Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece t...
Fabric, Wood
$6,125Sale Price|20% Off
Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Original Brown Wool Upholstery, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully sculpted example of Danish mid-century design, this curved sofa from the 1940s captures the refined elegance and organic lines characteristic of Scandinavian modernism.
Wool, Wood
Curved Banana Sofa in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Örebro, SE
Cool banana shaped soffa, in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s. Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. The original fabric shows wear, this one is a great candidate for reuphols...
Wool, Beech
Marble sofa table by David Rosén from NK, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), David Rosén
Located in Hägersten, SE
Sofa table designed by David Rosén for the "Triva" series. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet during the late 1940s or early 1950s. Solid stained beech wood and brass frame with marble t...
Marble, Brass
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa in Oak and Light Fabric, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Elegant Swedish Modern two-seater sofa, made by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. Made from oak, details in iron, carved elements, newly reupholstered in light fabric. Crafted by...
Iron
Danish Three Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a two seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish three seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Two Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a three seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish two seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Fabric, Wood
Danish sofa and lounge chair 1940s reupholstered in premium green mohair.
By Finn Juhl, Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Gio Ponti
Located in København K, 84
This exceptional 1940s Danish sofa and lounge chair, crafted by Slagelse Møbelværk, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance of early Danish modern design.
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Danish Modern Sofa with Leather Upholstery and Oak Frame, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
It was in Denmark that Modernism reigned between the 1920s and 1960s and produced some of the most iconic pieces of furniture to this day. The Danish modernist movement was shaped by...
Leather, Oak
Two-Seater Sofa by Otto Schulz 'Attr.' for Boet, Sweden, 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Utrecht, NL
This spectacular two-seater sofa by Swedish designer, Otto Schulz, is a beautiful example of the furniture designer’s repertoire of cleverly constructed pieces. With a creative and m...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Three-Seater Sofa with Twisted Cord Trimming, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Danish Modern” is a recognized term around the world standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the 20th century. As this elegant three-seater sofa shows,...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Corner Sofa, Elm, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An elm and light-grey fabric corner sofa or bench designed and produced by an unknown Danish cabinetmaker, c. 1940s. Light discoloration present throughout wooden frame. Reupholst...
Fabric, Wood, Elm
Rare Danish sofa in patinated oak, 1940s
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa attributed to Frits Henningsen in patinated oak new wool.
Oak
Scandinavian modern coffee table 'Berg' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A refined coffee table designed by Carl Malmsten in the 1940s. The Berg model features a beautifully patterned alder root veneer top resting on an elegant solid beech tripod base. ...
Beech
Swedish Wooden Sofa in Dark Brown Pine by David Rosén & Nordiska Kompaniet 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), David Rosén
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish early mid century wooden "Berga" sofa in dark brown stained pine by David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet produced, 1940s. In good vintage condition acquired from the origi...
Pine
Swedish Modern Sofa with Stained Oak Frame and in White Upholstery, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
One prime example of this ethos is this 1940s sofa, which captures the essence of Swedish modernism with its graceful, curving form and understated elegance.
Oak, Fabric
Swedish Modern Two Seater Wooden Sofa in Pine & Sheepskin by Carl Malmsten 1940s
By Carl Malmsten
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Swedish mid century wooden two seater sofa model "Stugan" in stained pine by Carl Malmsten produced by his workshop in the 1940s. In good original condition wit...
Sheepskin, Pine
Sofa by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940s
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A majestic sofa having a sculptured body resting on eight (8) tapered mahogany legs, retaining the original red, navy and beige striped wool fabric. Designed in the 1940s and manufac...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Kaare Klint Sofa # 5011 in Original Cognac Leather Rud Rasmussen, Denmark 1940s
By Rud Rasmussen, Kaare Klint
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Two-seater sofa model 5011 in original cognac leather and six-legged mahogany base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Modern Finn Juhl "46" Sofa, Dark Lavender Blue Velvet, Carl Brørup, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important Finn Juhl "46" sofa made in the 1940s at original manufacturer Carl Brørup. The sofa is upholstered in a beautiful dark blue velvet. The sofa is in very good orig...
Velvet
$7,068Sale Price|20% Off
Three-Seat Sofa in Pine and Cognac Leather by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, 1940s
By Göperts Möbler, Gunnar Göperts
Located in Karis, Nyland
The design reflects the transition from traditional Scandinavian carpentry to modern functionalism, marked by its sturdy frame, sculpted armrests, and well-balanced proportions.
Leather, Pine
$4,672Sale Price|25% Off
Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Møbelværk, 1940s
By Alfred Christensen
Located in Rødding, DK
This rare and highly collectible Danish Modern two-seater sofa — designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk in the 1940s — is one of the most sculpturally refined expressi...
Bouclé, Beech
Alfred Christensen Three-Seater Sofa for Slagelse Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1940s
By Alfred Christensen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish Modern focused more on the aesthetics of modern design whilst employing the exquisite technique and material familiarity of highly skilled craftsmen known as cabinetmakers. Al...
Fabric, Wood
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
By Kaare Klint, Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote can be provided for re-upholstery.
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Finn Juhl Poet Love Seat Sofa with Oak Legs, 1940s Danish Design
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Poet" two seat love seat sofa. Legs og oak. Original upholstered with two colours of fabric. Leather buttons Model Poet, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Fabric, Oak
Important Otto Schulz Curved Four-Seat Sofa for Boet, Sweden, Mid-1940s
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in The Hague, NL
This important curved sofa was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by his company Boet in Gothenburg. The generously sized sofa can comfortably sit four people. The sofa has been ne...
Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery, Elm, Pine
An Exceptionally Rare Alvar Aalto War-time Coffee table in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful wartime coffee or sofa table by Alvar Aalto. This table features the distinctive wartime joints, a construction detail used during and around the Second World War when ma...
Birch
Swedish modern elm root table in the style of Josef Frank, Sweden 1940s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Swedish modern sofa table in the style of Josef Frank. Unknown designer and producer. made in Sweden during the 1940-50s. Mahogany legs and elm root veneer table top. Very good vinta...
Elm, Teak
1940s Pine Sofa by Gunnar Göpert
By Göperts Möbler
Located in New York, NY
1940's Pine Sofa by Gunnar Göpert and produced by his namesake company in Jönköping, Sweden. Cushions with original fabric in red and white stripe. Age appropriate patina and a suita...
Fabric, Wood
Sofa by AB Erik Ek's Snickerifabrik, Malmö, Sweden, 1940s
By Gösta Jonsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish Modern sofa in yellow fabric. Good condition, small signs of usage. Sold in Sweden through the retailer Gösta Jonsson, 1940s.
Fabric
Danish Cabinetmaker Frederik Stærmose Sofa Bench in Teakwood & Cane, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined and highly versatile Danish Modern bench designed by master cabinetmaker Frederik Stærmose, executed in the 1940s. Crafted from beautifully patinated solid Bangkok teakwood...
Cane, Teak
Danish lounge chair and sofa 1940s reupholstered in premium green mohair.
By Gio Ponti, Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen, Finn Juhl
Located in København K, 84
This exceptional 1940s Danish sofa and lounge chair, crafted by Slagelse Møbelværk, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance of early Danish modern design.
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
Danish Modern Fritz Hansen "Funkis" Sofa Bench in Beech & Blue Fabric, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen, Frits Schlegel
Located in Odense, DK
Danish 1940s Modern "Funkis" sofa bench made by Fritz Hansen exclusively for the National Museum of Denmark. Attributed to Frits Schlegel. Frame in steam bent beechwood. Marked with ...
Beech
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.