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.
Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden
Located in KUTNO, PL
This vintage candelabra, designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, is a distinctive example of mid-20th-century Swedish design, combining a geometric structure with the decorative u...
Metal
Wooden Puzzle-sculpture - Gunnar Kanevad - Sweden 2003
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely wooden sculpture made as a puzzle of 4 pieces, designed by Gunnar Kanevad in 2003. The sculpture is 24 cm tall and is in excellent condition. Gunnar Kanevad (1930–2019) wa...
Wood
Stunning Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20.5 cm (8.2.) tall. It´s in excellent condition but marked as 1st quality. Gunna...
Stoneware
Swedish Art Nouveau Lidded Pewter Box, Stockholm, 1904
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very decorative and elegant lidded pewter box from AB Gamla Santessonska Tenngjuteriet Stockholm, in a cylindrical form stands on fluted legs with ending paws and the lid is adorned ...
Pewter
A Large Green Vase Argenta Wilhelm Kåge Gustavsberg, Silver Decor Dragon
Located in Stockholm, SE
A really rare and stunning cylindric vase with a well-shaped neck of model Argenta 1243 designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg, this vase is 35.5 cm (14.2") tall and it is in excell...
Ceramic
Vintage Orrefors Crystal Bowl, Scalloped Design, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautifully sculptural vintage crystal bowl by Orrefors, Sweden, distinguished by its elegant scalloped rim and deeply cut vertical facets that create exceptional brilliance and op...
Crystal
Pewter Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vase with Round Cannelated body designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s. * Pewter vase round cannelated body * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Man...
Pewter
Scandinavian Modern Brass Candlesticks by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, 1950s
Located in Valencia, VC
Elegant and rare pair of Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian brass candlesticks designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, in the 1950s. The candlesticks have a particularly ref...
Brass
Swedish Art Deco Patinated Bronze Box, Attributed to GAB, Sweden, circa 1935
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco patinated bronze lidded box, attributed to GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), one of Sweden’s most respected metalwork manufacturers of the early 20th century. ...
Bronze
A pair of Brass Candlesticks - "Pendel" Pierre Forsell - Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of wall hanging candlesticks by Pierre Forsell, designed and produced at Skultuna in 1980-1990s, this serie is called "Pendel/Pendelum". These candlesticks is 47 cm tall and i...
Brass
Sune Bäckström - Art Deco - Bronze Lidded Box, Sweden, 1930
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined bronze lidded box designed by Sune Bäckström, Sweden, 1930. The piece reflects the early development of Scandinavian modernism, where clarity of form and material quality t...
Bronze
Large Art Deco Urn Flambé 1930s - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large ceramic urn designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm (12.2") tall and in excellent condition. It is marked as the photo shows and it is marked as 1st quality, Th...
Ceramic
Large, Stunning Deep Blue Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1966
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large stunning blue stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in 1966, the vase has a lovely blue har-fur glaze. The vase is 24 cm (9.6") tall and about 21 cm (´8.4"...
Stoneware
Niels Refsgaard Stoneware Vase with Blue Stripes for Danish Design Ltd.
Located in Esbjerg, DK
From the same Danish/Japanese company that made a lot of IHQ 's - Jens Harald Quistgaard designs during the 1970s and 80s comes this stylish vase, pencil or toothbrush holder in glaz...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Otto Bauer for Holmegaard Blue Glass Bottle Decanter
By Otto Bauer, Holmegaard
Located in Valencia, VC
Otto Bauer for Holmegaard Blue Glass Bottle Decanter, Denmark, 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern glass bottle designed by Otto Bauer for Holmegaar...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Minimalist pewter box made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Lidded pewter box with a fitted wooden interior. Originally designed as a cigarette box. * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * ...
Pewter
Pewter Chamber Candlesticks by Just Andersen, 1970s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Modern Pewter Chamber Candlestick made by Just Andersen in the 1970s. * Round pewter candlestick holders with lug * Style: 573048 * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Year: 1970s * Cond...
Pewter
Small Fluted Tinos Bronze Bowl, Art Deco, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Evan Jensen, Just Andersen, Tinos, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning, fluted Art Deco dish / bowl with amazing patina. Made in solid bronze by Tinos in Denmark, 1930s. Good original condition. Some scratches and scuffs.
Bronze
GAB, Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB
Located in High Point, NC
A patinated bronze vase produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, c. 1930s. Patina and minor scratches consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25"H x 4.4"D...
