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.
Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden
Located in KUTNO, PL
This vintage candelabra, designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, is a distinctive example of mid-20th-century Swedish design, combining a geometric structure with the decorative u...
Metal
Set of Pierre Forssell brass candleholders by Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A set of four Scandinavian Modern candlesticks designed by the Swedish silversmith Pierre Forssell and produced by Skultuna Messingsbruk. Minimalist aesthetic with a dramatic appeara...
Brass
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
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
Brown Bing & Grondahl Stoneware Candle Holders, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Danish Modern stoneware candle holders with smooth shiny dark chocolate brown glaze. Simple modernist pieces to be used with tea lights or wide candles, or as small vide-po...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$119Sale Price / set|20% Off
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...
Teak, Wood
Pair of Brass & Glass Candlesticks by Gunnar Ander. Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of brass and blue glass candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scrat...
Brass
Swedish Stig Johansson Rustic 5-armed Candelabra of Pine Smålandsslöjd 1970s
By Stig Johnsson, Smålandsslöjd
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rustic vintage 5-armed candelabra designed by artist Stig Johansson for Smålandsslöjd Värnamo Sweden. The 1970s retro candelabra is made of pine and can...
Pine
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
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
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
$223Sale 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 Brass Candlesticks in Jens Harald Quistgaard Style, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Jens Harald Quistgaard comes this set of organically shaped candlesticks in solid brass. The set was made in Sweden during the 1960s or 70s. Is to be installed with r...
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
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
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Bronze Candlesticks, Sweden, 1960s.
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful bronze candlesticks with amazing patina. Made in Sweden, 1960s, by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition.
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom
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
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
Pair Brass Candle Votivs or Candle Holders Scandinavian Modern Design 1960s
By Georg Jensen, Paavo Tynell, Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of vintage candle holders for tea lights made from brass. They have a stylish modern design and were most likely manufactured in Scandinavia ca. 1960s. It´s also possible to t...
Brass
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
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forssell
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
Pair of Solid Brass & Oak Scandinavian Candlesticks
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Pair of candleholders from unknown maker, most likely Scandinavian from the 1960s. Made from brass and oak. Very good vintage condition.
Brass
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
Scandinavian Modern “Mjölby Intarsia” Advent Candleholder in Inlaid Wood, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
A striking example of Swedish craftsmanship, this Scandinavian Modern “Mjölby Intarsia” Advent candleholder from the 1940s combines artistry, tradition, and functionality. The rectan...
Wood
Gunnar Ander floor candle holder, cat sculpture, Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large, sculptural floor-standing candle holder, model Huskatt (House Cat), designed in the 1950s by Gunnar Ander for the Swedish manufacturer Ystad Metall. Crafted from wrought iro...
Wrought Iron
Rare Pair of solid brass Candlesticks. Rustickly cast. Denmark Mid-20th century
Located in København K, 84
A rare pair of solid and heavy brass candlesticks from mid-20th century Denmark is a captivating testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and design inherent in the era's decorative ...
Brass
Midcentury Set of 14 silver-plated candlesticks by Kjell Engman, Sweden, 1979
By Kjell Engman, Gense
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of 14 beautiful “Saturnus” candlesticks by Kjell Engman, made from silver-plated brass. Three different heights, all hold regular candles. Height 33.5 / 27 / 21 cm Diameter 12.5...
Silver Plate
Danish Ceramic Studio Art Ikebana Minimalist Candle Holder Vase, 1980s
By Francois Gueneau, Albert Thiry, Aage Würtz
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
Swedish Designer, Candle Sticks, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak candle sticks designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Holds 1 0.75" diameter candle each. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.75"H x 2.75"W x 2.75"D All items ship...
Teak
Pair of Brass Candlestick with Hurricane Glass Shades Table Lamps, 1940s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage brass candlestick accent, boudoir, or table lamps feature baluster shaped brass bodies in Scandinavian Modern style with a reference to Swedish Grace style; the socke...
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
1960s Lavender and Gold Glazed Porcelain Candle Holders from Lyngby
By Lyngby Porcelain, Bjørn Wiinblad, Lomonosov, Wedgwood, Porcelaine de Paris
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
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
Pair of Wooden Candle Holders by Kaija Aarikka for Aarikka, Finland 1960s
Located in ROUEN, Normandie
Pair of Wooden Candle Holders by Kaija Aarikka for Aarikka, Finland 1960s. Made of wood and painted in a creamy shade. Aarikka is a famous Finnish home decoration brand, founded by...
Wood, Paint
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
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
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Brancusi, Skultuna, Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell
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
Pair of Scandinavian metal candlesticks, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of Scandinavian metal candlesticks with a clean and functional design, emblematic of the 1960s. Their slender silhouette, combined with a tubular base forming an elegant circula...
Metal
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
Hans-Ange Jakobsson Brass And Frosted Glass Candlesticks, Made In Sweden
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION A pair of candlesticks designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by his own company, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB sometime between 1960 - 1970. The candlesticks are solid b...
Brass
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - set of 4 Mid Century Danish - Decoration Vintage candle holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in silver metal. Designed by Jens H. ...
Silver Plate
Modernist Pewter Candlesticks by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1932
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant pewter candlesticks by Niels Fougstedt. Clean cut lines and decorative details.
Pewter
Candle holders by DANA DFA, Denmark, Midcentury / Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of candle holders in stainless still by DANA DFA Denmark, mid-1900s. Beautiful Art Deco inspired design. With hallmarks. In good condition, smaller s...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Spherical Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn
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
Torleif Solberg 3 Mid Century Modern Candleholders Sweden 1960s
Located in Miami, FL
A set of three small Organic Modern candle holders with crystallized glaze by Torleif Solverg for Etelhems Krukmakerie in Gotländ Island, Sweden from the mid 1960s. The set consists...
Ceramic, Pottery
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
$293Sale Price|46% Off
Handmade Scandinavian Modern Candle Holder by Pernille, Ceramic, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large handmade Scandinavian modern bohemian style candle holder. Striking black and emerald green running glaze resembling the Moroccan Tamegroute ...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Set of 8 “Trumpet” Silver Candle Holders by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
Elegant set of eight sculptural candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala, featuring the iconic trumpet form. Each piece rises from a wide, stable base into a slender, tapering stem ...
Silver
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
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
$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
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Solid Flame Birch Wood and Brass Candleholders
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage Scandinavian Modern candle sticks feature conical solid wood bodies with brass inserts. The unusual choice of Flame Birch wood adds striking natural grain and beautif...
Birch, Wood
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
Set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala TW 486 Brass Candle Holders, Kultakeskus Oy, Finland
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined set of six brass candle holders designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus Oy, model TW 486. The design is defined by its strong, architectural silhouette: a solid cylindri...
Brass
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall
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
Swedish Pewter Candlestick Set by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1938–1979
By Schreuder & Olsson, Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Swedish pewter candlestick ensemble designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by Schreuder & Olsson. Dating from 1938 to 1979, this collection reflects the understated sophist...
Pewter
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Brancusi, Pierre Forssell
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
Pair of Brass Candlesticks attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illum Bolighus, Hans Bolling, Jens Quistgaard, Illums Bolighus, Torben Orskov
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful vintage brass trumpet candlesticks. Attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition with amazing patina. If you prefer them shiny you...
Brass
Pierre Forsell, pair of candle holders for Ystad Metall, model Nr 70, 1960s
By Ystad-Metall, Pierre Forsell
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Pair of Nr 70 candle holders for thin candles designed by Pierre Forsell for Ystad Metall in the 1960s. Both are stamped by the make...
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