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.
Pewter Chamber Candlesticks by Just Andersen, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Modern Pewter Chamber Candlestick made by Just Andersen in the 1970s. * Round pewter candlestick holders with lug * Style: 573048 * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Year: 1970s * Cond...
Pewter
2 Brass Candlesticks- Crowns - Pierre Forsell - Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of 2 candlesticks by Pierre Forsell, designed and produced at Skultuna in 1980-1990s. The candlesticks are 4 x 4 cm and in excellent condition except from some minor scratches ...
Brass
Rare Pair of Bronze Art Deco Vases and Candlesticks by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
Rare pair of Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vases and candlesticks with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, some wear to the patin...
Bronze
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericsson
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of wonderful white metal drip pewter candles made in the 1960s at Avesta Jernverk / Avesta Ironworks in Sweden. In the style of Svenskt Tenn.
Metal
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 8
Located in KUTNO, PL
The set of vintage brass candlesticks is an elegant proposal that catches the eye with its timeless aesthetics and nobility of the material. The brass from which they are made gives ...
Brass
Set of 3 elegant Mid-Century Modern brass candle holder, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Beautiful condition with great patina. Three different heights: 50 cm, 62 cm, and 66 cm. The diameter of the opening for the Kertew is 2.2 cm.
Brass
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Paavo Tynell, Pierre Forsell, Jens Quistgaard, Skultuna
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A pair of candle-sticks made of solid brass, created by Pierre Forssell. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in Sweden by Skultuna. The company was founded by King Carl IX...
Brass
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Denmark, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Evan Jensen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Denmark in the 1930s by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the p...
Bronze
Midcentury 1.6kg Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder was produced in th...
Bronze
Brass Candlestick by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illums Bolighus, Torben Orskov, Illum Bolighus, Hans Bolling
Located in Malmö, SE
A vintage solid brass trumpet candlestick. Designed by Hans Bolling and made by Torben Örskov, Denmark, 1960s. For Standard Base (7/8") Candles. Good original condition with amazin...
Brass
Set of 3 Swedish Crystal Sunflower Candlesticks by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three vintage Swedish crystal sunflower candlesticks by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, circa 1970s. This beautiful trio of clear glass candleholders is in good vintage condition with no chips or cracks, measuring approximately: Large 11"H x 4"W x 3"D Medium - 7.5"H x 4"W x 3"D Small - 4.75H x 4"W x 3"D These 3 vintage Kosta Boda sunflower...
Crystal
Scandinavian Wooden Candleholders, Set of 6
Located in KUTNO, PL
This set of Scandinavian wooden candle holders is a perfect example of the simplicity and natural beauty that characterize Scandinavian design. Made of wood, often from light species...
Wood
Pierre Forssell “Bow” Candlestick Pair – Rare Brass Design for Skultuna, Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pierre Forssell “Bow” Candlestick Pair – Rare Brass Design for Skultuna, Sweden A rare and striking pair of brass “Bow” candlesticks, designed by renowned Swedish metalsmith Pierre...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Cast Pewter Candle Holders, Edvin Ollers -1975
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern cast pewter candle holders, Edvin Ollers -1975. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Pewter
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair beautiful brass candleholders with amazing patina. Designed by Pierre Forssell and made by Skultuna Messingsbruk, Sweden, 1960s. Good original condition. Signed and impresse...
Brass
Wall Candleholders by Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Pierre Forsell designed brass pendel wall appliques. Rarer version with bobeche. Made by Skultuna, Sweden, circa 1965. In beautiful original patinated ...
Brass
Danish Ceramic Studio Art Ikebana Minimalist Candle Holder Vase, 1980s
By Aage Würtz, Francois Gueneau, Albert Thiry
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large round handmade decorative chalk white glazed Danish organic modern ikebana vase by ceramic artist Aage Würtz. Hand-crafted Japanese inspired item that functions for both flower...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Set 4 Timo Sarpaneva Festivo Candlesticks Iittala Finland Scandinavian Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 4 Scandinavian Modern Finland Iittala Art Glass with bubbles Festivo Candle Holders designed by Timo Sarpaneva, made in the late 1970s. Top Ca...
Art Glass
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. produced by Dansk designs in Denmark during the 1950s. Made from solid polished brass. Good vintage condition with light age related ...
Brass
$3,534 / set
Swedish Modern Set of 21 Candle Holders in Brass
Located in Örebro, SE
Swedish modern set of 21 candle holders in brass. Unknown designer and maker, most probably produced In Sweden. Marked with an unknown label, as seen on the pictures. Good vintag...
