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.
Bengt Orup for Johansfors, Smoky Glass Vase, Sweden, 1960s
By Bengt Orup, Johansfors Glasbruk
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant mid-century modern art glass vase designed by Bengt Orup for Johansfors Glasbruk, Sweden, circa 1960s. The vase features a beautifully balanced, organic oval form executed in...
Blown Glass
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
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1969
By Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1969. Great condition. Signed Thell '69. Claes Thell is a Swedish cera...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Herta Bengtson, rorstrand studio, Hertha Bengtson, Höganäs Keramik
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Hand made by Hertha Bengtson for A&J Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Signed 'Hertha B' and 'Höganäs'. Hertha Be...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Oiva Toikka for Iittala Scandinavian Modern Art Glass Dove Sculpture, Finland
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
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
Isak Isaksson - Black & Red Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely black and red ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 18.5 cm (7.4") tall and about 15 cm (6") wide and it is in excellent con...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Heidi Fournier Cream Floral Ceramic Vase, 2000s
By Royal Copenhagen, Höganäs Keramik, Lauritz Adolph Hjorth, Upsala Ekeby, Kähler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Contemporary Heidi Fournier vase with hand-painted floral decorations on shiny cream colored base. Signed by the artist. Denmark, 2010s.
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Isak Isaksson Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely light brown or dingy yellow ceramic vase with a stunning crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") tall and about 13.5 cm (5.4") wide...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large, Stunning Deep Blue Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1966
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
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
Yellow Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Herta Bengtson, Höganäs Keramik, rorstrand studio, Hertha Bengtson
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Hand made by Hertha Bengtson for A&J Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Signed 'Hertha B' and 'Höganäs'. Hertha Bengts...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 9 -...
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
Isak Isaksson - Oxblood Red Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely oxblood red ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 23.5 cm (9.4") tall and about 14.5 cm (5.8") wide and it is in excellent c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Conical Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Conical Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Conical pewter vase on foot * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 2573 * Year: 1952 * Condition: Good condition. ...
Metal, Pewter
Metallslöjden Gusum, modernist brass candelabra candlestick, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural mid-century modern candelabra produced by the renowned Swedish metal workshop Metallslöjden Gusum. Featuring a clean geometric structure with three candleholders and a s...
Brass
Pair of Art Deco Four-Arm Silver-Plated Candelabra by Just Andersen for GAB 1930
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully balanced pair of four-arm silver-plated candelabra designed by Danish sculptor and designer Just Andersen for GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, circa 1930s. These s...
Silver Plate
Art Noveau Bronze vase by Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful Art Noveau by Hugo Elmqvist, made from bronze in a tall form. Decor of embossed birch leaves with seeds and dragonflies around the rim.
Bronze
Isak Isaksson Green Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 9 cm (3.55") tall and about 12.5 cm (5") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Black Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 10.5 cm (4.2") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one...
Ceramic
Large Collection of 27 miniature vessels - John Andersson - Höganäs
By John Andersson, Höganäs Keramik
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large collection of 27 vessels, most of them designed by John Andersson and all of them produced at Höganäs about 1950s. The tallest one is 9 cm (3.6") and the smallest one is 1.5 ...
Stoneware
$237Sale Price|20% Off
Kosta Boda 'Rhapsody' Crystal Bowl by Kjell Engman – Swedish Art Glass, 1980s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Celebrate the romance and artistry of Scandinavian design with this Kosta Boda “Rhapsody” crystal bowl, a poetic creation by acclaimed Swedish glass artist Kjell Engman. First introd...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Striped Green Glazed Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Björk for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Ceramic Vase/Candle Holder by Eva Jancke-Björk for Uppsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940 Unique, sculptural glazed ceramic vase by Eva Jancke-Björk. Hand formed and glazed with lime and fo...
Ceramic
Ewald Dahlskog – Green, Swiveled Ceramic Vase - 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green ceramic vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog at Bo Fajans, Sweden in the 1930s. The vase is 18 cm (7.2") tall and in excellent condition. Ewald Dahlskog (1894–1950) was on...
