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.
Modernist Spiral Candleholder in Copper, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small unique candelabra fashioned from bend solid copper tubes. Made by hand in a small workshop in Hejl, Denmark during the 1970s. It is to be installed with regular sized candles.
Copper
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holders. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically made of...
Silver Plate
Peter Ipsens Enke, Vases, Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of blue-glazed and fluted stoneware vases designed and produced by Peter Ipsens Enke, Denmark, 1940s.
Stoneware
Orrefors Scandinavian Modernist Transparent Blown Crystal Glass Bubble Vase 60s
By Orrefors
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful this heavy Scandinavian stunning crystal Orrefors glass vase has incised half and full circles alternating patterns. It is elegant and ...
Blown Glass
Blue Stoneware Vase by Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Arabia of Finland, Arabia, Annikki Hovisaari
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia, Finland, 1960s Great condition. Incised signature 'AH' and 'ARABIA'. Annikki Hovisaari (1918–20...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1944-1947
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in an oval, plump form. Vibrant blue hare’s fur glaze, paler on the top half of the body. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renown...
Stoneware
Set of four brass candle sticks, attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960's
Located in Balen, BE
Set of four of Brass Candlesticks, Attributed to Jens H. Quistgaard – Denmark, 1960s This elegant set of brass candlesticks, attributed to renowned Danish designer Jens H. Quistgaar...
Brass
Scandinavian Cut Crystal Vase, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A cut crystal torpedo shaped vase presumably from either Kosta Boda or Orrefors. The vase features diffrent techniques most prominent is the mix of vertical ribbing to one side and a...
Crystal
Danish Modern Paper Basket in Rattan & Cane by Wengler, Copenhagen, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful handmade paper basket made in the 1930-40s by Wengler, Copenhagen. These baskets were all hand made in rattan, woven cane and wood, giving it a natural and lightweight appe...
Cane, Rattan
Midcentury Wooden Abstract Sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, Sweden, 1962
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking wooden sculpture by Johnny Mattsson, in an abstract form. Pine on a teak base. The form of the sculpture follows the pine woodgrain in a beautiful way.
Teak, Pine
Set of 2 Art Deco Vases by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 2 beautiful Art Deco stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Made by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Rörstrand'.
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,531Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Cigar Box by Knud Albert, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Along with Alfred Klitgaard Knud Albert is regarded as one of the most prolific wood artist of the 1960s. Although KA is mostly known for his strange moder...
Bone, Wood
Swedish Pewter Candlestick Ensemble by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1938
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and cohesive Swedish pewter candlestick ensemble designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by Schreuder & Olsson, spanning the years 1938 to 1979. The group exemplifies Ollers’...
Pewter
Collectors stoneware bowl in ceramic, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful, decorative stoneware bowl with glaze shifting in blues, black and brown. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden mid1900s.
Stoneware
Pair of Eva Jancke Björk Ceramic Vases in Two Sizes, Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s
By Bo Fajans, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking pair of vases was designed by Eva Jancke Björk and produced by Bo Fajans in Sweden in the late 1930s. Both are marked with production numbers on the underside. Each va...
Ceramic
$287Sale Price|58% Off
Danish Modern Lilac Sand Handmade Ceramic Vase, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Cylinder shaped Danish modern handmade stoneware vase. Sand colored glaze with lilac and purple running glaze around belly and top. Signed under base. Beautiful vintage condition. D...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery
$557Sale Price|25% Off
Ceramic wall mounted candle sconce by Jette Hellerøe, Denmark, 1973
Located in Balen, BE
This rare ceramic wall-mounted candle sconce, handmade by renowned Danish ceramist Jette Hellerøe in 1973, is a great example of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship. The sconce is...
Ceramic
Gray & Brown Vase - Claes Thell, Höganäs Sweden - Late 20th Century Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful vase designed by the Swedish ceramicist Claes Thell in his workshop in Höganäs, Sweden in the late 20th century. The vase is in excellent condition and marked below.
Ceramic
Upsala-Ekeby, Vase, Black-Glazed Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A black, glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.31"H x 5.87"W x 5.87"D All items ship from High Point, North ...
Earthenware
Royal Copenhagen Crackle Glazed Vase. Thorkild Olsen, Denmark, 1955.
By Thorkild Olsen, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Malmö, SE
Elegant Royal Copenhagen crackle glazed vase with gilded banding on neck and base. Designed by THORKILD OLSEN (1890-1973) for ROYAL COPENHAGEN. Made in Denmark, 1955. Great conditio...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1950s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted blue and white earthenware vase by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1950s.
