1940’s Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s curved Danish sofa. Original upholstery. Birch legs.
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Upholstery, Birch
1940’s Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s curved Danish sofa. Original upholstery. Birch legs.
Upholstery, Birch
1940’s Curved Danish Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s Danish Curved Sofa. Red velvet upholstery. Beech wood legs. Delivery to NYC area available for $425. Please inquire prior to purchase.
Velvet
Garden Sofa in Cast Iron and Wood, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Garden Sofa in Cast Iron and Wood, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Cast iron and wood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Probably produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 1...
Steel
Danish Cabinetmaker PMJ Sofa, Denmark, 1940’S
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful sofa from the 1940's Denmark moving into the design of the 50's. Please note we have the pair of chairs that are part of the same design.
Muslin, Upholstery
1940's Danish Sofa Upholstered in Vintage Designer Swan Upholstery
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940's Danish Sofa Upholstered in Vintage Designer Swan Upholstery. Beech legs. Upholstery is a silk style material. The sofa seat has an additional full length seat cushio...
Upholstery
Mogens Lassen Rare Scandinavian Modern Sofa in Ivory Sheepskin, Denmark, 1940s
By Mogens Lassen
Located in New York, NY
This iconic 1940s Danish modernist sofa is a rare model built with impeccable craftsmanship and exhibiting classic minimalist design including soft organic curves.
Bouclé, Wood, Beech
Sofa in Ash Legs with Original Velvet Mohair Fabric by Flemming Lassen, 1940's
By Flemming Lassen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Ash Legs with Original Velvet Mohair Fabric by Flemming Lassen, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Ash legs with original velvet mohair fabric Style: Mid century, Scan...
Ash, Velvet
Curved Danish Sheepskin Sofa, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful sofa produced in Denmark, 1940s, designer unknown. Professionally reupholstered in high quality sheepskin.
Sheepskin
Märta Blomstedt Sofa, Finland, 1940s
By Märta Blomstedt
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Märta Blomstedt and produced in Finland in the 1940s. The sofa has been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a white bouclé fabric. One of the...
Bouclé, Birch
Swedish Modern, Sheep skin sofa, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare Swedish Modern sofa in sheep skin, 1940s. Superb rounded shaped armrests. New off-white sheepskin upholstery with natural linen buttons on the back. Legs of lacquered birch. Ver...
Sheepskin, Birch
Carl-Johan Boman, Finnish 1940's curved sofa for Boman Oy
By Carl-Johan Boman, Boman OY
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Carl-Johan Boman Finnish 1940's curved sofa, a classic piece of Scandinavian modern design from the prestigious Boman Oy.
Fabric, Birch
Rare Danish Mid-Century Sofa, 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Comfortable sofa in velvet, designed and made in Denmark 1940s. Original condition.
Fabric, Beech
Danish 1940s Sheepskin Love Seat Sofa
Located in London, England
Danish Cabinetmaker Love Seat Scallop Sofa, c1940s A uniquely shaped love-seat sofa designed and made in Denmark in the 1940s. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious choco...
Sheepskin, Beech
Sten Blomberg, Sofa, Elm, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Sten Blomberg
Located in High Point, NC
An elm and red fabric sofa designed by Sten Blomberg and produced by Meeths, Göteborg, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally...
Fabric, Elm
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition with traces of age and use, ...
Velvet, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved red fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Fabric distressed; reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 100.0"W x 48.0"D Se...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Staining to fabric, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in history, stain to back as illustrated. Ove...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green blue fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Fabric, Wood
Göperts Möbler, Sofa, Pine, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
By Göperts Möbler
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and yellow velvet "Åre" sofa or settee designed and produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear of wood frame consistent with age and use. Reupholstered in brand new ...
Velvet, Pine
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A red pink fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in distressed condition, reupholstery recommended. Mild to moderate scuffing on feet. Ove...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s Seat cushion has minor stains and fabric abrasion consistent with gentle use. Feet exhibit moderate ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 67.0"W x 35.0"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Arm Height (inches): 28....
Fabric, Wood
Sofa 'Värend' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1940s. Model 'Värend' with an elegant design made in elm.
Fabric, Elm
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear to wood legs consistent with age and use Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally rep...
