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Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • 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

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. 

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Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Very large Swedish 'dug out barrel' from around 1890.
Located in Farsta, SE
Very large Swedish "dug out barrel" from around 1890. This barrel is absolutely massive in its thickness and overall size. The texture and patina that has accumulated over time mak...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Rare and Early Bronze Alvar Aalto Door Handle, Taito Oy, Finland 1920s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Alvar Aalto & Taito Oy - Scandinavian Model A very rare door handle in solid bronze, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1920s. The door handle is known as Model 1 and manufactured ...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Kay Fisher Rare Set of 11 Doorhandles in Brass, 1950’s Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Set of 11 Doorhandles in Brass, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions (W): 11 cm Condition: Good vintag...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Fireplace Set in Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Harald Quistgaard, fireplace set, model '1400', forged iron, brass, straw, Denmark, circa 1965. Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919-2008) is particularly ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Set of Six Door Handles by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of six door handles by Alvar Aalto from the 1960s. Painted aluminum. Good vintage condition, heavy patina consistent with age and use. The door handles are sold as a set. Alvar...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 9 Timo Sarpaneva "Lasta" Door Handles, Primo Oy 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of beautifully patinated "Lasta" brass door handles designed by Timo Sarpaneva and manufactured by Primo Oy in Finland in the 1960s. Timo Sarpaneva was an internationally wel...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Vintage teak flower holder
Located in Brescia, IT
Original 1960s Scandinavian planter with metal frame. An original piece of furniture that is ideal for keeping plants in the house but with order and style, in perfect Scandinavian ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Lounge set "Stuns" by Jan Dranger & Johan Huldt for Innovator, 1973 Sweden
Located in Langemark-Poelkapelle, BE
Lounge set "Stuns" by Jan Dranger & Johan Huldt for Innovator, 1973 Sweden. The lounge set consists of 4 lounge chairs with removable cushions, 1 chair and a coffee table. In 1969, ...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Teak Flower Table with a Drawer by Engström & Myrstrand
Located in Madrid, ES
Teak flower table, model "Casino", designed by Engström & Myrstrand and manufactured in Sweden by Tingström's Bra Bohag. Mid-20th century. Planter made of painted metal in ecru color...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Swedish Mid-20th Century Modern Teak Flower Stand
Located in Madrid, ES
Teak wood table with dark brown painted metal box for plants. Made in Sweden by HMB Rövik Furniture in circa 1960.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 8
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Kugge 41 Flower Pot from Ringvide, Pine, Natural or Pigmented Oil, Scandinavian
Located in Visby, SE
Kugge flower pot We are all a cog in the machinery of life, let us strive to be a force that lifts and does not lower. The top of the pot resembles the shape of a gear wheel...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Portafiori bianco Deco
Located in Brescia, IT
Porta fiori scandinavo anni '60. Questo portafiore si distingue per la sua bellezza e praticità. Realizzato in legno di teak dal colore bianco, incarna lo stile scandinavo con la su...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Deco Flower Holder
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of original wooden flower holders from the 1940s. This pair of wooden flower holders is a charming addition to any space. Its compact size makes it suitable for any room, add...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Swedish Brutalist Fire Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-century Swedish Brutalist fire screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna. Capture attention with this extraordinary mid-century Swedish Brutal...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Scandinavian Modern Door Handles in Teak by Teka Alingsås ca 1950's
Located in Örebro, SE
Cool door handles in teak by Teka Alingsås, ca 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Wear and patina consistent with age and use, scratches, blemishes and a crack as seen on the last pict...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1960s Danish Modern Indoor planters in Oak, design by Axel Kjersgaard
Located in København K, 84
Presenting a captivating piece of Danish craftsmanship from the 1960s—a rare pair of indoor planters or jardinieres skillfully crafted by the r...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Zinc

Finnish Copper and Pine Door Handles, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Finnish copper and pine door handles from the 1930s. Reminiscent of Alvar Aalto's design. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. The handles are sold as...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

Kastor "Tevi" Fireplace In Copper, Finland
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful old fireplace in copper and iron manufactured by Kastor in the 1960s. On the contrary to what you might think this item is very handy and easily set for a fireplace, the du...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper, Iron

Midcentury sculptural andiron 'The Fox' by Olle Hermansson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Big sculptural andiron 'The Fox' designed by Olle Hermansson and manufactured by Husqvarna, Sweden, in the middle of the 20th century. This piece has never been used as an andiron b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Planter in Rosewood Model 26 by Arne Wahl Iversen From 1959
Located in Lejre, DK
The planter with 3 drawers, designed by Arne Wahl Iversen in rosewood and model no. 36, manufactured by Vinde Møbelfabrik in 1959, is a unique example of Danish furniture design that...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Rosewood

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 6
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 1993,...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Swedish Laggkärl/Planter 1835
Located in Farsta, SE
Laggkärl - dated 1835. Made in pine. Original made for storage of grain and wheat. A perfect planter for a bigger tree or plant. Height: 65cm Diameter: 46 cm
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Vintage Scandinavian Watering Can in Spiraling Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vintage brass watering can with a beautiful form! It features a spiraling spout perfect for directional watering of houseplants as orchids o...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Gunnar Ander Ystad-Metall Fireplace Tools, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of fireplace tools from Ystad metall designed by Gunnar Ander. Black iron with handles in brass.
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Arne Jacobsen Solid Brass Door Handles with Patina
Located in Copenhagen, DK
ARNE JACOBSEN - SCANDINAVIAN MODERN The iconic Arne Jacobson door handles, large model 111 mm, in solid brass. The handles were designed for the Royal SAS...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Handmade Woven Wicker Rattan Cane Planter Jardiniere, 1940s Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful vintage wicker rattan planter handmade in Denmark in the 1940s. In the style of Viggo Boesen and Robert Wengler. In the 1850s, wicker furniture became a permanent fixture i...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Cane, Rattan

