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
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 Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Skultuna, Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Jens Quistgaard, 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
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
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 Estrid Ericsson, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
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
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
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, 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
GIFT IDEA - Orrefors Anne Nilsson Pair Candle Holders Scandinavian Crystal Art
By Orrefors, Anne Nilsson
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
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Skultuna, Brancusi, 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
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
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
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
Gusums Bruk Spherical Candle Stick Holders
By Gusums Bruk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A refined pair of spherical brass candlestick holders produced by Gusums Bruk in Sweden. Each example features a rounded body set on three ball feet, creating a balanced and sculptur...
Brass
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
"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
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
Pentti Sarpaneva candlestick Pitsi, Turun Hopean, bronze, Finland, 1960s
By Turun Hopea, Pentti Sarpaneva
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
$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
$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 BCA Eskilstuna, K-E Ytterberg
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
$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
$1,170 / set
Pair of Pewter Candlesticks by Nils Fougstedt
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter candlesticks by Nils Fougstedt for Fabriksaktiebolaget Kronsilver (FAK), with clean functionalist lines. Decor of embossed stripes on the bases.
Pewter
1960s Pair of Danish Hans Bolling Candlesticks in Solid Brass by T. Orskov
By Hans Bølling, Torben Orskov
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
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
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
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 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 Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Skultuna, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell
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
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
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
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
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illums Bolighus, Hans Bolling, Illum Bolighus, 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
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
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
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
Pierre Forssell Brass crown vases Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Skultuna, Brancusi, Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell
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
$240Sale Price|20% Off
Brass Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Candleholder Candlesticks, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian sphere candleholder candlestick in solid brass, Denmark, 1950s.
Brass
Unique Midcentury Brass Candleholders, Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, 1967
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of three unique brass candlesticks by Pierre Forssell, in a clean, graphic design. Sculptural and look great without candles as well. Fit slender candles, look amazing also witho...
Brass
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Stig Johnsson, Smålandsslöjd, 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
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
$1,008Sale 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
Bronze Art Deco Candlestick by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
An Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze candelstick with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Good condition, with some wear to the patination and light...
Bronze
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
$3,602 / 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candlestick Candelabra Hans Jensen
By 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. ...
Silver Plate
Josef Frank "The Knot of Friendship" candelabra, Sweden 1930's
By Josef Frank
Located in Malibu, CA
Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) brass candle holder designed by Josef Frank Candlestick for Svenskt Tenn. Sweden, 1930’s.
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
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
Architectural Scandinavian Candlesticks in Brass, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and manufactured in Scandinavian during the 1970s. Interesting architecturally inspired 'Ball' shaped center pieces. The candlesticks are to be ...
Brass
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