Fabric, Wood
Göperts Möbler, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Göperts Möbler
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine and white fabric "Åre" sofa or settee designed and produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 32” H x 49.75” W x 29” D Seat height: 18”
Fabric, Pine
Tor Wolfenstein, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Tor Wolfenstein
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and wood sofa designed by Tor Wolfenstein and produced by Ditzingers, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions: 32” H x 72” W x 40” D Seat Height (inches): 16.5" All items ship fr...
Fabric, Wood
Tor Wolfenstein, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Tor Wolfenstein
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and green velvet sofa, designed by Tor Wolfenstein and produced by Ditzingers, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height: 17.5”
Velvet, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained birch and floral printed fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 30.5” H x 70” W x 34” D Seat Height (inches): 14.75" Arm Height (inches): 23"...
Fabric, Birch
Fine Sofa Table by Frits Henningsen 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine sofa table with 4 drawers (2 each side) and brass shoes and handles. Produced by the famous danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen Denmark. Made in finest wood and qua...
Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic red fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 36.25” H x 73.5” W x 31.25” D Seat Height: 16.25” All upholstered furniture can be reup...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white bouclé fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height: 14”
Fabric, Wood
Finnish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained wood and beige fabric sofa designed and produced in Finland, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 17” Arm Height (inches): 24" All items ship from High Point, North Caro...
Fabric, Wood
Carl Cederholm, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Cederholm
Located in High Point, NC
A green fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed by Carl Cederholm and produced by Stil & Form, Sweden, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 17” Arm Height (inches): 23.5" All items shi...
Fabric, Wood
Tor Wolfenstein, Sofa, Mohair, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Tor Wolfenstein
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and grey mohair sofa, designed by Tor Wolfenstein and produced by Ditzingers, Sweden, c. 1940s. 18" seat height
Mohair, Wood
Cushman Furniture, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric sofa produced by Cushman Furniture, USA, c. 1940s. Reupholstered in brand new fabric. Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Arm Height (inches): 22" All items ship ...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Shearling, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic shearling and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18" Arm Height (inches): 25.75" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved wood and green velvet sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15.5" Arm Height (inches): 25" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered...
Velvet, Wood
Frits Henningsen, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in High Point, NC
A stained mahogany and yellow horsehair fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 25.25" All ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Göperts möbler, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Göperts Möbler
Located in High Point, NC
A pine "Åre" sofa or settee designed and produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 23.5" All upholstered furniture can be reuph...
Fabric, Pine
Bertil Söderberg, Sofa, Fabric, Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Bertil Söderberg 1
Located in High Point, NC
A stained beech and green fabric two-seater sofa or settee, designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (in...
Fabric, Beech
Sofa by unknown designer and maker, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare sofa designed during the first half of the 20th century by an unknown Swedish designer. Executed in a striking asymmetric form with a softly curved backrest and seat creating a ...
Sheepskin, Beech
Swedish Three-Seater Conversation Sofa, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish three-seater sofa recalls the distinctive curves of the Art Deco period, while material and cabinetmaking-wise being a true Swedish Modern design. Thanks to it...
Wood, Fabric
Carl-Johan Boman, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Finland, 1940s
By Carl-Johan Boman
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and wood sofa designed by Carl-Johan Boman and produced by Oy Boman Ab, Finland, c. 1940s. Loss of some tufted buttons and some distress to fabric consistent with age...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish two-seater sofa is an early example of Nordic mid-century modern design and of outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their us...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Grace Sofa Love Seat in Cream Boucle, Mid Century Design 1940's
Located in London, GB
This elegant 1940’s sofa is a beautiful example of Swedish Grace design, blending simplicity with refined craftsmanship. Its unique silhouette features elongated, slightly angled elm...
Bouclé, Birch
Danish Designer, Curved Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved yellow fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s.' Seat height: 15.75” All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for an additional ...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Elm, Beech, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An elm, beech and green fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Reupholstered in a brand new fabric. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.5"H x 68.5"W x 31.0"D Seat Heig...
Fabric, Wood, Beech, Elm
Swedish Modern Sofa from Berga Möbler, Sweden, 1940s
By Berga Mobler
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant Swedish Modern sofa from Berga Möbler, with rounded lines and fun sculpted legs. Original mole colored plush upholstery.
