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
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.
$298Sale Price|57% Off
Haunsø Danish Modern Decorative Plate With Deer, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian modern decorative ceramic dish made by Haunsø Ceramics in the 1950s. Shiny cream white and bright green glazed plate with incised symmetrical lines and depiction of a de...
Ceramic
Original Danish Raadvad Bread Slicer Dark Blue by Ove Larsen, Midcentury 1980s
By Raadvad
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This iconic Danish bread slicer was produced by Raadvad in Denmark, circa 1970s-1990s. The color of the lacquer is the original dark blue. It´s very, very rare. It also came in a sl...
Steel, Iron
Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Stig Lindberg, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing glossy glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stig Lindberg / CHESS PIECE "QUEEN" / Gustavsberg
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Queen chess piece designed by Stig Lindberg. Since his assistant, Dan Grip, was a chess player, he began developing chess pieces in the early 1960s, and in 1973, they were produced ...
Porcelain
$206Sale Price|48% Off
Abstract Ikebana Flower Dish in Green Glass by Michael Bang for Holmegaard
By Michael Bang
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The largest ikebana flower arrangement dish from Holmegaard. Its color is called jade green and it features a connected 6 compartment abstract motif. Designed and blown by Michael Ba...
Blown Glass
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Stoneware bowl with eggshell glaze. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Bowl, mid-20th century. Elegant organically shaped stoneware bowl with the characteristic eggshell glaze in soft green and pink tones. Origin: Sweden. De...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Wastepaper Basket in Beautiful Teak
By Einar Barnes , P.S. Heggen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Modern Einar Barnes for P.S. Heggen Teak Wastepaper Basket Scandinavian Modern Einar Barnes for P.S. Heggen teak wastepaper basket A fine example of sculpted teak waste paper bask...
Teak
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, Akta Brons
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
$457Sale Price|20% Off
Turned Curly Birch Lidded Bowl, Finland, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A finely turned lidded bowl in solid curly birch, made in Finland during the 1970s. The sculptural form combines smooth, flowing lines with the intricate natural pattern of visakoivu...
Birch
Rörstrand. Decorative bowl with organic form. Rialto series, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand “Rialto” Decorative bowl, 1960s. Sculptural and organically shaped bowl from the Rialto series, featuring a characteristic relief pattern an...
Stoneware
Decorative Mosaic Tile Centerpiece Bowl, Danish, 1970's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Mosaic Tile Centerpiece Bowl or Dish marked on bottom: "Made in Denmark" "in nice vintage as found condition" "would also look great hanging on a wall"
Pottery
Paul Kedelv (1917-90) Flygsfors Glass "Coquille" Swedish Art Glass Vase, c.1958
By Flygsfors, Paul Kedelv, Flygfors Glass
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Scandinavian / Swedish mid-century modern design red and white art glass vase "Coquille" by glass art pioneer Paul Kedelv (Sweden 1917-90) for Flygsfors Glass. Handcrafted...
Art Glass
Art Deco Patinated Bronze Bowl by Jacob Ängman for GAB Sweden, 1930s
Located in San Diego, CA
A sculptural bronze bowl with elegant handles designed and produced in the 1930s by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), among Sweden’s most esteemed metalware manufacturers. The design refl...
Bronze
Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors “Platina” Sculptural Art Glass Bowl, Sweden 1950's
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural and substantial crystal bowl designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors in the 1950s, from the celebrated Platina series. The form is a softly rounded square with a deep...
Art Glass
Vintage Hand-Painted Norwegian Rosemaling Tray Scandinavian Folk Art 1978
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The beautiful vintage wooden decorative tray features hand-painted traditional Norwegian Rosemaling Style decor. Rosemaling is a folk-art paint...
Wood
Crystal glass bowl by Mona Morales-Schildt
By Kosta Glasbruk 1, Mona Morales-Schildt
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Crystal glass bowl by Mona Morales-Schildt, in heavy quality and a striking, poisonous green color. Dramatic design with a play of light in the thick glass.
Glass
Mid Century Danish Sculptural Teak Bowl, Handcrafted in 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful patinated bowl in teak. Handcrafted in 1960s Suits the modern interior.
Teak
Rare 1950s Danish Teak Office Wastebasket
By Einar Barnes , Illums Bolighus, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare and hard to find Danish teak wastebasket, unknown designer.
Teak
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, Stig Lindberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing blue hare’s fur glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$196Sale Price|58% Off
Danish Modernist Holmegaard Tundra Art Glass Bowl, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mouthblown Danish Modern clear crystal art glass bowl with wavy, organic umber accent lines as added by paint brush inside the glass. Designed by Michael Bang in 1976-78 for Danish H...
