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.
Conical Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant conical pewter vase designed and made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Conical pewter vase raised on a small foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * M...
Metal, Pewter
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classical shape, glazed beautifully with a dramatic dark melange glaze that alternates between green and brown. Gunnar Nylund was on...
Stoneware
Niels Refsgaard Stoneware Vase with Blue Stripes for Danish Design Ltd.
Located in Esbjerg, DK
From the same Danish/Japanese company that made a lot of IHQ 's - Jens Harald Quistgaard designs during the 1970s and 80s comes this stylish vase, pencil or toothbrush holder in glaz...
Stoneware
Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda. Large art glass vase in deep blue, 1990s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda. Large art glass vase, 1990s. Organically shaped vase in deep blue cased glass with soft, undulating contours—typical of Sahlin’s playful design language...
Glass
Eva Jancke-Björk Vase with Salamander Handles, Bo Fajans, Sweden
By Bo Fajans
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Ceramic vase designed by Eva Jancke-Björk (1882–1981) for Bo Fajans in Gefle, Sweden. Made in glazed earthenware with a blue-green glaze. The vase has a rounded body and tall cylindr...
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kåge Argenta Vase with Silver Fish, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish Argenta vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, dating to the 1940s. This sculptural stoneware vessel is distinguished by its rich turquoise-green glazed su...
Silver
Stunning Yellow Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1968
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning yellow stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in 1968, the vase has a lovely har-fur glaze. The vase is 14 cm (5.6") ta...
Stoneware
GAB, Vase, Bronze, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB
Located in High Point, NC
A patinated bronze vase produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, c. 1930s. Patina and minor scratches consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25"H x 4.4"D...
Bronze
$60Sale Price / item|20% Off
Danish Modern Norwegian Pewter Vase Manufactured by Norsk Tinn
By Norsk Solwarreindustri
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Norwegian pewter vase manufactured by Norsk Tinn featuring a raised motif of a warrior on horseback and a V...
Pewter
Large, Stunning Deep Blue Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1966
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large stunning blue stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in 1966, the vase has a lovely blue har-fur glaze. The vase is 24 cm (9.6") tall and about 21 cm (´8.4"...
Stoneware
Paul Kedelv for Flygfors. "Coquille” vase in pink, white and clear art glass.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Paul Kedelv for Flygfors Art glass vase, 1950/60s. Sculptural “Coquille” vase in clear glass with inner layers of pink and white, characteristic of Kedelv’s organic design language a...
Art Glass
Mid Century Art Glass Vase by Arthur Pery made in Sweden circa 1950's
By Holmgaard
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Art Glass vase vase made in Sweden by Arthur Percy c. 1950's. The blown vase features an exaggerated elongated neck over the ball form base. This example is in excellent...
Art Glass
Green Art Deco Vase, Upsala Ekeby Ostergren, Sweden, 1930s, Roman Urn Style
By Upsala Ekeby, Harald Östergren
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful green ceramic vase with orange 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") t...
Ceramic
Swedish Modern Floor Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid-century ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund's Glazed Stoneware Vase made for Rörstrand, circa 1950s. Incised signature and studio mark to underside: [R Rubus GN Sweden 9]. Image 7: Gunn...
Stoneware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, some light scratches and wear to the pati...
Bronze
$209Sale 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
Swedish Modern Pewter Vase by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1950s
By Schreuder & Olsson, Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant mid-century pewter vase designed by Edvin Ollers for Tenn, Sweden, circa 1950. The vase features a softly balustered form with gently fluted vertical panels, resting on a ste...
Pewter
Unique Stoneware Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Scandinavian Design
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in 1965, it´s 7.5 cm (3") tall and it´s in excellent condition. This is a unique vase only made in one copy as you can see of the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Modernist Blue Magic Glass Planter by Michael Bang & Ole Winther for Holmegaard
By Holmegaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish Top Hat shaped planter or large vase in white opaline glass. The glass design is by Michael Bang, the decor by Ole Winther and in was made for a limited times during the 19...
Opaline Glass
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
Bronze Art Deco Vase by SVM Handarbete, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Ewald Dahlskog, SVM Handarbete 1
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
Gray & Blue Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray and blue vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20 cm (8") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 ...
Ceramic
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
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely, unique miniature stoneware vase by Stig Lindberg, formed like an onion with a slightly asymmetric shape. Embossed striped pattern, glazed light blue and clay.
Stoneware
$2,275Sale Price|42% Off
Berndt Friberg, large vase, 46 cm high, Gustavsberg, 1950s
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
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
Large Scandinavian Modern Style Glass Vase Yellow & Green
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking sculptural vase is decorated with swirling band of green fused glass, circling the piece in free-form manner and guiding the eye along the curves of the vase. Semi-transpar...
