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.
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
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
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
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
Turquoise Modernist Bowl in Brass by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A Swedish Brass bowl by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad-Metall, located in the town of Ystad in Sweden. Very elegant oval modernist bowl. Signed w...
Brass, Enamel
$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
"Karneval" Faience vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Faience “Karneval” vase by Stig Lindberg, in a clean cylinder shape. Beautiful, playful motif of a woman riding a horse, a man playing a trumpet on the other side. The rim is unglaze...
Faience
$215Sale 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
Rörstrand Sweden Vase Green Speckled Glaze, Amorphous, Carl-Harry Stålhane 1950s
By Saxbo, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Palshus
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rörstrand Sweden vintage amorphous shaped vase by Swedish ceramist Carl-Harry Stålhane. Made circa 1950s. The vase is made from stoneware and is decorated with an interesting green ...
Ceramic
Just Andersen pewter vase design by Arne Ekers, Copenhagen Denmark 1952
Located in København K, 84
This charming 1952 pewter vase, designed by Arne Ekers and manufactured by Just Andersen in Copenhagen, is a refined example of mid-20th century Danish metalwork...
Metal, Pewter
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
Isak Isaksson Pink Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pink vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 11.5 cm (4.6") tall and about 10 cm (4") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Lovely Lynx Bronze Sculpture by Arvid Knöppel - Herman Bergman
By Arvid Knoppel, Herman Bergman
Located in Stockholm, SE
A magnificent lynx designed by Arvid Knöppel at Herman Bergmans Konstgjuteri in Stockholm. The sculpture is a fantastic example of Arvid Knöppel’s ability to create lifelike represen...
Bronze
Danish Midcentury Ceramic Vase by Sorgenfri, Floral Relief, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish midcentury ceramic vase with floral relief ornaments on front and back on the unglazed brick red body. Shiny white broad lined glaze on sides and top. A Scandinavian piece wit...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Bronze box model 78 with rose hip decoration by Jacob Ängman, GAB, 1930s, Sweden
Located in Hägersten, SE
Small lidded box produced by GAB, Guldsmedsaktiebolaget. Attributed to Jacob Ängman, head of artistic work at GAB during the time. Made from heavy cast bronze with a beautiful patina...
Bronze
Swedish Glass Lily of the Valley Vase by Sven Palmqvist for Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
Sven Palmqvist (1906-1984) designed Swedish glass vase with engraved Lily of the Valley flower motif. Incised signature and number on bottom, ...
Crystal
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
Scandinavian Ivar Alenius Björk Brass Liljan Candleholder for Ystad Metal 1940s
By Ivar Ålenius Björk, Ystad-Metall
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two Swedish brass candle holders, model Liljan, designed by Ivar Alenius Björk for Ystad Metall, Sweden 1940s circa Signature engrav...
Brass
Large Green Stoneware Vase - Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely large green speckled egg-shaped vase designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. It is 28.5 cm (11,4") high. It is in excellent co...
Ceramic
Brown Bing & Grondahl Stoneware Candle Holders, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Danish Modern stoneware candle holders with smooth shiny dark chocolate brown glaze. Simple modernist pieces to be used with tea lights or wide candles, or as small vide-po...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Early Tapio Wirkkala "Winter Journey" Tall White Porcelain Vase
By Tapio Wirkkala, Rut Bryk, Rosenthal
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Tall Tapio Wirkkala, Rut Bryk "Winterreise" White Porcelain Vase for Rosenthal. Circa 1980. Featuring a flared polygonal column form on 3.75D base with winter landscape Black line d...
Porcelain
Bertil Johansson “Odinstake” Horse Candlesticks, Sweden, Mid-Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of wooden candlesticks known as “Odinstake,” designed by Swedish sculptor and designer Bertil Johansson (1915–1995). The sculptural candlesticks are distinguished by their expre...
Wood
Swedish modern Pewter Bowl by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1975
By Schreuder & Olsson, Edvin Ollers
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
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
"Mikrokosmos" Hanging Planter by Olof Hult
By Olof Hult
Located in Long Island City, NY
Very rare “Mikrokosmos” hanging planter designed by Olof Hult (1892-1962) for Nafveqvarns Bruk, Sweden, designed 1922, executed 1920s-1930s. Height 5",...
Iron
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
Scandinavian modern stoneware pike by Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great stoneware sculpture designed by Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Sweden, during the 1980s. This pike belongs of the designers series 'Stim'.
Brass
Eva Jancke-Björk - Round, Green vase with relief - Bo Fajans 1940s
By Bo Fajans, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green vase with the classic GK-14 glaze, designed by Eva Jancke-Björk at Bo Fajans in Gefle in the 1940s. The vase is 13.5 cm high and in excellent condition. Eva Jancke B...
Ceramic
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
Scandinavian Modern Cast Pewter Candle Holders, Edvin Ollers -1975
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern cast pewter candle holders, Edvin Ollers -1975. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Pewter
Small Art Deco Bronze Sculpture / Match Box Holder by GAB, Sweden, 1930s.
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful small Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze sculpture or match box holder with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, only some ...
Bronze
$495Sale Price|40% Off
Signed Asta Stromberg for Strombergshyttan Glass Vase, Sweden
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Asta Strömberg (1916–2011) was one of Sweden’s leading glass artists in the 20th century. She worked for the Strömbergshyttan glassworks in the 1940s–1970s. Asta was a prominent designer of thick-walled art glass...
