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Scandinavian Modern Collection

Scandinavian Modern Furniture Collection (Denmark, Finland, Sweden; 1930–present)
Scandinavian Modern Furniture Collection (Denmark, Finland, Sweden; 1930–present)

The designers of Scandinavian modernism created the warmest and most human iteration of modernist ideals. Their work was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life. The gentle, organic contours that are typical of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture appear in the work of 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 Bruno Mathsson, creator of the classic Grasshopper chair, but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the ’20s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced Scandinavian modern pieces 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. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarapaneva.

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 he 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, maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Vernor Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.

On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable Scandinavian modern designs and many new discoveries. Even more than 50 years on from their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight.

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Arne Jacobsen Lily Armchair, Teak Shell & Chrome Base, Denmark, 1970
Arne Jacobsen Lily Armchair, Teak Shell & Chrome Base, Denmark, 1970

Arne Jacobsen Lily Armchair, Teak Shell & Chrome Base, Denmark, 1970

Located in San Francisco, CA

Armchair with teak shell and armrests, chromed tubular steel base. Designed in 1970. Produced by Fritz Hansen, year 1970. (Capsule underneath seat stamped 1970). Both first editions ...

Category

1970s Danish Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Chrome, Steel

Caned Armchair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1950's
Caned Armchair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1950's

Caned Armchair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1950's

By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A teak armchair retaining the original cane seat and back.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Cane, Teak

Seagull Armchair by Gosta Berg
Seagull Armchair by Gosta Berg

Seagull Armchair by Gosta Berg

By Gosta Berg

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Armchair and ottoman upholstered in beige suede with steel base.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Metal

Oak and Leather Armchair from Denmark
Oak and Leather Armchair from Denmark

Oak and Leather Armchair from Denmark

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An oak armchair with the original black leather upholstery.

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Leather, Oak

A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen

By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A set of four stacking armchairs with cream webbed seats in beechwood.

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Oak

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Velvet Lounge Armchair
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Velvet Lounge Armchair

Swedish Mid-Century Modern Velvet Lounge Armchair

Located in Atlanta, GA

Dark mahogany outer frame. Hardwood inner frame. New recycled foam back and seat cushion. New luxurious high-end taupe and ivory windowpane-checked velvet upholstery fabric....

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Son
Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Son

Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & Son

By Frits Henningsen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A Windsor chair in oak with the original Nigerian goat red leather seat pad.

Category

1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection

Materials

Leather, Oak

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Category

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