Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Birch
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Muslin, Teak
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Birch
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Pine
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Suede, Teak
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wool, Wood, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood, Fabric
1960s North American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rosewood, Teak
Late 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Plywood
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Ostrich Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Birch
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Beech, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rosewood
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Oak
1960s Singaporean Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century Macedonian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Chenille, Beech
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wool, Walnut
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Sheepskin, Birch
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fur
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rosewood
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rosewood
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wool, Walnut
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Beech, Pine
1960s Singaporean Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Upholstery, Teak
1960s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Textile, Oak
Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Mohair
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Lacquer
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Wood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Metal
1960s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Rosewood
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Pine
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Bronze
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Cane, Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
1960s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Wood
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Chrome
1960s French Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Faux Leather, Rosewood
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Fabric, Walnut
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Beech
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
1980s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Ash
1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Cord, Teak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Teak
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Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs?
A Close Look at scandinavian-modern Furniture
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
Finding the Right seating for You
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.
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