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.
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
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
Vintage Nybro Sweden Hunter and Moose Large Crystal Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Nybro Sweden Hunter and Moose Large Crystal Art Glass Heavy Paperweight. Made in Sweden by Nybro, this vintage large glass paperweight ...
Crystal
Mid-Century Swedish Modern Ice Paperweights by Kosta Boda V Lindstrand 5 Pcs
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful hand carved and etched glass Art Glass Paperweights or just decorative pieces from Kosta Boda artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and others. 4 pieces by Kodta Boda and 1 by a...
Art Glass
Oiva Toikka / PAPERWEIGHT / Nuutajärvi
By Oiva Toikka, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Designed by Oiva Toikka. Manufactured using the same method as the OT1 (FISH) designed in 1964, this paperweight features two welded cast glass pieces (with a fish motif on one side ...
Art Glass
Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...
Silver Plate
Neodymium Alexandrite Glass Whale Sculpture, Glows in UV
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage art glass sculpture of a whale features minimal, proportional form with rounded head and raised tail, made in unusual neodymium glass (also known as alexandrite glass), which...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The cat and pig are made of plated zinc and are signed on the underside. Please see my other Gunnar Cyren ...
Zinc
PERFECT GIFT Swedish Art Glass Paperweight - Mid-Century Jewel with Emerald Core
By Studio Ahus
Located in Bochum, NRW
A sculptural treasure from Studio Åhus, Sweden, this mid-century art glass paperweight distills the essence of Scandinavian design: clarity, restraint, and quiet sophistication. Its ...
Art Glass
Konst Glashyttan Urschult Paperweight, Glows in UV, Sweden 1965-1970
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage spherical paperweight features a bright, graphic central core done in blue and yellow glass with 3 large controlled bubbles, encased in clear glass in sommerso technique. Th...
Glass, Art Glass, Uranium Glass
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, Sculpture / Paper Weight in Clear Art Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda. Sculpture / paper weight in clear mouth-blown art glass with inlaid bubbles. Swedish design, 1970/80s. Measures: 11 x 7.5 cm. In excellent condition. ...
Art Glass
Art Glass Egg Sculpture Paperweight by Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Scandinavian Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden 1970s Art Glass Egg Sculpture Paperweight. This stunning studio art glass piece, signed and numbered, dates back to the 1970s. It features a transparent, sloped egg shape with frosted sides, except for a clear, flat window at the front. Through this window, you can admire a beautiful red and gold spiral decoration inside. A label on the front reads "Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden, 24 karat pure gold. The bottom is etched signed Strömbergshyttan and numbered. It stands approximately 6" high 2.75" across at the widest area Made in Sweden, circa 1970s. This gorgeous paperweight art glass sculpture is in wonderful vintage condition. About: The Strömberg factory, originally established in Sweden in 1876 as Lindfors, was purchased by Edward Strömberg in 1933. Before acquiring Lindfors, Edward had managed Orrefors and later Eda glassworks. Upon taking over, he renamed the factory Strömbergshyttan, which means "Strömberg's cabin" or "hut." Edward worked alongside his wife, Gerda Strömberg, a designer, and several workers from Eda, including Knut Bergqvist...
Art Glass
Scandinavian Modern Glass Sculpture by Swedish Designer Mona Morales-Schildt
By Mona Morales-Schildt, Kosta Glasbruk 1
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern glass sculpture signed by Mona Morales-Schildt for Kosta. Two red paperweights. One with a bubble in the middle. The other ...
Art Glass
$140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Swedish Ahus Glass Paperweights, Signed Studio Åhus 1992 HD-AZ
By Studio Ahus
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
2 Modern Swedish Åhus glass paperweights. The signed paperweights are frosted glass with colorful interior and frosted glass surface. The larger pie...
Glass
Zinc Plated Elephant Paperweight in Box by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice zinc plated elephant paperweight by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. . The piece is in very good condition and signed on the underside. #4989
Zinc
Martti Rytkönenfor Orrefors Valentino Heart Shape Votive Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Valentino heart shape votive paperweight from Orrefors, designed by Martti Rytkönen.Valentino Votive candle holder from Orrefors is shaped like a heart...