Ceramic
Swedish ‘Dug-Out Barrel’ / Laggarkärl, 1800s
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish ‘Dug-Out Barrel’ / Laggarkärl, 1800s Its size and stunning organic shape make it truly remarkable. Made from a single solid dug-out pine trunk with an attached bottom, perf...
Pine
Mid-20th Century, Scandinavian Decorative Wooden Vase, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural hand-turned wooden elm vase from Scandinavia, crafted in the 1960s. The piece features an organic, twisting form with smooth curves and visible grain patterns that highl...
Elm
Mid-Century Brass Candelabra by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Ander, Ystad-Metall, Carl-Einar Borgstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass candlestick with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scratches. Gunnar Ander (190...
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Stainless Steel Puukko Knife with Leather Sheath Hackman Finland
By Hackman, Tapio Wirkkala
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
Pair Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Paavo Tynell, Jens Quistgaard
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
$361Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Vintage "Paper Bag" Vases by Tapio Wirkkala for Rosenthal - 1970's
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
Swedish Modern Pewter Vase by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1950s
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant mid-century pewter vase designed by Edvin Ollers for Tenn, Sweden, circa 1950. The vase features a softly balustered form with gently fluted vertical panels, resting on a ste...
Pewter
Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Volcano Series Mini Object Vase, Double Bubble 48136
By Bertil Vallien, Boda, Kosta Boda
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite mini object vase is a standout piece from Bertil Vallien's iconic Volcano series, designed in 1981. The unique double bubble shape is enhanced by the stunning iridesce...
Luster, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Art Deco Candlesticks in Brass by Lars Holmström in Arvika, Sweden
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Midcentury brass candlestick designed by Lars Holmström. Produced by Lars Holmström in Arvika, Sweden. Wonderfully handcrafted brass candlestick with that modern look. These three pi...
Brass
Hand-forged Swedish Iron Candelabra, 1940s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish wrought iron candelabra from the 1940. Hand-forged with a spiral base and four curved arms, this piece blends Scandinavian Modern elegance with a raw, Brutalist edge. Both ...
Iron
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Axel Salto Budding Style, Royal Copenhagen
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Odense, DK
A striking cylindrical stoneware vase by Royal Copenhagen, model number 20565, masterfully designed in the distinctive budded style by Axel Salto. This sculptural form exemplifies Sa...
Stoneware
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 5
Located in KUTNO, PL
The set of vintage brass candlesticks is an elegant proposal that catches the eye with its timeless aesthetics and nobility of the material. The brass from which they are made gives ...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern, "Balloon" Vases, Set of 3, Inger Persson for Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
Amazing, Scandinavian Modern, "Balloon" vases, set of 3, Inger Persson for Rörstrand, 1980's. The vases are made of stoneware with matte glaze and slightly asymmetric forms. Two vase...
Stoneware
Paul Kedelv (1917-90) Flygsfors Glass "Coquille" Swedish Art Glass Vase, c.1958
By Flygfors Glass, Paul Kedelv, Flygsfors
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Scandinavian / Swedish mid-century modern design red and white art glass vase "Coquille" by glass art pioneer Paul Kedelv (Sweden 1917-90) for Flygsfors Glass. Handcrafted...
Art Glass
Axel Salto Unique Danish vase, in the manner of Salto. Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen, Axel Salto
Located in Forest, BE
Unique vase made by or in the manner of Axel Salto. Beautiful glaze and details. There's various shades of brown and greens. Will fit any interiors, a true beauty. Axel Johannes ...
Ceramic, Clay
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Tall, stately stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in an elegant form with beautiful dark blue hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware vase...
Stoneware
Footed Art Deco Bronze Bowl / Dish by Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1930s.
By Akta Brons, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful footed art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Made by Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Marked 'ÄKTA BRONS'.
