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.
Johanne Gerber Vase by Royal Copenhagen Blue Floral Baca Danish Ceramic 1970s
By Royal Copenhagen, Johanne Gerber
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
A pair of large bronze vases by GAB
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large Swedish Grace bronze vases, probably designed by Jacob Ängman. Produced by GAB, Sweden , Circa 1930th. Brown-green patinated bronze, bulbous shape with handles and ho...
Bronze
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg, Wilhelm Kage
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
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund, Sune Bäckström, 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
$195Sale Price|58% Off
Danish Modernist Holmegaard Tundra Art Glass Bowl, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mouthblown Danish Modern clear crystal art glass bowl with wavy, organic umber accent lines as added by paint brush inside the glass. Designed by Michael Bang in 1976-78 for Danish H...
Crystal
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
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
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
$424Sale Price|20% Off
1960 Tall Paul Kedelv Coquille Vessel for Flygsfors, Sweden
By Flygsfors, Paul Kedelv
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning large Scandinavian free-form glass sculpture or vase. Green and white glass encased in clear glass. Made by the Swedish firm Flygsfors in 1960 and designed by Paul Kedelv,...
Blown Glass
1970s Swedish Stoneware Vase by Curt Addin – Scandinavian Modern / Brutalist
Located in Hannover, DE
This rare Scandinavian modern vase by **Curt Addin**, crafted in Sweden in the 1970s, perfectly balances organic texture with precise design details, making it an exceptional collect...
Pottery
$353Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Sage Green Stoneware Plate, Ribbed Edges, Sweden, 1960s
By Royal Copenhagen, Rörstrand, Arabia, Gunnar Nylund, Einar Johansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Muted sage olive green stoneware plate with ribbed diagonal edges under the matte glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand’s Ritzi line. Stamped under base. Great vintage cond...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Vintage "Antikva" Bud Vase by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage "Antikva" bud vase by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3.5"D x 6.5"H and ...
Art Glass
Scones LED Handmade by Ovature Studios, Solid Brass Bronze Design, Bonnie
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, Nickel
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
$272Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
A glass vase by PER LÜTKEN for Holmegaard
By Holmegaard, Per Lütken
Located in Long Island City, NY
A glass vase designed by PER LÜTKEN for Holmegaard, Denmark, circa 1960th. Signed by hand " HOLMEGAARD PL1958".
Art Glass
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
Bronze Jewelry boxes by Just Andersen
Located in Long Island City, NY
A patinated bronze jewelry box by Just Andersen. Denmark, Circa 1930th. Stamped and numbered. Excellent vintage condition.
Bronze
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, Stig Lindberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware bowl with amazing glossy 'aniara' glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$213Sale Price|45% Off
Danish Art Glass Handkerchief Vase by Holmegaard, White Overlay, 1970s
By Holmegaard
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish organic modern crisp white overlay art glass vase by Holmegaard. Soft flowing asymmetrical handkerchief shape. Beautiful vintage condition. Denmark, 1970s.
Glass, Art Glass
Arne Bang, Vase, Grey Glazed Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
By Arne Bang
Located in High Point, NC
A grey glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1940s.
Stoneware
$2,319Sale 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
Vintage Glass Candleholder Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla, 1970s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage glass candleholder from the 1970s, named Vulcano by Pertti Kallioinen for Muurla is a classic example of Scandinavian design. Crafted from heavy, textured clear glass, i...
Glass
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
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
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
Rare Pair of Bronze Art Deco Vases and Candlesticks by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
Rare pair of Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vases and candlesticks with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, some wear to the patin...
Bronze
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful brass candle holder with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank in 1938 and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Sweden. Old production, this is made in the 1940s. G...
Brass
Stig Lindberg large faience vase, Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large faience vase, model 116 F.10, designed by Swedish ceramicist Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio in the 1940s. A hand-turned urn-shaped vessel with an applied handle, glazed...
Faience
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
Decorative Mosaic Tile Centerpiece Bowl, Danish, 1970's
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Decorative Mosaic Tile Centerpiece Bowl or Dish marked on bottom: "Made in Denmark" "in nice vintage as found condition" "would also look great hanging on a wall"
Pottery
$1,673Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Hand-Signed Stoneware Birds by Bengt Wall, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A set of four handmade stoneware birds by Swedish ceramicist Bengt Wall, crafted in his Trosa studio in the 1970s. Each unique and hand-signed, the figures combine Nordic folk charm ...
Stoneware
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A fluted beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by BOWI, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, SVM Handarbete 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by Bowi brons in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with some light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and 'BOWI'.
