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.
Metallslöjden Gusum, modernist brass candelabra candlestick, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural mid-century modern candelabra produced by the renowned Swedish metal workshop Metallslöjden Gusum. Featuring a clean geometric structure with three candleholders and a s...
Brass
$541Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
$653Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Candelabra in Brass & Glass, Gunnar Ander Ystad Metal Sweden 50-60s
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A Swedish Modernist candelabra by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Candle-holder for 6 candles in solid, polished brass glass cups in...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass candlestick with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scratches. Gunnar Ander (190...
Brass
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in ox by Dansk Designs, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition. it measures 4.25"D x 1.5"H. #3707
Iron
Erik Höglund chandelier SH9 by Boda Smide, Sweden, 1960s
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Forserum, SE
An elegant chandelier model SH9 crafted from iron and glass, designed by Swedish artist Erik Höglund for Boda Smide. Rustic iron frame with six candle holders, decorated with several...
Iron
Vintage Glass Candleholder Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage glass candleholder from the 1970s, named Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla is a classic example of Scandinavian design. Crafted from heavy, textured clear glass, i...
Glass
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Polished Nickel Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950
Located in New York, NY
Spiral Nickel Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for YSTAD, Sweden, c. 1950 Nickel candelabra in the form of a spiral, with six taper holders, designed by Gunnar Ander for the Swedish metal...
Nickel
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs with Candles
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in original box by Dansk Designs of Denmark, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition; it measures 4.75"D x 1.25"H....
Iron
Set of 2 Brass Wall Mounted candleholders by Arthur Pe Pettersson Kolbäck Sweden
By Arthur Pe Kolbäck Studio, Pierre Forssell, Gunnar Ander, Skultuna
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A set of 2 Modernist candle-holders in solid brass, made in the 1960-70s. Circular wall base, the socket fixed in a pendulum. To be used with so-called "Nordic" candles of +/- 12mm ...
Brass
Set of 3 Danish Brass Wall Candle Holders, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four wall candelabras in brass and glass. Made in Sweden 1950s. A rare set of three wall-mounted candle holders in solid brass, crafted in Denmark in the mid-20th century. Th...
Brass
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
Set Of Two Candelabras designed by Eik Hogland, Sweden
By Johan Erik Hoglander, Kosta Boda
Located in Antwerp, BE
A decorative set midcentury modern four-armed table candelabras, designed by Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Made in wrought iron, amber glass, 1970s.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Pair of Art Deco Four-Arm Silver-Plated Candelabra by Just Andersen for GAB 1930
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully balanced pair of four-arm silver-plated candelabra designed by Danish sculptor and designer Just Andersen for GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, circa 1930s. These s...
Silver Plate
Pair of Rörstrand "Daldansen" Earthenware Candelabra, Swedish Folk Art Motif
Located in Brentwood, TN
A charming pair of earthenware candelabra from Rörstrand's "Daldansen" (The Dalarna Dance) series, featuring hand-painted folk dancers in traditional costume beneath a red heart moti...
Earthenware
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-lacquered metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds 0.875” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
$2,802Sale Price|20% Off
XL 70cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper TRIPOD Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder with tripod stand Origin: Austria Material: Solid copper candleholder Decade: 1950s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was pro...
Copper
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Josef Frank, Smålandsslöjd, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Stig Johnsson, Rainer Daumiller
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large hand-carved Swedish midcentury organic modern lacquered solid pine wood candelabra for five candles. Likely designed by Stig Johnsson and manufactured in the 1970s by Smålandss...
Metal
Swedish Modern Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Pierre Forssell, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A striking candelabra in solid brass, designed by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn. This sculptural piece features a sinuous, tubular structure rising from a circular base, supporting...
Brass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Ander Small Candelabra Brass Ystad Metall Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brass and metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s. fits 0.45” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall Mid-Century Modern Brass & Iron Candelabra, Sweden
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking mid-century modern candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall in Sweden during the 1950s. This elegant four-arm candle holder features fluted brass cups set atop s...
Brass
Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960's
Located in London, GB
Gunnar Ander born, in 1976 Sweden, designed the candelabra for Ystad Metall, Sweden 1960's made of black lacquered metal arms and have six brass cup shaped candle holders for regular...
Brass, Metal
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dramatic oxidation. Dimensions: 13” H x 7.5” diameter 3 Sockets Holds .8” diameter candles
Iron
"Tree of Life" Chandelier by Bertil Vallien, 1970s
By Bertil Vallien, Boda Smide AB
Located in London, GB
A four-armed, iron and glass chandelier designed by Bertil Vallien for one of the leading glass manufacturers in Sweden during the mid-20th century, Boda Smide. The hammered, veget...
Wrought Iron
Gunnar Ander, Ystad Metall, candelabra candlestick, brass & glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A graceful mid-century candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s for the Swedish manufacturer Ystad Metall. Crafted from brass, it features five candleholders with blue glass ...
Brass
Danish Designer, Candelabras, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candelabras designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.0"H x 5.7"W x 5.15"D A...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds three 1” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.0"H x 8.5"W x 8.0"D All items ship from High Point, Nort...
Brass
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Metal and Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander
Located in High Point, NC
A metal and brass candelabra designed and produced by Gunnar Ander, Sweden, 1950s.
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Candelabra in Black & Brass Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Swedish Modernist candle holder designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Stylised flowers in brass on 4 asymmetrical...
Brass, Steel, Iron
Large pair "Tree of Life" Iron & Brass Candelabras, Bertil Vallien, Sweden, 1970
By Bertil Vallien, Boda
Located in Odense, DK
A rare pair of large candelabras designed by Bertil Vallien for one of the leading glass manufacturers in Sweden during the mid-20th century, Boda. The hammered, vegetal form of the...
