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
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Pierre Forssell, Paavo Tynell
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
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 5
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
Floral Ceramic Folk Art Candle Holder, Poland
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
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illum Bolighus, Illums Bolighus, Hans Bolling, Torben Orskov
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of vintage solid brass trumpet candlesticks. With original aluminium inserts. Designed by Hans Bolling and made by Torben Örskov, Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition wit...
Brass
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Sune Bäckström
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
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
GIFT IDEA - Orrefors Anne Nilsson Pair Candle Holders Scandinavian Crystal Art
By Anne Nilsson, Orrefors
Located in Bochum, NRW
🎁 A Gift Worth Giving: Pair of Orrefors “Raspberry” Candle Holders by Anne Nilsson - A Winter Gift of Light Like frozen fruit glistening in Nordic twilight, this pair of Raspberry t...
Crystal
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
Emerald Green Ceramic Candle Holder, Denmark, 1970s
By Jette Hellerøe, Saxbo, Einar Johansen, Hegnetslund, Frølich
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Lovely Scandinavian organic modern shiny emerald and sea foam green candle holder by Danish ceramic artist Lene Beier (1945-2018). Small circular ledges around top and base. Stunning...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage Midentury Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing brass candelabra by Lars Holmström, in a distinct meander-like geometric design with a rectangular base. Holds seven candles. Heavy quality.
Brass
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
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Brancusi, Skultuna
Located in Forest, BE
This series of candleholders was hand crafted in the 1970's at the Skultuna factory next to the studio were Pierre Forssell was working with he's assistant. The candleholder is made ...
Brass
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
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
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Brass and Glass Candlesticks for AB Sweden
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Møbel AB Sweden
Located in San Diego, CA
Candle holder designed by Hans Agne Jakobsson. It was produced by his own company, Hans Agne Jakobsson A. B. in Markaryd, Sweden. Solid brass with a wonderful patina and a hand blown...
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
$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
Mid century modern brass candlesticks by K-E Ytterberg, Sweden, 1960s
By K-E Ytterberg, BCA Eskilstuna
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Big set of 12 candleholders model 4973 in solid brass designed by K. E. Ytterberg for BCA Eskilstuna, Sweden, during the 1960s. Organic shape and made in solid brass. Patinated su...
Brass
"Liljan", Ivar Ålenius Björk for Skultuna, a Pair of Candlesticks
Located in København, Copenhagen
"Liljan", Ivar Ålenius Björk for Skultuna, a pair of candlesticks in patinated brass. 2000s. Swedish classic design. In perfect condition. Dimensions: W 20.0 x H 13.0 cm. The Liljan candlestick was designed for the World Exhibition...
Brass
$240Sale Price / set|52% Off
Set of 3 Iittala Finnish Candlesticks Designed by Timo Sarpaneva
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 3 staggered in size Iittala candlesticks. Textured clear molded glass composed as a column with projecting bands, a flared mouth and a round base. Designed by Timo Sarpaneva f...
Glass
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, 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
1960s Pair of Danish Hans Bolling Candlesticks in Solid Brass by T. Orskov
By Torben Orskov, Hans Bølling
Located in Knebel, DK
Pair of Danish solid brass candlesticks designed by Hans Bølling and manufactured by Torben Ørskov in the 1960s with manufacturer's mark on each base. The candlesticks are in good v...
Brass
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 2 Candlesticks by Don Shoemaker
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Born in Nebraska, Don S. Shoemaker studied painting at The Fine Arts Institution of Chicago. In the late 1940s, he moved to Mexico with his family and settled in Santa Maria de Guido...
Hardwood
Pierre Forssell Brass crown vases Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Brancusi, Skultuna
Located in Forest, BE
This series of Vases was hand crafted in the 1970's and 1980's at the Skultuna studio were Pierre Forssell was working with his assistant. The vases is made of brass. Simple, minimal...
Brass
Modernist Brass Vase by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful six sphered crown vase by Pierre Forssell, made of solid brass. Can be used as a flower vase or viewed as a sculpture. Pierre Forssell was an acclaimed industrial designer...
