Skip to main content

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. 

4
to
2
2
2
4
4
4
333
44
42
31
9
9
4
4
2
2
2
1
1
2
74
11
7
53
11
5
4
3
8
23
5
Height
to
Width
to
2
1
1
1
1
4
4
2
1
1
1
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1970s
Set of 3 Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Pedestal Plant Stand End Side Tables
Located in Wayne, NJ
Danish modern set of 3 teak pedestals , plant stands , small side or accent tables If you are in the New Jersey, New York City Metro Area, please contact us with your delivery zipco...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

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

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

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

Related Items
Minimalist Sofa for Outdoor, Contemporary Brazilian Design
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
This minimalist outdoor sofa is made in hardwood, metal and fabrics, two places sofa with arms, the multi-finish structure is combined with outdoor fabrics such as the Batyline to create an interesting outdoor solution. Bellow the full Skyfolding collection concept: Skyfolding In-outdoor collection, the collection concept is inspired by the Asian building scaffoldings, where a structure is composed by bamboo sticks crossed to create this inspiring and fascinating structures. We combined elements of this structures and also references from the ballet stretching bars that often combine metal and wood, this combo is the concept very soul. All the figurative elements are abstracted in the design process to extract the precise best of each world, and by then resulting in a collection of delicate objects, cult and curated to the minimum details, in design and engineering. The collection is composed by outdoor net, batyline or plastic, in a portion leaving room to a more soft design approach that is harmonious, this elements are combined to a structure made of wood and metal that transcends to tech and soft, a paradigm of past, present and future that invite all the viewers to contemplate and reflect in this philosophical matters in a tactile and visual way. Resulting is a essential and timeless set of objects designed for the modern lifestyle that permit infinite compositions indoors or outdoors that will participate in lives for a lifetime like a breeze full of “zen” elements and energy. Award winner of the biggest South American design...
Category

2010s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Modern Steel Basket Hanging Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The basket twig hanging swing chairs’ round shape creates a cozy feel. It is simple and striking in its visual appeal. The pattern detail is inspired by nature and reminiscent of th...
Category

2010s South African Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Steel

Plant Pot Holder, glazed Terracotta, Green color, France 1930
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This is a plant pot holder. It has been made in France circa 1930. It is made in Terracotta Glazed, with Green Color.
Category

1930s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Bronze Finish Boy & Girl Water Fountain Statue
Located in Germantown, MD
Vintage boy and girl water fountain statue. Boy & girl water fountain statue. Made out of resin and fiberglass materiel with bronze finish. Some...
Category

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

Materials

Resin

Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak wood pedestal was crafted by moulding 4 blocks of solid teak wood together. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases o...
Category

Early 2000s Chinese Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Teak

Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
H 28.75 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Copper Mermaid Fountain by Glen Mayo
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Whimsical fountain sculpture, of copper, by metal artist Glen Mayo; its mermaid focal point holding a leaf which cascades water down the fountain, among turtles, angel fish, other se...
Category

1990s North American Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Copper

Vintage Moroccan Mosaic Outdoor Tile Table
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Moroccan Mosaic tile outdoor table. Moroccan mosaic tile square shape bistro table on iron base. Handmade by expert artisans in Fez, Moroc...
Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Moroccan Mosaic Outdoor Tile Table
Vintage Moroccan Mosaic Outdoor Tile Table
H 18.25 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Directoire' Style Tall Pedestal Stands
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Pair Of Directoire' Style Tall Pedestal stands, Made of polished and painted iron with brass rods and paw feet. Structurally designed and made to h...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass, Copper, Iron

Moroccan Outdoor Mosaic Tile Table from Fez in Traditional Moorish Design
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Great Moroccan mosaic tile table, delicately handcrafted in Fez with traditional Islamic Moorish geometric design in white, yellow, blue, red, green colors. The tile table sit on an ...
Category

20th Century Moroccan Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Secession Plant Stand
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession plant stand with brass fittings. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category

1910s Slovak Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Brass

Secession Plant Stand
Secession Plant Stand
H 39.38 in Dm 11.82 in
Classical Maiden Fountain, French Bronze Water Feature
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Cute French bronze garden fountain Two tiers, first tier features the classical maidens with Amphora urns Great patina to the bronze Can you imagine this configured and flowing with water? Bought from an architectural salvage company at Paris antique markets...
Category

1980s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Bronze

Round Side Tables in Minimalist Design for Outdoor Use
Located in Vila Cordeiro, São Paulo
These nesting side tables, made ins olid wood and metal are designed for outdoor use. The round side table, minimalist design for outdoors is a side table that combines thin solid wo...
Category

2010s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Previously Available Items
Pair of Danish Mid Century Rectangular Night Stands in Solid Pine, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of Danish modern rectangular night stands in solid pine, 1970s. The night stands are nicely patinated and in a good vintage condition.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Swedish Concrete Garden Pot, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare garden pot in concrete produced in Sweden by unknown designer showing beautiful patina from age and use. In good vintage condition.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Concrete

Set of Two Aksel Kjersgaard Pinewood Stools or Plant Stands, Denmark, 1970's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Pinewood side tables, stools or plant stands Marked with "Aksel Kjersgaard, 8300 Odder, Made in Denmark" Diameter of the foot is 31.5 cm, diameter of the top is 25.5 cm.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Pair of Danish Mid Century Night Stands with Drawers in Solid Pine, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of Danish modern night stands with drawers in solid pine, 1970s The night stands are nicely patinated and in a good vintage condition...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Pair of Scandinavian Modern, Brutalist Night Stands in Solid Pine, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of mid century Brutalist pedestals / night stands in solid pine, 1970s, made in Sweden. The night stands are nicely patinated and in a good vintage condition. They can be tur...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Patio Set in Sunburst Solid Teak Slats by Daneline, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-Century Modern patio set. Includes a table designed in sunburst teak wood slats and is foldable, four stackable chairs with armrest made from whit...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Metal

Very Rare Monumental Planter by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, 1971
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare monumental, very large, planter or urn by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. This piece is from a special commission in 1971 and the model was never put into serial production and w...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Stoneware

Set of Four White Arabia Finland Planters by Richard Lindh
Located in Washington, DC
Wonderful set of white planters by Richard Lindh for Arabia. These classic pots were in production from 1964-1985. Each piece has the Arabia crown mark stamped to underside. Condi...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Building and Garden Elements

Materials

Ceramic

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.

Recently Viewed

View All