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.
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
Bengt Orup for Johansfors, Smoky Glass Vase, Sweden, 1960s
By Bengt Orup, Johansfors Glasbruk
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant mid-century modern art glass vase designed by Bengt Orup for Johansfors Glasbruk, Sweden, circa 1960s. The vase features a beautifully balanced, organic oval form executed in...
Blown Glass
Blue Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Herta Bengtson, rorstrand studio, Hertha Bengtson, Höganäs Keramik
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 Be...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1969
By Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1969. Great condition. Signed Thell '69. Claes Thell is a Swedish cera...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Isak Isaksson - Black & Red Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely black and red ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 18.5 cm (7.4") tall and about 15 cm (6") wide and it is in excellent con...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Heidi Fournier Cream Floral Ceramic Vase, 2000s
By Upsala Ekeby, Höganäs Keramik, Royal Copenhagen, Lauritz Adolph Hjorth, Kähler
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Contemporary Heidi Fournier vase with hand-painted floral decorations on shiny cream colored base. Signed by the artist. Denmark, 2010s.
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Pewter Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vase with Round Cannelated body designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s. * Pewter vase round cannelated body * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Man...
Pewter
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of six pieces of stoneware vases & one bowl with stunning white glazes designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 9 -...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Upsala Ekeby Attribution, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A white and brown-glazed ceramic vase attributed to Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.3" Height x 4.75" Diameter All it...
Ceramic
Green Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Bjork for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s.
By Ewald Dahlskog, Eva Jancke-Björk, Bobergs Fajansfabrik AB, 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 original condition. No chips, cracks or crazin...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Yellow Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By Hertha Bengtson, rorstrand studio, Herta Bengtson, Höganäs Keramik
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
Kosta Boda 'Rhapsody' Crystal Bowl by Kjell Engman – Swedish Art Glass, 1980s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Celebrate the romance and artistry of Scandinavian design with this Kosta Boda “Rhapsody” crystal bowl, a poetic creation by acclaimed Swedish glass artist Kjell Engman. First introd...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses to glaze as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.85"H x 6.5...
Ceramic
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
Art Noveau Bronze vase by Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful Art Noveau by Hugo Elmqvist, made from bronze in a tall form. Decor of embossed birch leaves with seeds and dragonflies around the rim.
Bronze
Black Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 10.5 cm (4.2") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one...
Ceramic
Striped Green Glazed Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Björk for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Upsala Ekeby, Eva Jancke-Björk
Located in New York, NY
Ceramic Vase/Candle Holder by Eva Jancke-Björk for Uppsala Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1940 Unique, sculptural glazed ceramic vase by Eva Jancke-Björk. Hand formed and glazed with lime and fo...
Ceramic
Isak Isaksson Green Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 9 cm (3.55") tall and about 12.5 cm (5") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Collection of 27 miniature vessels - John Andersson - Höganäs
By John Andersson, Höganäs Keramik
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large collection of 27 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
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by Svenskt Tenn, 1935
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Swedish Art Deco pewter vase by Svenskt Tenn, made in 1935. This refined and sculptural piece exemplifies the elegant modernism that defined Swedish design in the early 20...
Pewter
Mid-20th Century, Scandinavian Decorative Wooden Vase, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural hand-turned wooden elm vase from Scandinavia, crafted in the 1960s. The piece features an organic, twisting form with smooth curves and visible grain patterns that highl...
Elm
Scandinavian Modern Brown Stoneware Floor Vase by Arthur Andersson, Wallåkra
Located in Grythyttan, SE
A large and magnificent Scandinavian modern brown salt-glazed stoneware vase by Arthur Andersson with horizontal patterns of zig zags and striations relief decor. Inside glazed. Insi...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Black Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Roger Nilsson, Höganäs, Sweden, 1987.
By Henning Nilsson, Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Roger Nilsson, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1987. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Sign...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern, "Balloon" Vases, Set of 3, Inger Persson for Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
Amazing, Scandinavian Modern, "Balloon" vases, set of 3, Inger Persson for Rörstrand, 1980's. The vases are made of stoneware with matte glaze and slightly asymmetric forms. Two vase...
Stoneware
Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Volcano Series Mini Object Vase, Double Bubble 48136
By Bertil Vallien, Boda, Kosta Boda
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite mini object vase is a standout piece from Bertil Vallien's iconic Volcano series, designed in 1981. The unique double bubble shape is enhanced by the stunning iridesce...
Luster, Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Off-White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing off-white glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second because of firing cracks to the under...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Axel Salto Unique Danish vase, in the manner of Salto. Royal Copenhagen
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Forest, BE
Unique vase made by or in the manner of Axel Salto. Beautiful glaze and details. There's various shades of brown and greens. Will fit any interiors, a true beauty. Axel Johannes ...
Ceramic, Clay
Gunnel Nyman, Vase, Glass, Finland, 1940s
By Gunnel Nyman
Located in High Point, NC
A blown yellow and clear glass vase designed and produced by Gunnel Nyman, Finland, c. 1940s.
Glass
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Axel Salto Budding Style, Royal Copenhagen
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Odense, DK
A striking cylindrical stoneware vase by Royal Copenhagen, model number 20565, masterfully designed in the distinctive budded style by Axel Salto. This sculptural form exemplifies Sa...
Stoneware
A bronze vase by GAB, 1930s
Located in Long Island City, NY
A patinated bronze vase manufactured by GAB, Sweden circa 1930s. Model number 260. Marked by manufacturer. Engraving.
Bronze
Blue Stoneware Vase by Hertha Bengtson. Höganäs, Sweden, 1960s.
