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 Grace decorative pewter box by Harald Linder, Uppsala 1933.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative pewter lid box in pewter by Haralder Linder, Uppsala Swedish Grace 1933. With hallmark. One smaller dent, nice patina. Normal signs of age and wear.
Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by JL Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Svenskt Tenn, Erik Fleming, Edvin Ollers, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter box with amazing patina. Made by J.L. Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'JLH' and 'SVENSKT TENN'.
Metal, Pewter
Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant set of Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Two (2) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner boxes. Originally cigarette boxes. * Designer...
Pewter
ROYAL COPENHAGEN - Nils Thorsson - Mid Century Fajance Jar - Denmark - C. 1970's
By Nils Thorsson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL COPENHAGEN (Manufacturer) - NILS THORSSON (Designer) - Mid Century fajance lidded jar (tobacco jar) - featuring a yellow and brown abstract pattern over-all with yellow glazed ...
Ceramic
Swedish grace Bonbonniere in pewter by Sylvia Stave, CG Hallberg 1933
By C.G. Hallberg, Sylvia Stave
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare bonbonniere designed by Sylvia Stave. produced in Stockholm, sweden by C. G. Hallberg in 1933. Made from pewter with the stylistic and characteristic striped pattern favored by ...
Pewter
Swedish Grace, pewter lid box, decor of dolphin, 1931
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pewter lid box, decor of dolphin, 1931 and engraved decor of figur on dolphin by Harald Linder for JL Hultman, Uddevalla Sweden 1931. With hallmarks JLH, E8=1931, U
Pewter
Pewter cufflink box by Sylvia Stave, produced by C. G. Hallberg in 1934
By Sylvia Stave
Located in Hägersten, SE
Small lidded box originally intended for cufflinks. Designed by Sylvia Stave and produced by C. G. Hallberg in 1934. Made from pewter. Stylized decor of a man searching for his cuffl...
Pewter
Ernst Svedbom Pewter Lidded Box, Sweden, 1932 Swedish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A streamlined pewter lidded box by Ernst Svedbom, Sweden, dated 1932. Featuring a rounded stepped form with a simple finial, the design reflects the elegance and restraint of early S...
Pewter
Swedish Wood Book-Hide ca 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Wood Book-Hide ca 1850 With beautiful intricate carvings. Made out birch wood. Heigth: 5.5 cm/2.1 inch Depth: 9.5 cm/3.7 inch Width: 17 cm/6.6 inch
Birch
Scandinavian Modern Teak Wood Box
Located in New York, NY
A round Scandinavian Modern teak wood box with lid, circa mid-20th century, Scandinavia. A great piece for a desk, vanity, closet area, etc. Dimensio...
Teak, Wood
Rutebo Leksand, Sweden, Large Money Box in Shape of a Camel in Glazed Stoneware
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rutebo Leksand, Sweden. Large money box in shape of a camel in glazed stoneware/ ceramics. 1970s. In very good condition. Stamped. Measuring: 30 x 20 cm.
Stoneware
$1,250 / set
1938 Set of Pewter Cup and Letter holder by GAB
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful set of Pewter Cup and Letter holder by by GAB, Sweden, from 1938. Both objects have decorative engraved lines across the body and makers signature at the bottom. Age approp...
Pewter
Swedish Empire Butter Box, ca 1820-1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Empire Butter Box, ca 1820-1830 Beautiful dark pattern and color. Old repair and signs of wear. Made of Swedish Kolmården marble. Heigth: 7.5 cm/2.9 inch Width: 13 cm/5.1 ...
Marble
Swedish Modern Jar in Pewter, CG Hallberg -1931
By CG Hallberg
Located in Örebro, SE
Swedish Modern Jar in Pewter, CG Hallberg -1931. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. The lid is slightly uneven. Numbers i...
Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1929. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By C.G. Hallberg, Nils Fougstedt, CG Hallberg, Svenskt Tenn, Edvin Ollers
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter box with amazing patina. Swedish Grace. Made by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1929. Good condition, with some scratches and scuffs. Stamped with makers mark, 'SVENS...
Metal, Pewter
Danish design. Lidded box in hardwood. Mid-20th century.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Danish design. Lidded box in hardwood. From the mid-20th century. Handcrafted. Unstamped. In excellent condition. Dimensions: Height 12.0 cm x Diameter 8.6 cm. Provenance: Danish pri...
Hardwood
Lidded Bronze Art Deco Box by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded bronze box with amazing patina. The inside clad in teak wood. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratche...
Bronze
Large Swedish Grace Brass Vase by Ystad Metall / Brons, Sweden, 1930s
By Ystad-Metall, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Hans Bergström
Located in Malmö, SE
Elegant patinated bronze vase. Called 'Kungavasen' (The Kings Vase). Art deco / Swedish Grace. Made by Ystad Metall / Brons, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. Some wear to the patina...
Brass
A Rosewood Trinket Box by Alfred Klitgaard & Bodil Eje for Klitgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A masterfully crafted rosewood trinket box with a colorful green and red ceramic tile inset in the lid.
Ceramic, Rosewood
Scandinavian, Stoneware Blue Lidded Jar, Jacob Bang, Own Studio, 1970s, Denmark
By Jacob Bang
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and rare studio piece by Danish ceramic artist Jacob Bang, this hand-crafted stoneware lidded jar embodies the sculptural sensibility and material depth that define Bang’s...
Stoneware
Mid Century Turquoise Stoneware Ceramic Box by Hans Hedberg for Biot France 1950
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Rare and small decorative mid century turquoise glazed stoneware box by the Swedish ceramist Hans Hedberg produced by Biot in southern of France in the 1940s. In good original cond...
Stoneware
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak Tambour Door Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern solid teak tambour door box, circa 1970s. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures 9.75"W x 10.5"D x 5.5"H. #2783
Teak
Exceptional Swedish Limestone Box 19th Century
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful octagonal-shaped limestone box with amazing patina. With engraved and gilded letters. Hand made from limestone in Sweden, mid 19th Century. Good condition. Wear consiste...
Limestone
$3,975Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Grace Pewter Box with a brass lion sculpture
By Anna Petrus
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Chest with lid known as Swedish Grace. Made in pewter with brass details. Stamped Svenskt Tenn 1931, octagonal shape on paw feet with ball, lid with crowning lion.
Brass, Pewter
Brutalist Lidded Bronze Box by Kaj Blomqvist, Finland, 1960s
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning brutalist lidded bronze box with amazing patina. Designed by Kaj Blomqvist and made by Rakennusvaline, Finland, 1960s. Great condition.
Bronze
Antique "Iron Art" Denmark Bronze Trinket Jewelry Box Casket "Battle of Estonia"
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Bronze Trinket Box Casket Copenhagen Denmark Battle of Estonia by Iron Art. Item features scenes depicting the Danish King Daldemar's divine...
Iron
Vintage Scholz & Lammel Modernist Wood Box Enamel Made in Germany
Located in Krefeld, DE
Beautiful Scholz & Lammel boxe from the 1960s made of wood with enamel top. You could use it for cigaretts, little things like jewelry or small accessories. Price for one box.
Enamel
Italian Mid Century Wooden Box in Pine by Mario Ceroli for Poltronova, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Italian mid century wooden and decorative case box designed by Mario Ceroli from the "Mobili della Valle" series produced by Poltronova Italy, 1977. This small box is a uni...
Pine
Art Deco Lidded Bronze Box by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded bronze box with amazing patina. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, but with scratches and wear to the ...
Bronze
Pewter Box by Nils Fougstedt, Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1953
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Hägersten, SE
Box designed by Nils Fougstedt. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn, this example made in 1953. Made from pewter with brass edges. Good vintage condition with age related patina and wear....