Brass
$60Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Dansk Star Shaped Glass Candle Holder Pair
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Dansk star shaped glass votive candle holders, Set of two, Denmark, circa 1970s. Unmarked Dimensions: 2.25 H x 3.75 diameter- candle 1.25 diameter....
Art Glass
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Three Glass Votive Candleholder In Hammered Iron by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful three glass votive candleholder in hand hammered iron by Erik Hoglund for Kosta Boda, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks to...
Iron
Group of Cubic Solid Brass Candlesticks by Gusum Metallslöjden, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Elegant group of twelve solid brass candlesticks. Manufactured by Gusum Metallslöjden in Sweden during the 1980s. Each candlestick is stamped and engraved with a date. Made from soli...
Brass
Large 1.3kg Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Metal Candleholder, France, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in France. It is made of...
Bronze
Rare Pierre Forssell for Skultuna Solid Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Stunning, modernist brass candlesticks designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden. Stamped with makers mark. Five available. Price i...
Brass
Mastad Norway Pair of Candle Holders Scandinavian Modern Pewter 1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare pair of sculptural pewter candle holders in Scandinavian Midcentury Modern style was made by Mastad Norway in 1950s. Each candle holder has built-in bobeche to prevent wax drippage, slightly elongated body with two bands of abstract patterns, and weighted base with felt pad on the bottom. The candle holders are in good vintage condition; they are signed with manufacturer's logo and model number (model 102). The Mastad Tinnvarefabrikk was founded in 1870 in the town of Orje, Norway. Mastad Norway Pewter objects are well-known for their detailed and elegant metalwork. The company boasts a rich history in the field of Scandinavian metal artistry. We are offering Mastad Norway pewter footed bowl...
Pewter, Metal
Pair of Bronze Art Deco Candlesticks by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
Pair of Swedish Grace bronze candlesticks with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, some wear to the patination and some light scratc...
Bronze
Vintage Polish Ceramic Candle Holder, Hand-Painted Floral, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Polish ceramic candle holder manufactured circa 1970s. Handpainted dark blue and burgundy organic floral decorations on cream colored shiny glaze. Stamped by maker under bas...
Ceramic
$229Sale Price / set|44% Off
Trio of Danish Modern Brass Candlesticks, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A trio of solid brass candlesticks manufactured in Denmark during the 1970s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles. They have not been polished recently and di...
Brass
Pair of Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Floor Candleholders with Leaf Motif, Sweden
Located in Hammarö, SE
A charming pair of handcrafted wrought iron floor candleholders, made in Sweden during the 1970s. Each candleholder features an elegant floral composition with individually forged le...
Metal
Art Deco Pair of Brass Wall Candlesticks Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These Wall Candlesticks was hand-sculpted in Arvika Sweden during the 1940s. The Candlesticks are made in brass by famous Holmström Arvika, these ones are signed on the back.The amou...
Brass
A pair of pewter candle sticks model '1165' by Just Andersen, 1930s
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Pewter Candlesticks Model ‘1165’ by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s A pair of pewter candlesticks designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s, model 1165. Each candlestick is set o...
Pewter
Scandinavian Ivar Alenius Björk Brass Liljan Candleholder for Ystad Metal 1940s
By Ivar Ålenius Björk, Ystad-Metall
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Swedish brass candle holders, model Liljan, designed by Ivar Alenius Björk for Ystad Metall, Sweden 1940s circa Signature engrav...
Brass
Josef Frank "The Knot of Friendship" candelabra, Sweden 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank Candlestick for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1930’s.
Brass
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 6
Located in KUTNO, PL
The set of vintage brass candlesticks is an elegant proposal that catches the eye with its timeless aesthetics and nobility of the material. The brass from which they are made gives ...
Brass
Pair of Pewter Art Deco Candlesticks by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
Located in Malmö, SE
Pair of large pewter candlesticks in amazing condition. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s. Great condition, only some light scratches. Stamped 'DENMARK', model n...
Pewter
Finnish Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/30s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant and very decorative seven-light candelabra designed by Paavo Tynell. Executed in tinned brass with gracefully sweeping volute-shaped arms and subtle ornamental details in a r...
Brass, Pewter
Gunnar Ander Early Candlestick Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early candlestick designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden.
Brass
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Sweden, 1930s, by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the patinat...
Bronze
Pair of Swedish Art Nouveau Cast Iron Candlesticks with Original Green Finish.
