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.
Scandinavian Modern Bronze Verdigris Candelabra, 1940s-1950s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural candelabra features 3-arm form with 2 curved arms and straight central arm; the arms are accented with verdigris, juxtaposing the patinated bronze color of the can...
Brass, Bronze
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
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass candlestick with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scratches. Gunnar Ander (190...
Brass
Metallslöjden Gusum, modernist brass candelabra candlestick, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural mid-century modern candelabra produced by the renowned Swedish metal workshop Metallslöjden Gusum. Featuring a clean geometric structure with three candleholders and a s...
Brass
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, 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
Pair of Scandinavian modern brass wall candle sconces
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Immerse your home in timeless elegance with this pair of Swedish art deco wall sconces, each showcasing a rich, beautiful patina. Expertly crafted on the picturesque island of Öland,...
Brass
Gunnar Ander, Ystad Metall, candelabra candlestick, brass & glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A graceful mid-century candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s for the Swedish manufacturer Ystad Metall. Crafted from brass, it features five candleholders with blue glass ...
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
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
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
Emerald Green Ceramic Candle Holder, Denmark, 1970s
By Frølich, Hegnetslund, Saxbo, Jette Hellerøe, Einar Johansen
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
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
Gunnar Ander Large Candelabra for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Large Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s 6 arms with 6 flower candlesticks. Black lacquered metal and brass Marked under the base. This model is the large o...
Metal, Brass
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
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
$659Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Candelabra in Brass & Glass, Gunnar Ander Ystad Metal Sweden 50-60s
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A Swedish Modernist candelabra by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Candle-holder for 6 candles in solid, polished brass glass cups in...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericsson, Josef Frank
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
$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
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
Scandinavian modernist pine candlestick candelabra, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural Scandinavian candelabra crafted from solid pinewood by an unidentified Swedish artist in the 1970s. Signed "HK" beneath the base. Features an organically shaped foot com...
Pine
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
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
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
Vintage Orrefors Sweden Crystal Votive Candle Holder
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
1980's Scandinavian modern crystal votive candle holder. Hand crafted in Sweden and signed on bottom, Orrefors.
Crystal
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall. Pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden. A pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass. For six candles. Modernist design. Approximately 1970. In very good condition with rust on th...
Brass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Ander Small Candelabra Brass Ystad Metall Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brass and metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s. fits 0.45” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
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
Erik Höglund chandelier SH9 by Boda Smide, Sweden, 1960s
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Forserum, SE
An elegant chandelier model SH9 crafted from iron and glass, designed by Swedish artist Erik Höglund for Boda Smide. Rustic iron frame with six candle holders, decorated with several...
Iron
"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
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Skultuna, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forsell, 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
Pierre Forssell Brass crown vases Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Brancusi, 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
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
Swedish Iron and Glass Hanging Candelabra / Chandelier by Bertil Vallien
By Boda Smide AB, Bertil Vallien
Located in Karlstad, SE
Hanging candelabra in wrought iron and crystal by Bertil Vallien for Boda Smide, Sweden, circa 1970. It consists of 12 candleholders held by a circular wrought iron frame. Conditio...
Wrought Iron
$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
Swedish Modern Brass & Sculpted Wood Wall Sconces by Gösta Ahrneberg, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully sculpted pair of mid-century Swedish wall sconces designed by Gösta Ahrneberg in the 1950s. These elegant pieces combine black lacquered solid wood with curved brass ca...
Brass
Vintage Glass Candleholder Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage glass candleholder from the 1970s, named Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla is a classic example of Scandinavian design. Crafted from heavy, textured clear glass, i...
Glass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Holds three 1” candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.0"H x 8.5"W x 8.0"D All items ship from High Point, Nort...
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
Set of 3 Danish Brass Wall Candle Holders, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four wall candelabras in brass and glass. Made in Sweden 1950s. A rare set of three wall-mounted candle holders in solid brass, crafted in Denmark in the mid-20th century. Th...
Brass
Danish Designer, Candelabras, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candelabras designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.0"H x 5.7"W x 5.15"D A...
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
1960s Scandinavian Modern Candelabra by Pukeberg, Lead Crystal Glass
By Iittala, Kosta Boda, Göran Wärff, Pukeberg Sweden
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautiful vintage Scandinavian Modern lead crystal glass candelabra for three candles manufactured by Pukeberg in the 1960s. Handmade in one piece with textured glass and stylized fl...
Glass, Art Glass
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
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-lacquered metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds 0.875” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
Set Of Two Candelabras designed by Eik Hogland, Sweden
By Johan Erik Hoglander, Kosta Boda
Located in Antwerp, BE
A decorative set midcentury modern four-armed table candelabras, designed by Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Made in wrought iron, amber glass, 1970s.
Metal, Wrought Iron
Pair of Swedish Hand-Hammered Copper and Brass Candle Sconces, 1930s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Bring a touch of rustic Scandinavian charm to your space with this expressive pair of wall-mounted candle sconces from 1930s Sweden. Crafted from hand-hammered copper with a striking...
Brass, Copper
X-Large Smålandsslöjd 1970s Five Arm Pine Candelabra, Sweden
By Smålandsslöjd, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Rainer Daumiller, Josef Frank, Stig Johnsson
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
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dramatic oxidation. Dimensions: 13” H x 7.5” diameter 3 Sockets Holds .8” diameter candles
Iron
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
Gunnar Ander 4 Flower Candelabra Brass & Purple Glass, Ystad Metall Sweden 1960s
By Paavo Tynell, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Four arm candelabra by Swedish designer Gunnar Ander (1908-1976) for Ystad Metall, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The candelabra is made from brass and shaped as four...
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
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
Gunnar Ander Mid-Century Silver-Plated Candelabras, Swedish Design
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant pair of mid-century candelabras is attributed to Gunnar Ander, whose distinctive approach to form is evident in the lively, asymmetrical rhythm of the arms and the refin...
Silver
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
Pair Mid-Century Candelabra in black Metal by Gunnar Ander Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair of Swedish Modernist candle holders for 7 candles, designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Made of steel, painted black wit...
Copper, 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
$316Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Skultana Wall Sconce Designed By Pierre Forsell
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage solid brass wall sconce for candles designed by Pierre Forsell for the Swedish firm Skultana in the 1950’s. The sconce has its o...
Brass
Six Brass Star Candleholders Designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Six candleholders, brass stars, designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s. Bottom with maker's mark and signature.
Brass
Mid Century Modern Swedish Iron Candle Holder 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid Century Modern Swedish Iron Candle Holder. Holds four candles. Made in Sweden. 1950s
Iron