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.
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
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
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
Heidi Fournier Cream Floral Ceramic Vase, 2000s
By Upsala Ekeby, Lauritz Adolph Hjorth, Höganäs Keramik, Royal Copenhagen, 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
Handthrown vase by Norwegian artist Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Hand thrown and altered ceramic vase by Norwegian artist Johanne Birkeland. Birkeland, who works under the artist name Jossolini, is known for her special techniques in altering h...
Ceramic
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, 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
Blue Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Höganäs Keramik, Herta Bengtson, Hertha Bengtson, rorstrand studio
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
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
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
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
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
Blue, Brown, White Bamboo Decor Lidded Ceramic Jar, circa 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Asian inspired Scandinavian ceramic lidded bowl with white bamboo leaves on dark blue background and warm brown accents. Beautiful vintage condition. Scandinavia, circa 1980s.
Ceramic, Pottery
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
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
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
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
Black Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
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 Crown Candleholders in solid Brass by Pierre Forssell Skultuna Sweden 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Jens Quistgaard, Paavo Tynell
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
Set of 6 Rörstrand Miniature Vases by Stålhane, Nylund & Lundgren 1950-1960's
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Bertil Lundgren, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful set of six signed Rörstrand miniature vases, all first quality. The set comprises two by Carl-Harry Stålhane, three by Gunnar Nylund, and one by Bertil Lundgren. Each vase ...
Ceramic
Finn Modern Design Pro Arte Series Ceramic Vase-Pauli Vuorisalo Arabia, Finland
Located in Miami, FL
Lovely Finnish Modern Pro Arte Series Ceramic Vase by Pauli Vuorisalo for Arabia. A stylistic abstract design of a lady in a ballet pose is carved into the black glossy glaze of the ...
Ceramic, Pottery
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-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
Paul Kedelv (1917-90) Flygsfors Glass "Coquille" Swedish Art Glass Vase, c.1958
By Flygfors Glass, Flygsfors, Paul Kedelv
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
Wilhelm Kage Argenta Vase, Model 1029/2, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description This small cylindrical ceramic vase was designed by Wilhelm Kage and produced by Gustavsberg as part of the celebrated Argenta series designed in the 1930s. The s...
Silver
Pair of Art Deco Planters by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1920s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful Art Deco planters by Wilhelm Kåge, made from stoneware. Decor in diluted celadon green, glazed.
Stoneware
Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Volcano Series Mini Object Vase, Double Bubble 48136
By Boda, Bertil Vallien, 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
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 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
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
Sculpture designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Chamotte stoneware, partially glazed. Signed “Stig L” with the Gustavsberg Studio hand mark on the underside. A characteristic early studio work by Lindberg, featuring the textured ...
Stoneware
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
Hand thrown art piece by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Hand thrown and altered ceramic vase by Norwegian artist Johanne Birkeland. Birkeland, who works under the artist name Jossolini, is known for her special techniques in altering her...
Ceramic
Axel Salto Unique Danish vase, in the manner of Salto. Royal Copenhagen
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
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
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A refined Art Deco vase produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, in the 1930s. Executed in solid bronze with a deep green patinated surface that has developed a beautiful, so...
Bronze
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
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
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Denmark, 1960s.
By Illums Bolighus, Hans Bolling, Illum Bolighus, Torben Orskov
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
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
Footed Art Deco Bronze Bowl / Dish by Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1930s.
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, Akta Brons, 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
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Swedish modern Pewter Bowl by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1975
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Swedish pewter bowl designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by the renowned Stockholm workshop Schreuder & Olsson in 1975. The bowl features a softly rounded, shallow form ...
Pewter
Gunnar Ander Large Candelabra for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Large Candleholder by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s 6 arms with 6 flower candlesticks. Black lacquered metal and brass Marked under the base. This model is the large o...
Metal, Brass
1930s Small Bronze Tray by GAB
Located in New York, NY
1930s Small Bronze Tray by GAB, Sweden. Rectangular shape with age appropriate wear. Dimensions: L 10 in x W 2.8 in x H 0.4 in
Bronze
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
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing blue hare’s fur glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Vase in Bronze, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Heavy cylindrical Scandinavian vase in solid bronze. Horizontal ribbings/tiers towards its base and two center stripes - incised/engine-turned. Unknown Scandinavian maker/designer in...
Bronze
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
Gunnel Nyman, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1940s
By Gunnel Nyman
Located in High Point, NC
A blown yellow and clear glass vase designed and produced by Gunnel Nyman, Finland, c. 1940s.
Glass
Wilhelm Kåge, sculptural vase "Surrea", Gustavsberg Studio, Swedish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare, beautifully sculptural stoneware vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio. Swedish Modern, 1950s. This is a timeless decorative beauty. In good condition, smaller scratche...
Stoneware
Hand thrown ceramic art piece by Norwegian artist Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Hand thrown and altered ceramic vase by Norwegian artist Johanne Birkeland. Birkeland, who works under the artist name Jossolini, is known for her special techniques in altering her...
Ceramic
$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
Bronze Art Deco Bowl by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1930s
By Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
An Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition, only with some light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS',...
Bronze
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and black earthenware vase produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.5"H x 7.25"W x 7.25"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Earthenware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, with some light scratches. An inscription to the base. Stamped 'BRO...
Bronze
$220Sale Price|20% Off
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
Valdemar Petersen, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, 1950s
By Bing & Grøndahl, Valdemar Petersen
Located in High Point, NC
A brown glazed stoneware vase designed by Valdemar Petersen and produced by Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, 1950s.
Stoneware
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
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
2 Gray Stoneware Vases with Harfur Glaze Berndt Friberg Gustavsberg 1950s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of 2 stunning gray miniature stoneware vases by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in the 1950s, the vases has lovely har-fur glazes. Th...
Stoneware