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Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Piet Hein, Candelabra Model Ursa Major, Solid Brass, Danish / Mid-Century Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Candelabra in solid brass by danish designer Piet Hein. Designed in 1953 and named "Ursa Major" and created by Danish designer Piet Hein. Piet Hein was during this time living in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candlestick Candelabra 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. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate

Walter Andersson, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed by Walter Andersson and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds .8” candles.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Hold 0.35” diameter candle
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs with Candles
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....
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. holds .9” diameter candles.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

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...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Elm, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and elm candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.8” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish 3-Arm Mid-century Brass Candelabra in the Style of Josef Frank, 1960s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Swedish 3-Arm Mid-century Brass Candelabra in the Style of Josef Frank, 1960s Elegant Swedish three-arm Mid-century brass candelabra from the 1960s, designed in the style of Josef F...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Cast Iron, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted cast iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Fits 0.45” diameter candle
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Swedish Handmade Wooden Candelabra
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Scandinavian Modern wood candelabra by local artisan Patrik Qvist in small town Brålanda. Brass inserts for five candles, and interchanging circular and lined shapes. Beauti...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wood

1960s Organic Modern Swedish Folk Art Oak Candelabra
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Striking solid oak wood candle holder manufactured by hand in Northern Sweden in the 1960s. This large vintage statement piece has a sculptural appearance with six tall wooden arms i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wood, Oak

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Fits 0.75” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass and black-painted metal candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Holds .4” diameter candles.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, Pair
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of sculptural silver plated coiled candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. Each candleholder has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4...
Category

20th Century French Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designer and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds .5” candles.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Jeans Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron Swivel 7 Arm Candle Holder. Featuring a enameled black cast iron tree form with adjustable an...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Iron

Swedish Designer, Small Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass and black-lacquered metal candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Holds 0.45” candles
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Gusums Bruk Attribution, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra attributed to Gusums Bruk, Sweden, c. 1940s. Hold 0.75” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Ystad Metall, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Pair Mid-Century Candlesticks in Brass by Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Vorst, BE
Pair of Swedish Modernist candle-sticks, designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Entirely made of brass, this playful design is ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Set 3 Scandinavian Modern Candle Holders Brass Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Vorst, BE
Set of 3 Swedish Modernist candle holders by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Candle-holders in solid, polished brass on a base of cl...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Copper, Elm, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A copper and elm candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Hold 0.65” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper

Lars Holmström, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Lars Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, 1930s. Fits 0.45” diameter candle
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Pair Mid-Century Candelabra in Brass by Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Vorst, BE
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Tall Handcrafted Swedish Wooden Candelabra with 7 Candle Holders, 1985
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Tall Handcrafted Swedish Wooden Candelabra with 7 Candle Holders, 1985 Elegant and sculptural Swedish candelabra from 1985, handcrafted in lacquered wood. The design features flowin...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wood

Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Wrought Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wrought iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds eight 0.6” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Metal and Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A metal and brass candelabra designed and produced by Gunnar Ander, Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Designer, Small Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass and black-painted metal chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Uses .4” candles.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Danish Designer, Candelabras, Brass, Denmark, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of small brass candelabras, designed and produced in Denmark c. 1930s. Holds 0.4" diameter candles
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall. Pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden. A pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass. For six candles. Modernist design. Approximately 1970. In very good condition with rust on th...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Cast Iron, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted cast iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Fits 0.45” diameter candle
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Hans Bergström, Candelabra "Ofir Octav" by Ateljé Lyktan, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Hans BERGSTRÖM & Anders PEHRSON (1910-1996 & 1912-1982) for Ateljé Lyktan, Åhus. Sweden 1960/70s. Candelabra, model Ofir Octav in white lacquered metal with brass details and gla...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.75” diameter candles
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Cast Iron, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted cast iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Fits 0.45” diameter candle
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Danish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Teak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and brass candelabra designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

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...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Modernist Sculptural Hagenauer Style Brutalist Copper Candleholder, Austria 1950
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper

Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist copper and metal Candleholder, Austria 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: copper and metal Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1970s in Aust...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell, unique candelabre made in iron in the late 60's.
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Unique Paavo Tynell Candelabre. After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a s...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Danish Modern Seven-Arm Brass Candelabrum by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural seven-arm candelabrum designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of black lacquered metal 'branches' and brass circular base and candle cups. Tarn...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Helge Lindgren Swedish Modern Silver Candelabras Stockholm, 1943
Located in Skanninge, SE
Swedish modernist silver candelabras by Helge Lindgren for Karl Anderson, Stockholm 1943. Outstanding quality and in great condition! Height 24cm. Weight 1684gr (for the pair). F...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver

Stig Johnsson 1960s Swedish Wooden Three Arm Candelabra
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Candelabra from Ystad Metall in Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
Silver plated candelabra from Ystad Metall, Sweden. This heavy piece is in mint condition.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Iron and glass prism candelabra by Erik Höglund , Boda Smide, 1950s
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...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

'Labyrinth' Danish Candle Holder by Lene Munthe for Georg Jensen
Located in Asbury Park, NJ
'Labyrinth' lightweight aluminium candle holder by Lene Munthe for Georg Jensen with a sensuous powder coated surface and stunning sinuous form.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Stig Johnsson, Smålandsslöjd, 1960s Swedish Pine Wood Five Arm Candelabra
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
Large Swedish midcentury modern solid pine wood candelabra. Designed by Stig Johnsson and manufactured by Smålandsslöjd, in the small Swedish town of Värnamo, in the 1960/70s. Hand...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Wood, Pine

Minimalistic Handmade Paavo Tynell Tin Candelabra, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
In addition to his iconic brass lamps, Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) designed candle holders and other metal items. This candle holder is such an example and was handmade late in his care...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Paavo Tynell Hand Made Candelabra circa 1960, Nickel Brass, Finland
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his carrier Paavo Tynell himself hand crafted a serie of candelabra that he made in nickel brass. From this collection this example has been hand crafted by Paavo Tynel...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Paavo Tynell Massive Candelabre, Nickel Brass, circa 1960
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nick...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist brass and leather Candleholder, Austria 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: brass and leather Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Aus...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Brass

candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall
Located in Kiel, SH
candle holder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall black wire and brass details
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large 40cm 6.7kg Modernist Sculptural Brutalist metal Vase, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist vase object Origin: Germany Material: Solid metal, probably a copper mixture weight: 6,7kg Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage vase, was produced...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Metal

Modernist Sculptural Auböck Style Brutalist Copper Candleholder, Austria 1950
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. It ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper

2, 8 Kg Hagenauer Style Brutalist Copper + Brass Candleholder, Austria 1950
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper and brass Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper

XL 3, 8kg Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Brass Floor Candleholder, Italy, 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Italy Material: brass and metal (white tube stand) Decade: 1950s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produc...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Copper

Pair of Candalabras JL Hultman for Svenskt Tenn, Pewter, Sweden 1930s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
JL Hultman & Svenskt Tenn - Scandinavian Modern A beautiful pair of pewter candelabras with four candle arms each, designed by JL Hultman for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1930s. Stamp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Pewter

A Set of Three Anna Greta-Eker Silver Reindeer Antler Candleholders, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 3 very beautiful candleholders designed by Anna Greta-Eker. These pieces are a part of a very well known series of candle holders in different sizes and shapes but in this same distinctive design by Anna Greta-Eker. These 3 in particular are amongst the smallest models that she designed with 2 spots for candles in each one. Eker was a very established silver designer and one of the most important figures in modern scandinavian jewelry...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver

Scandinavian Modern candelabras for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern candelabras for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage candelabras created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern candelabras made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original candelabras, popular names associated with this style include Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall, Erik Höglund, and Hans-Agne Jakobsson. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for candelabras differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $180 and tops out at $27,446 while the average work can sell for $1,128.

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