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.
A pair of Brass Candlesticks - "Pendel" Pierre Forsell - Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of wall hanging candlesticks by Pierre Forsell, designed and produced at Skultuna in 1980-1990s, this serie is called "Pendel/Pendelum". These candlesticks is 47 cm tall and i...
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
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
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
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
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Estrid Ericsson, Svenskt Tenn, 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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Josef Frank
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
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
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 Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Paavo Tynell, Jens Quistgaard, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell
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
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Denmark, 1930s
By Einar Backstrom, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, Evan Jensen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Denmark in the 1930s by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the p...
Bronze
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
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
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
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
Brass Candlestick by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus, Illum Bolighus, Hans Bolling
Located in Malmö, SE
A vintage solid brass trumpet candlestick. Designed by Hans Bolling and made by Torben Örskov, Denmark, 1960s. For Standard Base (7/8") Candles. Good original condition with amazin...
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
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
Pair of Scandinavian Brass Figural Wall Candle Holders Sconces, 1970s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Decorative Scandinavian brass wall candle holders with stylized male and female folk figures, Denmark, 1970s. Decorative pair of Scandinavian wall-mounted candle holders from the 19...
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
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
$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
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
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
$3,532 / 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
Lars Holmström “Margareta” Modular Brass Candleholder, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Hammarö, SE
Designed by Lars Holmström, this modular brass candleholder from the celebrated Margareta series is one of the most distinctive expressions of early Swedish decorative design. Compos...
Brass
Bertil Vallien Iron Candelabrum, Tree of Life Design, Boda Smide, Sweden
By Boda Smide AB, Bertil Vallien
Located in Vienna, AT
Bertil Vallien Iron Candelabrum, Tree of Life Design, Boda Smide. Large, floor-standing candelabrum designed by Bertil Vallien for one of the leading glass manufacturers in Sweden d...
Wrought Iron
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
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Svenskt Tenn, Skultuna, 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
Danish Ceramic Studio Art Ikebana Minimalist Candle Holder Vase, 1980s
By Aage Würtz, Albert Thiry, Francois Gueneau
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
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
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Cast Iron
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
$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
$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
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs with Candles
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in original box by Dansk Designs of Denmark, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition; it measures 4.75"D x 1.25"H....
Iron
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
Swedish Modern Brass Candelabra by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn, 1950
By Pierre Forssell, Gunnar Ander, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A striking candelabra in solid brass, designed by Lars Holmström for Svenskt Tenn. This sculptural piece features a sinuous, tubular structure rising from a circular base, supporting...
Brass
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
Pierre Forssell for Skultuna. A pair of wall-mounted candle holders in brass.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Skultuna, Sweden. A pair of wall-mounted candle holders in brass. Designed by Pierre Forssell in the 1970s. Produced in the 2000s. marked. In perfect condition. Height: 48.5 cm.
Brass
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
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
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
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
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
$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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 6
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 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
Pair of Pewter Art Deco Candlesticks by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
Located in Malmö, SE
Pair of large pewter candlesticks in amazing condition. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s. Great condition, only some light scratches. Stamped 'DENMARK', model n...
Pewter
$545Sale Price|20% Off
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
XL 75cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Metal Floor Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Germany Material: metal, cast iron Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in IGerm...
Copper
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