Wood
1940s Danish Sofa with Sculptural Frame in White Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, reupholstered in "Gabriel" wool by Savak, stained beech, Denmark, 1940s This charming sofa, newly reupholstered in a fine woolen white fabric, is designed in the manner of Da...
Wool, Beech
Curved Two-Seater Sofa by Søren Willadsen, Denmark 1940s
By Søren Willadsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Søren Willadsen was a Danish cabinetmaker and manufacturer active during the early and mid-twentieth century, known for producing furniture that reflected the emerging principles of ...
Mohair, Wood
Sculptural Bertil Söderberg Sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Bertil Söderberg 1
Located in The Hague, NL
This sculptural sofa was designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in the 1940s. The rare design is marked by the curved lines of the buttoned back re...
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
Vintage "Ingeborg" sofa by Flemming Lassen, Denmark, 1940s
By Asko, Flemming Lassen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “Ingeborg” sofa by Flemming Lassen, with curvesome forms. Designed in 1940 and named after his mother, the artist Ingeborg Winding. Upholstered with caramel colored sheepsk...
Lambskin, Birch
Vintage "Ingeborg" sofa by Flemming Lassen, Denmark, 1940s
By Asko, Flemming Lassen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “Ingeborg” sofa by Flemming Lassen, with curvesome forms. Designed in 1940 and named after his mother, the artist Ingeborg Winding. Upholstered with caramel colored sheepsk...
Lambskin, Birch
Danish Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Banana Sofa, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa recalls the Art Deco style of the 1930s with the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism. Thanks to its elegantly curved shape, this type of so...
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Modern Sheepskin Sofa, 1930s–1940s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
The softly curved silhouette, generous proportions and warm material palette create an inviting yet refined presence — a perfect balance between comfort and Scandinavian elegance. T...
Sheepskin, Elm
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and floral-printed fabric sofa or settee attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15.5” Arm Height (inches): 22.5...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
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.
Black leather, silk velvet cushions, breathable bouclé fabric — when shopping for antique or vintage sofas, today’s couch connoisseurs have much to choose from in terms of style and shape. But it wasn’t always thus.
The sofa is typically defined as a long upholstered seat that features a back and arms and is intended for two or more people. While the term “couch” comes from the Old French couche, meaning to lie down, and sofa has Eastern origins, both are forms of divan, a Turkish word that means an elongated cushioned seat. Bench-like seating in Ancient Greece, which was padded with soft blankets, was called klinai. No matter how you spell it, sofa just means comfort, at least it does today.
In the early days of sofa design, upholstery consisted of horsehair or dried moss. Sofas that originated in countries such as France during the 17th century were more integral to decor than they were to comfort. Like most Baroque furnishings from the region, they frequently comprised heavy, gilded mahogany frames and were upholstered in floral Beauvais tapestry. Today, options abound when it comes to style and material, with authentic leather offerings and classy steel settees. Plush, velvet chesterfields represent the platonic ideal of coziness.
Vladimir Kagan’s iconic sofa designs, such as the Crescent and the Serpentine — which, like the sectional sofas of the 1960s created by furniture makers such as Harvey Probber, are quite popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts — showcase the spectrum of style available to modern consumers. Those looking to make a statement can turn to Studio 65’s lip-shaped Bocca sofa, which was inspired by the work of Salvador Dalí. Elsewhere, the furniture of the 1970s evokes an era when experimentation ruled, or at least provided a reason to break the rules. Just about every area of society felt a sudden urge to be wayward, to push boundaries — and buttons. Vintage leather sofas of that decade are characterized by a rare blending of the showy and organic.
With so many options, it’s important to explore and find the perfect furniture for your space. Paying attention to the lines of the cushions as well as the flow from the backrest into the arms is crucial to identifying a cohesive new piece for your home or office.
Fortunately, with styles from every era — and even round sofas — there’s a luxurious piece for every space. Deck out your living room with an Art Deco lounge or go retro with a nostalgic '80s design. No matter your sitting vision, the right piece is waiting for you in the expansive collection of unique sofas on 1stDibs.
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.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.