Scandinavian Modern Collection
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.
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Metal
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Collection
Beech
1970s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Chrome
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection
Wrought Iron
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Chrome
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection
Fabric
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection
Iron
Mid-19th Century American Antique Scandinavian Modern Collection
Bamboo
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Wrought Iron
1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Rosewood
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Leather, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Modern Collection
1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collection
Steel
Read More
This Chubby-Chic Quilted Stool Stands on Its Own Two Feet
Sam Klemick's cool stool is edgy, cozy and environmentally sustainable all at once.
Riotous Shapes and Colors Have Made Uchronia’s Designs the Toast of Paris
Julien Sebban’s energetic design collective is radically reshaping the look of 21st-century European furniture and interiors.
Light and Dwell Brings Elegance and Ease to an Oregon Wine Country Estate
Molly Kidd lets her affection for France shine through in a new-build home that has the character of a centuries-old villa but still feels light and fresh.
JF Chen Moves Stools Out of the Corner and into the Spotlight
In Los Angeles, dealer Joel Chen gives the often clever and always versatile seats some long-overdue attention.
The Process: Scagliola Is the Swirly Faux Marble You Never Knew You Loved
The ancient decorative plaster still captivates as it did in the 17th century.
Tour the Wabi-Sabi New York Apartment of Andrianna Shamaris
As her sun-filled home reveals, the furniture maker and dealer puts a contemporary spin on antiques from around the globe.
How Designers Use Stools in Unexpected Ways
Form and function collide in these little workhorses.