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.
Gray Speckled Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Gray Speckled ceramic vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 15 cm (6") tall and in excellent condition, it is 1st quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one of t...
Ceramic
Stunning Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20.5 cm (8.2.) tall. It´s in excellent condition but marked as 1st quality. Gunna...
Stoneware
A Large Green Vase Argenta Wilhelm Kåge Gustavsberg, Silver Decor Dragon
Located in Stockholm, SE
A really rare and stunning cylindric vase with a well-shaped neck of model Argenta 1243 designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg, this vase is 35.5 cm (14.2") tall and it is in excell...
Ceramic
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
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
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
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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 ...
Ceramic, 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
Stunning Gray Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning gray ceramic vase with the characteristic speckled glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 16.5 cm (6.6") tall and in excellent condition. The vase...
Ceramic
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
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
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
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
$1,427Sale Price|50% Off
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 Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, 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
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
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
Small Green Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Salt-glazed Brown Stoneware Floor Vase by Arthur Andersson for 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
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg, Wilhelm Kage
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
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
Nils Landberg, Sommerso Vase, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A blown glass Sommerso vase designed by Nils Landberg and produced by Orrefors, Sweden, 1950s
Glass
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
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
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
1970s Swedish Stoneware Vase by Curt Addin – Scandinavian Modern / Brutalist
Located in Hannover, DE
This rare Scandinavian modern vase by **Curt Addin**, crafted in Sweden in the 1970s, perfectly balances organic texture with precise design details, making it an exceptional collect...
Pottery
Arne Bang, Vase, Grey and Green Glazed Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
By Arne Bang
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and green glazed stoneware vase designed and produced by Arne Bang, Denmark, 1940s.
Stoneware
Vintage Orrefors Crystal Bowl, Footed Design, Cut Glass, Sweden, 1960
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A refined vintage crystal bowl by Orrefors, distinguished by its softly rounded form, short circular foot, and deeply cut vertical decoration. The repeated faceted cuts rise from the...
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
$424Sale Price|20% Off
1960 Tall Paul Kedelv Coquille Vessel for Flygsfors, Sweden
By Flygsfors, Paul Kedelv
Located in Miami, FL
A stunning large Scandinavian free-form glass sculpture or vase. Green and white glass encased in clear glass. Made by the Swedish firm Flygsfors in 1960 and designed by Paul Kedelv,...
Blown Glass
$213Sale 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
Johanne Gerber Vase by Royal Copenhagen Blue Floral Baca Danish Ceramic 1970s
By Johanne Gerber, Royal Copenhagen
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
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
$2,316Sale Price|42% Off
Berndt Friberg, large vase, 46 cm high, Gustavsberg, 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Uppsala, SE
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
A glass vase by PER LÜTKEN for Holmegaard
By Holmegaard, Per Lütken
Located in Long Island City, NY
A glass vase designed by PER LÜTKEN for Holmegaard, Denmark, circa 1960th. Signed by hand " HOLMEGAARD PL1958".
Art Glass
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
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
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
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
Gertrud Lönegren “Miranda L62” Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A rare “Miranda L62” vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren for Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1930s. The hand-thrown ceramic vase has a rounded cylindrical form with a yellow and cream-c...
Stoneware
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
Bronze Art Deco Vase by BOWI, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, SVM Handarbete 1
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
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
Green Art Deco Vase, Upsala Ekeby Ostergren, Sweden, 1930s, Roman Urn Style
By Harald Östergren, Upsala Ekeby
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
Large Brown Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large brown ceramic vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 17.5 cm (7") tall and in excellent condition except from some minor stains in the glaze. The vase...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Amethyst Crackle Glass Lidded Vase
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Sculptural Scandinavian art glass vase with a fitted lid, presented in a deep amethyst-purple tone and finished with a distinctive crackle-glass surface. The piece has a compact, arc...
Glass
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of twelve 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 betwe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
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
Sommerso Glass Vase, from Scandinavia 1950, Signed Nils Landberg Orrefors
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This vase Sommerso, is in thick art glass. It is from Scandinavian, circa 1560. It is signed Nils Landberg , with a blue grey color. Orrefors, 1950
Art Glass
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Nittsjö, Planter, Earthenware, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed earthenware vase or planter, designed and produced by Nittsjö, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4" Height x 5.5" Diameter All items ship from High Point, ...
Ceramic
White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Swedish Modern' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA'. Wilhelm ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal Porcelain Vase, 1001 Nights Series
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage cylindrical porcelain vase features a standing female figure from Bjørn Wiinblad's series for Rosenthal company, '1001 Nacht' (1001 Nights). Whimsical, colorful figures on d...
Ceramic, Porcelain
$2,643Sale Price|20% Off
Silver. Vase by Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus OY, Hämeenlinna, Finland, 1973
Located in Stockholm, SE
This vase In silver was designed by the Finnish master Tapio Wirkkala, whose artistic expression consistently drew inspiration from nature. He himself described how he discovered for...
Sterling Silver
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1964
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
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
Mid-Century Vintage Scandinavian Art Crystal Vase, Sculptural Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
A striking vintage Scandinavian art crystal vase distinguished by its sculptural cylindrical form, softly scalloped rim, and bold oval relief decoration that wraps rhythmically aroun...
Crystal