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.
Modernist Sterling Silver Clock - Simon Benney - London 2006
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 2006 by Simon Benney, this charming, Sterling Silver Clock, features textured detailing, and a battery operated quartz movement. The clock measures 5.5"(14c...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco Sterling Silver, Enamel, Marcasites Desk/Table Clock, DRGM
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful, sterling silver, and guilloche enamel, desk/table clock with marcasites, Marked Germany / DRGM.
Sterling Silver
$13,717
H 3.86 in W 2.05 in D 1.66 in
Sterling Silver Enamel Liberty's 1911 Archibald Knox Miniature Carriage Clock
By Liberty of London, Archibald Knox
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this exceptionally rare and absolutely stunning fully hallmarked 1911 Liberty’s London sterling silver & enamel miniature carriage clock made by the wonder that is Archibald Knox I am now listing my three liberty’s clocks, I have one Tudric pewter and two miniature sterling silver & enamel fully restored carriage clocks, all listed under my other items and made by Archibald Knox This clock has been fully restored, the case has been straightened and aligned and professionally polished, the movement removed and serviced. Its fully hallmarked with the sideways facing Lion for sterling silver, the ship Anchor for Birmingham, the date letter M for 1911, and lastly L&Co for Liberty and Co Between the years of 1899 and 1910 Archibald Knox was one of the principal designers for the London department store Liberty & Co. He designed for many mediums including metal ware, jewellery, terracotta garden ware, and graphic design. He was responsible for many of the designs in their Cymric silver...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$1,026 / item
H 4.53 in W 8.67 in D 1.19 in
20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Art Deco Style Table Clock
Located in VALENZA, IT
Solid Sterling Silver Art Deco Table Clock. The shape of the clock is a crescent moon completely smooth except for the base and the frame which are double line made with the casting ...
Sterling Silver
ELEGANT 18th CENTURY LONDON LONGCASE CLOCK
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A George III period fiddle back mahogany longcase clock. The eight day movement with a full brass dial signed Ed Mann, London Fully cleaned with 2 years warranty Circa 1775
Brass
Small Mahogany Mantel Clock by Webster, London
By Richard Webster
Located in Norwich, GB
Small mahogany mantel clock by Webster, London Break arch case with applied carved decoration resting on a shaped stepped plinth and standing on four brass ball feet. Brass bezel opening to the silvered dial with Roman numerals, original ‘blued’ steel hands signed Webster, Queen Victoria Street, London. The hinged back door opening to the eight day movement with platform escapement striking the hours and halves on a coiled gong. The backplate of the clock also signed Webster. C.1880 The Webster family clockmaking business was founded by William Webster and passed from father to son for almost 200 years. William Webster was apprenticed to John Barnet in 1701 and then transferred to Thomas Tompion...
Mahogany
1930s Modernist Art Deco Mantel Clock
Located in Marseille, FR
1930s modernist Art Deco mantel clock in onyx. Hunter and antelope on the front.
Onyx, Marble
$23,381
H 6.23 in W 2.37 in D 5.32 in
Table clock Sterling Silver fired Enamel on a sunburst Guilloché Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Table clock in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with translucent fired enamel on a sunburst guilloché, with various ornaments in Napoleon III Empire style, late 19th century. The...
Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
Vintage Mantel Carriege Brass Clock by London Clock Company 1970s
By Tiffany & Co., Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
A refined expression of classic timekeeping, this vintage mantel clock by the London Clock Company showcases timeless elegance in a polished brass case. Its architectural form is acc...
Quartz, Brass
$1,097
H 3.55 in W 1.78 in D 1.58 in
Vintage Sterling Silver Carriage Clock, London 1988 (Munsey & Co, Cambridge)
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage English sterling silver miniature carriage clock, fully hallmarked in London in 1988 with the sponsor's mark RCB. It follows the classic English carriage-clock form, scaled...
Silver
Douglas Clock Silver Travel Table Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Sterling silver construction originally gold plated inside. Manufacturer by Douglas Clock Co Ltd Size: 8.5 x 5.5 x 4.5 cm Dial: White with black roman numerals Pointer: Black ...
Sterling Silver
Simon Frères, Fine Art Deco Table Clock, France, C. 1925
By Simon Frères
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco clock in patinated bronze dating from 1925 and featuring geometric patterns and details of bluebells.
Bronze
George I Longcase Clock by William Holloway, London
Located in Norwich, GB
George I longcase clock by William Holloway, London Georgian longcase clock in a finely figured mahogany case standing on a stepped ba...
Mahogany