Earthenware
Nils Landberg Elongated "Tulip" Vase
Located in New York, NY
Delicate and ethereal 'Tulipglas' vase with dramatically elongated, fluting body on a slender column and flaring base. Rose/clear coloration. Designed by Nils Landberg and produced b...
Glass
Danish Designer, Candelabras, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candelabras designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.0"H x 5.7"W x 5.15"D A...
Brass
Porceline Vase Designed by Carl-Harry 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...
Porcelain
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden, 1963
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely unique stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, shaped like an old school milk bootle with beautiful impressed tear drop relief decor, glazed in ocean blue and dark brown nuances.
Stoneware
$389Sale Price / set|20% Off
SET of 3 glassvases ASEDA by Bo Borgström & WMF amethyst gray-blue violet vase
By Bo Borgstrom
Located in Landshut, BY
1960s 3 VASES ASEDA: H / Height: 21 cm ~ DM / Diameter: 7cm WMF CYLINDER: H / Height: 26cm ~ DM / diam.: 7cm Chalice shaped vase / Purple Chalice : H / height: 16cm ~ DM / diam.: ...
Art Glass
Lidded bronze box by Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1920-30s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Lidded box produced by Arvid Böhlmarks lampfabrik during the 1930-40s. Made form solid cast bronze with brown/green patination. Lovely heavy quality. Very good vintage condition with...
Bronze
Vintage Danish Blue Ceramic Candleholder from Stelton
By Stelton
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Danish Blue Ceramic Candleholder from Stelton
Ceramic
Graal Vase by Edward Hald for Orrefors, Sweden, 1953
By Edward Hald, Orrefors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful graal vase by Edward Hald, crystal clear with nuances of green. Beautiful underwater motif of fish, where the layers of glass create a lively, wat...
Glass
Swedish Folk Art Very Large Organic Burl Curly Dark Grain Birch Bowl, circa 1960s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This burl made in Sweden 1960s with precision handcraft gives a nice edition to any living room with intention to give an organic simple, but jet complex look. The signs of the wood structure and life are clearly visible. The burl is made from the exclusive dark curly birch...
Birch
Orrefors Sweden Martti Rytkönen Crystal Elephant Orrefors Glass Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Elephant, the Zoo Collection by Martti Rytkönen. This beautiful Orrefors crystal elephant paperweight from Sweden designed by Martti Rytkönen is a true minima...
Crystal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Clear Vase Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an Iittala Alvar Aalto collection vase in clear glass, designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in 1936. Known for its fluid, organic wavy shape inspired by...
Art Glass
Bengt Orup, Johansfors – XL Abstract Decor Vase, Sweden, 1963 Rare
By Johansfors Glasbruk , Bengt Orup
Located in Stockholm, SE
Hand-blown clear glass vase designed by Bengt Orup for Johansfors Glasbruk, Sweden, 1963. The surface is decorated with engraved abstract linear motifs, a technique characteristic of...
Art Glass
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Floor Vase by Chris Moes, Denmark, 1966
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and monumental Scandinavian Modern stoneware floor vase by Danish ceramist Chris Moes, executed in 1966. This large scale vessel exemplifies Moes’ signature balance betwee...
Stoneware
Gerd Bøgelund For Royal Copenhagen Celadon Glazed Shallow Dish #21415
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Elegant small celadon dish by Gerd Bøgelund for Royal Copenhagen Ageless design from the acclaimed Danish ceramicist Circa 1959 Stamped and numbered 2141...
Porcelain
Large Scandinavian Modern ceramic vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Sweden.
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large Scandinavian Modern, hand thrown stoneware vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Sweden. 1950s. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wear. About the Artist About the A...
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.
Glass
$3,046Sale Price / set|25% Off
Large Hand-Carved Ceramic Wall Sculptures with Abstract Design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ceramic sculpture consisting of six boomerang shaped pieces hand-crafted with geometric patterns, angled shapes and warm neutral, earthy colors. Large one-of-a-kind eye-catching set....
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Swedish 1928 Pewter Bowl by GAB
Located in New York, NY
Hexagon shaped 1928 Pewter bowl by GAB, Sweden. Decorative organic shaped handles and a fish motif on the front and back. Nice polished shine to the brass with the makers sign undern...
Pewter
Stoneware Bowl by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1969
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing hare’s fur glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1969. Great condition. Incised signa...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ceramic Vase with Abstract Autumn Glaze by Josef Etienne Van Wonterghem, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Piece unique by the Danish ceramist Josef Etienne van Wonterghem. Abstract decor in 'autumn' glazes. It has a raw undisturbed Nordic thing going...
