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.
Footed Art Deco Bronze Bowl / Dish by Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1930s.
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Akta Brons, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful footed art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Made by Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Marked 'ÄKTA BRONS'.
Bronze
Upsala Ekeby, Bowl, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A cream-white and orange glazed earthenware bowl produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 4.0"H x 10.5"W x 10.0"D ...
Earthenware
Swedish Wood Bowl circa 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Wood Bowl circa 1830 With a grey smooth patina that only can be created over time. Residues from original paint. Owner's mark 'EB' engraved...
Birch
Midcentury Modern Wastepaper Basket in Beautiful Teak
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
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Berndt Friberg, Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg, 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
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Akta Brons, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
Kaj Franck / KF2 HORS D'OEUVRE DISH(BROWN) / Arabia Finland
By Arabia of Finland, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
KF2 was designed in 1957 and manufactured from 1958 to 1962. A geometric-shaped appetiser dish. One of Kai Franck's masterpieces, combining structural beauty with functional elegance...
Ceramic
Vintage Leaf Shaped Serving Dish Faience, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in faience designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 31.5 x 10.5 cm (12.6" x 4.2") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition. This vase is pa...
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
Stoneware Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1975. Beige / Off White
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1975. Great condition. Incised signature 'Fribe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large danish Ceramic Dish Bowl Palshus Denmark Per & Annelise Linnemann-Schmidt
By Palshus, Per Linnemann-Schmidt, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Large ceramic vide-poche or low bowl in earth tones beige-grey brown. Square with rounded edges. Scandinavian Mid-Century 1960s, produced by Palshus (Denmark), founded by Per and h...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Large ceramic bowl with glaze in brown tones.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Large ceramic bowl with glaze in brown tones. Mid-20th century. Signed. Perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: D...
Ceramic
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund, Sune Bäckström
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
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
Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Sylvia Leuchovius, Rörstrand
Located in Goteborg, SE
Decorative tray by the Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius. (1915-2003). Leuchovius was one of Rörstrands most prolific artists for almost 30 years. This tray is a typical example of he...
Ceramic
Large Scandinavian Mid-Century Stoneware Bowl by Thomas Toft, Denmark
By Thomas Toft, Per Linnemann-Schmidt, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Palshus
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Big oblong low stoneware bowl or centerpiece made in Denmark. Created by Danish ceramist Thomas Toft in the 1950s or 1960s. It has a glazed inside and a rough textured exterior. Th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Blue Ceramic Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - 1950s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large blue ceramic bowl from Rörstrand, Sweden, designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane in the 1950s. The bowl is in excellent condition except from ...
Ceramic
1950s Blue Art Glass Swan Neck Decorative Bowl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Decorative vintage Nordic mouth blown art glass swan neck bowl. White, light blue and clear dark blue glass are placed side by side in organic soft shapes to accentuate a bright blue...
Glass, Art Glass
Kosta Boda Swedish Art Glass White Swirl Bowl, 1980s
By Kosta Boda
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Heavy mouthblown Swedish modern solid crystal decorative vide poche by Kosta Boda manufactured in the 1980s. Soft semicircle shaped clear art glass bowl with encased layered white or...
Crystal
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Orion Bowl by Lars Hellsten 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Orion Bowl by Lars Hellsten circa 1970s. The Swedish crystal Orion bowl, designed by sculptor Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, showcases a flared form with a scalloped edge and is signed with a marked with needle-etched Orrefors at the base. Thick-walled clear crystal glass; the side edge with the opening rim with six indentations. This elegant six-sided petal bowl is a remarkable piece of art, reflecting exquisite attention to detail. Its unique design makes it a standout addition to any home, sure to capture the admiration of all who see it. Beautiful solid glass bowl...
Crystal
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
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
Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, "Domino" Dish in Ceramics, 1950s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, "Domino" dish in ceramics. 1950s. Measures: 20 cm. Depth: 3.5 cm. Marked. In perfect condition.
