Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

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
Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; 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

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.

Style: Scandinavian Modern

Creator: Gunnar Nylund

Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s

Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s

1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

A Classic Brown and Beige-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

A Classic Elegant "Aro" Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund, Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden "Rubus" Bowl Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Large AXK Bowl Blue & Aqua Hares Fur Glaze Sweden 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Round Black Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid-20th Century

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

A Classic Elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Green Hares Fur Glazed Stoneware Bowl Signed Rörstrand Sweden 1960

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Ceramic Stoneware Bowl Dark Glaze Brown for Rörstrand, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Lovely Bowl Flambé-technique - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid-20th Century Design

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl Dandelion Yellow Glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Small Oblong Bowl Black Scandinavian, 1950s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Ceramic Stoneware Bowl with Ivory Glaze for Rörstrand, 1950s

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Blue Green Stoneware Bowl Rorstrand Sweden 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Jade Green Glazed "ARF" Bowl Signed Rörstrand - Sweden 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl Blue and Green Glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Brown Speckled Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Unique, Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Light Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Aro Stoneware Bowl Brown Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Set of 2 Gray Vases and One Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Mid-Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Acorn shaped, Mid-Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Large Blue Speckled Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Large Axk Bowl Blue an Ocher Hares Fur Glaze Sweden 1950

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "Rubus" Mid Century Ceramic Bowl Dish for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s - Mid century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "AXK" Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1950s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Pair of Stoneware Bowls by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Vintage Petite Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Rörstrand, Sweden

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls