Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Glass, Oak
1770s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Birch
1950s Austrian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Metal, Brass
19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Wood
1850s English Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
1970s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Metal
19th Century French Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass, Enamel
Late 19th Century French Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Glass, Wood
1980s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Pine
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Wood
1810s English Antique Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Elm
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Pewter
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Rosewood
1930s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Steel
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Grandfather Clocks and Longcase Clocks
Brass