Art Glass, Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Orrefors Crystal Bowl, Scalloped Design, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A beautifully sculptural vintage crystal bowl by Orrefors, Sweden, distinguished by its elegant scalloped rim and deeply cut vertical facets that create exceptional brilliance and op...
Crystal
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
Jacob Ängman for GAB, Swedish Bronze Vase, 1930
Located in Hammarö, SE
Jacob Ängman for GAB, Bronze Vase, Sweden, 1930s There is something almost architectural about Jacob Ängman’s work in bronze. Rather than relying on ornament, Ängman allowed propor...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by BOWI, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, SVM Handarbete 1, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 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
Stoneware vase modelled in the Budding style with a narrow mouth by Axel Salto
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Aarhus C, DK
This sculptural Axel Salto vase in Budding style is characterised by its organic, almost organically grown form and its narrow, elegantly tapered mouth, creating a beautiful contrast...
Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Green Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Bjork for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s.
By Bo Fajans, Ewald Dahlskog, Bobergs Fajansfabrik AB, Gefle, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Scandinavian Modern ceramic vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Eva Jancke-Björk for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazin...
Ceramic, Earthenware
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
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1964
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking yellow stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a plump round form, with a neat funnel neck. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware vases and vesse...
Stoneware
Pair of Cobalt Blue Bubble Glass Vases Attributed to Erik Höglund for Boda, 1960
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Grythyttan, SE
These two vibrant cobalt blue glass vases are striking examples of mid-century Scandinavian design, attributed to the influential Swedish glass artist Erik Höglund. The pair consists...
Blown Glass
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
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of eight beautiful stoneware vases with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and maker...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Arthur Percy, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Arthur Percy
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase designed by Arthur Percy and produced by Gefle, Sweden, 1930s. Dimensions: 5.375” H x 5” diameter
Ceramic
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
Johanne Gerber Vase by Royal Copenhagen Blue Floral Baca Danish Ceramic 1970s
By Royal Copenhagen, Johanne Gerber
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
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. It has an inscription. Stamped 'B...
Bronze
Nils Thorsson Glazed Blue Marselis Vase for Aluminia, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large drop shaped Ceramic vase designed by Nils Thorsson and manufactured by Aluminia in Denmark during the 1950s. It is called Marselis -design number 2631 and is decorated in a de...
Ceramic
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 4 Green Speckled Vases Ceramics, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of four green vases with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 19 - 24,5 cm high and in excelle...
Porcelain
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vase is in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base consistent with ...
Blown 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 bronze vase with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Great condition. Stamped 'BRONS', model number '9043' and signature 'Sune Bäckstr...
Bronze
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
$1,095Sale Price|20% Off
Vallien Kosta Boda Pink White Minos Art Glass Vase, 1984
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Exquisite rose pink and white art glass vase from the 1984 Minos series by Bertil Vallien for the Kosta Boda Artist Collection. Slim neck and narrow...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Yellow Ceramic Vase, Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg 1981, Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely dark green vase with a har fur glaze designed by Sven Wejsfelt at Gustavsberg in Stockholm in 1986. The vase is 16.5 cm high. It's marked as on picture. It is in excellent c...
Ceramic
Early Tapio Wirkkala "Winter Journey" Tall White Porcelain Vase
By Rosenthal, Tapio Wirkkala, Rut Bryk
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
Vicke Lindstrand, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed earthenware vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
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
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
Blue Miniature Ceramic Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue, miniature ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 6.5 cm (2.6") tall. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1971
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely small stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a beautiful plump, apple form with a thin cylinder neck. Light yellow hare’s fur glaze with grey streaks. Berndt Friberg was a Swed...
Stoneware
Large Collection of 25 miniature vessels - John Andersson - Höganäs
By John Andersson, Höganäs Keramik
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large collection of 25 vessels, most of them designed by John Andersson and all of them produced at Höganäs about 1950s. The tallest one is 9 cm (3.6") and the smallest one is 1.5 ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Ander for Elme Glasbruk, Group of 8 Glass Vases, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Skanninge, SE
A wonderful modernist set of eight 1960s glass vases. In four different colours and 7 different heights, these really make a strong impression standing on a piece of furniture! Size, tallest 50cm (19.7in), shortest 14cm (5.5in). The colours are, green, blue, purple and orange/yellowish. One vase with an old "Elme" manufacturer label. Gunnar Ander (1908 - 1976) A Swedish designer and architect. His design achievement covers a wide area. He was hired by Erik Hovhammar on Lindshammars Glasbruk to develop a new design profile to differentiate them from the competition. He also worked at Elme Glasbruk...
Glass
Danish Modern Unique Stoneware Vase by Myre Vasegaard, Own Studio, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully understated stoneware vase by Danish ceramicist Myre Vasegaard (1911–2001), made in her own studio in the 1960s. The organically rounded form is characteristically rest...
Stoneware