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Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

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
Sky Picture Frame Stainless Steel, Small 10X15Cm
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated and minimalist, this beautiful picture frame leaves the photo to take center stage. Changing the orientation is as simple as rotatin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Steel

Set of 4 Pictureframes by Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of 4 pictureframes in solid pine. Large 76 x 101 cm, medium 50,5 x 7 cm, small 38 x 50,5 cm. Mogens Koch / Rud. Rasmussen Snedkerier.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Pine

Sky Picture Frame Stainless Steel, Large 20X25cm
Located in New York, NY
With its sleek minimalism and clean lines, this large picture frame adds a touch of Scandinavian sophistication to any desk or shelf. The photo is allowed to speak for itself as it appears to float in mid-air above the stainless-steel base. Versatility is also at its core with the glass being able to stand in portrait or landscape format and also because you can display pictures on both sides - ideal for a work office. Changing the orientation is as simple as rotating the glass and relocating the stainless-steel clasp onto the top of the photo. Aurélien Barbry’s ergonomic Sky table and homeware collection is a great example of the combination of form and function that is a key feature of great Scandinavian design. Never allowing beauty to compromise functionality - and vice versa - the collection has become a contemporary classic that graces some of the most stylish homes in the world. The large 8” by 10” photo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Steel

Sky Picture Frame Stainless Steel, Medium 13X18 cm
Located in New York, NY
Add a little bit of Scandinavian minimalism to your desk or mantlepiece with this elegant medium sized picture frame. The strict lines of the glass not only contrast beautifully with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Steel

Mogens Koch Oregon Pine Frame for Rud, Rasmussen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch Oregon pine and glass frame made by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, c. 1960. Label from here. Original, untouched condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Glass, Pine

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Signed Litography in Blue Colours by Danish Artist Mogens Ziehler, 1958
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Mogens Koch Large Frames
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Mogens Koch Collection of Frames
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Scandinavian Modern picture frames for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern picture frames 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 picture frames created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, steel and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern picture frames made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original picture frames, popular names associated with this style include Mogens Koch, and Rud Rasmussen. 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 picture frames differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $79 and tops out at $2,381 while the average work can sell for $109.

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