Bronze
A bronze vase by GAB, 1930s
Located in Long Island City, NY
A patinated bronze vase manufactured by GAB, Sweden circa 1930s. Model number 260. Marked by manufacturer. Engraving.
Bronze
$1,800 / set
1930s GAB Bronze Candleholder
Located in New York, NY
1930s bronze candleholder by GAB, Sweden, with space for 5 candles. Beautiful curvy shape with a nice green shade. Age appropriate wear with some shading to the bronze. Dimensions: ...
Bronze
Scandinavian Wooden Candleholders, Set of 6
Located in KUTNO, PL
This set of Scandinavian wooden candle holders is a perfect example of the simplicity and natural beauty that characterize Scandinavian design. Made of wood, often from light species...
Wood
Floral Ceramic Folk Art Candle Holder, Poland
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Polish ceramic candle holder manufactured circa 1970s. Handpainted dark blue and burgundy organic floral decorations on cream colored shiny glaze. Stamped by maker under bas...
Ceramic
Nils Thorsson for Aluminia Royal Copenhagen "Marselis" Huge Vase Brown, 1950s
By Sigvard Bernadotte, Aluminia, Arne Bang, Royal Copenhagen, Nils Thorsson
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very rare large "Marselis" vase by Nils Thorsson for the ceramic manufacturer Aluminia, later brandname Royal Copenhagen. Made ca. 1950s. It features a maroon brown glaze over a str...
Ceramic
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Lidded Box, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish pewter lidded box produced by Bröderna Edlund Silverfabrik, dated 1936. This refined piece features a clean cylindrical form raised on small decorative feet, topped ...
Pewter
Set of Three Stig Lindberg Miniature Vases Stoneware Gustavsberg Sweden 1960s
Located in Basel, BS
Set of three unique Stig Lindberg miniature vase and vessels for Gustavsberg in Sweden in the 1960s. Hand-crafted stoneware with glazes in different shades of blue. Tall vase: H 6.3...
Stoneware
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illum Bolighus, Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus, Hans Bolling
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of vintage solid brass trumpet candlesticks. With original aluminium inserts. Designed by Hans Bolling and made by Torben Örskov, Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition wit...
Brass
Turned Curly Birch Lidded Bowl, Finland, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A finely turned lidded bowl in solid curly birch, made in Finland during the 1970s. The sculptural form combines smooth, flowing lines with the intricate natural pattern of visakoivu...
Birch
Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Sleeping Tabby Cat
By Erik Nielsen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage sculpture of a sleeping grey and white tabby cat was designed by Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen. Highly detailed porcelain figurine was hand-decorated with extra ...
Porcelain
Arne Bang, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1930s
By Arne Bang
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1930s.
Stoneware
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dramatic oxidation. Dimensions: 13” H x 7.5” diameter 3 Sockets Holds .8” diameter candles
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
Rare X-Large Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen Baca Vase, Danish Ceramic 1970s
By Royal Copenhagen, Nils Thorsson, Aluminia
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rare X-large ceramic vase from Royal Copenhagen "Baca" series designed by Nils Thorsson in the late 1960s. It belongs to the "Baca" series and features an abstract floral decor in br...
Ceramic
Pair of Scandinavian modern brass wall candle sconces
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Immerse your home in timeless elegance with this pair of Swedish art deco wall sconces, each showcasing a rich, beautiful patina. Expertly crafted on the picturesque island of Öland,...
Brass
Scandinavian Blue Glazed Owl Ceramic Relief by Svend Åage Jensen for Søholm
By Sven Aage Jensen, Soholm Pottery
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage wall plaque abstract mid century ceramic wall hanging stoneware Blue glazed Owls relief designed by Sven Aage Jensen and manufactured by S...
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg / CHESS PIECE "QUEEN" / Gustavsberg
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Queen chess piece designed by Stig Lindberg. Since his assistant, Dan Grip, was a chess player, he began developing chess pieces in the early 1960s, and in 1973, they were produced ...
Porcelain