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.
Pair of Art Deco Four-Arm Silver-Plated Candelabra by Just Andersen for GAB 1930
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
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
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
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
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
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
$673Sale 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
Pair of Josef Frank Six-Armed Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Few objects carry a room quite like a lit candelabra. This petite pair, designed by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn in the 1940s, Sweden, does so with characteristic wit — five ar...
Brass
$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
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
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
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
Set Of Two Candelabras designed by Eik Hogland, Sweden
By Kosta Boda, Johan Erik Hoglander
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
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
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, Ystad-Metall
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
$2,885Sale Price|20% Off
XL 70cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper TRIPOD Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
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
$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
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
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
$1,010Sale 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
Set of 2 Brass Wall Mounted candleholders by Arthur Pe Pettersson Kolbäck Sweden
By Gunnar Ander, Pierre Forssell, Arthur Pe Kolbäck Studio, 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
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
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Rainer Daumiller, Josef Frank, Smålandsslöjd, Stig Johnsson, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
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
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
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 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
1960s Scandinavian Modern Candelabra by Pukeberg, Lead Crystal Glass
By Iittala, Göran Wärff, Kosta Boda, Pukeberg Sweden
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
Pair Mid-Century Candelabra in black Metal by Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair of Swedish Modernist candle holders for 7 candles, designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Made of steel, painted black wit...
Copper, Steel
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
Scandinavian Modern Five-Arm Brass Candelabra
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Sculptural vintage candelabra features 5-arm form with 4 curved arms surrounding a slightly taller straight central arm. The circular base and top of the stem are decorated with sing...
Brass
Swedish, Candelabras, Masur Birch, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and Masur birch candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Signed "Signe". Holds three 0.75” diameter candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.0"H x 7.75...
Brass
Swedish Modern Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, 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
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
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
$3,655Sale 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
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
Iron and glass prism candelabra by Erik Höglund , Boda Smide, 1950s
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Three armed candelabra designed by Erik Höglund. Hand made during the 1950s by Boda Smide in Sweden. Wrought iron and mold blown clear glass prisms with patterns of people and fishes...
Iron
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
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
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Gunnar Ander, Paavo Tynell, Ystad-Metall, Josef Frank
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
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
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
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
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds three 0.875” diameter candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.5"H x 14.75"W x 2.25"D All items ship from High Po...
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Candelabra in Black & Brass Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
By Skultuna, Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall, Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell
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
Gunnar Ander, Candelabras, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and glass candelabras designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 4.25” H x 4.125” W x 2.5” D 2 sockets Holds .375” diamet...
Brass
Gunnar Ander Mid-Century Silver-Plated Candelabras, Swedish Design
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant pair of mid-century candelabras is attributed to Gunnar Ander, whose distinctive approach to form is evident in the lively, asymmetrical rhythm of the arms and the refin...
Silver
Gunnar Ander Large Candelabra for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Large Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s 6 arms with 6 flower candlesticks. Black lacquered metal and brass Marked under the base. This model is the large o...
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian Candelabra in Brass by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Pierre Forssell, Ystad-Metall, Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Swedish Modernist candelabra by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Candle-holder in solid, polished brass. Organic design of four styli...
Brass
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson, Josef Frank, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn
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
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of Model 8013 candelabras designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. Executed in nickel-plated brass, these elegant three-arm candleholders captur...
Brass, Nickel
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
Svend Aage Holm Sørensen Danish Mid-century Modern Steel and Brass Menorah
Located in Downingtown, PA
Svend Aage Holm Sørensen: Danish Mid-century Modern Menorah in Steel and Brass, Circa 1960s This elegant steel and brass menorah, designed by the Danish master Svend Aage Holm Søre...
Brass, Steel
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen
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
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
Pair playful Mid-Century Modern Candelabra in Brass Ystad Metall Sweden
By Pierre Forssell, Jens Quistgaard, Gunnar Ander, Skultuna, Ystad-Metall
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair of Swedish Modernist candle holders for 5 candles was designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Entirely made of brass, this ...
Brass
Danish Modern Tall Spiral Multi positions Rare Teak Candle Holder Candelabra
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
An incredible striking solid teak multi candles candelabra impressive piece , amazing craftsmanship fits candles .5" diameter it flatens for easy shipping , in excellent condition .
Teak
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
$799Sale Price / set|30% Off
Set of 3 Mid-Century Candlesticks in Brass by Arthur Pe, Kolbäck, Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A set of three Mid-Century candle-sticks or candle-holders in solid brass. Created and made by Arthur Petterson, he signed his candleholders “Arthur Pe Kolbäck...
Brass