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.
White "Våga, Cararra" pot - Wilhelm Kåge - Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning white flowerpot from the Våga-serie (Wave) designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsbergs Studio in the 1950s. The pot is 20 cm in diameter and in excellent condition except fro...
Stoneware
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
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
Small Fluted Tinos Bronze Bowl, Art Deco, Denmark, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Tinos, Evan Jensen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
Ystad Metall, brass vase model 5317-77, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ystad Metall, brass vase model 5317-77, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury. Beautiful Art Deco shape, a classic, timeless decorative gem. With hallmark: YSTAD-METALL MADE IN SWEDEN.
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
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 Holmegaard, Otto Bauer
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
A small model 1460 bowl designed by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Made from Disko metal, the bowl has a four-lobed form with faceted sides and a raised foot. The surface has developed a varied patina. Marked underneath with Just and model number 1...
Metal
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
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 grain variations. The perfect accessory...
Teak
$463Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Vintage Orrefors Crystal Bowl, Footed Design, Cut Glass, Sweden, 1960
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A refined vintage crystal bowl by Orrefors, distinguished by its softly rounded form, short circular foot, and deeply cut vertical decoration. The repeated faceted cuts rise from the...
Crystal
Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Volcano Series Mini Object Vase, Double Bubble 48136
By Kosta Boda, Boda, Bertil Vallien
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
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
$280Sale Price|20% Off
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Viking Ship by Ahrneberg Sweden, 1960s.
Steel
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
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
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
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
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by Svenskt Tenn, 1935
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish Art Deco pewter vase by Svenskt Tenn, made in 1935. This refined and sculptural piece exemplifies the elegant modernism that defined Swedish design in the early 20...
Pewter
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
Oiva Toikka Art Glass Dove Sculpture by Iittala, 1980s Scandinavian
By Iittala, Oiva Toikka
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
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
Round Black Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Atelier - Mid-20th Century
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
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
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
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 Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
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
Rare Ewald Dahlskog Turquoise Ceramic Vase for Bobergs Fajansfabrik, 1930s
By Ewald Dahlskog, Bobergs Fajansfabrik AB
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
Yellow Ceramic Vase, Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg 1981, Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely dark green vase with a har fur glaze designed by Sven Wejsfelt at Gustavsberg in Stockholm in 1986. The vase is 16.5 cm high. It's marked as on picture. It is in excellent c...
Ceramic
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
Fire Screen by Olle Hermansson in Cast Iron, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A cast iron fire screen designed by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna in Sweden during the 1960s. The openwork decoration depicts Thor riding his chariot drawn by two goats, surrounded ...
Cast 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
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 Sculpture of Roman Goddess Ceres by Saxbo, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Danish stoneware sculpture depicting Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, designed by Eigil Vedel Schmidt for Saxbo in the 1950s. The elongated, serene ...
Stoneware
Vintage Brass Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 8
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
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
Arthur Percy, Wall Mounted Vases, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Arthur Percy
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of fluted green glazed ceramic wall mounted vases designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Ceramic
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
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
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
$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
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
Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Berndt Friberg, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing glossy glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$2,360Sale Price|42% Off
Berndt Friberg, large vase, 46 cm high, Gustavsberg, 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Uppsala, SE
Large blue vase with hare fur glaze designed by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg studios in the 1950s. Impressive size and much larger than most Friberg vases. The vase has been restor...
Stoneware
$638Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Vase by Ilse Claesson, Rörstrand, Green and Black, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase designed by Ilse Claesson in the 1930s at Rörstrand, Sweden. It is 22 cm high and in very good condition except from some craquelure in the glaze because of the age.
Porcelain
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
Arne Bang, Vase, Grey and Green Glazed Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
By Arne Bang
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and green glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1940s.
Stoneware
Jerk Werkmäster, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Jerk Werkmäster and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Ceramic
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Sune Bäckström, Gunnar Nylund, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Akta Brons, Just Andersen
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