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.
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
Unique Stoneware Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Scandinavian Design
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
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
Green Ceramic pitcher with lizard - Art Deco - Upsala Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning green ceramic Art Deco-pitcher designed at Upsala Ekeby in the 1930s, probably by Harald Östergren. It has a stunning handle in shape of a lizard climbing into the pitche...
Ceramic
White "Våga, Cararra" pot - Wilhelm Kåge - Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning white flowerpot from the Våga-serie (Wave) designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsbergs Studio in the 1950s. The pot is 20 cm in diameter and in excellent condition except fro...
Stoneware
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
Unique 1930s Scandinavian Modernism Ceramics Vase by Grimstrup Ceramics, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
A striking hand-thrown ceramic vase by Grimstrup Ceramics workshop, Denmark, dating to the 1930s. Featuring a rounded baluster form with a narrow neck, the vase is decorated with bol...
Earthenware
Lovely Pitcher Ceramics Ewald Dahlskog 1930s, Bo Fajans, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely pitcher designed by Ewald Dahlskog in the 1930s at Bo Fajans in Gefle, Sweden. It is 26.5 cm high and in very good condition. This pitcher is with the green "Lava" decor Ew...
Ceramic
Swedish Modern Wilhelm Kage Argenta Snake Vase, 1930's
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Uccle, BE
Snake Argenta vase, 1930’s Marked with No. 1045 at the bottom Stoneware and Silver H22 x D22 cm The Argenta collection, now emblematic with its green glaze and silver decorations, i...
Silver
Isak Isaksson - Blue Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely blue ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 13.5 cm (5.4") tall and about 11.5 cm (4.6") wide and it is in excellent conditio...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Isak Isaksson Blue Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely blue flattened round ceramic vase with a stunning crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 9.5 cm (3.8") tall and about 20 cm (8") wide and it is i...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Round Black Bowl - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand Atelier - Mid-20th Century
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A round, black ceramic bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 15,5 cm (6,2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from some minor scratches and ma...
Ceramic
Large Art Deco Urn Flambé 1930s - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large ceramic urn designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm (12.2") tall and in excellent condition. It is marked as the photo shows and it is marked as 1st quality, Th...
Ceramic
Bunch of Blue Grapes, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Large bunch of grapes designed by Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) Swedish ceramist who had his studio in Biot, near nice in France. The grapes comes with a stand in acrylic glass that is ...
Ceramic
Axel Salto Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Cup no. 20702 Solfatara Glazing, 1944
By Axel Salto, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Odense, DK
A richly textured stoneware cup by Axel Salto, model 20702, executed at Royal Copenhagen and finished in Salto’s celebrated Solfatara glaze. This sculptural form—characterized by its...
Stoneware
Ewald Dahlskog – Green, Swiveled Ceramic Vase - 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green ceramic vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog at Bo Fajans, Sweden in the 1930s. The vase is 18 cm (7.2") tall and in excellent condition. Ewald Dahlskog (1894–1950) was on...
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
1970s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps by Olle Alberius in Stoneware
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Large earthy toned glazed stoneware pair of table lamp by Olle Alberius for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1970s. Signed on the base. The color of the glaze is wonderful asnd gives a natural ea...
Stoneware
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
Ulsnes Keramik Handmade Stoneware Pitcher, Scandinavian Modern, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade stoneware pitcher made by Ulsnes Keramik on the small Danish island of Langeland in the 1980s. Warm caramel brown glaze with hand-carved organic swirling pattern on one side...
Pottery, Clay, Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Ceramic Collection, 29 pieces
Located in Stockholm, SE
A collection of Swedish Studio Ceramics (1940s–1990s) Offered as a single, carefully curated collection, this outstanding group represents the very heart of Swedish ceramic artistry...
Ceramic
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
Isak Isaksson Lovely Red Ceramic Vase - Crystalline Glaze - Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A red vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 18.5 cm (7.4") high and about 11 cm (4.4") in diameter and it is in excellent condition. This is ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Isak Isaksson Blue Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely blue vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 17 cm (6.8") tall and about 18 cm (7.2") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stunning Yellow Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1968
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
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
Group of 3 Blue Ceramic Vases - Rörstrand Carl-Harry Stålhane Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of three vases designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 25.5 - 27.5 cm tall and in excellent condition. They all have stunning glazes ...
Porcelain
Lovely Blue Ceramic Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - Mid 20th Century
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase designed by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg in Stockholm, the vase is 12 cm tall and about 9 cm in diameter. It has a beautiful blue glaze, it is marked as on picture and w...
Ceramic
Arje Griegst "Konkylie" Porcelain Shell Bowl for Royal Copenhagen, 1980s
By Arje Griegst, Royal Copenhagen
Located in PARIS, FR
Porcelain shell bowl from the "Konkylie" series, designed by Danish goldsmith and sculptor Arje Griegst (1938-2016) for Royal Copenhagen, circa 1980s. The series, launched in 1974 ...
Porcelain
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
Isak Isaksson Pink Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pink vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 11.5 cm (4.6") tall and about 10 cm (4") wide and it is in excellent condition. This is a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Green Stoneware Vase - Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely large green speckled egg-shaped vase designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. It is 28.5 cm (11,4") high. It is in excellent co...
