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.
Swedish Modernist Lidded Box in Patinated Bronze from GAB, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Sweet patinated bronze box from GAB, in a square form with smooth rounded corners. Lid adorned with a beautiful stylized rose hip berry. Model #78 GAB was founded in Stockholm in 1...
Bronze
Small Fluted Tinos Bronze Bowl, Art Deco, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Evan Jensen, Tinos, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning, fluted Art Deco dish / bowl with amazing patina. Made in solid bronze by Tinos in Denmark, 1930s. Good original condition. Some scratches and scuffs.
Bronze
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s.
Steel
Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg, Berndt Friberg, 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
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
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
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
Round Black Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Atelier - Mid-20th Century
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A round, black ceramic bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 15,5 cm (6,2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from some minor scratches and ma...
Ceramic
$208Sale 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
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Just Andersen, Akta Brons, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Gunnar Nylund
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
$357Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Sage Green Stoneware Plate, Ribbed Edges, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Royal Copenhagen, Arabia, Gunnar Nylund, Einar Johansen
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, Stoneware, Pottery, Clay
$461Sale 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
Swedish Vintage Modernist Angular Bowl on Foot, circa 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unusual Swedish Modern stoneware bowl with sharp geometric angles on body and foot. Hand-painted abstract anthracite decor on cool gray glaze with a blue tint. Handmade in Southern S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Red Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Berndt Friberg, Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
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
Royal Copenhagen Crackle Glazed Bowl. Thorkild Olsen, Denmark, 1958. Green Gold.
By Thorkild Olsen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Malmö, SE
Elegant Royal Copenhagen crackle glazed bowl with gilded banding on the rim and base. Designed by THORKILD OLSEN (1890-1973) for ROYAL COPENHAGEN. M...
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
$197Sale 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
Large Exceptional Norwegian Burl Birch Bowl, ca 1780–1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Large Exceptional Norwegian Burl Birch Bowl, ca 1780–1830 It’s hard to do this magnificent bowl justice through photos alone. The beautiful fire burl birch pattern and silky-smooth...
Birch, Burl
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
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 Mona Morales-Schildt, Kosta Glasbruk 1
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
Finn Juhl & Grethe Kornerup-Bang, Paperbin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl & Grethe Kornerup-Bang paperbin in laquered steel. Handles with cane.
Steel
Round, Blue Serving Dish with stars - Upsala Ekeby - Sven Erik Skawonius
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely ceramic dish designed by Sven-Erik Skawonius at Upsala Ekeby. The dish is 32,5 cm (13") in diameter and in excellent condition.
Ceramic
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
Decorative Blue Dish with Gold Beads designed by Birger Kaipianen, 1980s
By Birger Kaipiainen, Arabia of Finland
Located in Værløse, DK
Decorative Blue Dish with gold beads designed by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia in the 1984. * Oval Hand-Painted Blue Dish with pocket watches, flower and butterfly motives and gold ...
Ceramic
Swedish Art Nouveau Pewter Compote Bowl by Edvin Ollers, 1907
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional and rare Swedish pewter compote bowl made by Edvin Ollers in 1907, a celebrated figure in early 20th-century Scandinavian design. This sculptural centerpiece exemplifi...
Pewter
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
Gunnar Nylund, Dish, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.75"H x 10.45"W ...
Stoneware
Vintage 1969 Norwegian Stoneware Vide-Poche Bowl by Porsgrund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Norwegian rustic stoneware vide-poche bowl manufactured by Porsgrund Porselænsfabrik in 1969. Shiny earth colored brown, green and ochre crackle glaze on the inside while the...
Ceramic, Pottery, 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
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
Vintage Patinated Bronze Oblong Bowl, Swedish Grace, Scandinavian
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage patinated heavy bronze oblong bowl, probably from the 1930's art deco / classical Swedish Grace period. The top of the bowl has a slightly scalloped, undulating edge. "350"...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in 1920s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Good condition, some light scratches and wear to the patination. Stam...
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
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
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
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
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
$1,224Sale Price|20% Off
Stig Lindberg Unique bowl/ vide poche in black Glaze Made by Hand Sweden 60s
Located in Forest, BE
Brown glazed bowl / vide poche by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku gl...
Ceramic
Paul Kedelv (1917-90) Flygsfors Glass "Coquille" Swedish Art Glass Vase, c.1958
By Paul Kedelv, Flygsfors, 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
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
Midcentury Stoneware Platter by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware platter by Gunnar Nylund, with an embossed pattern. Dark brown glaze with celadon green “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicist...
Stoneware
Heikki Orvola / Oval Vase(Unique Piece) / Nuutajärvi / 1985
By Heikki Orvola, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Heikki Orvola studied ceramics at an art and design school. After graduating at the top of his class in 1968, he began his career as a designer at Nuutajärvi at the invitation of Kaj...
Art Glass
Original Danish Raadvad Bread Slicer Black Gold by Ove Larsen, Midcentury 1960s
By Raadvad
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This iconic Danish bread slicer was manufactured by Raadvad in Denmark, circa 1960s. The color of the lacquer is the original black with golden letters and it's a rare version which ...
Steel, Iron
Kaj Franck Red & White Enamel Bowl for Arabia, 1960s
By Kaj Franck
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Fruit, salad or centerpiece bowl in enameled steel. Red exterior and white interior. Beautiful strict esthetic lines and a 'light' appearance. Designed by Kaj Franck and manufactured...
Enamel, Steel
$1,507Sale 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
Vicke Lindstrand Hand-Chiseled Art Glass Bowl, Denmark, 1960
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vicke Lindstrom hand-chiseled Art glass bowl. Has the look of a piece of ice that has been Chiseled and formed. Beautiful simple Bowl signed on bottom ...
Art Glass
Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
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
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Stoneware bowl with biomorphic form. Mid-20th C
By Axel Salto
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen Sculptural bowl, mid-20th century. Organically and freely shaped stoneware bowl with a pronounced asymmetrical, biomorphic form, characteristic of Axe...
Stoneware
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
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
Group of 15 decorative ceramic bowls, Rörstrand Mid-century Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
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
$301Sale Price|34% Off
Mouth Blown Swedish Art Glass Bowl, Murano Sommerso Style, 1950s
By Murano Glass Sommerso, ASEA
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mouth blown Swedish modern encased vivid blue art glass bowl in Murano Sommerso style. Round shape with large frills around the edge and multiple symmetrical waves decorating the ext...
Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Vintage Studio Pottery Ceramic Bowl with Glaze in Turquoise Tone Signed
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage large California Studio Ceramic Bowl with Glaze in Turquoise Tone. Handmade Fruit Bowl or decorative bowl simply placed on a coffee table. ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Terracotta
White Surrealistic Ceramic Bowl "Surrea" by Wilhelm Kåge 1940 Mid century Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl of model Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. It is 24 cm in diameter and in mint condition. The Surrea objects have offset forms, white Carrara glaze, and modern expressions. This is one of the most well known and appreciated stoneware series designed by Wilhelm Kåge. The serie contains of both bowls and vases. Wilhelm Kåge’s Surrea...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg
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
Large Teakwood Serving Bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Large teakwood bowl by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard / IHQ. Produced by Quistgaards own company "Dansk" in the 1960s. Made in best quality solid...
Teak
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