A Red Garden Sofa - Wrought Iron & Wood - Sweden Early 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning garden sofa probably design in Sweden in the early 20th century. The sofa is made of wrought iron and wood. It is a really unique design and I have never seen anything lik...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Wrought Iron

Brutalist Metal and ceramic door push handle by Juliette Belarti, Belgium 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Door push element Origin: Belgium Design producer: Juliette Belarti Material: metal and ceramics Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage door push...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Brutalist Metal and Ceramic Door Push Handle by Juliette Belarti, Belgium, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Door push element Origin: Belgium Design producer: Juliette Belarti Material: metal and ceramics Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage door push...
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Arne Wahl Iversen Planter, Scandinavian Design, 1960s
Located in Lyon, FR
Planter made of teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Minor damage on the top (see photos).
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Metal Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage indoor / outdoor flower stand. Made of black-painted metal, this planter features two simple supports that serve as legs and a base with a ma...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Fireplace Tools by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of fireplace tools from Ystad metall desiged by Gunnar Ander. Black iron with handles in blackened hardwood.. Details and stand in brass.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Iron

Scandinavian Vintage Teak Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian 1960s flower stand. Peculiar piece of furniture consisting of a metal base and curved teak wood planter border. Ideal to keep in the house placed under the ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Vintage Metal Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian planter. A practical and small item to be used as a riser and pot for plants. The structure consists of a copper-plated ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Flowers Stand With Gilded Columns & Marble Slabs From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant flowers stand from the 1930s exudes opulence and sophistication with its gilded columns and luxurious marble slabs. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, it adds a...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Marble

Basket Flowers Tile Wall Mounted Designed by Aimo Nietosvuori for JIE Gantofta
Located in Antwerp, BE
A vintage ceramic Jie Sweden wall plaque colorful flower tile to hang on the wall decorated with a flower basket designed by Aimo Nietosvuori for JIE Gantof...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

Scandinavian Vintage Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian 1960s flower Stand. Peculiar piece of furniture consisting of a metal base and curved teak wood planter border. Ideal to keep in the house placed under the ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Teak Wooden and Braided Resin Rattan Effect Outdoor Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant outdoor bar stool with a structure in teak combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The armrest...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Resin, Teak

Wood and Metal Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s flower stand. An original object in perfect Scandinavian style. Consists of a teak wood base and a square sheet metal pot holder. Ideal for placing in the home und...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 6
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Black Metal & Wood Flower Stand, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist plant table was produced in Sweden during the 1950s. It is made of metal and finished in black. The frame of the pull-out basket is made of wood. Inside, it has a removable metal tray for running water. The plant basket...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern White Metal & Wood Flower Stand, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist plant table was produced in Sweden during the 1950s. It is made of metal and finished in white. The frame of the pull-out basket is made o...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 6
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 4
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Folke Bensow, Pair of Benches No. 2, Näfequarns Bruk, Sweden 1925
Located in Berlin, DE
Folke Bensow, rare pair of 'Park Benches Nr. 2', designed in 1925, executed by Näfequarns Bruk in Sweden. Black cast Iron and lacquered wood.  
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Planter No. 2 Designed by Anna Petrus for Näfveqvarn, Sweden, 1925
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cast iron. The motive originally designed for the Swedish Pavilion at the Paris World Exhibition, 1925. Measures: H 20 cm/ 8'' L 130 cm/ 51'' W 29 cm/ 11 1/2''.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Vintage Scandinavian Water Fontaine Sculpture in Copper, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Naively executed water fontaine figurine/top in patinated copper. Its a piece unique made by an anonymous Danish sculptor/artist during the 1970s. When we found it was displayed as a...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

Cast Iron Planters from the 1930s, Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Cast iron planters produced in Sweden.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Ivar Johnsson Faun Urn / Planter by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare faun urn designed by Ivar Johnsson. Produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Plant Stand / Table Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare plant stand / table attributed to Carl-Axel Acking. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of Six Plant Trays Attributed to Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Copper and brass. Measures: L: 227 cm/ 7' 5 3/4" W: 21 cm/ 8 1/4" Provenance: The member's club at the Myllykoski paper mill, Finland. Paavo Tynell's office was responsible for th...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper

Urn / Planter 'Barockurnan' in Cast Iron by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare urn ‘Barockurnan’ produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Flower Boxes Anonymous, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Flower boxes anonymous, Sweden, 1950s. Forged iron. Measures: Length of the largest 186 cm/ 6' 1'' Height 16 cm/ 6 1/4'' Depth 21 cm/ 8 1/4'' Le...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Iron

Stanchions with Rope, Anonymous, Sweden, 1900s, Brass, Gate, Room Seperator
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stanchions with rope, anonymous, Sweden, 1900s. Brass, lacquered metal and rope. Measures: Height of poles: 91 cm/ 3' 1/4" Full length, when extended: 800 cm/ 26' 3".
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Stig Blomberg Reliefs in Bronze by ASEA in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 reliefs designed by Stig Blomberg. Produced by ASEA in Sweden.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Scandinavian Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with hardwood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Denmark, Europe, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $800 and tops out at $800 while the average work can sell for $800.

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