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.
$1,271 / item
Handcrafted ceramic candelabra by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted ceramic candle holder by Jossolini. This unique piece is built and decorated by hand. It is made of white stoneware, and decorated with matt black glaze. Jossolini is...
Ceramic
Ceramic candelabra by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted ceramic candle holder by Jossolini. This unique piece is built and decorated by hand. It is made of white stoneware, and decorated with matt black glaze. Jossolini is...
Ceramic
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
Swedish Modernist Footed Vase in Patinated Bronze from GAB, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant footed bronze vase from GAB, in weighty quality, oval shaped with a wide profiled mouth makes it great for a bouquet of flowers. Oil patinated in varying shades of green. Mo...
Bronze
Gray Speckled Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Gray Speckled ceramic vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 15 cm (6") tall and in excellent condition, it is 1st quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one of t...
Ceramic
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
Conical Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant conical pewter vase designed and made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Conical pewter vase raised on a small foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * M...
Metal, Pewter
$1,109Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Unique Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern 1951
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique ceramic vase with a lovely glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 17 cm (6.8") tall and in excellent condition. The vase is dated 1951. Carl-Harry...
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
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
Gunnar Kanevad, Swedish pinewood sculpture, wooden puzzle, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
A decorative sculpture in the form of a wooden puzzle, crafted from solid pine by Swedish artist Gunnar Kanevad (1930–2019). It features two human silhouettes sawn from a pinewood cu...
Pine
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
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
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
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
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
$60Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
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
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
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
Swedish Grace Lidded Pewter Box by Nils Fougstedt, Herman Bergman, Sweden, 1928
By Herman Bergman, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful pewter box by Nils Fougstedt. Neat size. Decorative and dramatic figural scene in relief on the lid. It shows a sunny sky with birds and a man falling from a bridge into th...
Pewter
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
Stunning Gray Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning gray ceramic vase with the characteristic speckled glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 16.5 cm (6.6") tall and in excellent condition. The vase...
Ceramic
Set of Two Vintage Porcelain Paper Bag Vases by Tapio Wirkkala, Germany, 1970s
Located in Camblanes et Meynac, FR
Set of Two Vintage Beige/Brown "Paper Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal pair of vintage "Paper Bag" vases designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal. These exceptional pieces...
Porcelain
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
$1,421Sale Price|50% Off
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
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
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
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 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
Mid-Century Modern Ice Sculpture Etched Seal by Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Boda
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Boda
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 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
Gray & Blue Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray and blue vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20 cm (8") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 ...
Ceramic
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
Isak Isaksson Pink Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pink vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 11.5 cm (4.6") tall and about 10 cm (4") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
$204Sale 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
$295Sale 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
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
Swedish Art Nouveau Pewter Compote Bowl by Edvin Ollers, 1907
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional and rare Swedish pewter compote bowl made by Edvin Ollers in 1907, a celebrated figure in early 20th-century Scandinavian design. This sculptural centerpiece exemplifi...
Pewter
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
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s.
Steel
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Stig Lindberg, Rörstrand, Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Red Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing glossy sang de boeuf (oxblood) glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
L. Hjorth, Bornholm. Low stoneware bowl with matte blue glaze, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
L. Hjorth, Bornholm Bowl, 1960s. Hand-thrown stoneware bowl in a low, rounded form with a matte blue glaze in gently varied tones, characteristic of Hjorth’s experimental surface tre...
Stoneware
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
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Stoneware
Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors “Platina” Sculptural Art Glass Bowl, Sweden 1950's
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptural and substantial crystal bowl designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Orrefors in the 1950s, from the celebrated Platina series. The form is a softly rounded square with a deep...
Art Glass
Kaj Franck Blown Glass Rooster Bottle for Nuutajärvi 1963
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful mould-blown glass decanter by the renowned designer Kaj Franck. This object has a distinctive cock stopper on the top, but can be used with or without. This particular series of decanters by Kaj Franck was manufactured for a limited time only, from 1955-1968. This beautiful and rare piece is signed Kaj Franck, Nuutajärvi notsjö -63, and is really something exceptional to own or collect. Kaj Franck (1911-1989) was the artistic director of the Arabia ceramics company. He was one of the leading figures of Finnish design and an influential figure in design and applied arts between 1940-1980. His leading role and influence on Finnish design is celebrated with one of the most prestigious awards named after him (The Kaj Franck Award) . We have a few more items by Kaj Franck on our selection on 1stdibs. The Kremlin bells...
Blown Glass
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
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
Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Arthur Percy
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s. Dimensions: 5.375” H x 5” diameter
Ceramic
Swedish Grace Green Leaf Motif “Menuett” Vase by Arthur Percy, Gefle, 1950
By Arthur Percy, Gefle
Located in Grythyttan, SE
An elegant Swedish Grace ceramic vase from the “Menuett” series, designed by Arthur Percy for Gefle, featuring a softly rounded form with delicate green leaf decoration and a refined...
Earthenware
Round, Blue Serving Dish with stars - Upsala Ekeby - Sven Erik Skawonius
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely ceramic dish designed by Sven-Erik Skawonius at Upsala Ekeby. The dish is 32,5 cm (13") in diameter and in excellent condition.
Ceramic
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
Small Green Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
Bronze Art Deco Vase by SVM Handarbete, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by SVM, Svenska Metallverken AB, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. Stamped 'HANDARBETE' ...
Bronze