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Scandinavian Modern Clocks

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • 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

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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Swedish Modern Ceramic Wall Clock by Ulrica Hydman Vallien 1990s Sweden
Located in Miami, FL
By Ulrica Hydman Vallien, ceramic wall clock retailed in the 90s by Time Design. Designed with Hydman' s iconic triangular face in turquoise surr...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Solid Sterling Silver Wall Clock for Georg Jensen by Henning Koppel
Located in Oakland, CA
An extremely rare solid sterling silver wall clock model HK A11 designed by Henning Koppel and created by Georg Jensen of Denmark. A never used wall clock...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Sterling Silver

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Grandfather Clock 1965 in Teak
Located in Handewitt, DE
Arne Hovmand-Olsen, conical shaped Grandfarher clock 1965. With brass hands and brass hour marks. Inside with shelfes. Made in teak.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Black Sunburst Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller
Located in San Jose, CA
Classic Mid Century Modern sunburst wall clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company, circa 1950's. This iconic piece is all original made with black lacquered wo...
Category

1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Brass

Tapio Wirkkala / HOURGLASS L / Vakumotuote Oy
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
This acrylic cube-shaped hourglass was created in 1980 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Mannerheim Child Welfare Association. In Finnish, ‘Hetkinen Lapselle’ means ‘Time fo...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Acrylic

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Stainless Steel

Art Deco Longcase Clock, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Floor clock in elm wood, design and made in Denmark 1930s. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Glass, Oak

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.
Category

1770s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Birch

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...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Oak

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.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Plastic

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...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Scandinavian Wall Clock – Denmark, 1947 Cast Figures and Brass Details
Located in Stockholm, SE
Monumental wall clock, anonymous, Denmark. 1947. Pewter and brass. Measurements: H: 78 cm/ 30 3/4'' L: 130 cm/ 51 1/4''
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Brass, Pewter

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Sterling Silver

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...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Hardwood, Teak, Walnut

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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ash

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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Zebra Wood

Bone Clock
Bone Clock
$583 / 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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ash

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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ash

Cube Clock
Cube Clock
$583 / 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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ash

PAC Clock (grey)
PAC Clock (grey)
$691 / 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 ...
Category

2010s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Ash

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Vintage George Nelson & Associates Metal Spoke Wall Clock for Howard Miller
Located in Raleigh, NC
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Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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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...
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1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Scandinavian Design Octagonal Clock by Arne Bjerke
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Postmodern Howard Miller George Nelson 1984 Olympus Table Clock "Tempo 21"
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Tapio Wirkkala Large Iittala Glass Vase
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The largest version of this famous form. Opaque white and clear glass. Measures: 35 cm. (13 3/4")
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1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Tapio Wirkkala Large Iittala Glass Vase
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19th Century French Comtoise Grandfather Clock
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A 19th century Country French comtoise, or grandfather clock, with polychrome painted pine case and embossed brass pendulum. Seven day Morbier movement, professionally cleaned and in...
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19th Century French Antique Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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George Nelson Walnut Spike Clock by Howard Miller
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Rare 1950’s Satin Brass Wall Clock by George Nelson for Howard Miller
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare 1950’s Howard Miller built in wall clock design by George Nelson. Designed to be direct wire and the hours are pushed into drywall like tacks. Retain the Howard Miller label o...
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1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Vintage George Nelson / Howard Miller Multi-color Spike / Starburst Clock
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1970s Rattan Wall Clock by Arthur Umanoff for Howard Miller
Located in Brooklyn, NY
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Wooden Midcentury Wall Clock
Located in Vienna, AT
Wooden clock face and brass clock hands and index. Fitted with a battery movement. Made in Germany in the 1950s.
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1960s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

Materials

Brass

Wooden Midcentury Wall Clock
Wooden Midcentury Wall Clock
$490
H 1.58 in Dm 12.21 in
Huge Blue Square Industrial Wall Clock from Elektročas, 1990s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
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1990s Czech Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Previously Available Items
Swedish Mid-century Modern Wall Clock, Carl Westh design, Genfa Germany
Located in Skien, NO
Bring timeless Scandinavian design into your home with this stunning mid-century modern wall clock from renowned Swedish design Carl Westh. The clock features a bold green patterned ...
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1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Ceramic, Glass, Plastic

Large Henning Koppel Design Wall Clock in Copper by Georg Jensen Denmark
Located in Krefeld, DE
Rare copper clock Design by Henning Koppel for Goerg Jensen. This copper edition version of this clock has been out of production for decades. No parts missing, no damages and full w...
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1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Large Henning Koppel Design Wall Clock in Copper by Georg Jensen Denmark
Located in Krefeld, DE
Rare copper clock Design by Henning Koppel for Goerg Jensen. This copper edition version of this clock has been out of production for decades. No parts missing, no damages, very nice...
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1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Orrefors Sweden Orion Crystal Desk Clock Paperweight 1970s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Orion Desk Clock by Lars Hellsten circa 1970s. The Swedish crystal desk clock designed by sculptor Lars Hellsten for Orrefors, showcases a flared form with a ...
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Weather station barometer, thermometer, hygrometer by Henning Koppel
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Weather station barometer, thermometer, hygrometer by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Edition from the 70's. Perfect functional condition.
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1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Steel

Art Deco Longcase Clock in Elm, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Floor clock in elm wood, design and made in Denmark 1930s. Great original condition.
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1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Elm

Art Deco Longcase Clock in Elm, Denmark, 1930s
Art Deco Longcase Clock in Elm, Denmark, 1930s
H 74.02 in W 14.97 in D 8.67 in
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Located in Trenton, NJ
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Late 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Scandinavian Modern Teak Longcase Clock
Scandinavian Modern Teak Longcase Clock
H 72.5 in W 18 in D 10.25 in
Danish Long Case Wall Clock
Located in London, GB
A large Danish long case chiming wall clock. Produced in Denmark circa 1960. A solid and bold design in teak with brass elements. A statement decorati...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Brass

Danish Long Case Wall Clock
Danish Long Case Wall Clock
H 5.12 in W 14.57 in L 5.12 in
President Wall Clock in Marble Glass by Sidse Werner for Holmegaard, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very rare wall clock in caramel marble glass. Designed by female designer Sidse Werner in the mid 1970s. It is called President Wall Clock and this one is the largest in the series...
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1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Brass

Henning Koppel Brass Wall Clock by Georg Jensen
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Henning Koppel brass wall clock by Georg Jensen manufactured in the 1950’s by danish manufacturer Georg Jensen. This clock is designed by danish designer Henning Koppel who is ...
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1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Brass

Scandinavian Modern Teak Wall Clock by Elgin
By Elgin Clocks
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass/teak frame, clock face with arabic digits. Made by Elgin in the 1950s.
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1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Brass

Mid-Century Modern Wall Clock by Elexacta Schatz, Teak and Brass 1960s Germany
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Stunning wall clock made of teak and brass. One of the most beautiful models I have seen to date. An eye catcher par excellence. Made in Germany. Electric, battery operated clock.
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1960s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Clocks

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Brass

Scandinavian Modern clocks for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern clocks for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage clocks created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern clocks made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original clocks, popular names associated with this style include Arabia, Birger Kaipiainen, Elgin Clocks, and Arne Jacobsen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for clocks differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $136 and tops out at $15,957 while the average work can sell for $1,625.

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