Bronze
Knud Basse, Bornholm, Denmark. Stoneware figure of bird, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Knud Basse, Bornholm, Denmark. Stoneware Bird Figure, 1960s. Rare stoneware bird figure with the characteristic organic form and deep, nuanced glaze typical of Basse’s work. The soft...
Stoneware
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of six pieces of stoneware vases & one bowl with stunning white glazes designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of Two Hand-Carved Dala Horses - Swedish Folk Art Decor
Located in Hannover, DE
This lovely pair of horses is a perfect example of classic Swedish craftsmanship. The beautiful Nordic colors will take your breath away, just like the vivid shades you've seen in th...
Wood, Paint
Danish Modern Norwegian Pewter Vase Manufactured by Norsk Tinn
By Norsk Solwarreindustri
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Norwegian pewter vase manufactured by Norsk Tinn featuring a raised motif of a warrior on horseback and a V...
Pewter
Stunning Yellow Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1968
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning yellow stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in 1968, the vase has a lovely har-fur glaze. The vase is 14 cm (5.6") ta...
Stoneware
2 Brass Candlesticks- Crowns - Pierre Forsell - Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of 2 candlesticks by Pierre Forsell, designed and produced at Skultuna in 1980-1990s. The candlesticks are 4 x 4 cm and in excellent condition except from some minor scratches ...
Brass
Flushmount Scones LED Handmade, Contemporary Sculptural Brass, Bonnie Large
Located in Torslanda, SE
by Matthew Holleman, 2023 Standard size, 37" L, 33" H 95cm L, 85cm H Brass, Nickel and Bronze options available. This piece is handmade from our Swedish workshop and fully customi...
Brass, Bronze
Lars Hellsten for Orrefors Corona Crystal Bowl, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A sculptural vintage Corona crystal bowl, designed by Lars Hellsten for Orrefors in Sweden during the 1970s. The design is immediately recognizable by its substantial circular base a...
Crystal
Tapio Wirkkala Stainless Steel Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath Hackman Finland
Located in London, GB
Tapio Wirkkala Puukko Knife by Hackman Finnish Design This vintage Puukko knife, designed by renowned Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala and produc...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Unique Stoneware Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Scandinavian Design
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in 1965, it´s 7.5 cm (3") tall and it´s in excellent condition. This is a unique vase only made in one copy as you can see of the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Ice Sculpture Etched Seal by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand carved block of glass into a Ice Sculptural block replecating a ice burg with a Seal poking his head up and into the opening. Remarkably subtle and in excellent conditi...
Glass
Swedish Modern Floor Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid-century ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund's Glazed Stoneware Vase made for Rörstrand, circa 1950s. Incised signature and studio mark to underside: [R Rubus GN Sweden 9]. Image 7: Gunn...
Stoneware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, some light scratches and wear to the pati...
Bronze
Oiva Toikka Art Glass Dove Sculpture by Iittala, 1980s Scandinavian
By Oiva Toikka, Iittala
Located in Valencia, VC
Oiva Toikka for Iittala Scandinavian Modern Art Glass Dove Sculpture, Finland, 1980s A very beautiful Scandinavian Modern clear art glass dove sculpture with mottled white glass app...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Round Black Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Atelier - Mid-20th Century
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A round, black ceramic bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 15,5 cm (6,2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from some minor scratches and ma...
Ceramic
Original Danish Raadvad Bread Slicer Dark Blue by Ove Larsen, Midcentury 1980s
By Raadvad
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This iconic Danish bread slicer was produced by Raadvad in Denmark, circa 1970s-1990s. The color of the lacquer is the original dark blue. It´s very, very rare. It also came in a sl...
Steel, Iron
Mid Century Art Glass Vase by Arthur Pery made in Sweden circa 1950's
By Holmgaard
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Art Glass vase vase made in Sweden by Arthur Percy c. 1950's. The blown vase features an exaggerated elongated neck over the ball form base. This example is in excellent...
Art Glass
$209Sale Price|48% Off
Abstract Ikebana Flower Dish in Green Glass by Michael Bang for Holmegaard
By Michael Bang
Located in Esbjerg, DK
The largest ikebana flower arrangement dish from Holmegaard. Its color is called jade green and it features a connected 6 compartment abstract motif. Designed and blown by Michael Ba...
Blown Glass
Jensen Decorative Dish, Stainless Steel, Modern Design, 2013
By Constantin Wortmann, Georg Jensen
Located in London, GB
Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark. A sculptural...
Stainless Steel
Mid Century Modern Teak Waste Basket by Beni Mobler
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage waste paper bin in teak by Beni Mobler, Denmark circa 1960s. This functional decor piece features a unique wide shape and natural wood ...
