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Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Rare sculpture in art glass. A man's head.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda, Swedish glass artist. Rare sculpture in art glass. Matte glass. A man's head. 1950s/60s. Signed. Perfect condition. Dimensions: W 8.5 cm x D 7.5 cm x H 1...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Hold .75” candles Near identical pair, please note difference to shape of nozzles.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Thorkild Olsen, Royal Copenhagen Terracotta Crackle Matt Glaze Dish #3606
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Thorkild Olsenl terracotta matt glaze dish for Royal Copenhagen A large functional piece decorated with gilded band to rim Circa 1954 Stamped and numbered 3606 Height 2 inch, Diamete...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden. Tall and slender art glass vase.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Nils Landberg for Orrefors, Sweden. Tall and slender art glass vase in clear glass. 1930s/40s. Signed. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 34.0 cm x D 7.0 cm.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Swedish Mid Century Stoneware Vase by Claes Ivarsson for Höganäs Keramik
By Höganäs Keramik, Claes Ivarsson
Located in Örebro, SE
The company Höganäsbolaget shut down its production of stoneware in 1926 to concentrate production on other products. Two employees, the brothers Gustaf and Oskar Nyman then left the...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic, Clay

Gunnar Nylund, stoneware vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with beautiful hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand, Sweden mid-1900s. Marked Nylund and Rörstand. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wear. About...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Large Abstract Sculpture by Egon Fischer Gold Painted Metal, Denmark, 1960s
By Egon Fischer
Located in Odense, DK
Unique abstract sculpture by Danish artist Egon Fischer (1935-2016). the large sculpture is made of welded iron and gold paint. To be placed on the floor ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Marian Zawadsky for Tilgmans Keramik 1966 MCM Sgraffito Sculptural Floorvase
Located in Frome, GB
This striking work of Swedish Mid-Century Modernist design the signed work of Marian Zawadsky (b. 1912 - d. 1978) a professor, artist, and ceramist who became artistic director for T...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Pair of Gunnar Ander Candelabras for Ystad Metall, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Gunnar Ander seven-armed candelabras in metal with bronze tops. Manufactured by Ystad Metall in the 1970s.     
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Rare "Mobile" Sculpture by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, 1953
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare "Mobile" sculpture by Swedish ceramic artist Carl Harry Stålhane. Handmade at Rörstrand workshop in Sweden in 1953. Made in only 25 examples. Made from porcelain with hand paint...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Porceline "Carolina" Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund For Rörstrand
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautifully shaped "Carolina" vase with a blue / black matte feldspar glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950's for Rörstrand Procelain Works in Denmark. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Edvin Öhrström, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue blown-glass vase designed by Edvin Öhrström and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Bertil Vallien for Boda Glassworks, Iridescent Sandblast Art Glass Bowl, Unique
Located in Frome, GB
This striking handblown work of Swedish art glass design is by Bertil Vallien (b. 1938 - ), celebrated glass artist, sculptor, ceramist, and designer. Vallien's career in glass began...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Extremely Rare Alvar Aalto Wooden Mould for Vase Model 3032, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A collector's gem! Early Alvar Aalto hand carved wooden mould for the iconic vase no. 3032 which Aalto designed in the 1930s. The mould is hand carved from an older tree stump and ...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Gabriel Keramik, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Gabriel Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Gunnar Nylund, stoneware vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with brown hare fur glaze and two small handles, by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden mid-1900s. In beautiful condition, smaller signs of use and wear.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Edvin Öhrström, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown-glass vase designed by Edvin Öhrström and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Set of Two Amber Glass Gulvvase Vases by Otto Brauer for Holmegaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Best known for this ”Gulvvase" design from 1962, Otto Brauer (1911–1984) started his career in the Danish glass industry at only 14 years of age and worked at the Holmegaard glasswor...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Vintage Brass Candelabra Designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ab, Model L-67
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage three light candelabra by Swedish architect / industrial designer Hans - Agne Jakobsson. The candelabra was initially designed in the 1960’s and manufactured by Jakobsson’s...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Inger Persson for Rörstrand Atelje, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Inger Persson for Rörstrand Atelje, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze. Circa 1970. Marked. In perfect condition. Dimensions: Height 11.5 cm x Diameter 10.7 cm.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030, Iittala 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Scandinavian Modern Vase, Most Possibly by Ryds Glasbruk ca 1960's
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern vase, most possibly from Ryds Glasbruk, ca 1960's. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches.
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Erik Mornils, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed by Erik Mornils and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and orange-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Olle Alberius for Rörstrand, Sweden. Ceramic vase with blue-toned glaze
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Olle Alberius (1926-1993) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Ceramic vase with a blue-toned glaze. Approximately from the 1960s/70s. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensi...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ture Berglund, Bottle, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass bottle designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Wilhelm Kåge, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge and produced by Gustavsberg, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Danish Modernist Silver Plate Ashtray or Incense Burner by Carl Cohr, 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Egg-shaped silver plated brass ashtray or incense burner. Titled The Smile, it was designed and manufactured by Carl Cohr in Fredericia Denmark. Stamped Cohr, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Vicke Lindstrand, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase, model Stella Polaris, designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern Vase "Cirrus" by Bertil Vallien, Boda 1970's
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern vase "Cirrus" by Bertil Vallien, Boda 1970's. Engraved "Boda B Vallien 47533". One of the most appreciated series, designed in 1973. It consists of objects with a...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Kay Bojesen, well-known Danish designer. Wooden figurine of a zebra.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen (1886-1958),a well-known Danish silversmith and designer. Wooden figurine of a zebra. Hand-painted. Early edition. Mid-20th century. Label. In very good condition. Dimen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Wood

Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white and green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Börne Augustsson, Vase, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic blown glass vase designed by Börne Augustsson and produced by Åseda Glasbruk, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Ture Berglund, Small Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ture Berglund, Bottle, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass bottle designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Porceline Vase Designed by Carl-Mary Stålhane For Rörstrand
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautiful blue / green vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane (1920‑1990) for Röstrand Procelain Works Stålhand started working for Rorstrand at the age of 18. Initially, he decorat...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A an off-white and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Earthenware

Christer Heijl, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Christer Heijl and produced by Töreboda Keramik, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ture Berglund, Bottle, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass bottle designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Søholm Stentøj, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige and brown-glazed stoneware vase produced by Søholm Stentøj, Denmark, 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A white-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish Designer, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A light-grey and brown-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Danish Nils Kähler for HAK Kähler Large Wide Vase with Greyish-brown Glaze 1970s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Large wide vase with sweeping shape, made of chamotte clay which gives the surface an rustic expression. The glaze is greyish-brown, with a satin look at the body of the vase and gl...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Stoneware

Ture Berglund, Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass vase designed by Ture Berglund and produced by Skansens Glasbruk, Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Scandinavian Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage decorative objects created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern decorative objects made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original decorative objects, popular names associated with this style include Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg, and Upsala Ekeby. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for decorative objects differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $48 and tops out at $149,456 while the average work can sell for $883.

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