Art Deco Pewter Bowl by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1931
By Sylvia Stave
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Art Deco pewter bowl designed and crafted by the renowned Swedish firm CG Hallberg in 1931. This beautifully flared piece features a gently scalloped rim with subtle vertical...
Pewter
Swedish Modern Pewter Bowl by Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson, 1938
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural Swedish pewter bowl designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by Schreuder & Olsson, Stockholm, in 1938. The bowl is characterized by a softly squared form with rounded cor...
Pewter
Danish Kähler Large Ceramic Bowl Turquoise Beige Oxblood Red Glaze Brutalist
By Palshus, Svend Hammershøi, Herman August Kähler, Bitossi, Nils Kähler
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very rare large low bowl by Nils Kähler for the Danish ceramic workshop Kähler. It features a deep turquoise blue glaze, vivid as an ocean, and has a rim of beige glaze surrounded ...
Ceramic
1950s Michael Andersen Spiral Decor Vide-Poche, Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hand-thrown Danish midcentury modern stoneware vide-poche bowl. Shiny light blue and sandy yellow glaze over spiral relief decor in the center and clear glaze on the sides over the d...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Royal Copenhagen Crackle Glazed Bowl. Thorkild Olsen, Denmark, 1958. Green Gold.
By Royal Copenhagen, Thorkild Olsen
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
Erik Höglund - Set of 2 glass Ashtray ''Robot''
By Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 2 Ashtrays/Decorative ''Robot'' trays by Erik Höglund from the 1960's. Emerald Green Tray - 11x11 CM Blue Tray - 9 CM
Art Glass
Arne Bang (1901-1983), Denmark. Bowl in glazed ceramics with the grooved body
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arne Bang (1901-1983), Denmark. Bowl in glazed ceramics modelled with the grooved body. Model number 122. Beautiful glaze in light brown shades. 1940s / 50s. Measures: 22 x 10.5 ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Ceramic Bowl in Blue and Brown Glaze
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand, ceramic bowl in shades of blue and brown. In excellent condition. Second factory quality. Marked. Dimensions: H 9.0 x D 13.5 cm.
Ceramic
Set of Two Modernist Stoneware Bowls by Drejargruppen for Rörstrand, Sweden 1974
By Rörstrand
Located in Bochum, NRW
A striking pair of Scandinavian modernist stoneware bowls, designed in 1974 by the Drejargruppen collective for Rörstrand, one of Sweden’s most storied ceramic manufacturers. These h...
Stoneware
Set of three Georg Jensen "Leaf" bowls in stainless steel. Late 1900s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Set of three Georg Jensen "Leaf" bowls in stainless steel. Late 1900s. Largest bowl measures: L 22.0 cm. x W 12.5 cm. H 7.5 cm.
Stainless Steel
Vintage Danish Large Decorated Porcelain Dish by Bjørn Wiinblad, 1970s
By Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish large decorated porcelain dish by Bjørn Wiinblad, 1970s. Large rectangular white dish designed by famous Danish designer Bjørn Wiinblad and made by Danish manufacture...
Porcelain
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
Mid Century Aeroplan Plywood Leaf Dish by Tapio Wirkkala Made in Finland c 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Iconic laminated wood aeroplan leaf dish by recognized master of the genre, Tapio Wirkkala. Made in Finland by Soinne et Kni Oy, circa 1950's. This example is in very good, origina...
Birch, Teak
Art Deco Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By Just Andersen, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare pewter bowl. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s. Good condition, only a few light scratches and a tiny chip to the rim. Stamped 'DENMARK', mod...
Pewter
Schreuder & Olsson Sculptural Pewter Bowl, Sweden, 1972
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking sculptural pewter bowl designed by Schreuder & Olsson in 1972. Featuring a minimalist organic form with soft asymmetry, the piece rests on a discreet circular foot, giving...
