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.
Swedish Modernist Footed Bowl in Patinated Bronze from GAB, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant footed bronze bowl from GAB, in weighty quality. Sophisticated decorative details. Oil patinated in varying shades of green. GAB was found...
Bronze
Kay Bojesen Walnut Dachshund Sculpture, 4.3 in H, Scandinavian Modern
By Kay Bojesen
Located in New York, NY
Kay Bojesen's Dachshund was born in 1934. For years, children and adults have created the stories that have made the Dachshund part of the family. For christenings, birthdays, school...
Wood
Bronze Art Deco Vase by SVM Handarbete, Sweden, 1930s
By SVM Handarbete 1, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ewald Dahlskog
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
$242Sale Price|46% Off
Royal Copenhagen Fajance Cigarette Jar by Marianne Johnson, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare Royal Copenhagen Cigarette Jar/trinket in faience decorated by Norwegian Female artist/designer Marianne Johnson. It is decorated on all sides and...
Faience
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
Scandinavian Modern Crystal Vase by Göran Wärff, Kosta ca 1978-1980
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful vase in crystal by Göran Wärff for Kosta, Sweden, ca 1978-1980. Featured in Kostas catalogue from 1978-1980, see last picture. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage cond...
Crystal
Blue Ceramic Vase Lovely Glaze Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand, Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ceramic vase with a lovely glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, it´s 32 cm (12.8") high. It´s in excellent condition, it is marked as 2nd quality because a small whi...
Ceramic
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Cast Iron
$501Sale Price|33% Off
Green ceramic Vase, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Mid-Century Vintage
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely Midcentury Swedish vase in ceramics designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase has a lovely green glaze. The vase is 12.5 cm high and in mint condition. This vas...
Stoneware
Stoneware "Argenta" Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1933
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Small stoneware “Argenta” vase by Wilhelm Kåge. Plump, streamlined design with decorative stripes in the glaze and graphic silver decor in the form of leaves around the opening. “Ar...
Stoneware
Kaj Franck / BOWL(Unique Piece) / Nuutajarvi
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Kaj Franck
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kaj Franck is known for his functional, simple designs that are often referred to as the ‘conscience of Finland’, and his products are characterised by their use of colour without an...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 7.5” H x 6.25” diameter Diameter of opening: 2.25”
Ceramic
IKEA Stockholm Emerald Green Art Glass Donut Vase, Large
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking and sculptural “Donut” vase from IKEA’s iconic Stockholm collection, executed in rich emerald green art glass. This substantial piece features a be...
Glass
Brass & Glass Candlestick by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Ander, Carl-Einar Borgstrom
Located in Malmö, SE
A brass and blue glass candlestick with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Ander and made by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition, only some light scratches. Gu...
Brass
$400Sale Price|20% Off
Art Glass Eider Sea Duck / Bird Sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland
By Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Oiva Toikka
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous art glass Eider sea duck / bird sculpture by Oiva Toikka / Nuutajarvi of Finland, with original box, circa late 1980s. The sculpture is mouth blown and is in great vintage c...
Art Glass
Bjørn Wiinblad 'Eva' Green Ceramic Vase, Scandinavian Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
Bjørn Wiinblad represents everything that is quirky, whimsical, creative, and wonderful. And with the beautiful and smiling Eva vase from Bjørn Wiinblad, with hair in a fresh green color, a blue pearl necklace...
Ceramic
Miniature Stoneware Vase by Anders B. Liljefors, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Gustavsberg, Anders Bruno Liljefors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Miniature stoneware vase by Anders B. Liljefors, in a plump form with a structured surface. Partially glazed in rust and brown nuances. Anders B. Liljefors was a Swedish ceramicis...
Stoneware
Paul Hoff, Kosta Boda. Set of five art glass bird figurines for WMF. 1980s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Paul Hoff for Kosta Boda, set of five bird figurines. Decorative collection of five signed art glass bird figurines, created for WMF with organic forms and distinctive Scandinavian d...
Art Glass
Pair of Swedish Grace Candle Wall Scone
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Swedish Grace Candle Wall Scones in Brass ascribed to Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Sweden, circa 1920s. An outer frame in patinated brass with flower and organic shapes frames...
Brass
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen "Baca" Brown Budded Vase, Danish Modern 1970s
By Nils Thorsson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This budded vase is one of the more rare to find vases from the Royal Copenhagen "Baca" series. It was designed by Nils Thorsson in the late 1960s or early 1970s and features an abst...
Ceramic
$556Sale Price|20% Off
1960s XL Tapio Wirkkala Vase Rosenthal Cogwheel Flower Centerpiece Alvar Aalto
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Very rave in this massive size, but is chipped on top rim.