Brass, Pewter
Lidded Bronze Box by Hans Bergstrom for Ystad Metall / Brons, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Hans Bergström
Located in Malmö, SE
An extremely rare, possibly unique, bronze jar with amazing patina. The lid adorned with a knob in the shape of a fish. Designed by Hans Bergström for Ystad Metall / Brons, Sweden, ...
Bronze
Pewter Jar from GAB, Sweden, 1930
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter jar from GAB, in a strict cylinder form with a pattern of stripes. Nice even patina.
Pewter
Exceptional Swedish Limestone Chest Shaped like a Book circa 1780
Located in Farsta, SE
A rare stone chest shaped like a book, crafted circa 1840-1870 Made of solid carved Swedish limestone (Öland) with a top nobb in alabaster. The cra...
Alabaster, Limestone
Lidded Pewter and Brass Jewelry Box by SVM Svenska Metallverken, Sweden, 1930s.
By Svenskt Tenn, SVM Handarbete 1, Nils Fougstedt, Edvin Ollers
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter jewelry box with amazing patina. Swedish Grace. Made by SVM Svenska Metallverken, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, only with some light scratches Stamped wi...
Metal, Pewter, Brass
Scandinavian Modern Box in Pewter, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget GAB -1934
Located in Örebro, SE
Art Deco pewter box, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget GAB -1934, with engraving AB. Wear and patina consistent with age and use. Dents, dings and scratches. The inside of the lid with visible ...
Pewter
Vintage Signed Norwegian Stone and Brass Round Box Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This Scandinavian modern round heavy box is a combination of polished stone and brass. It is vintage from the 70's and marked with original labels on the bottom Saulo Made In Norway....
Stone, Brass
Scandinavian Modern Silver Box from C. G. Hallberg, Sweden -1937
By CG Hallberg
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern box in silver from C. G. Hallberg, Sweden -1937. Decorated with a beautiful monogram RG. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage con...
Silver
Danish Modern Solid Teak Roll Top Tambour Door Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern solid teak tambour door box, circa 1970s. The box is in very good condition versatile and practical with small divisions inside perfect for tinkets.
Teak
Raija Uosikkinen "Zodiak" Box by Arabia Finland - ca 1980's
Located in Örebro, SE
Raija Uosikkinen "Zodiak" Box by Arabia Finland - ca 1980's. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Ceramic
Hand painted "Apple" jar by Josef Frank for Svenskt tenn
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare lidded jar in the shape of an apple designed by Josef Frank. Produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn during the 1950s. Made from Aluminum with hand painted decor. Very good vintage condi...
Aluminum
Nils Fougstedt Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Nils Fougstedt (1881-1954), Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986 This is an exquisite tin box adorned with intricate meadow flowers in relief. The delicate floral patterns bring ...
Brass, Pewter
Swedish bentwood box in birch, ca 1790
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish bentwood box in birch, ca 1790 Svepaskar were used to store various household items. Crafted by bending thin strips of wood, often birch, into an oval or circular shape and ...
Birch
Swedish Grace Pewter Box by Ingvar Bossler for Gamleby Tenn, Västervik, Sweden.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Simple, yet sophisticated, Swedish Grace pewter box by Ingvar Bossler for Gamleby Tenn, Västervik, Sweden. The company Gamleby Tenn started in the...
Pewter
Empire Pewter 701 Covered Trinket Ring Dish Decorative Box Blue Velvet Inlaid 89
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern silver color Jewelry decorative covered box, Trinket, Keepsake by Empire Pewter 701. Inside is laid out with royal blue velvet and su...
Pewter
Oak and Polychrome "Öresund" Desk Organizer by Børge Mogensen, Karl Andersson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Desk organizer model A4/3 from the Öresund series designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced in Sweden by Karl Andersson & Söner during the 1960s. Made from solid oak with three drawers in...
