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 Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Jens Quistgaard, Paavo Tynell, Pierre Forssell
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
Rare Pair of Bronze Art Deco Vases and Candlesticks by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
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
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
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
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
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall, Carl-Einar Borgstrom
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
$3,500 / 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
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
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
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Ander
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
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
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
$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
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
Jens Quistgaard Star Shaped Candle Holder Yellow Green Iron, Danish Modern 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Internationals Ltd, USA. Made 1960s. This is rare version with yellow green lacquer. It's made...
Iron
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
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
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 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
Scandinavian Ivar Alenius Björk Brass Liljan Candleholder for Ystad Metal 1940s
By Ystad-Metall, Ivar Ålenius Björk
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
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
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
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
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Smålandsslöjd, Stig Johnsson, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Rainer Daumiller, Josef Frank
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
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Genarp, SE
Crafted in solid brass, these candleholders feature Quistgaard’s signature organic lines and refined proportions, combining functional simplicity with a distinctly sculptural presenc...
Brass
Set of 6 Tapio Wirkkala TW 486 Brass Candle Holders, Kultakeskus Oy, Finland
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
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
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
Scandinavian Metal and Cane Wrapped Candle Holders Snuffer Wine Holder Danish
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautiful set of cane wrapped over metal accessories. The set consists of a win bottle holder, four candle holders and a candle snuffer. Made in Denmark. 1950s Wine Bottle Holder"...
Metal
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Three Danish Modern "Princess" Glass Bubble Candlesticks by Holmegaard
By Holmegaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of three Danish modern "Princess" glass bubble candlesticks by Holmegaard, circa 1960s. The candlesticks are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and mea...
Glass
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
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
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
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
Bjerkås Armatur Wrought Iron Floor Candlestick, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Hammarö, SE
Bjerkås Armatur Floor Candlestick in Green-Patinated Wrought Iron, Sweden, 1940s A striking and highly decorative floor candlestick produced by Bjerkås Armatur, Sweden, during the 1...
Wrought Iron
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Stamped 1983 Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden
By Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell
Located in Forest, BE
This set of 3 candleholders was hand crafted in 1983 at the Skultuna studio were Pierre Forssell was working with he's assistant. The set is made of brass. Simple, minimal and elegan...
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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 Crystal Candle Holders Scandinavian Modern Kosta Boda Style
By Goran and Ann Warff, Kosta Boda
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage candle holders in iconic Snowball shape were designed in 1970s by Ann Wolff for Kosta Boda; their shape and texture that seem to actually be made of snow. Complex texture ref...
Art Glass
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
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
Timo Sarpaneva Triangular 'Archipelago' Candleholder for Iittala
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage Scandinavian art glass triangular "Archipelago' candleholder by Timo Sarpaneva for Iittala. Designer: Timo Sarpaneva Manufacture...
Art Glass
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
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
Pierre Forssell Brass crown vases Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Brancusi
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
$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
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
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
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Pierre Forssell, 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. Good original condition. Signed and impresse...
Brass
Pair of Brass Candlesticks attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illums Bolighus, Torben Orskov, Illum Bolighus, Jens Quistgaard, Hans Bolling
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