Pewter
1950s Danish Teak Freeform Carved Nut Bowl Table Centerpiece Vintage Modern
By Finn Juhl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Obscure Danish Design Company, AL-BO. Highly finished, thin walled Teak wedge-shaped bowl.
Teak
Rörstrand Sweden Footed Bowl Green Speckled Glaze by Carl-Harry Stålhane 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Saxbo, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Palshus
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage footed bowl by Swedish ceramist Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Sweden. Made circa 1950s. The bowl is made from stoneware and has a slightly triangular shape. It is decora...
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Unique bowl/ vide poche in blue 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 blackVarious shades of blue. There's...
Ceramic
Green Stoneware Bowl by Carl-Harry Stalhane, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Made by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Signed 'CHS' an...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
1970s Orrefors 'Corona' Crystal Bowl
By Orrefors
Located in Raleigh, US
Orrefors Swedish ‘Corona’ Heavy Crystal Bowl This exquisite vintage crystal bowl from Orrefors, a renowned Swedish glass manufacturer, combines classic elegance with modern design. ...
Crystal
Blue Ceramic Bowl Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Vintage Midcentury
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely unique blue bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 11.5 cm (4.6") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except fr...
Ceramic
1960s Sensational Scandinavian Blue Plate Enamel on Aluminum Norway
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Sensational Blue Plate Enamel on Aluminum Scandinavian Modern unmarked attributed style emalox and eloxsoren .75 h x 7.25 diameter Preowned vintage unrestored Refer to images f...
Aluminum, Enamel
Midcentury Danish Kähler Large Ceramic Low Bowl Green Black Gray Speckled Glaze
By Nils Kähler, Herman August Kähler, Svend Hammershøi
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very rare large low bowl with very interesting glaze expression from the Danish ceramic workshop Kähler. The shape of this bowl and the glaze has a time...
Ceramic
Holmegaard Smoked Glass Free Form Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern free form art glass vessel, great as a centerpiece. Holmegaard, Sweden. Etched on bottom.
Art Glass
Art déco bronze bowl, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Patinated bronze bowl by unknown Swedish designer and maker during the first half of the 20th century. Marked E.B on bottom.
Bronze
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
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Gold & Brown Sommerso Glass Bowl, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This glass bowl was manufactured in Scandinavian during the 1950s. Made of art glass in the Sommerso technique, which in Italian means immersed. This technique involves repeatedly pl...
Glass
Höganas Keramik, Bowl, Glazed Stoneware, Höganäs, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brown, beige, and orange stoneware decorative dish / vide-poche / bowl designed and produced by Höganäs Keramik, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Earthenware
Olive Green Ceramic Graphic Stripe Dish, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Seafoam light olive green vide-poche dish with one unglazed stripe across the middle. Manufactured by Bjergård Keramik in the 1970s. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition....
Ceramic, Pottery, Clay
Upsala Ekeby, Dish, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A white-lacquered ceramic dish produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.0" Height x 11.8" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Ceramic
Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby. Ceramic bowl. Rare model. 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Mari Simmulson (1911-2000) for Upsala Ekeby. Ceramic bowl. Rare model. Polychrome glaze. Featuring a woman's face and a bird motif. Approximately from the 1960s. Model number: 4068. ...
Ceramic
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
Large Gunnar Nylund Sage Green Stoneware Plate, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Einar Johansen, Gunnar Nylund, Arabia, Royal Copenhagen
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
Lizzie Schnakenburg Thyssen, Danish Artist, Unique Ceramic Bowl
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lizzie Schnakenburg Thyssen (born 1925), Danish artist and ceramist. Unique ceramic bowl. Measures: 11 x 8 cm. In very good condition. Signed.
Ceramic
Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. "Selecta" ceramic bowl.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Berndt Friberg (1899-1981) for Gustavsberg, Sweden. "Selecta" ceramic bowl. Hand-decorated in blue-green shades. Approximately from the 1960s. Marked. In excellent condition. Dimensi...
Ceramic