Oak, Lacquer
Anna Petrus, Pewter Box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1928
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box in brass and pewter with decor of a womans face. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked B8 = 1928.
Brass, Pewter
Mid-20th Century Wooden Rectangular Decorative Box Covered in Straw, Scandinavia
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century wooden rectangular decorative box covered in straw with a padded interior, Scandinavia By: unknown Material: wood, fabric, foam, straw Technique: hand-crafted Dimen...
Fabric, Straw, Foam, Wood
Pewter Jar by Estrid Ericson
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, with beautiful matte patina. Rim and lid decorated with a subtle pattern. Handle wound with blonde rattan for a nice contrast.
Pewter
Plizè Medium, Scandinavian Modern Design Box with Hanna Anonen
By Hanna Anonen
Located in Halikko, Finland
The Plizé box - serrated surface balanced with a spherical knob is an eyecatcher like no other. Irresistible color combinations make this box a centerpiece of any space.
Oak
Large Exceptional Swedish Empire Stone Box ca 1800–1830s
Located in Farsta, SE
Large Exceptional Swedish Empire Stone Box ca 1800–1830s Made of Swedish Kolmårds marble. Old repairs, incredible patina. Weigh: 4 kg Heigth: 22.5 cm/8.8 inch Diameter: 16 cm/6.2 inch
Marble
Anna Petrus, Pewter box, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1929
Located in Stockholm, SE
Box with decor of a lion, brass and pewter. Designed by Anna Petrus for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Marked C8 = 1929.
Brass, Pewter
$175Sale Price|45% Off
Vintage Rosewood and Brass Trinket Jewelry Box, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A beautifully crafted rosewood box with brass sides and pin-inlays to its star-perforated lid. Despite its Arabic inspired lid it was in fact made in Scandinavia during the 1960s. A ...
Brass
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Boat Shaped Teak Box with Tamborine Door, 1981
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Boat Shaped Teak Box signed BAE, 1981 Tamborine Door Blue Velvet on Interior "In nice vintage as found condition with some minor wear to wood surface." "Takes some pressure / forc...
Teak
Lidded Box by Oscar Antonsson from Ystad-Metall, 1930s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
This exquisite lidded box from Ystad Metall, designed by the renowned Swedish sculptor Oscar Antonsson, is a true Art Deco masterpiece from the 1930s. Crafted in high-quality pewter ...
Pewter
Swedish Empire Butter Box, ca 1820
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Empire Butter Box, ca 1820 This is the smallest marble butter box we have ever had. Its heavily worn-down edges truly show the centuries of use and time. Made of Swedish Ko...
Marble
Exceptional Swedish Blue Steel Box, 1920–1930
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Swedish Blue Steel Box, 1920–1930 Stunning sharp lines and bold Art Deco forms, featuring a brass knob. The entire box is masterfully lathe-worked in steel, with substan...
Steel
Svenskt Tenn Pewter Lidded Box with Scroll Handle, Sweden, 1936
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and elegant hexagonal pewter lidded box by Svenskt Tenn, dated 1936, exemplifying the refined craftsmanship and functional artistry of Swedish design in the early 20th century...
Pewter
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak and Ceramic Lidded Match Box / Container
Located in San Diego, CA
A pristine and absolutely gorgeous teak and ceramic lidded match box / container in the style of Sigvard Nilsson, circa 1950s. The box is made of solid teak wood with a very cool bla...
Teak, Ceramic
Danish Modern Solid Teak Tambour Door Trinket Desk Top Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern solid teak tambour door trinket box, circa 1970s. This beautiful well crafted desk top box is great for storing small items. The box is in very good vintage condition ...
Teak
Modernist Long Solid Teak Storage Box
Located in San Diego, CA
Modernist long solid teak storage box, circa 1970s. This beautiful well crafted desk top box is great for storing small items. The box is in very good vintage condition and measures...
Teak