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.
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, Green, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
Functionalism. Simplicity. Arne Jacobsen. The City Hall wall clock from Arne Jacobsen Clocks is design in its purest form—created to tell the time, and nothing more. Arne Jacobsen be...
Metal
Bornholm Longcase Clock “Frøken” with Original Green Paint from 1790
Located in Lejre, DK
Bornholm longcase clock model “Frøken” made in wood with original green paint from the late 18th century. The clock features the slim cabinet characteristic of the Frøken model along...
Wood
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, White, Ø 4.7 in
Located in New York, NY
Not only does the Arne Jacobsen weather station provide an overview of relative humidity, temperature, air pressure and the time – this weather station is beautiful, simple and for ...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, White, Ø 6.3 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Bankers Clock for the National Bank of Denmark in 1971, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and it...
Metal
$1,625Sale Price|35% Off
Danish Midcentury Wall Clock by Arne Jacobsen Model Roman
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern Wall Clock by Arne Jacobsen model Roma with Quartz clockwork. Arne Jacobsen for Rosendahl. Steel wall clock wi...
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, Green, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Functionalism. Simplicity. Arne Jacobsen. The City Hall wall clock from Arne Jacobsen Clocks is design in its purest form—created to tell the time, and nothing more. Arne Jacobsen be...
Metal
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, White Plastic Wall Clock, 1960s-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. White plastic wall clock. Dial with Roman numerals. Clockwork quartz, 1960s-1970s. Measures: Diameter 40 cm. In very good condition.
Plastic
$3,090Sale Price|50% Off
1972 Carl Malmsten Unique Longcase “Tidlösa” Clock, Birch and Masur Birch
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten “Tidlösa” Longcase clock in Birch and Masur birch. Case signed Malmstens Verkstadsskola 1977, Carpenter Master Artur Jönsson, clock marked Westerstrands Sweden.
Birch
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, Blue, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
Functionalism. Simplicity. Arne Jacobsen. The City Hall wall clock from Arne Jacobsen Clocks is design in its purest form—created to tell the time, and nothing more. Arne Jacobsen be...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, White, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the City Hall Clock for Rødovre Town Hall in 1956, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in three sizes, and its curren...
Metal
Carmine Clock Made In Light Mahogany From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This antique carmine-colored clock, made from light mahogany with intarsia, dates back to the 1920s and is a beautiful example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. The clock is craft...
Mahogany
Birger Kaipiainen Decorative Ceramic Table Clock, Flower and Beeds, Arabia 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Birger Kaipiainen had a thing for clock´s. Frequently in his decorative dishes he had clock`s that were always pointing to 12:15. Now here is the whole thing. In perfect working orde...
Ceramic
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Table Clock, Black, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Table Clock, White, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'LK' Table Clock in White Plastic, Scandinavian Design
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, White, Ø 18.9 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Bankers Clock for the National Bank of Denmark in 1971, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and it...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Table Clock, Blue, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Arne Jacobsen’s petrol-blue Station table clock is ideal as an alarm clock with useful detailing in a calm bedroom, as a colourful element in the bathroom or as a stylish detail in a...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Table Clock, Green, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Roman' Table Clock, White, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
c1960s Mid-century Modern Ceramic Wall Clock, Junghans, Germany
Located in Skien, NO
Bring timeless Mid-century Modern design into your home with this stunning ceramic wall clock from renowned Junghans, Germany. The clock features a red and brown patterned ceramic fr...
Metal
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Design Octagonal Clock by Arne Bjerke
Located in Skien, NO
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Octagonal Table Clock by Arne Bjerke Circa 1970s-1980s This elegant table clock, designed and handcrafted by Norwegian designer Arne Bjerke, features...
