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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Just Andersen, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, 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. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
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
Swedish Modern Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank
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
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
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
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
$545Sale 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. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander
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
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
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
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
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
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
Danish Designer, Small Candelabra, Silver Plate, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small silver plate candelabra designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 10.75” H x 8.5” diameter Holds 1” diameter candles
Silver Plate
1960s Scandinavian Modern Candelabra by Pukeberg, Lead Crystal Glass
By Pukeberg Sweden, Iittala, 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 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
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
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
Rare Scandinavian Modern Candelabra, Paavo tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare Scandinavian Modern candelabra, design Paavo tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Paavo Tynell (189...
Brass
$658Sale 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
$2,824Sale 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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Josef Frank
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
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Stig Johnsson, Rainer Daumiller, Josef Frank, Smålandsslöjd
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
Set of 2 Brass Wall Mounted candleholders by Arthur Pe Pettersson Kolbäck Sweden
By Gunnar Ander, Skultuna, Arthur Pe Kolbäck Studio, Pierre Forssell
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
$794Sale Price / item|25% Off
Scandinavian Candelabra in Brass by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Pierre Forssell, Josef Frank, Paavo Tynell
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. Very elegant and pure, slend...
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 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
$988Sale 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
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
Sven Lundqvist Candelabra, White Ceramic, Scandinavian Design, 1970s
By Guy Bareff, Olivia Cognet, Aldo Londi, Rörstrand, Bodil Marie Nielsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian organic modern ceramic candelabra by Swedish sculptor Sven Lundqvist (1918-2010). Seven globe shaped candle holders on a round base with shiny white glaze. Signed under...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
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
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Fits 0.80” diameter candles
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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
$3,575Sale 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
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
$783Sale 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
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
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
Pair Scandinavian Candelabra in Brass by Gunnar Ander Ystad Metal Sweden 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, Skultuna, Paavo Tynell, Pierre Forssell, Gunnar Ander
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair Swedish Modernist candelabra by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Candle-holders in solid, polished brass. Organic design of four...
Brass
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Paavo Tynell
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
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
$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
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
Set of 2 Pierre Forsell Aniara Brass Candlesticks for Skultuna Sweden, 1960s
By Skultuna, Ystad-Metall, Metallslojden Gusum, Pierre Forsell, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 2 vintage "Aniara" candlesticks designed by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna, Sweden. Made from solid brass. Made ca 1960s. They hold slim sized tapers. Measurements height: 19,...
Brass
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Candelabra in Black & Brass Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Skultuna
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
$782Sale 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
Pair playful Mid-Century Modern Candelabra in Brass Ystad Metall Sweden
By Pierre Forssell, Jens Quistgaard, Ystad-Metall, Skultuna, Gunnar Ander
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
Pair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks in Brass Ystad Metall Sweden
By Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, Jens Quistgaard, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair of Swedish Modernist candle-sticks, designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Entirely made of brass, this playf...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Hans-Agne Jakobsson Candle Holder Brass and Hand Blown Glass
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Hans-Agne Jakobsson three armed candle holder in brass with a smashing lilac/pink color designed for Hans-Agne Jakobsson Markaryd, AB Sweden, 1950s. Polished bras...
Brass
Pair of Large Swedish Candelabras in Brass by Lars Bergsten for Gusum
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very large candelabras by Gusum, Sweden. This is one of the biggest candelabras in this series and is rarely seen. It is made of solid brass and is therefore very heavy. Condition: ...
Brass