Crystal
Scandinavian Modern Paperweight in Pewter, ca 1930s
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern paperweight in pewter, ca 1930s. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Pewter
$316Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Lisa Larson Cat Stoneware Sculpture Paperweight Gustavsberg Danish MCM Era
Located in Hyattsville, MD
One day in the middle of the 1950s, Lisa modeled a cat with the tail straight up in the air. The cat was made of dark brown stoneware with carved stripes. This modernist figurine was...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Glass Sculpture by Swedish Designer Mona Morales-Schildt
By Mona Morales-Schildt, Kosta Glasbruk 1
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern glass sculpture signed by Mona Morales-Schildt for Kosta. Two green paperweights/sculptures. Both with a bubble in the middle. Th...
Art Glass
$2,075 / set
H 5.5 in W 1.5 in D 3.15 in
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
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
$488 / set
H 1.5 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Skultuna, Jens Quistgaard, Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Paavo Tynell
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
$280Sale Price|20% Off
H 2.5 in W 2.75 in D 5.13 in
Oiva Toikka Art Glass Bird Sculpture for Iittala of Finland
By Oiva Toikka, Iittala
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Oiva Toikka Art Glass Bird Sculpture for Iittala of Finland, 1990's. This piece is signed.
Glass, Art Glass
$400Sale Price|20% Off
H 3 in W 8 in D 3.5 in
Art Glass Eider Sea Duck / Bird Sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland
By Oiva Toikka, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art glass Eider sea duck / bird sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland, with original box, circa late 1980s. The sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage c...
Art Glass
Vintage Art Glass Paperweight, Italy, Contemporary Design, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage glass paperweight is an original Contemporary Design Object realized in the 1970s. Original art glass. Made in Italy. Dimensions...
Art Glass
Big Silvered Bronze Vienna Dog Sculpture, Paperweight, 1900s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Big silvered bronze Vienna dog sculpture, 1900s. Very good detailed silvered bronze dog sculpture. Perfect as desk paperweight. We have specialized in the ...
Bronze
$718Sale Price|34% Off
H 4.73 in W 2.56 in D 4.53 in
Oiva Toikka, Sieppo, Bird, Nuutajarvi / Iittala, 1990s
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Oiva Toikka, Iittala
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: On offer here is a reprinted version of Sieppo with legs, manufactured in 1995 by Oiva Toikka. The early footed Sieppo was created in many color variations, bu...
Glass, Blown Glass, Art Glass
Vicke Lindstrand Vase Produced by Kosta in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand. Produced by Kosta in Sweden. Signed ‘Kosta 46451 Lindstrand – Minne från Tempo'.
Glass
$185 / item
H 1.58 in W 1.58 in D 1.58 in
Six Brass Star Candleholders Designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Six candleholders, brass stars, designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s. Bottom with maker's mark and signature.
Brass
Vintage Italian Purple Paperweight Ball, 1970s
Located in KUTNO, PL
Fancy, artistic and joyful! The antique paperweight was handcrafted by a master glass blower. This is not only a practical office item, but also a small work of art - elegant, sophi...
Glass
$580
H 5 in W 5.5 in D 3 in
Gorgeous Large Murano Italian Art Glass Fish Aquarium Paperweight, Italy, 1970s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Murano hand blown aquarium Italian art glass paper weight. Showing some multicolored fishes, floating on controlled bubbles. Colors are a blue, orange and clear. A beautifu...
Murano Glass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 2.5 in
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s and measures appr...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The giraffe and elephant are made of plated zinc and are signed on the...
Zinc
Scandinavian Sail Boat Ornament - Paperweight in Brass
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylized sail boat in solid brass. Use it as a decorative ornament or a letter-weight. Manufactured in Scandinavia during the 1950s or 60s in a style reminiscent of Wiener Werkstat...
