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.
Sune Bäckström - Art Deco - Bronze Lidded Box, Sweden, 1930
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined bronze lidded box designed by Sune Bäckström, Sweden, 1930. The piece reflects the early development of Scandinavian modernism, where clarity of form and material quality t...
Bronze
Svenskt Tenn Pewter Lidded Box, Sweden 1936, Scandinavian Modern
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and rare pewter lidded box by Svenskt Tenn, dated 1936, exemplifying the elegance and craftsmanship of early Scandinavian Modern design. The piece features a clean hexagona...
Pewter
Sven Jonson For Gustavsberg, Facett 7, Card Suit Ceramic Lidded Pot c1960's
By Sven Jonson
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Smooth dark brown glaze lidded pot with playing card suit motif of applied silver Designed by Sven Jonson for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Stylish and functional Circa 1960's Signed Gustav...
Silver
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Lidded Box, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish pewter lidded box produced by Bröderna Edlund Silverfabrik, dated 1936. This refined piece features a clean cylindrical form raised on small decorative feet, topped ...
Pewter
Swedish Art Deco Patinated Bronze Box, Attributed to GAB, Sweden, circa 1935
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco patinated bronze lidded box, attributed to GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), one of Sweden’s most respected metalwork manufacturers of the early 20th century. ...
Bronze
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
1936 Pewter Games box by GAB Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Charming 1936 Pewter games box by GAB Sweden. Playful shape with a round end and one rectangular end, opening there are 3 individual coasters and markers. E...
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
$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
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
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
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
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
Lidded Pewter Box by Edvin Ollers, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Art Deco.
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful tea caddy in pewter, with amazing patina. Designed by Edvin Ollers and made by Schreuder & Olsson in Stockholm, Sweden, 1937. Great condition, with only a few light scr...
Metal, 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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
Lidded Bronze Art Deco Box by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
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
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
Finnish modernist porcelain bowl by Aune Siimes for Arabia, 1940s
By Arabia
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cute and decorative footed bowl by Aune Siimes for Arabia, made of glazed porcelain in violet tones with vertical stripes. Bowl stands on delicate feets shaped like leaves in re...
Porcelain
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
Lidded Pewter and Brass Jewelry Box by SVM Svenska Metallverken, Sweden, 1930s.
By SVM Handarbete 1, Edvin Ollers, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
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
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
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
Art Deco Box in Pewter and Brass, 1937
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pewter box, produced in 1937 by the distinguished Swedish firm GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and stylistic synthesis that characterized...
Brass, Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by JL Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Edvin Ollers, Erik Fleming, Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
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
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
Lidded Pewter Box by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1929. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Nils Fougstedt, CG Hallberg, Svenskt Tenn, C.G. Hallberg, 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
Large Swedish Grace Brass Vase by Ystad Metall / Brons, Sweden, 1930s
By Hans Bergström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Just Andersen
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
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
$3,980Sale 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
Pewter jar with "Leda and the swan" by Sylvia Stave, C. G. hallberg, Sweden 1931
By C.G. Hallberg, Sylvia Stave
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pewter jar designed by Sylvia Stave. Produced in 1931 by C. G. hallberg in Stockholm Sweden. Elliptical jar with lid decorated with "Leda and the Swan", a story and subject in art fr...
Pewter
Swedish grace Bonbonniere in pewter by Sylvia Stave, CG Hallberg 1933
By Sylvia Stave, C.G. Hallberg
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
Ultima 15 Brass Ashtray by Holger Bäckström & Bo Ljungberg, 1960s
By Holger Bäckström & Bo Ljungberg
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A vintage “Ultima 15” ashtray in solid brass, designed in the 1960s by Swedish designers Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg for Diverse Ting in Malmö, Sweden. This iconic model is a ...
Brass
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
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
Art Deco Lidded Bronze Box by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded bronze box with amazing patina. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only some light scratches. St...
Bronze
Nils Fougstedt Pewter Box for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1986
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
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
Scandinavian Modern Box in Pewter By K. Tveito, Norway - ca 1930-40s
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern box in pewter by K. Tveito, Norway - ca 1930-40s. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches, marks and blemishes.
Pewter
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Georg Jensen Danish Modern Classical Sterling Silver Box
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Danish Modern Classical sterling silver box. Made by Georg Jensen in Copenhagen. Rectangular with straight sides; short inset foot with engraved egg-and-dart. Cover hinged with open ...
Sterling Silver
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
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
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
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, 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
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
Large Swedish Kolmårds Marble Box
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful large Swedish Kolmårds marble box from the 20th century. In a grey/green shade and rectangular shaped with a decorative lid. Dimensions: W 6.3 in x D 4.3 in x H 6.2 in
Marble
Mid Century Scandinavian teak and brass box, 1960s
Located in BELFORT, FR
Beautiful mid century scandinavian box, made of teak wood and brass.
Brass
Midcentury Pewter Jar from Ystad Metall
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely pewter jar from Ystad Metall, with a lid decorated with a stylized figure of a woman.
Pewter
Vintage Danish Modern Walnut & Enamel Table Box with Sculptural Lighter, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Scandinavian modern tabletop accessory set crafted in richly grained walnut with vivid orange enamel plaques depicting stylized rearing horse or unicorn motifs evocative o...
Enamel
Swedish 1928 Pewter Bowl by GAB
Located in New York, NY
Hexagon shaped 1928 Pewter bowl by GAB, Sweden. Decorative organic shaped handles and a fish motif on the front and back. Nice polished shine to the brass with the makers sign undern...
Pewter
Exceptional Octagonal Butter Box, ca 1850, Jämtland, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Exceptional Octagonal Butter Box, ca 1850, Jämtland, Sweden Hand-carved stone box in octagonal form. The modernistic shape is simple and striking, with a patina formed through age a...
Soapstone
Lidded bronze box by Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1920-30s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Lidded box produced by Arvid Böhlmarks lampfabrik during the 1930-40s. Made form solid cast bronze with brown/green patination. Lovely heavy quality. Very good vintage condition with...
Bronze
Swedish Pewter Jar by Sylvia Stave for C.G. Hallberg, 1932
By Sylvia Stave, C.G. Hallberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pewter jar by Sylvia Stave, in a strict simplistic design, contrasted with an adorable elephant on the lid.
Pewter