Wrought Iron
Scandinavian modernist pine candlestick candelabra, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural Scandinavian candelabra crafted from solid pinewood by an unidentified Swedish artist in the 1970s. Signed "HK" beneath the base. Features an organically shaped foot com...
Pine
$980Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Midcentury Candelabra by Stig Johnsson, 1960s Pine Wood
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large Swedish midcentury modern solid pine wood candelabra. Designed by Stig Johnsson and manufactured in the 1960s by Smålandsslöjd in the small Swedish...
Metal
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Josef Frank, Paavo Tynell, Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Four arm candelabra by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander (1908-1976) for Ystad Metall, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The candelabra is made from brass and shaped as four...
Brass
Elegant Swedish Grace pewter candelabras, 1 pair by Herman Bergman 1929.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of elegant Swedish Grace pewter candelabras, manufactured by Herman Bergman in 1929. In good condition, one base with a dent and one bottom with a scratch. Nice patina overall.
Pewter
$84Sale Price / item|20% Off
Carrara Home Design Candle Holder in Portoro Marble
Located in Carrara, MS
Organic and elegant shapes for this candle holder with sinuous lines. "Candle Holder by CARRARA_HOME_DESIGN® can accommodate different formats of candles, to create relaxing moments...
Marble
Pierre Forssell Brass Four-Light Candle Holder for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant and refined brass candle holder designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden, circa 1960s. This sculptural piece features Forssell’s signature clean lines and architectur...
Brass
$3,550Sale Price|20% Off
Hand-Carved Oak Candelabra, Scandinavian Modern, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Remarkably monumental solid oak wood candle holder manufactured by hand in Northern Sweden in the 1960s. This large vintage statement piece has a sculptural appearance with fourteen ...
Wood, Oak
$781Sale Price|40% Off
Mid-Century Candlestick Holder by Hans Agne Jakobsson 'circa 1950s'
Located in London, GB
Mid-century candlestick holder by Hans Agne Jakobsson (circa 1950s). Brass base supports four wooden candlesticks topped by wide-candle brass receptacles. The well known designer was...
Brass
XL 75cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Metal Floor Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Germany Material: metal, cast iron Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in IGerm...
Copper
Dantorp 1960's Danish Modern Solid Brass Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Danish modern heavy brass candelabra with three candle holders crafted by Dantorp, Denmark, c. 1960's.
Brass
Walter Andersson, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed by Walter Andersson and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds .8” candles.
Brass
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Just Andersen, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
1960s Scandinavian Modern Candelabra by Pukeberg, Lead Crystal Glass
By Iittala, Pukeberg Sweden, Kosta Boda, Göran Wärff
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautiful vintage Scandinavian Modern lead crystal glass candelabra for three candles manufactured by Pukeberg in the 1960s. Handmade in one piece with textured glass and stylized fl...
Glass, Art Glass
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candlestick Candelabra Hans Jensen
By Hans Jensen
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Danish / Scandinavian Modern / Organic Modern sterling silver plate candlestick or candelabra holder attributed to designer Hans Jensen, circa mid-20th century, Denmark. ...
Silver Plate
XL Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper floor Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Germany Material: Solid metal candleholder Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in th...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Holds three 0.75” diameter candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.0"H x 11.5"W x 2.0"D All items ship from High Point...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Painted Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron candlelabra, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Iron
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candle hol...
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard Candelabra, Cast Iron
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish sculptural candelabra designed Jens Quistgaard circa 1960 Denmark. Measurements W 4.35'' x D 4.35'' x H 7''.
Iron
Swedish Folk Art Candelabrum “Essungastaken” by John Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
The painted wooden candelabrum “Essungastaken,” designed by Swedish maker John Svensson and produced in Sweden during the mid-20th century. Rooted in the Scandinavian allmogestil (v...
Wood, Paint
Mid-Century Candelabra in Brass & Metal Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Swedish Modernist candle holders by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Stylised flowers in brass on 6 asymmetrical steel arms painted i...
Brass, Steel, Iron
Wrought Iron & Glass Candelabra by Erik Höglund, Sweden, 1960s
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Candelabra designed by Erik Höglund during the early 1960s. Manufactured by Boda Smide in Sweden. Made from wrought iron and hand made glass medallions. Some glass pieces with stamp...
Wrought Iron
Candelabra in Bronze by GAB, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget 1930's
Located in Örebro, SE
Candelabra in bronze by GAB - Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 1930's. For five candles, patinated bronze. Signed with maker's mark GAB BRONS 91.
Bronze
1929 Pewter and Brass candelabras attributed to Sylvia Stave
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1929 Pewter and Brass candelabras attributed to Sylvia Stave for CG Hallberg, Sweden. Age appropriate wear with small engravings at the foot. Dimensions: H 8 in. x W 11 in...
Brass, Pewter
Pair of Swedish Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Candelabra, Early 20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural pair of hand-forged wrought iron candelabra, Sweden, early 20th century. Each piece is constructed from solid iron, forming a stepped, architectural silhouette designed ...
Iron
Anna Greta-Eker Reindeer Antler Candleholder in Silver, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very beautiful candleholder designed by Anna Greta-Eker. This piece is a part of a very well known series of candle holders in different sizes and shapes ...
Silver
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Four-armed iron candelabra with glass prisms
Located in København, Copenhagen
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda Four-armed iron candelabra with hanging glass prisms, blown in amber and clear glass with a face motif. Designer: Erik Höglund Manufacturer: Kosta Boda, ...
Iron
Centerpiece candelabra by Karl-Erik Stenberg, pine with 12 candleholders, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
A magnificent, large modernist table centerpiece in the form of a pinewood candelabra, featuring twelve glass candleholders secured by brass rings. It can accommodate tea lights, pil...
Brass
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candlehold...
Silver Plate