Art Glass
Wilhelm Kåge Argenta Vase, Gustavsberg Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and architecturally refined Argenta vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, dating to the 1930s. This sculptural piece exemplifies the timeless sophistication of Scandinavian Modern design, combining restrained form with rich surface detail. The vase features a tall, tapering cylindrical body resting on four subtle feet, giving it a distinctive, almost columnar presence. It is finished in the iconic deep green Argenta glaze, beautifully mottled and layered, and adorned with finely executed vertical silver inlay striping that enhances its rhythm and height. The wide, disc-shaped top with a central opening adds a strong geometric contrast to the vertical body, creating a balanced and highly collectible design. The underside bears the Gustavsberg Argenta mark along with model number, confirming authenticity. Wilhelm Kåge’s Argenta...
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Large Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a large Dansk staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. Scandinavian Modern. Dimensions: 6" H x 16.5" D...
Teak
Large earthenware vase with celadon/green glaze, Swedish Modern
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large urn / vase by Anna-Lisa Thomson for Upsala Ekeby, mid-1900s. Made in earthenware with relief decor of fish and aquatic plants with celadon colored / green glaze. Normal/few ...
Earthenware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vicke Lindstrand for Kosta Emerald Green Art Glass Centerpiece Bowl, Sweden 1950
By Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta Vicki Linstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant elongated oval form showcases Lindstrand’s mastery of controlled color and glassmaking technique. The richly saturated emerald green interior appears to float within a c...
Art Glass
Original Danish Raadvad Bread Slicer Black Gold by Ove Larsen, Midcentury 1960s
By Raadvad
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This iconic Danish bread slicer was manufactured by Raadvad in Denmark, circa 1960s. The color of the lacquer is the original black with golden letters and it's a rare version which ...
Steel, Iron
Pair of Large Royal Copenhagen Crackle Glaze Candlesticks. Thorkild Olsen, 1959
By Royal Copenhagen, Thorkild Olsen
Located in Malmö, SE
Elegant large Royal Copenhagen crackle glazed candlesticks with gilded banding. For candles with diameter 3,0-3,2 cm (1.1 - 1.3 in.). Designed by THORKILD OLSEN (1890-1973) for ROYA...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage Lion in Natural Rope by Kay Bojesen & Jorgen Bloch, Denmark, 1960s
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare example of the Danish toy-design-master Kay Bojesen work. This lion in braided natural rope was designed I collaboration between Jorgen Bloch and K...
Rope
Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Sleeping Tabby Cat
By Royal Copenhagen, Erik Nielsen
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Charming vintage sculpture of a sleeping grey and white tabby cat was designed by Erik Nielsen for Royal Copenhagen. Highly detailed porcelain figurine was hand-decorated with extra ...
Porcelain
Large 1930s Pewter Jar by Astrid Aagesen
By Astrid Aagesen, Nils Johnsson
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful large 1930s Pewter Jar by Astrid Aagesen, Helsingborg, Sweden. Cylinder shaped body with vertical fluting and the lid has decorative engravings around and a plume like...
Pewter
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. Excellent condition. Architect and designe...
Brass
Saxbo, Denmark. Ceramic bowl with brown glaze. Approx. 1940s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Saxbo, Denmark. Ceramic bowl with brown glaze. Approximately 1940s. Ying Yang mark. Perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: D 24.0 cm x H 4.0 cm.
Ceramic
Arabia Finland Finel Enamel Bowl Blue Clover Siniapila Kaj Franck
By Kaj Franck, Finel, Arabia of Finland
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Arabia Finland Finel enamel bowl featuring the "Blue Clover" (Siniapila) pattern, designed by Kaj Franck in the 196...
Steel, Enamel
Two "Room Jewels" artglass by the Swedish designer Mona Morales-Schildt, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two "Room Jewels" artglass by the Swedish designer Mona Morales Schildt (1908-1999) feature cut and polished glass created using the sommerso technique for Kosta. The pieces stand ap...
Art Glass
Midcentury Brass and Stone Bowl by Saulo, Norway, 1960s
By Stelton, Sulitjelma Stein og Metall
Located in Malmö, SE
A stylish and heavy vintage Norwegian brass bowl with granite from the mines of Sulitjelma in the Norwegian region Laponia. Made by Saulo / Sulitjelma Stein og Metall, Norway, 1960s...
Granite, Brass
Midcentury Scandinavian Pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1954
By Estrid Ericson, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely pewter jar by Estrid Ericson, in a cylinder form. Brass rims around the edges, adorned with a banded agate stone in red and white nuances.
Brass, Pewter
Danish Modern 24 Carat Gold Plated Cylindrical Candleholders by Hugo Asmussen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 6 graduating cylindrical candleholders for regular sized candles or/and tea lights. One end for a tea light and the other for a candle depending on your preference. Made fro...