Teak
Rare Ewald Dahlskog Turquoise Ceramic Vase for Bobergs Fajansfabrik, 1930s
By Bobergs Fajansfabrik AB, Ewald Dahlskog
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A rare ceramic vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog for Bobergs Fajansfabrik in Sweden during the 1930s. The vase has a sculptural form with repeated wave-shaped relief and a turquoise g...
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classical shape, glazed beautifully with a dramatic dark melange glaze that alternates between green and brown. Gunnar Nylund was on...
Stoneware
Modernist Blue Magic Glass Planter by Michael Bang & Ole Winther for Holmegaard
By Holmegaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish Top Hat shaped planter or large vase in white opaline glass. The glass design is by Michael Bang, the decor by Ole Winther and in was made for a limited times during the 19...
Opaline Glass
Salt-glazed Brown Stoneware Floor Vase by Arthur Andersson for Wallåkra
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A large and magnificent Scandinavian modern brown salt-glazed stoneware vase by Arthur Andersson with horizontal patterns of zig zags and striations relief decor. Inside glazed. Insi...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brass Piet Hein Super Egg by Henning Glahn / Danks Design in original Box
By Piet Hein
Located in Krefeld, DE
Piet Hein super egg with leather pouch, booklet and original Box. The super egg is in solid brass produced by Henning Glahn, Denmark. Price for the...
Brass
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of twelve pieces of stoneware vases & one bowl with stunning white glazes designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are betwe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s.
Steel
Swedish Grace decorative pewter box by Harald Linder, Uppsala 1933.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative pewter lid box in pewter by Haralder Linder, Uppsala Swedish Grace 1933. With hallmark. One smaller dent, nice patina. Normal signs of age and wear.
Pewter
Mid-Century Vintage Scandinavian Art Crystal Vase, Sculptural Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A striking vintage Scandinavian art crystal vase distinguished by its sculptural cylindrical form, softly scalloped rim, and bold oval relief decoration that wraps rhythmically aroun...
Crystal
Mid-century Brutalist Iron Fire Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna, Sweden
Located in Malmö, SE
Amazing cast iron midcentury sculpture / fireplace screen. Designed by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna, Sweden 1960s. Great original condition with signs of use and age. Stamped 'OH'...
Iron
$302Sale Price|34% Off
Mouth Blown Swedish Art Glass Bowl, Murano Sommerso Style, 1950s
By ASEA, Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mouth blown Swedish modern encased vivid blue art glass bowl in Murano Sommerso style. Round shape with large frills around the edge and multiple symmetrical waves decorating the ext...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Spherical Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forssell, Josef Frank, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair beautiful brass candleholders with amazing patina. Designed by Pierre Forssell and made by Skultuna Messingsbruk, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Signed and impress...
Brass
Small Green Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Beni Møbler Danish Modern Teak Waste Basket / Wastepaper Bin
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted Danish Modern teak waste basket by Beni Møbler, Denmark, dating to the 1960s. This elegant mid-century accessory showcases the understated sophistication for wh...
Teak
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, Gunnar Nylund, Akta Brons, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen Baca Vase Blue White Ochre, Danish 1970s
By Nils Thorsson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Ceramic vase from the Royal Copenhagen "Baca" series designed by Nils Thorsson in the late 1960s. This vase was manufactured in the period 1975 to 1979. It features a geometric pa...
Ceramic
Pair of Brass Candlestick with Hurricane Glass Shades Table Lamps, 1940s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of vintage brass candlestick accent, boudoir, or table lamps feature baluster shaped brass bodies in Scandinavian Modern style with a reference to Swedish Grace style; the socke...
Brass
Large Scandinavian Rattan Hanging Monkey, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very rare rattan bull head, wicker wall decoration dates to the 1960s-1970s The proportions are perfect, very decorative. We still have a dark lacqu...
Metal
Gunnar Ander, Ystad Metall, candelabra candlestick, brass & glass, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A graceful mid-century candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander in the 1960s for the Swedish manufacturer Ystad Metall. Crafted from brass, it features five candleholders with blue glass ...
Brass
Johanne Gerber Vase by Royal Copenhagen Blue Floral Baca Danish Ceramic 1970s
By Johanne Gerber, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Square ceramic vase from the Royal Copenhagen "Baca" series by Nils Thorsson This decor is designed by Johanne Gerber and made in the period 1969-...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely, unique miniature stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, formed like an onion with a slightly asymmetric shape. Embossed striped pattern, glazed light blue and clay.
Stoneware