Oak
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Wall Clock, White, Ø 6.5 in
Located in New York, NY
Take time out for the latest interior design trends. Arne Jacobsen's Station Clock was originally designed for the electrical manufacturer LK in 1941. The original design for this ic...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, White, Ø 6.5 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the City Hall Clock for Rødovre Town Hall in 1956, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in three sizes, and its curren...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, White, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Bankers Clock for the National Bank of Denmark in 1971, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and it...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, White, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Bankers Clock for the National Bank of Denmark in 1971, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and it...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Wall Clock, White, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Take time out for the latest interior design trends. Arne Jacobsen's Station Clock was originally designed for the electrical manufacturer LK in 1941. The original design for this ic...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, Blue, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Functionalism. Simplicity. Arne Jacobsen. The City Hall wall clock from Arne Jacobsen Clocks is design in its purest form—created to tell the time, and nothing more. Arne Jacobsen be...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Roman' Wall Clock, White, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Roman Clock for Aarhus Town Hall in 1942, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and its current desi...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Wall Clock, White, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the City Hall Clock for Rødovre Town Hall in 1956, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in three sizes, and its curren...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, Black, Ø 8.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The stylish black Bankers Wall Clock by Arne Jacobsen Clocks is 21 cm in diameter. The design is classic, with a twist of creative little details, such as the elegant spiral that ill...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Table Clock, Grey, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The elegant Station Table Clock by Arne Jacobsen Clocks was originally designed back in 1939, when Arne Jacobsen designed a home for electricity company CEO Lauritz Knudsen. The attr...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Wall Clock, Black, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
The delightful black Bankers Wall Clock by Arne Jacobsen Clocks is 29 cm in diameter. The clock was originally designed in 1971 for use in the National Bank of Denmark, but now you, ...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Roman' Wall Clock, White, Ø 18.9 in
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Roman Clock for Aarhus Town Hall in 1942, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and its current desi...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Table Clock, Red, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen Roman Wall Clock, White Metal, 8.3 in, Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Roman Clock for Aarhus Town Hall in 1942, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and its current desi...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Table Clock, White, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
The world-renowned architect's table clock with alarm feature was created in 1939. Its graphic look and metal base – clearly referencing his own Ant and No. 7 chairs – make the clock...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen Roman Wall Clock, White Metal, 16 cm Scandinavian Design
Located in New York, NY
When Arne Jacobsen designed the Roman Clock for Aarhus Town Hall in 1942, he also created a design icon for the home. This wall clock is available in four sizes, and its current desi...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'Station' Wall Clock, White, Ø 11.4 in
Located in New York, NY
Take time out for the latest interior design trends. Arne Jacobsen's Station Clock was originally designed for the electrical manufacturer LK in 1941. The original design for this ic...
Metal
Arne Jacobsen 'City Hall' Table Clock, Sand, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Arne Jacobsen's City Hall table clock was originally designed for Rødovre Town Hall in 1956. What makes the City Hall clock so popular is its universal expression, which is why it wa...
Plastic
Arne Jacobsen 'Bankers' Table Clock, Grey, Ø 4.3 in
Located in New York, NY
Arne Jacobsen was known as an architect who made total designs when de designed buildings. In 1971, Arne Jacobsen drew the Nation bank in Copenhagen. For the beautiful marble clad bu...
Plastic
Vintage Scandinavian Design Teak & Hardwood Segmented Bowl, ca. 1970s
Located in Skien, NO
This stunning Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern segmented bowl is expertly crafted from a combination of teak and possibly walnut, featuring a striking cross and geometric pattern. Des...
Hardwood, Teak, Walnut
$676 / item
PAC Clock (green)
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Transform your space with these enchanting wall clocks that effortlessly combine artistry and functionality. The clocks boast a captivating design, featuring a meticulously arranged ...
Ash
$676 / item
PAC Clock (grey)
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Transform your space with these enchanting wall clocks that effortlessly combine artistry and functionality. The clocks boast a captivating design, featuring a meticulously arranged ...
Ash
$676 / item
PAC Clock (purple)
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Transform your space with these enchanting wall clocks that effortlessly combine artistry and functionality. The clocks boast a captivating design, featuring a meticulously arranged ...
Ash
$571 / item
Bone Clock
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Revitalize your decor with these stunning wall clocks, featuring an alluring design crafted from natural zebrano veneer arranged in a mesmerizing fishbone pattern. Equipped with a ...
Zebra Wood
$571 / item
Cube Clock
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Redefine your decor with these exquisite wall clocks, showcasing a mesmerizing design crafted from natural ash veneer arranged in a 3D cube pattern. The intricate arrangement of the ...
Ash
$676 / item
PAC Clock (orange)
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Transform your space with these enchanting wall clocks that effortlessly combine artistry and functionality. The clocks boast a captivating design, featuring a meticulously arranged ...
Ash
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