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.
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
Jensen Decorative Dish, Stainless Steel, Modern Design, 2013
By Georg Jensen, Constantin Wortmann
Located in London, GB
Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark Georg Jensen Cobra Stainless Steel Centrepiece Bowl by Constantin Wortmann, Denmark. A sculptural...
Stainless Steel
Swedish Grace Pewter Sculpture from Ystad-Metall, 1930
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
An elegant and very decorative pewter sculpture from Ystad-Metall, rectangular base mounted with a cute stylized deer grazing. Perfect as a decorative sculpture or as letter weight.
Pewter
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
1937 Pewter Tray by Carl Einar Borgström, Ystad Tenn
By Carl-Einar Borgstrom, Ystad-Metall
Located in New York, NY
Rare Large Pewter Tray by Carl Einar Borgström for Ystad Metall, Sweden, from 1937. Round shape with a low arch shaped edge all around. Age appropriate wear to the pewter. Marked wit...
Pewter
Arthur Andersson for Wallakra, Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Created by the Swedish ceramist Arthur Andersson in the middle of the 20th Century, these voluminous vases are noteworthy for their formal symmetry and their banded designs, which of...
Ceramic
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
$196Sale 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
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
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
Red Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg, Wilhelm Kage, 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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Brass Candlesticks in Jens Harald Quistgaard Style, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
In the style of Jens Harald Quistgaard comes this set of organically shaped candlesticks in solid brass. The set was made in Sweden during the 1960s or 70s. Is to be installed with r...
Brass
$2,337Sale 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
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960
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
Rare Pair of Bronze Art Deco Vases and Candlesticks by GAB, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
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
Nittsjö, Planter, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase or planter, designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4" Height x 5.5" Diameter All items ship from High Point, ...
Ceramic
Bronze Art Deco Vase by BOWI, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, SVM Handarbete 1, Sune Bäckström
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
Pair of Spherical Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Josef Frank, Pierre Forsell, Svenskt Tenn
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
Brass Candlestick 'Vanskapsknuten' by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1938
By Estrid Ericson, Nils Fougstedt, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
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
Orange, White, and Clear Art Glass Vase in Scandinavian Modern Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking sculptural vase is decorated with swirling lines of white and transparent orange fused glass, circling the bowl upwards towards the rim and guiding the eye along the curves ...
Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso
A pair of pewter candle sticks model '1165' by Just Andersen, 1930s
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Pewter Candlesticks Model ‘1165’ by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s A pair of pewter candlesticks designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s, model 1165. Each candlestick is set o...
Pewter
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
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
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
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
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
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 glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Lovely Blue Ceramic Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - Mid 20th Century
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase designed by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg in Stockholm, the vase is 12 cm tall and about 9 cm in diameter. It has a beautiful blue glaze, it is marked as on picture and w...
Ceramic
Green Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Bjork for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s
By Ewald Dahlskog, Bo Fajans, Eva Jancke-Björk, Gefle
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Scandinavian Modern ceramic vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Eva Jancke-Björk for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Makers marks on base of vase. Eva...
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
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
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
Mid-Century Vintage Scandinavian Art Crystal Vase, Sculptural Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A striking vintage Scandinavian art crystal vase distinguished by its sculptural cylindrical form, softly scalloped rim, and bold oval relief decoration that wraps rhythmically aroun...
Crystal
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
Blue Stoneware Miniature Bowl by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg, Berndt Friberg, 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
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
Centerpiece candelabra by Karl-Erik Stenberg, pine with 12 candleholders, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
A magnificent, large modernist table centerpiece in the form of a pinewood candelabra, featuring twelve glass candleholders secured by brass rings. It can accommodate tea lights, pil...
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
Large Scandinavian Rattan Hanging Monkey, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very rare rattan bull head, wicker wall decoration dates to the 1960s-1970s The proportions are perfect, very decorative. We still have a dark lacqu...
Metal
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
Small Green Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio
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
Nils Landberg, Sommerso Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass Sommerso vase designed by Nils Landberg and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s
Glass
Bronze Art Deco Vase by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
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
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
A glass vase by PER LÜTKEN for Holmegaard
By Per Lütken, Holmegaard
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
$1,826Sale 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
Vintage Hand-Painted Norwegian Rosemaling Tray Scandinavian Folk Art 1978
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
The beautiful vintage wooden decorative tray features hand-painted traditional Norwegian Rosemaling Style decor. Rosemaling is a folk-art paint...
Wood
Vessel designed by Sandra Davolio, Denmark, 2026
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sandra Davolio's porcelain sculpture embodies her signature fusion of classical form and organic surface dynamics. Drawing inspiration from ancient Mediterranean cultures, particular...
Porcelain
Large Stoneware Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Brown Rubus, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stoneware vase in the Rubus-serie designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it is 22.5 cm (9") high. It is in mint condition but marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in ...
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
$1,686Sale 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
Scandinavian Modern Pewter Drip Candle Holders by Avesta Jernverk, Sweden, 1960s
By Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank, Estrid Ericsson
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