Crystal
Vintage Scandinavian Oval Tray Set in Perforated Brass, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 3 oval trays in piercet brass. Very suitable for Christmas Sweets or decorations. Made in Denmark during the 1960s or 1970s, probably by Jacob Worm or CAWA. Measurements:...
Brass
Danish Modern Rare Enamel on Copper Low Bowl by Arne Tjomsland
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare enamel on copper by Arne Tjomsland, its unusual because he is well-known for his wood carved bear sculptures but not his enamels, nice patina a small bent around the edge...
Copper, Enamel
Set of Ten Norwegian Modern Enamel Multi-Color Bowls by Bjørn Engø for Emalox
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern enamel bowls along with a butter pat/small coaster designed by Bjørn Engø for Emalox (Norway, ca. 1960s). Vibrant assortment of colors and sizes - orange, cobalt, ...
Aluminum, Enamel
Round Danish Mid Century Paper Waste Bin in Patinated Leather, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century paper waste bin in patinated leather produced around 1960s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 29 cm / 11.40" Diameter: 24 cm / 9.45"
Leather
Lidded Faience Egg by Hans Hedberg, Scandinavian Modern Stoneware
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely lidded egg faience sculpture by Hans Hedberg, made in his own studio in Biot, France. Speckled and mottled glaze in warm light brown and olive greens, inside with beautiful mu...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Sculptural Red Metal Bowl, Centerpiece Made in Sweden 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian modern sculptural red metal bowl, made in Sweden in the 1980s. This bowl is made out of one piece of metal stunning craftsmanship. The sculptural bowl serves as an artis...
Metal
Scandinavian pinewood bowl by Stig Johnsson for Smålandsslöjd, Sweden, 1970s
By Stig Johnsson, Smålandsslöjd
Located in Forserum, SE
A large organically shaped pinewood bowl designed and produced by Stig Johnsson for Smålandsslöjd in the 1970s. Turned from a piece of edge glued Swedish pinewood. Hallmarked “Smålandsslöjd Stig...
Pine
Blue Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Impressed wit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Red Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing glossy sang de boeuf (oxblood) glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Sage Green Stoneware Plate, Ribbed Edges, Sweden, 1960s
By Einar Johansen, Gunnar Nylund, Arabia, Royal Copenhagen, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Muted sage olive green stoneware plate with ribbed diagonal edges under the matte glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand’s Ritzi line. Stamped under base. Great vintage cond...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Large Blue Swedish Decorative Mid Century Ceramic Dish by Stig Lindberg, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare, unique and oversized Swedish mid century stoneware bowl with handles in a decorative and characteristic blue brown glaze with an impressed decor designed by Stig Lindberg for...
Stoneware
A Green stoneware bowl - Berndt Friberg - Gustavsberg 1963 - Scandinavian Design
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl designed by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg in Stockholm, the bowl is 5.5 cm tall and about 10.5 cm in diameter. It is in excellent condition and is marked as on picture ...
Ceramic
Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Emerald Green Art Glass Centerpiece Bowl, Sweden 1950
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Vicki Linstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant elongated oval form showcases Lindstrand’s mastery of controlled color and glassmaking technique. The richly saturated emerald green interior appears to float within a c...
Art Glass
Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby. Stoneware bowl with stylised figurative motif.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby Bowl (model 1034), 1960s. Low stoneware bowl with a characteristic textured surface and softly organic lines typical of 1960s design. Origin: Swed...
Stoneware
Green Ceramic Bowl Stunning Glaze Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand -
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 19.5 x 17 cm (7.8" x 6.8") in diameter and 5 cm (2") tall. It is in excellent condition, ...
Ceramic
Midcentury unique stoneware bowl by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Large and unique stoneware bowl designed by Stig Lindberg and produced in Gustavsberg studios in the 1960s. Graphic pattern with a beautiful turquoise matt glaze. Marked with sig...
Stoneware
Large laminated rosewood tray by Torsten Johansson for Formträ, 1950s
By AB Formträ, Torsten Johansson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large tray designed by Torsten Johansson. Made by Formträ AB in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from laminated rosewood. very good vintage condition with light age related wear and pat...
Bentwood
Willy Johansson Scandinavian Art Glass Hadeland Norway NAUTILUS Crystal Ashtray
By Hadeland
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Hadeland Norway NAUTILUS Art Glass Crystal Ashtray By Willy Johansson. HADELAND GLASSWORKS - NAUTILUS series - Design by Willy Johansson Circa 1960s. G...
Crystal
Zodiac Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Nordisk Malm, Denmark, 1940s
By Evan Jensen, Just Andersen, Tinos, Nordisk Malm, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A stylish and heavy vintage Danish bronze bowl with relief moulded Zodiac motifs around the rim of the bowl and with a textured finish often referred to as 'moon' texturing. Made by ...
Bronze
Group of 15 decorative ceramic bowls, Rörstrand Mid-century Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely group of fifteen bowls with stunning glazes designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane & Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The largest bowl is 17 x 11 cm in diameter and the sma...