Art Glass
Pierre Forssell Brass Candleholders Made by hand in Skultuna Sweden. Brancusi
By Skultuna, Pierre Forsell, Pierre Forssell, Brancusi
Located in Forest, BE
This series of candleholders was hand crafted in the 1970's at the Skultuna factory next to the studio were Pierre Forssell was working with he's assistant. The candleholder is made ...
Brass
Carl-Harry Stålhane SHX Stoneware Bowl, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional stoneware bowl by Carl-Harry Stålhane, one of Sweden’s most celebrated mid-century ceramic artists. Crafted in the 1950s for the prestigious Rörstrand studio, this pie...
Stoneware
Pair of Crown Brass Candlesticks by Pierre Forssell. Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s
By Pierre Forssell, Josef Frank, 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. Good original condition. Signed and impresse...
Brass
Swedish Grace Pewter Vase by Tyra Lundgren, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1929
By Tyra Carolina Lundgren, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing, rare pewter vase by Tyra Lundgren, with a playful etched motif of children playing among greenery. Graphic decor around the rim and base.
Pewter
Arne Bang Ribbed Stoneware Vase with Speckled Brown-Beige Glaze
By Arne Bang
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with vertical ribs, designed by Arne Bang (1901–1983), one of Denmark’s most prominent 20th-century ceramic artists. The form is bold and architectural, with a strong ...
Stoneware
Storybirds Set of 4 Ceramics Vessels Kati Tuominen-Niittylä Arabia Finland 1995
By Iittala, Kati Tuominen Niittyla, Arabia of Finland
Located in Miami, FL
Kati Tuominen Niittyla ( b. 1947) produced the Storybirds ceramic series for the Finnish company Arabia. The Storybirds collection of 4 whimsical vessels that double as vases or pitc...
Ceramic, Pottery
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsbergs studio, Sweden, 1950
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, large stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a beautiful plump form with a wide mouth. Blue and brown hare’s fur glaze with streaks. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist,...
Stoneware
Wall Candleholders by Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Pierre Forsell designed brass pendel wall appliques. Rarer version with bobeche. Made by Skultuna, Sweden, circa 1965. In beautiful original patinated ...
Brass
Small Gunnar Nylund “Rubus” Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A small “Rubus” stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1960s. The vase has a rounded cylindrical form. The glaze combines cream and brown tones w...
Stoneware
Group of 3 Blue Ceramic Vases - Rörstrand Carl-Harry Stålhane Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of three vases designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 25.5 - 27.5 cm tall and in excellent condition. They all have stunning glazes ...
Porcelain
Antique Swedish Decorative Wabi Sabi Dark Brown Wooden Bowl in Birch Dated 1793
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish dark brown antique decorative wooden bowl made out of birch wood produced in Sweden, 1793. In good condition with some old and genuine repairs. Dimensions: H: 13 cm / ...
Birch
Crystal glass bowl by Mona Morales-Schildt
By Mona Morales-Schildt, Kosta Glasbruk 1
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Crystal glass bowl by Mona Morales-Schildt, in heavy quality and a striking, poisonous green color. Dramatic design with a play of light in the thick glass.
Glass
$631Sale 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
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase, designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
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
Arne Tjomsland 1950s Artic Musk Ox Mid-Century Scandinavian Norway Sculpture Vtg
By Kay Bojesen, Arne Tjomsland
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare small musk Ox figure/carving. Hand worked Norwegian Pine wood and leather. Burnished makers marks to bottom. Arne Tjomsland was Norways leading souvenir designer in the 1950s...
Wood
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
Rörstrand a Pair of Swedish Grace Vases, circa 1930
Located in Skanninge, SE
A very unusual pair of earthenware Rörstrand vases. Made in between 1920-1936. Most likely designed by Alf Wallander. Some minor differences in the color of the glaze. Signed with ...
Earthenware
$116Sale Price / item|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
$644Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Hand Signed White 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and small chips at th...
Glass
Large Brown Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
Art Deco Green and Black Vase by Ilse Claesson, Rörstrand, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Art Deco at its best! A lovely green and black vase designed by Ilse Claesson in the 1930s at Rörstrand, Sweden. It is 11 cm high and in very good...
Porcelain
Zenit, Royal Copenhagen Pure White Porcelain and Silver Lidded Pot #5575
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
An oval shaped lidded pot designed by Anne-Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen Applied silver zig-zag decoration to pure white porcelain Circa 1980's Stamped and numbered 5575 Height ...
Porcelain
Green Ceramic Bowl Stunning Glaze Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand -
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 19.5 x 17 cm (7.8" x 6.8") in diameter and 5 cm (2") tall. It is in excellent condition, ...
Ceramic
Round Danish Mid Century Paper Waste Bin in Patinated Leather, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century paper waste bin in patinated leather produced around 1960s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 29 cm / 11.40" Diameter: 24 cm / 9.45"
Leather
Lovely Art Deco Vase, Upsala Ekeby Ostergren, Sweden, 1930s, Roman Urn Style
By Upsala Ekeby, Harald Östergren
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful beige ceramic vase with 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") tall and...
Ceramic
Havanna Series Holmegaard Mid Century Modern Glass Vase Per Lutken 1967 Denmark
By Per Lütken, Holmegaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed in 1967 by Per Lutken for his Havanna Series for Holmegaard Glassworks, this large and exquisite brown glass vase defined the decoration vibe that was popular in Europe at t...
Art Glass
Scandinavian Studio Pottery. Stoneware bowl with organic form, 1960s/70s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Scandinavian Studio Pottery Bowl, c. 1960/70s. Wheel-thrown stoneware bowl with organic form. Interior decorated with radiating white and golden glaze pattern on a light brown base. ...
Stoneware