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.
Danish Modern Egg Shaped Money Bank in Brass by Hans Bunde for Carl Cohr, 1960s
By Hans Bunde
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very rare Egg shaped money bank (in The Smile series) in solid brass featuring a red removable money slot. Designed by the Danish Silversmith Hans Bunde and made by Cohr in Denmark...
Brass
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
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Minimalist pewter box made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Lidded pewter box with a fitted wooden interior. Originally designed as a cigarette box. * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * ...
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
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
Danish Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Solid Teak Jewelry Box for Willy Beck
By Aksel Bender Madsen, Ejner Larsen, Willy Beck
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern organizing trinket jewelry box designed by Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen for cabinet maker Willy Beck, Denmark. This piece features gorgeous wood grains and...
Teak
Swedish Grace Lidded Pewter Box by Nils Fougstedt, Herman Bergman, Sweden, 1928
By Nils Fougstedt, Herman Bergman
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful pewter box by Nils Fougstedt. Neat size. Decorative and dramatic figural scene in relief on the lid. It shows a sunny sky with birds and a man falling from a bridge into th...
Pewter
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
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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak Dovetail Multiuse Box with Drawer
By Peter Hvidt, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful handmade solid teak box with drawer, circa 1980s simple and elegant well-made dovetail great quality. with small compartments inside the drawer.
Teak
Mid Century Scandinavian teak box 1960s, bird
Located in BELFORT, FR
Unique mid century scandinavian box, made of teak wood.
Teak
Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
An oval shaped lidded pot designed by Anne-Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen Applied silver zig-zag decoration to pure white porcelain Circa 1980's Stamped and numbered 5575 Height ...
Porcelain
Swedish Lidded Pewter Box by Estrid Ericson for Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1949
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Precious lidded pewter box, model A1022, by Estrid Ericson, shaped as a heart. Contrasting brass hinge, lid decorated with St. Augustine’s classic quote: “The world is a book and he ...
Pewter, Brass
$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
$3,836Sale 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
Swedish Art Nouveau Lidded Pewter Box, Stockholm, 1904
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very decorative and elegant lidded pewter box from AB Gamla Santessonska Tenngjuteriet Stockholm, in a cylindrical form stands on fluted legs with ending paws and the lid is adorned ...
Pewter
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
Svend Langkilde Rosewood and Brass Jewelry Box Denmark circa 1950's
Located in Troy, MI
Jewelry box in rosewood by Svend Langkilde Denmark circa 1950s Rosewood box with brass handles and exposed fasteners Lid lifts to divided storage and fixed mirror Signed to underne...
Brass
Swedish Tobacco Jar, ca 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Tobacco Jar, ca 1850 Inscribed letters "W, C, G" in Gothic style. Beautiful patina and size. Old repair. Height: 14 cm/5.5 inch Diameter: 16 cm/6.2 inch
Marble
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
Functionalist Lidded Pewter Box from GAB, Sweden, 1935
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Swedish functionalist pewter jar from GAB, in a simplistic cylindrical form adorned with a cool rounded knob and line decoration.
Pewter
Vintage Ceramic Lidded Box with Squirrel Figure, Aqua Glaze, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage ceramic lidded box with striking spotted aqua and mint green glaze on white base and angled lid with sculptural squirrel like figure sitting on top. Great vintage condition ...
Ceramic
Scandinavian teak jewelry box, 1980s, organic
Located in BELFORT, FR
Beautiful organic scandinavian jewelry box, made of teak wood. In very good condition.
Teak
Art Deco Decorative Box by GAB, Pewter and Brass, Swedish Design, 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
Mid Century Scandinavian teak and brass box, 1960s
Located in BELFORT, FR
Beautiful mid century scandinavian box, made of teak wood and brass.
Brass
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
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
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
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
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
Swedish Grace Pewter Sculpture from Ystad-Metall, 1930
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
An elegant and very decorative pewter sculpture from Ystad-Metall, rectangular base mounted with a cute stylized deer grazing. Perfect as a decorative sculpture or as letter weight.
Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by Sylvia Stave for CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1935. Swedish Grace.
By C.G. Hallberg, Sylvia Stave, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt, CG Hallberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful lidded pewter box with amazing patina. Swedish Grace / Art Deco. Designed by Sylvia Stave and made by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1930s Great original condition, with only some...
Metal, Pewter
Lidded Pewter Box by JL Hultman, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Nils Fougstedt, Erik Fleming, Edvin Ollers, 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
Art Deco Lidded Bronze 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. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only some light scratches. St...
Bronze
Bronze box model 78 with rose hip decoration by Jacob Ängman, GAB, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Hägersten, SE
Small lidded box produced by GAB, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget. Attributed to Jacob Ängman, head of artistic work at GAB during the time. Made from heavy cast bronze with a beautiful patina...
Bronze
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
Scandinavian teak jewelry box, 1980s, organic
Located in BELFORT, FR
Beautiful organic scandinavian jewelry box, made of teak wood. In very good condition.
Teak
$169Sale 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
Lidded Pewter Box by CG Hallberg, Sweden, 1929. Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace.
By Svenskt Tenn, C.G. Hallberg, Edvin Ollers, CG Hallberg, Nils Fougstedt
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
Lidded Pewter Box by Edvin Ollers, Sweden, 1930s. Svenskt Tenn. Art Deco.
By Edvin Ollers, Nils Fougstedt, Schreuder & Olsson, Svenskt Tenn
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
Brass and Pewter Box by Nils Fougstedt, Swedish Modern Design, 1948
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pewter box, designed by Nils Fougstedt and produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden in 1948, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and design principles of Swedish modernism. The...
Brass, Pewter
Large 1930s Pewter Jar by Astrid Aagesen
By Nils Johnsson, Astrid Aagesen
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful large 1930s Pewter Jar by Astrid Aagesen, Helsingborg, Sweden. Cylinder shaped body with vertical fluting and the lid has decorative engravings around and a plume like...
Pewter
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
Lidded Bronze Art Deco 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. The inside clad in teak wood. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratche...
Bronze
Art Deco Lidded Bronze 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. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, but with scratches and wear to the ...
Bronze
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
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
Post Modern Skultuna Belle Jewelry Box Made in Sweden c. 2007
By Skultuna, Claesson Koivisto Rune
Located in New York, NY
Voguish, chic and sophisticated Belle jewelry box, designed by Claesson Kolvisto Rune for Skultuna ( 1607 circa 2007 ). The box features an exaggerated vertical top on a bulbous ...
Brass
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
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
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Jewelry Box In Pewter, GAB Sweden 1934
Located in Örebro, SE
Jewelry box produced by GAB in 1934. Made from pewter with mirror on the inside of the lid. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Box with scratches,...
Pewter
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
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
Pair of Brass Lidded Boxes by Ivar Alenius Bjork for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1930s
By Ystad-Metall, Ivar Ålenius Björk, Carl-Einar Borgstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful brass jars with amazing patina. Inside with glass inserts. The lid adorned with a knob in the shape of a lily (just like the famous 'Liljan' candle holders). De...
Brass
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
Pewter jar with "Leda and the swan" by Sylvia Stave, C. G. hallberg, Sweden 1931
By Sylvia Stave, C.G. Hallberg
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 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