Porcelain
Ole Palsby Scandinavian Modern Decorative Stainless-Steel Basket Copenhagen
Located in Miami, FL
Made in Denmark this stunning stainless-steel fruit basket designed by Ole Palsby Copenhagen Denmark. Scandinavian Modern from the 1980s. Makers Mark at the...
Stainless Steel
Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful porcelain crown window bowls with a hand-painted gold band on the foot. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First so...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Finnish Mid Century Decorative Birch Wooden Dish Bowl by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Finnish mid century decorative sculptural dish bowl in carved laminated birch wood designed and produced by Tapio Wirkkala, 1950s. In good original condition ...
Birch
$364Sale Price|61% Off
Handcrafted Holmegaard Art Glass Vase, Sea Blue and Milky White
By Holmegaard
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handcrafted mouthblown large round 80s modernist art glass vase by Holmegaard. Dramatic, organic sea blue wavy shapes on milky white base. Excellent, seemingly unused condition. De...
Art Glass, Glass
Kosta Boda Art Glass Tray, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1960s Design
By Kosta Boda
Located in Esbjerg, DK
tray in art glass. Made by Kosta Boda. Signed.
Art Glass
Paavo Tynell decorative vase in solid brass model 13, Taito circa 1940.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare Paavo Tynell cup made in solid brass, model 13 for Taito. Paavo Tynell made a range of cup and decoration object, this one is one of the most elegant and rarest of all. Tynell m...
Brass
$1,493Sale Price|20% Off
Large Handcrafted Lidded Woven Basket from Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A large, beautifully rounded lidded basket with a softly domed profile and a sculptural handle wrapped in a tight cane twist. Handwoven from split rattan, the surface pattern is subt...
Rattan
Karin Björquist, Dish, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and white-glazed stoneware dish designed by Karin Björquist and produced by Gustavsberg, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 1.5"H x 6.0"W x 5.0"D All items ship ...
Stoneware
Arabia Finland Finel Enamel Bowl Blue Clover Siniapila Kaj Franck
By Kaj Franck, Finel, Arabia of Finland
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Arabia Finland Finel enamel bowl featuring the "Blue Clover" (Siniapila) pattern, designed by Kaj Franck in the 196...
Steel, Enamel
Large Blue Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware bowl with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Imp...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1960s Solid Teak Bowl Scandinavian Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak bowl Solid wood. Unmarked 4 h x 12 Diameter Preowned vintage Refer to images for condition
Teak
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg Bowl Stoneware Arabia Finland 1950s Turquoise Crackle
By Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Arabia
Located in Basel, BS
Unique Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg stoneware bowl, hand-crafted in her workshop for Arabia Finland in the 1950s. Matte dark brown-black glaze on the outside and a vibrant crackle glaze...
Stoneware
$304Sale Price|20% Off
Nuutajärvi Arktis Bowl Large by Björn Weckström, Scandinavian Modern Art Glass
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Bjorn Weckstrom
Located in Chicago, IL
Handsome large clear glass square catchall. Manufactured in by Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, the oldest glass manufacturer in Finland; designed by Bjorn Weckstrom in the 1970s. From the Arktis ...
Glass
Swedish modern Pewter Bowl by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1975
By Schreuder & Olsson, Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Swedish pewter bowl designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by the renowned Stockholm workshop Schreuder & Olsson in 1975. The bowl features a softly rounded, shallow form ...
Pewter
Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby. Triangular ceramic dish with botanical motif.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby Triangular decorative dish, 1960s. Triangular stoneware decorative dish with hand-painted botanical motif in blue, green and yellow tones on a light b...
Stoneware
Large Axella Stentoj Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Balen, BE
Axella Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Model 2705 A large and elegant mid-century ceramic centerpiece bowl by Axella, model 2705, known for its clean modernist form and warm, organic gla...
Ceramic
Töreboda Keramik, Dish, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white-glazed ceramic dish produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.0"H x 13.0"W x 12.35"D All items shi...
Ceramic
Finel Arabia Tatti Mushroom Bowl Enamelware Kaj Franck Esteri Tomula
By Kaj Franck, Arabia, Esteri Tomula, Finel
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Finel Arabia Tatti mushroom bowl, a collectible enamelware piece designed by Kaj Franck in the 1960s with decorations b...
Enamel
Mid-Century Swedish Modern Art Glass Dish Bowl by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and fantastic art glass bowl by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda c1965. Eight inches in diameter by 5 tall cobalt blue with numerous abstract decorations. Beautiful abstract ch...
Art Glass
Handmade Swedish Birch Burl Bowl, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Each burl has its own shape, formed by natural processes. This piece has been hollowed out to function both as an object and a utility item. The bowl’s irregular outer form contrasts...
Birch