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
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
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
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, 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 Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom
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
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Jens Quistgaard, Skultuna, Paavo Tynell, 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
Rare Pair of Bronze Art Deco Vases and Candlesticks by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, 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 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
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Cast Iron
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson, 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
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
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
Holmegaard 'Design with Light' Glass Lantern, 11.4 in H
Located in New York, NY
The Design with Light lantern can be used all year round For summer evenings on the patio, for decoration on the floor, on the table, on the stairs and in windows – and as a stylish ...
Glass
$650Sale 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
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
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
Finnish Candelabra by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, 1920/30s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
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 Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, 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
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
Pair of Art Deco Four-Arm Silver-Plated Candelabra by Just Andersen for GAB 1930
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully balanced pair of four-arm silver-plated candelabra designed by Danish sculptor and designer Just Andersen for GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, circa 1930s. These s...
Silver Plate
Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall Mid-Century Modern Brass & Iron Candelabra, Sweden
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking mid-century modern candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall in Sweden during the 1950s. This elegant four-arm candle holder features fluted brass cups set atop s...
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
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 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
$840Sale Price|20% Off
Polished Nickel Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950
Located in New York, NY
Spiral Nickel Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for YSTAD, Sweden, c. 1950 Nickel candelabra in the form of a spiral, with six taper holders, designed by Gunnar Ander for the Swedish metal...
Nickel
$539Sale 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
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
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
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
$3,485 / 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
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
Set Of Two Candelabras designed by Eik Hogland, Sweden
By Kosta Boda, Johan Erik Hoglander
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
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in ox by Dansk Designs, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition. it measures 4.25"D x 1.5"H. #3707
Iron
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
$2,788Sale Price|20% Off
XL 70cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper TRIPOD Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder with tripod stand Origin: Austria Material: Solid copper candleholder Decade: 1950s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was pro...
Copper
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
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
Pair of Rörstrand "Daldansen" Earthenware Candelabra, Swedish Folk Art Motif
Located in Brentwood, TN
A charming pair of earthenware candelabra from Rörstrand's "Daldansen" (The Dalarna Dance) series, featuring hand-painted folk dancers in traditional costume beneath a red heart moti...
Earthenware
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
$818Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Søholm Wall Candle Sconces by Backhausen & Brandborg, 1970s
By Soholm Pottery, Noomi Backhausen, Poul Brandborg
Located in Karis, Nyland
Pair of ceramic wall-mounted candle sconces designed by Noomi Backhausen and Poul Brandborg for Søholm Stentøj as part of the Erika series, Denmark, early 1970s. Handcrafted in glaze...
Stoneware
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
$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
$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
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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Ander, 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
Iron and glass Candle Holder Chandelier by Dantoft Kunstartikler, 1970s
Located in Balen, BE
Iron and Glass Candle Holder Chandelier by Dantoft, 1970s A candle holder chandelier by Dantoft Kunstartikler, made in the 1970s, combining wrought iron with inset coloured glass de...
Wrought Iron
Pair Nr.20 Candlesticks in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Paavo Tynell, Skultuna, Jens Quistgaard, Pierre Forsell, Pierre Forssell
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A pair of candle-sticks made of solid brass. Model Nr.20 created by Pierre Forssell. Designed by Pierre Forssell and manufactured in Sweden by Skultuna. The company was founded by ...
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
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
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