Brass
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Swedish Art Glass Crystal Bird Paperweight by FM Konstglas 1970s
By Orrefors, Marcolin Art Crystal, Kosta Boda
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Scandinavian modern full lead crystal bird figure sculpture ornament was made by Fare Marcolin for FM Konstglas Crystal Bird of Ronneby Sweden circa 1970s. Vintage Ronneby FM Konstglas Ronneby Sweden Studio Crystal Art Glass Bird Paperweight. Handmade Swedish crystal art glass figure in the form of a bird made by the Swedish Studio FM Art Crystal Studio Line Konstglas of Ronneby. Exceptional minimalist Danish Scandinavian art crystal sculpture, timelessly Modern yet luxurious in style and brings with it an elevated yet glamorous simplicity. Dimensions: H: approximately 6.5 inches W: 4 inches at widest point D: 3-1/4 inches Condition: The crystal clear art glass paperweight is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or damage apart from a few very light wear scratches to the flat polished base. The figure still has the original foil label attached. Which read: Genuine hand made FM Art Crystal Studio Line Ronneby Sweden, Full Lead Crystal. The base of this item is signed etched with "FM, Ronneby, Sweden, R 3" and numbered. Made by FM Konstglas (which later became Marcolin Art Crystal) of Ronneby, Sweden. About: Färe-Marcolin Konstglas, Ronneby (1961-1991) Josef Marcolin (b.1933 - d. 2015) and Benito Marcolin (b.1936) learned their art glass skill and techniques in Murano, Venice before moving to Sweden in 1954 to work at the Glimma glassworks. They would move to Reijmyre glassworks in 1956 before starting their own company, FM Konstglas around 1961. Several of their designs can be seen in both Reijmyre and FM Konstglas. FM stands for Färe-Marcolin, a combination of the brothers' surname and the maiden name of Josef's wife, Inga-Lill Färe. Inga-Lill's father Bror Färe was a businessman, and it is thought that he helped to fund the company, which would explain the inclusion of his surname in the company name. The original glassworks was based in Eneryda and hence any glass produced while at Eneryda bore labels with 'FM Konstglas, Eneryda'. The glassworks would move to Ronneby in 1961 and the labels were subsequently changed to 'FM Konstglas, Ronneby' or 'FM Konstglas, Ronneby, Sweden'. FM Konstglas / Marcolin pieces began as mainly glass figurines, with a unique blended style and techniques of Swedish and Murano art glass. They also produced other glassware such as vases, bowls, and perfume bottles, using traditional Murano techniques such as Millefiori, Sommerso, Sfumato, and Zanfirico. FM Konstglas pieces without labels are often mistaken for Murano glass. The company changed its name to FM Marcolin Art Crystal in 1983 and changed again to Marcolin Art Crystal around 1988. The Swedish factory closed in 1991 and production was moved to Sardinia, Italy with the intention of producing the same products with Sardinia Crystal...
Crystal
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 1.75 in
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.5 in W 2.63 in D 0.75 in
1970s Dansk Polar Bear Silver Plated Paperweight Animal Sculpture Scandinavian
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Dansk silver-plated polar bear paperweight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan on the underside. Great collectors' piece and a Gift idea for the Holiday Season...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design silver-plated cat paperweight, Animal Sculpture. Marked on the underside. Great collectors' piece. A-607-335
Silver Plate, Metal
Sold
H 9.5 in W 15 in D 10 in
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka Artglass, Battatti, 'Potatoe' Nuutajärvi Finland
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Oiva Toikka
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka, (1931-2019) Artglass, Battatti, (potatoe) Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Finland. Now. Who does not want a pink artglass potato sculpture feature on the desk? Th...
Art Glass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.75 in D 0.75 in
DANSK Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated camel made by Dan...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4.25 in W 2.25 in D 0.75 in
1970s Rare Giraffe Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Giraffe Figure. Vintage silver plated giraffe paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan...
Zinc