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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Bertil Vallien / Door Knocker SBW113 / Boda Smide / 1965
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Bertil Vallien is a Swedish artist and designer.
He studied ceramic design at Konstfack (the University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Sweden) and studied under Stig Lindberg, who was...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
Theatre or Museum Rope Barriers – Vintage Stanchions with Twisted Rope
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
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
Scandinavian 1960s teak and metal flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage flower stand with black metal frame and teak-lined tub. Removable metal lattice insert.
Scandinavian flower stand from the 1960s with geometric black painted metal frame. Th...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Eternit Scalloped Cast Concrete Planters with Aluminum Trays, Switzerland 1960s
By Eternit
Located in New York, NY
These vintage planters are in excellent condition and may be used individually or in a stacked configuration. They come with newly made aluminum trays and nine are available.
Category
1960s Swiss Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
Pair of Folke Bensow Benches, Dessin Park Bench No. 1, Sweden
By Folke Bensow
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Folke Bensow - Scandinavian Modern
A beautiful pair of benches (Park Bench No. 1) designed by Folke Bensow, Sweden, 1920s.
The benches are cast iron and pine wood - painted black....
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Planter No. 2 Designed by Anna Petrus for Näfveqvarn, Sweden, 1925
By Anna Petrus
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
Danish Mid-Century Teak & Vinyl Planter
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Danish mid-century teak & vinyl planter, circa 1960's. Bring the outdoors in with this unique planter. Black vinyl case with removable tapering teak legs and original styrofoam liner.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Fireplace Tools by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful set in brass and metal, typical for Gunnar Ander's designs. Condition: Original condit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Brass
Finnish Copper and Pine Door Handles, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
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
$1,055 / set
21st Century Mocha Color Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like swing with you to hang during camping trips...
Category
2010s Israeli Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Mocha, Gold & Pink Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The iota Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are perfect for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock lik...
Category
2010s Israeli Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Folding Table And Chairs Set Scandinavian Design 80s Modernism
Located in Taranto, IT
Wonderful Garden Set consisting of opening table and 4 chairs also opening.
Wooden frame, kept in excellent conservative condition, no major aesthetic or structural defects to repo...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian 1960s copper and metal flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Rectangular copper frame with black metal legs. Visible marks inside due to time and use.
Scandinavian 1960s flower stand with rectangular copper sheet tub and slender black painted...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal, Copper
Scandinavian 1950s bamboo flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Woven bamboo frame with metal-covered tray. Lightweight flower holder with exotic, modernist style.
Original 1950s/60s Scandinavian flower stand with curved bamboo frame and natural...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bamboo
Danish Mid-Century Teak & Vinyl Planter
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak & vinyl mid-century, circa 1960's. Bring the outdoors in with this unique planter. Black vinyl case with removable tapering teak legs and original styrofoam liner.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
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
$1,892 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Scandinavian Modern Planter by Askel Kjersgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Scandinavian Modern cubic planter with chamfered legs, teak veneer and removable plastic liner. Designed by Aksel Kjersgaard and made in Denmark by Feldballes Mobelfabrik, circa 1960...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Outdoor UV protected Blue Sand Handmade Crochet Hammock Seat Swing with Back
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like swing with you to hang during...
Category
2010s Israeli Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Swedish Laggkärl/Planter 1835
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Laggkärl - dated 1835
Original made for storage of grain and wheat.
A perfect planter for a bigger tree or plant.
Made in pine.
Heigth: 65 cm/25.6 inch
Diameter: 46 cm/18....
Category
1830s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pine
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
Scandinavian Hand Turned Teak Planter/Bowl
Located in Charleston, SC
Very large and beautifully grained, Danish modern solid teak bowl/planter/centerpiece
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
Swedish Designer, Plant Holder, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine plant holder designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pine
Ville AV50 Outdoor Coffee Table, Warm Black by Anderssen & Voll for &Tradition
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Extending the possibilities of outdoor living, the Ville coffee table has been made to encourage leisurely moments spent outdoors. Supported by a sleek steel frame to ensure a solid ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
Swedish Support Logs for traditional Scandinavian Log Houses, ca 1860
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Support Logs for traditional Scandinavian Log Houses, ca 1860
Perfect as console tables or side tables.
This mushroom like support logs was made to elevate the log house fr...
Category
Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Pine
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 bamboo vase stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Refined vintage bamboo splashback with green glass top, perfect for plants or small decorative items.
Bamboo planter stand with a light and essential design, it is a versatile and d...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bamboo
Danish Modern Teak Illum Wikkelso Teak Planter
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Danish modern teak planter designed by Illum Wikkelso. Original black plastic liner. Two available. Price is per piece.
Professional, skill...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Teak
$1,395 / item
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
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
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
$1,323 Sale Price
20% Off
Swedish vintage painted wood pedestal
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant painted wooden pedestal with sleek and refined lines, ideal for plants or decorative objects.
Light and essential forms characterize this mid-twentieth-century Swedish pedes...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
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
Assens - Marble Basin - Beige Travertine - Small
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
The Assens is a luxurious marble basin featuring a sleek backsplash, seamlessly blending modern and traditional design elements. Its beveled edges and geometric shape create a refine...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
Swedish vintage wooden pedestal
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant wooden pedestal with sleek and refined lines, ideal for plants or decorative objects.
Light and essential forms characterize this mid-twentieth-century Swedish pedestal. The...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Vintage bamboo pedestal with glass top
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish bamboo pedestal with round frosted glass top, lightweight and versatile for plants or decorative objects.
The woven bamboo frame creates a light and elegant visual effect, w...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bamboo, Glass
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
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Planters
Located in New York, NY
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1977) Ceramic Planters circa. 1930. Made with lattice design work and stamped with a production seal at the bottom.
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
$1,400 / set
Danish Modern Planting Box
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Perfect for your spring flowers! Rosewood frame with resin insert.
Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part of what we do every day. Our goal
is to provide ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Resin, Mahogany
Jardiniere by Bjorn Wiinblad, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large-scaled and unique studio-made signed ceramic jardinière depicting a pair of beautifully painted figures in a lush, vividly polychromed garden.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
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
Classic Danish Modern Minimalist Rosewood Planter with Metal Insert
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Danish modern rosewood planter with label. Classic Minimalist rosewood frame with black metal insert.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Plant Trays Attributed to Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
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
Steel and Enamel Planter
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large-sized bowl or planter in steel and red porcelain enamel with its original rare Minimalist stand fashioned from three blackened rods of iron.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel
$3,600
Luca - Ribbed Marble Basin - White Carrara - Small
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Accentuate your bathroom space with our Ribbed Marble Basin, a perfect fusion of minimalist design and natural elegance. The beautiful ribbed detailing creates a unique visual appeal...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
$3,484 / item
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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