Brass
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Stig Johnsson, Smålandsslöjd, Rainer Daumiller, Josef Frank, 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
Ivar Alenius Bjork for Ystad Metall Liljan Brass Candlestick Sweden 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage organic metal candlestick, candleholder, designed by Ivar Åhlenius Björk for Ystad Metall. Designed in 1939 for the Scandinavian Pavilion of the 1939 New York World Fair. The...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candlesticks, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds a 0.875” candle Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.5"H x 3.75"W x 3.75"D All items ship from High Point, ...
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
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 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
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
Hans Bolling Scandinavian Midcentury Brass Candlesticks for Torben Ørskov, 1950s
By Torben Orskov, Hans Bolling
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
$3,525 / 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
Princess House Sapphire Crystal Candlestick Glass Flower Shaped 1980s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Princess House Cobalt and Clear Glass Flower Shaped Candle Holders 1980s. Sapphire Crystal Candlestick Holders by Princess House, Flower Shaped Tops, Elegant Orb Base. Gorgeous Vintage pair of Princess House Crystal Sapphire blue taper Candlestick holders. The tops are clear shaped like a flower and are sitting on a stemmed orb pedestal base. With original Princess House tag marked Princess House, Crystal Sapphire and Made in Romania. The taper candlestick holders are both in excellent vintage condition. Bold colored glass candle holders...
Crystal
Scandinavian Modern Tulip Candlesticks in Brass, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of tulip shaped brass candlesticks designed and manufactured in Scandinavia during the 1960s ina style reminiscent of Pierre Forssell. The candlesticks are in a heavy quality a...
Brass
Pair of Bronze Art Deco Candlesticks by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
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
Modernist Brass Vase by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful brass vase in a crown shape by Pierre Forssell. Fun and luxurious at the same time. Pierre Forssell was an acclaimed industrial designer who designed cutlery and cookware ...
Brass
Candlestick In Soft Light Blue Hue by Hans-agne Jakobsson, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The candlestick model L-102/27, designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden during the 1950s, represents a distinctive example of Scandinavian modern lighting...
Brass
Pair of Modernist Brass Candlesticks, Late 20th C
Located in København, Copenhagen
Swedish design. A pair of modernist brass candlesticks. Handmade. Late 1900s. Dimensions: H 16.0 x W 8.0 x Depth 5.0 cm. Fits candles with a diameter of 2.3 cm.
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
Pair of brass candle sticks, attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960's
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Brass Candlesticks, Attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard – Denmark, 1960s This elegant pair of brass candlesticks, attributed to renowned Danish designer Jens H. Quistgaard, ref...
Brass
Pair of Spherical Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair beautiful brass candleholders with amazing patina. Designed by Pierre Forssell and made by Skultuna Messingsbruk, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Signed and impress...
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
Pair Of Brass Candlesticks by Jens H. Quistgaard For Dansk design, Denmark, 1956
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark. Designed in 1956 by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, this elegant pair of brass candlesticks exemplif...
Brass
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
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
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
Lavender, Gold Porcelain Candle Holders, 1960s
By Bjørn Wiinblad, Porcelaine de Paris, Lomonosov, Lyngby Porcelain, Wedgwood
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,...
Faience, Porcelain
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
$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
Set of 3 Brass Wall Candlesticks "Sunburst" Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These wall candlesticks were hand -sculpted in Arvika, Sweden. The candlesticks are made in brass by famous Holmström Arvika. These ones are signed on the back. The name Sunburst was...
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Pair of Trumpet Candle Holders In Silver, Kultakeskus Oy 1980s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy back in 1980s. Both pieces fully stamped showing date and manufacturer. The also have monogram...
Silver
Tall Scandinavian Modern Tulip Candlesticks in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of tall organically shaped tulip candlesticks in brass. Designed and manufactured in Scandinavia during the 1960s ina style reminiscent of Pierre Forssell and Jens Harald Quis...
Brass
Pair of Swedish Modern Brass candle-sticks Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn
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
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak Bird Candleholder
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and nostalgic candleholder. Whimsical versatile multiposition candleholder, solid teak five candle capacity 1/2" diameter candles well done piece. This piece is vintage and...
Teak
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
A Pair of Pierre Forssell Adjustable Candleholder, Model Variation, Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Pierre Forssells adjustable candleholder, Model Variation, Skultuna. The "Variable" candlestick is an iconic design creation and known for its simple and timeless design....
Brass