Bronze
Set of Pierre Forssell brass candleholders by Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A set of four Scandinavian Modern candlesticks designed by the Swedish silversmith Pierre Forssell and produced by Skultuna Messingsbruk. Minimalist aesthetic with a dramatic appeara...
Brass
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1961
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful unique stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, in a slender shape with a wide oval shaped mouth, blue and rich brown glaze shifting over the body.
Stoneware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze vase with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition. Stamped 'BRONS', model number and signature 'Sune Bäcks...
Bronze
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
$1,812Sale Price|20% Off
Lisa Larson Unique Child and Dog Sculpture, K-Studion Gustavsberg, 1998
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Unique ceramic sculpture by Lisa Larson, created in Gustavsberg, Sweden, in 1998. The sculpture depicts a small child seated on the back of a dog. The con...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, 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
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda Zoom Art Glass Bowl Catchall, Sweden
By Göran Wärff, Kosta Boda, Boda
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Striking Swedish studio art glass bowl or sculptural catchall designed by Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, from the Zoom series. The piece is characterized by its broad, shallow circular...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Rare stoneware sculpture of a bird. Mid-20th.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Sculptural bird figure, mid-20th century. Rare stoneware sculpture in the form of a bird, featuring Stålhane’s signature organic volume and rich gla...
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
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Ander Small Candelabra Brass Ystad Metall Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brass and metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, 1950s. fits 0.45” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
Gabriel Keramik, Dish, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-glazed ceramic dish or bowl produced by Gabriel Keramik, Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.0"H x 9.55"W x 11.1"D All items s...
Ceramic
Pair of Sculptural Teak Danish Modern Candle Holders
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage pair of Danish modern teak candleholders circa 1960's. This set displays well with any modern home decor and fits 3/4" taper candles. Price is for the pair.
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Estrid Ericsson, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of wonderful white metal drip pewter candles made in the 1960s at Avesta Jernverk / Avesta Ironworks in Sweden. In the style of Svenskt Tenn.
Metal
Classic candle sconces, solid brass by Lars Holmström, Arvika, Swedish Modern.
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of classic shell shaped candle sconces in solid brass by Lars Holmström, Arvika, Swedish Modern 1940s. A simple timeless pair, classic Swedish design. With markers mark.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Amethyst Crackle Glass Lidded Vase
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Sculptural Scandinavian art glass vase with a fitted lid, presented in a deep amethyst-purple tone and finished with a distinctive crackle-glass surface. The piece has a compact, arc...
Glass
Pair of Spherical Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Josef Frank, Pierre Forssell, Svenskt Tenn, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell
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
White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Swedish Modern' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA'. Wilhelm ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$116Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...
Silver Plate
Sommerso Glass Vase, from Scandinavia 1950, Signed Nils Landberg Orrefors
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vase Sommerso, is in thick art glass. It is from Scandinavian, circa 1560. It is signed Nils Landberg , with a blue grey color. Orrefors, 1950
Art Glass
Vintage Patinated Bronze Oblong Bowl, Swedish Grace, Scandinavian
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage patinated heavy bronze oblong bowl, probably from the 1930's art deco / classical Swedish Grace period. The top of the bowl has a slightly scalloped, undulating edge. "350"...
Bronze
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
Large Brown Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large brown ceramic vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 17.5 cm (7") tall and in excellent condition except from some minor stains in the glaze. The vase...
Ceramic
Green Art Deco Vase, Upsala Ekeby Ostergren, Sweden, 1930s, Roman Urn Style
By Upsala Ekeby, Harald Östergren
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful green ceramic vase with orange handles in shape of a classical roman urn, the vase is designed by Harald Östergren at Upsala Ekeby between 1937-1938. It is 21 cm (8.4") t...
Ceramic
$2,649Sale Price|20% Off
Silver. Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 1973
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vase In silver was designed by the Finnish master Tapio Wirkkala, whose artistic expression consistently drew inspiration from nature. He himself described how he discovered for...
Sterling Silver
Letter Tray Desk Organizer Rosewood Danish Desktop Georg Petersen Selectform
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very active Rosewood grain to all surfaces. This is the early production Selectform model, designed and made by Georg Petersen Mobelfabrik A/S. This example retains the Georg Peter...
Rosewood
Rare Pair of solid brass Candlesticks. Rustickly cast. Denmark Mid-20th century
Located in København K, 84
A rare pair of solid and heavy brass candlesticks from mid-20th century Denmark is a captivating testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and design inherent in the era's decorative ...
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 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