Pottery
Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Art Deco, Yellow.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Stunning and rare stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Excellent condition. S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Inger Persson Turquoise Vases, Scandinavian Modern Stoneware, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Inger Persson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two organic modern turquoise glazed vases that can double as candle holders. Shiny blue crackle glaze over anthracite clay. One item can be used upside down with the slender neck as ...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Lisa Larson Studio Stoneware Cylindrical Vase, Gustavsberg Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description A studio stoneware cylindrical vase by Swedish ceramic artist Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Sweden, produced between 1960 and 1980. The vase is wheel-thrown in ch...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Icy Abstract Art Glass Dish by Pukeberg Sweden, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
From certain angles it looks like a face in profile. But this heavy stock freeform dish or centerpiece bowl actually mimics ice with incapsulated shells. Designed and made by Pukeber...
Art Glass
Blue Stoneware Miniature Vase by Berndt Friberg. Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden 1961
By Berndt Friberg, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful miniature stoneware vase with amazing light blue hare’s fur glaze. Made by master thrower Berndt Friberg, in the artist's studio at Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1961. Great cond...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Per Linnemann-Schmidt, Palshus, Denmark. Stoneware bowl with matte blue glaze.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Per Linnemann-Schmidt / Palshus, Denmark Stoneware bowl with a deep matte blue glaze, shaped in a simple and harmonious rounded form. Signed on the underside: Palshus Denmark, PLS 1...
Stoneware
$454Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Swedish Vase by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, 11.5 cm
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful mid-century Swedish vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand Atelier, Sweden, the vase is 11.5 cm high and in excellent condition. This vase was designed and produced in the mid-century. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one of the top names when it comes to Mid century Scandinavian...
Stoneware
Gabriel Keramik, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted ceramic vase produced by Gabriel Keramik, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Vase "Diamond" by Asta Strömberg for Strömbergshyttan, 1960s
By Asta Stromberg, Strombergshyttan
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern vase "Diamond" by Asta Strömberg for Strömbergshyttan, 1960s. Labeled and engraved on the bottom. Good vintage condition, tiny dent most probably from the product...
Glass
Riihimäen Lasi Oy Hand-Crafted Brown Glass Vase, Finland, 1970s
By Royal Copenhagen, Riihimäen Lasi Oy, Kosta Boda, Holmegaard, Orrefors
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Finnish warm brown, clear solid base glass vase designed by Tamara Aladin or Aimo Okkolin for Riihimaen Lasi in the early 1970s. Signed and numbered under base. Beautiful vi...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Tapio Wirkkala Large Iittala Glass Vase
Located in Sharon, CT
The largest version of this famous form. Opaque white and clear glass. Measures: 35 cm. (13 3/4")
Glass
$835Sale Price|20% Off
Michael Bang Atlantis Vase, Smoky Blue & Black Art Glass, Denmark 1981
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish modern smooth round vase with smoky blue and black pattern in milky white glass. From the series Atlantis by art glass designer Michael Bang for Danish Holmegaard. Beautiful,...
Art Glass, Glass
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with identical relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of Five Rörstrand “Kub” Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1960s
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description A sculptural set of five stoneware vases from the Kub series, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1960s. The group is unified by its rich oliv...
Stoneware
Schreuder & Olsson Sculptural Pewter Bowl, Sweden, 1972
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking sculptural pewter bowl designed by Schreuder & Olsson in 1972. Featuring a minimalist organic form with soft asymmetry, the piece rests on a discreet circular foot, giving...
Pewter
Brown Stoneware Vase by Yngve Blixt, Höganäs, Sweden, 1974
By Yngve Blixt
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing 'leopard' glaze. Made by Yngve Blixt, in his studio in Höganäs, Sweden, 1974. Excellent condition. Incised Yngve Blixt, Höganäs. Yngve Blix...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Nils Landberg, "Tulip Glass" Vase, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A colored blown glass "Tulip Glass" Vase designed by Nils Landberg and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s. From the "Expo" production series.
Blown Glass
$289Sale Price|29% Off
Danish Nielsen Buch Earthcolored Ceramic Vase, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hand-thrown Danish midcentury modern vase by ceramic artist Hans Nielsen Buch (1937-2009) in the 1960s. Sand, orange and caramel brown colored glaze....
Ceramic, Pottery, Clay, Stoneware
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Glas ‘Together’ Sculpture Limited edition
Located in Delft, NL
Clear glass with enclosed polychrome decoration of face, heart and two copper figures. Signed KOSTA BODA Glue. Ed 250, produced in a maximum of 250 copies. Dimensions: 21 cm H, 14cm...
Art Glass