Gold Plate, Brass
Wilhelm Kåge, ceramic vase "Våga" Gustavsberg, Swedish / Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic vase, top with beautiful wavey shape model "Våga" by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden 1950s. Mark: Gustavsberg, Sweden. In good condition, smaller signs of wear and a...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand Sweden Ceramic Leaf Bowl Tray 1940-1956
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking vintage bowl, platter, dish, or tray features abstract leaf form with distinct celadon green glaze with delicate mottled effect. The textured surfaces allow the glaze to po...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Lisa Larson Ceramic Cat figurine Gustavsberg Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Condition: Mint Period: 1970’s Origin: Sweden Dimensions: 12cmW, 10cmH, 4,5cmD
Ceramic
6 Wall Plaques / Tiles, Rörstrand - Olle Alberius - Black and Green
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of 6 porcelain wall tiles / plaques designed by Olle Alberius at Rörstrand in the late 1960s. These plaques have a decor of birds, flowers and trees in a black and green/yellow...
Stoneware
Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Stoneware bowl with celadon glaze. 1940s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Nils Thorsson Royal Copenhagen. Bowl, model 4204, 1940s. Thrown stoneware bowl with elegant celadon glaze in soft green tones. Simple and balanced form, characteristic of Nils Thorss...
Stoneware
Art Deco Danish Pewter Trumpet Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural Art Deco pewter vase designed by Just Andersen in Denmark, circa 1930s. This elegant piece features a tall, trumpet-shaped form that flares gracefully at th...
Pewter
Mid-Century Ceramic Vase by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A dark vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, it's 16,5 cm (6,6") high and in very good condition except from some minor marks, it's marked as 1:st quality. Carl-Harr...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Blue Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Bjork for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Ewald Dahlskog, Gefle, Bo Fajans
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
Höganas Keramik, Bowl, Glazed Stoneware, Höganäs, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stoneware bowl designed by Höganas Keramik, produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.6"H x 10.4"W x 8.75"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Earthenware
Bronze Art Deco Candelabra, Denmark, 1930s
By Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Evan Jensen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze candelabra with amazing patina. Made in Denmark in the 1930s by an unknown designer and manufacturer. Great original condition, with some wear to the p...
Bronze
$394Sale Price|25% Off
Sarek by Olle Alberius for Rörstrand Scandinavian Blue Midcentury Vase, 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
“Sarek” Scandinavian midcentury ceramic vase in matt enamel designed by Olle Alberius for Rörstrand, made in Sweden, marked on t...
Ceramic
Unique Vase in Tenmoku Glaze by Merethe Bloch, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Unique Studio vase from the hands of Danish ceramist Merethe Bloch. It dates from the latter part of the 1970s and is executed in stoneware and decorated in earthy/metallic tenmoku g...
Stoneware
Edvin Öhrström Hand-Blown Glass Bowl, Orrefors, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Bochum, NRW
🎁 Gift Idea: Edvin Öhrström for Orrefors - Sculptural Hand-Blown Glass Bowl with Organic Form A masterwork of Scandinavian glass artistry, this sculptural bowl was designed by Edvi...
Crystal
Dove Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A dove blue vase with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 25 cm (10") high and 8.5 cm (3.4") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st...
Stoneware
Yellow Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Herta Bengtson, Höganäs Keramik, Hertha Bengtson, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Hand made by Hertha Bengtson for A&J Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. Signed 'Hertha B' and 'Höganäs'. Hertha Bengts...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid Century Large Bowl in Ceramic by Conny Walther, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful large stoneware bowl by Danish artist Conny Walther. Made in 1970s. Great colour plate in this glaze. Other mentionable ceramic artists fro...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Bronze Art Deco Bowl by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1930s
By Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
An Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition, only with some light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS',...
Bronze
Set of Two Modernist Stoneware Bowls by Drejargruppen for Rörstrand, Sweden 1974
By Rörstrand
Located in Bochum, NRW
A striking pair of Scandinavian modernist stoneware bowls, designed in 1974 by the Drejargruppen collective for Rörstrand, one of Sweden’s most storied ceramic manufacturers. These h...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Swedish Modern Art Glass Dish Bowl by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and fantastic art glass bowl by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda c1965. Eight inches in diameter by 5 tall cobalt blue with numerous abstract decorations. Beautiful abstract ch...
Art Glass
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, with a few light scratches. Please note: it has an inscription (pic...
Bronze
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candlehold...
Silver Plate
ROYAL COPENHAGEN - Malmer & Thorsson - Faience Vase - Denmark - Circa 1960's
By Ellen Malmer, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Chatham, ON
ROYAL COPENHAGEN - Ellen Malmer/designer - Nils Thorsson/shape designer - Mid Century Modern - Baca series - Aluminia faience vase number 635/3121 - signed on the base ROYAL COPENHAG...
Porcelain