$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
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
Jørgen Lund & Ole Larsen Pair of Easy Chairs in Dark Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Lund and Ole Larsen for Bo-Ex, pair of lounge chairs, model 'BO 911', leather, chrome-plated steel, lacquered wood, Denmark, 1979 Designed by Jørgen Lund and Ole Larsen, thes...
Steel, Chrome
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
Pair of Midcentury “CH 27” Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “CH 27” lounge chairs by Hans J. Wegner, made from oak and rattan. Beautiful pattern in the rattan and whimsical carved “horns” at the tops of the backs.
Rattan, Oak
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
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
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
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
1940's Danish Cabinet Maker Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940's Danish Cabinet Maker Lounge Chair. Beech legs. High quality velvet upholstery.
Beech, Velvet
Carl Malmsten Vintage 1950s Gavle Chair in Moss Green Velvet
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Gävle Lounge Chair, 1950s The Gävle chair is one of Swedish master Carl Malmsten's more obscure and rare armchair designs. The chair is named after the municipality ...
Wool, Beech
$24,500 / item
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Chairs in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chairs model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 A pair of armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larsen hi...
Leather, Oak
Mogens Voltelen 'Copenhagen' Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Niels Vodder, Mogens Voltelen
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
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
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
$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
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model-1032 Reclining Chair w/ Ottoman for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
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 Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ___________...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Scandinavian Danish black leather Safari sling lounge chair with ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modernist safari chair with a teak frame featuring sculpted arms straight rounded stretchers and straight round supports. Has a thick black leather sling seat and a matc...
Leather, Teak
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Our Lady' Lounge Chair in Teak and White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren, 'Our Lady' lounge chair, teak, fabric, Sweden, 1950s. Interesting Swedish lounge chair by Carl Malmsten in off-white fabric with tufted back. The di...
Fabric, Teak
Torben Lind & Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen Pair of Easy Chairs Oak and Leather
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen & Torben Lind, slipper chairs, oak, leather, Denmark, design 1960s. Modern and stylish modular easy chairs designed by Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen & Torben Lind. These ...
Oak, Leather
Pair of Scandinavian Brown Leather and Curved Rosewood low lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Brown Patina Leather and Curved rosewood bentwood lounge chairs with brown leather tufted cushions with patina. Leather shows signs of use and worn in nicely. Ma...
Leather, Rosewood, Bentwood
Rare Hans Olsen black suede leather safari lounge Antelope chair
By Hans Olsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exceptional Antelope Safari or Hunting lounge chair by Hans Olsen produced by Viskadalens Möbler of Denmark circa 1960. This chair features an elegant and solid Teak frame which hold...
Brass
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
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.