Located in Hammarö, SE
A decorative pair of Swedish Art Nouveau candlesticks dating to the early twentieth century, executed in cast iron with their original green-painted finish highlighted by bronzed acc...
Cast Iron
$989Sale 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
Glass Candleholders, 'STOP' Modern Swedish design by Anne Nilsson, KOSTA
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A pair of iconic “Stop” glass candlesticks designed by Anne Nilsson for Kosta Boda, Sweden. These sculptural candleholders are exemplary of Scandinavian glass design, defined by the...
Art Glass
Pair of Swedish Modern Brass candle-sticks Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Gunnar Ander
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Elegant pair of Swedish Modern candlesticks in solid brass, dating from the 1950s. Each piece features a central tubular element designed to hold one candle. This central element is ...
Brass
Set of 6 Glass 'Festivo' Candlesticks by Timo Sarpaneva, Iittala, Finland, 1960s
By Iittala, Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 6 'Festivo' glass candle holders. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva 1967 and made by Iittala in Finland, 1970s. Great condition. Signed 'TS' underneath. Height: 8,3 - 18,5 cm D...
Glass
Modernist Pewter Candlesticks by Björn Trädgårdh, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930
By Svenskt Tenn, Bjorn Tragardh
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant pewter candlesticks by Björn Trädgårdh, round and wide in a generous size.
Pewter
Swedish Modern Candlesticks in Solid Brass by BCA Eskilstuna -1960's
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful, organic shaped candlesticks in brass by K-E Ytterberg for BCA Eskilstuna - 1960's. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
Kosta Boda Vintage Crystal Candle Holders, Mid-Century Design
By Kosta Boda
Located in Bochum, NRW
Kosta Boda vintage crystal cut candle holders, Sweden 1960s. Manufacturer original label, each signed and form number on the bottom. Excellent condition. Dimensions: height 18cm, dia...
Crystal
Candle Holder by Gunnar Ander
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Metal candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad metall. Malmö, Sweden, circa 1950 - 1960.
Metal
Cast IronTall Candlestick Holders Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of 1960s cast iron candlestick holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Cast iron, often described as having a grainy texture...
Iron
Art Deco Pair of Brass Wall Candlesticks Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These wall candlesticks was hand-sculpted in Arvika, Sweden. The candlesticks are made in brass by famous Holmström Arvika, these ones are signed on the back. The amount of time and ...
Brass
Large Midcentury Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany, 1960
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in t...
Bronze
Hans Bolling Scandinavian Midcentury Brass Candlesticks for Torben Ørskov, 1950s
By Hans Bolling, Torben Orskov
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Scandinavian midcentury modern design candlesticks candleholders designed by Hans Bolling and manufactured by Torben Orskov in Denmark, they are made from solid brass and...
Brass
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass and blue glass candlestick with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scratches. Gu...
Brass
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
Brass
$753Sale Price / set|20% Off
1960s Lavender and Gold Glazed Porcelain Candle Holders from Lyngby
By Wedgwood, Porcelaine de Paris, Lomonosov, Lyngby Porcelain, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Matte lavender blue and shiny golden glazed porcelain candle holders by Danish manufacturer Lyngby Porcelæn in the 1960s. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Denmark,...
Porcelain, Faience
Set of 2 Pierre Forsell Aniara Brass Candlesticks for Skultuna Sweden, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Ystad-Metall, Metallslojden Gusum, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell
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
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Turned Wooden Candlesticks
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This charming pair of Scandinavian Modern candlesticks exemplifies mid-century craftsmanship with their elegant turned wooden design. Each candlestick features a distinctive silhouet...
Wood, Teak
Scandinavian Wooden Candleholders, Set of 5
Located in KUTNO, PL
This set of Scandinavian wooden candle holders is a perfect example of the simplicity and natural beauty that characterize Scandinavian design. Made of wood, often from light species...
Wood
Pentti Sarpaneva candlestick Pitsi, Turun Hopean, bronze, Finland, 1960s
By Pentti Sarpaneva, Turun Hopea
Located in Forserum, SE
A Brutalist candlestick from the Pitsi (“Lace”) series, designed in the late 1960s by Pentti Sarpaneva for the Finnish firm Turun Hopea Oy. Crafted from gilt bronze with intricate, p...
Bronze
Art Deco Candlesticks in Brass by Lars Holmström in Arvika, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Midcentury brass candlestick designed by Lars Holmström. Produced by Lars Holmström in Arvika, Sweden. Wonderfully handcrafted brass candlestick with that modern look. These three pi...
Brass