By rorstrand studio, Höganäs Keramik, Hertha Bengtson, Herta Bengtson
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 Be...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Glazed Ceramic Vase with Two Handles by Eva Jancke Björk, Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Glazed Ceramic Vase with Two Handles by Eva Jancke Björk for Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, c, 1940 This vase is an excellent example of Eva Jancke Björk’s work. Lovely saturated sage color ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Tall, stately stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in an elegant form with beautiful dark blue hare’s fur glaze. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ceramicist, renowned for his stoneware vase...
Stoneware
Orange, White, and Clear Art Glass Vase in Scandinavian Modern Style
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking sculptural vase is decorated with swirling lines of white and transparent orange fused glass, circling the bowl upwards towards the rim and guiding the eye along the curves ...
Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso
A pair of large bronze vases by GAB
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large Swedish Grace bronze vases, probably designed by Jacob Ängman. Produced by GAB, Sweden , Circa 1930th. Brown-green patinated bronze, bulbous shape with handles and ho...
Bronze
Scandinavian Modern Vase in Bronze, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Heavy cylindrical Scandinavian vase in solid bronze. Horizontal ribbings/tiers towards its base and two center stripes - incised/engine-turned. Unknown Scandinavian maker/designer in...
Bronze
Arne Bang, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1930s
By Arne Bang
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1930s.
Stoneware
Storybirds Set of 4 Ceramics Vessels Kati Tuominen-Niittylä Arabia Finland 1995
By Arabia of Finland, Kati Tuominen Niittyla, Iittala
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
Black & White Ceramic Vase by Eva Jancke Bjork for Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s.
By Eva Jancke-Björk, Bobergs Fajansfabrik AB, 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. Great condition. Makers marks on base of vase. Eva Jan...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, with some light scratches. Slightly askew. Stamped 'BRONS' and make...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRO...
Bronze
Wilhelm Kåge, sculptural vase "Surrea", Gustavsberg Studio, Swedish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare, beautifully sculptural stoneware vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio. Swedish Modern, 1950s. This is a timeless decorative beauty. In good condition, smaller scratche...
Stoneware
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. Good condition, with a few light scratches. Please note: it has an inscription (pic...
Bronze
Green Nanny Still 'Grapponia' Glass Art Vase by Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968.
By Nanny Still, Timo Sarpaneva, Tapio Wirkkala, Iittala, Riihimäen Lasi Oy
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful mouth-blown 'Grapponia' midcentury glass vase in the rare green color. Designed by Nanny Still for Riihimäen Lasi, Finland, 1968. In production 1968-1975. Great conditi...
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 some light scratches. An inscription to the base. Stamped 'BRO...
Bronze
Nittsjö, Vase, Ceramic, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed ceramic vase produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10.35"H x 9.6"W x 9.15"D All items ship from High...
Ceramic
Small Art Deco Bronze Dish by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze dish with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström in Malmoe, Sweden, 1920s. Good condition. Some wear to the patination. Stamped 'BRONS', model numb...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Bowl by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
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 Thorsson for Aluminia Royal Copenhagen "Marselis" Huge Vase Brown, 1950s
By Royal Copenhagen, Nils Thorsson, Arne Bang, Aluminia, Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Very rare large "Marselis" vase by Nils Thorsson for the ceramic manufacturer Aluminia, later brandname Royal Copenhagen. Made ca. 1950s. It features a maroon brown glaze over a str...
Ceramic
Valdemar Petersen, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, 1950s
By Bing & Grøndahl, Valdemar Petersen
Located in High Point, NC
A brown glazed stoneware vase designed by Valdemar Petersen and produced by Bing & Grøndahl, Denmark, 1950s.
Stoneware
Swedish Grace Green Leaf Motif “Menuett” Vase by Arthur Percy, Gefle, 1950
By Arthur Percy, Gefle
Located in Grythyttan, SE
An elegant Swedish Grace ceramic vase from the “Menuett” series, designed by Arthur Percy for Gefle, featuring a softly rounded form with delicate green leaf decoration and a refined...
Earthenware
Vintage Mid-Century Patinated Bronze Vase, GAB, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely bronze vase from GAB, oil-patinated green in varying nuances. Tall, elegant form, perfect for a single flower or branch. GAB was founded in Stockholm in 1867 and was an impor...
Bronze
Rare Stoneware Vase by Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
By Arabia of Finland, Arabia, Annikki Hovisaari
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Annikki Hovisaari for Arabia, Finland, 1960s Great condition. Incised signature 'AH' and 'ARABIA'. Annikki Hovisaari...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ewald Dahlskog – Ceramic Vase - Bo Fajans Sweden 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase in a lovely shape and with the "Lava"-glaze designed by Ewald Dahlskog at Bo Fajans, Sweden in the 1930s. The vase is 18 cm (7.2") high ...
Ceramic
Swedish Art Deco Strombergshyttan Art Glass Footed Vase 1940s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking heavy art glass vase features streamlined, sculptural form with slightly raised rim, done in thick clear glass; the vase is not decorated with an etched motif, letting the g...
Crystal
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
Stunning Yellow Ceramic Vase - Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby - 1940s
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning yellow vase designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson at Upsala Ekeby in the 1940s. The vase is 15 cm tall and in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze. Anna...
Ceramic
Upsala Ekeby, Vase, Earthenware, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in High Point, NC
A hand-painted beige and green-glazed earthenware vase designed and produced by Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s.
Earthenware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1962
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, large stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in a beautiful plump, apple form with a cylinder neck. Dark blue hare’s fur glaze with brown streaks. Berndt Friberg was a Swedish ...
Stoneware