Ceramic
Arabia, Pair of Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Teapots with Woven Rattan Handles
Located in Hammarö, SE
Produced by **Arabia Finland**, this elegant Scandinavian Modern coffee and tea set features beautifully glazed stoneware paired with handwoven rattan handles\. The combination of wa...
Ceramic
Unique Ceramic - Abstract Blue Sculpture by Britt-Ingrid Persson Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely abstract ceramic sculpture made by Britt-Ingrid Persson at her own studio in Sweden in the 1970s. The sculpture is unsigned but there is no doubt that this one is made by Br...
Ceramic
Round, Blue Serving Dish with stars - Upsala Ekeby - Sven Erik Skawonius
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely ceramic dish designed by Sven-Erik Skawonius at Upsala Ekeby. The dish is 32,5 cm (13") in diameter and in excellent condition.
Ceramic
Lovely Art Deco Vase, Upsala Ekeby Ostergren, Sweden, 1930s, Roman Urn Style
By Harald Östergren, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful beige ceramic vase with 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") tall and...
Ceramic
Green Vase with Decor, Wilhelm Kåge Gustavsberg, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase in stoneware designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg, the vase is 18 cm in diameter and in good condition except from a crack that goes through, it is mostly visible from the ...
Stoneware
Two Green Vases Argenta / Surrea Wilhelm Kåge Gustavsberg Green, Silver Decor
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two vases of model Argenta and with shape of Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg, the tallest vase is 19 cm (7.6") high. They are both in excellent condition and marked as...
Ceramic
Birger Kaipiainen, Very Large Ceramic Plate, Plums and Berries, Arabia 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Birger Kaipiainen (1915–1988) is celebrated as a master of decorative ceramics, renowned for his richly colored and ornamental works. Drawing from fantasy and fairytales, his art sto...
Metal
19-Piece Arabia Ruska Set – 1970s Finnish Earth & Fire
By Arabia
Located in Dronten, NL
The Ritual of Rustic Modernism – Arabia Ruska, Finland, 1970s (19 Pieces) There is pottery that serves, and then there is pottery that grounds you. This 19-piece Ruska (Finnish for...
Ceramic
Swedish Modernist Sea Urchin Sculpture by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
An impressive and striking modernist sculpture shaped like a sea urchin by one of Sweden’s most prominent ceramists Hans Hedberg, made in his own studio in Biot, France. Made in Hans...
Ceramic
A Unique, Large, Brown Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane Designhuset
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique brown vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Designhuset in Lidköping, Sweden in 1970s. The vase is 22 cm (8.8") tall and in excellent condition, it has a beautiful glaze. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ewald Dahlskog, Large Turquoise Art Deco Floor Vase, Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful turquoise floor vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog at Bo Fajans in Gefle in the 1930s. The vase is 37 cm tall and in excellent condition....
Ceramic
Birger Kaipiainen, Very Large Ceramic Plate, Red Blue with Beeds, Arabia 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Birger Kaipiainen (1915-1988) was the master of decorative ceramics. He was well known for his rich and colourful ornamental dishes, with themes from the fantasy world and fairytales...
Ceramic
Small Vase with Lovely Glaze, Rolf Palm Mölle, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely small vase with a lovely green glaze designed by Rolf Palm at his workshop in Mölle outside Höganäs in Sweden. The vase is 8 cm tall and is in excellent condition, it has a ...
Stoneware
Large Unique Kähler Stoneware Dish
By Herman A. Kahler Keramik, Nils Kähler
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large rare Kähler stoneware dish (78 x 11). The dish was originally a gift for one of Niels Kähler's friends. Because of it's size there is a crack i...
Ceramic
Wilhelm Kåge Green & Brown Stoneware Dish, Bowl, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Elegant dish, bowl by Wilhelm Kåge from the “KAPA” series. The design was a collaboration between Kåge and three colleagues Björn Alskog, Axel Pettersson, and Birger Arvidsson. Desig...
Stoneware
Large, Stunning Deep Blue Stoneware Vase, Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg - 1966
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
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
Isak Isaksson Red Shiny Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely multicolored ceramic vase with a red tone and a stunning crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 14 cm (5.6") tall and about 14 cm (5.6") wide and...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 15 decorative ceramic bowls, Rörstrand Mid-century Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely group of fifteen bowls with stunning glazes designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane & Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The largest bowl is 17 x 11 cm in diameter and the sma...
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg, Horse, gustavberg studio 1952-1972, signed on the base
Located in Paris, FR
Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) is one of the most renowned representatives of the illustrious Swedish ceramic design of the 20th century. He is well-known for his constant creativity and exceptional eye for shapes, proportions and patterns. Stig worked for the Gustavsberg factory in 1937-1980. He is represented at the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design. Stig Lindberg’s horses...
Ceramic
Isak Isaksson Deep Blue Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A deep blue vase with a lovely crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 20.5 cm (8.2") tall and about 17.5 cm (7") wide and it is in excellent condition. Th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Carl-Harry Stålhane Green Stoneware Ceramic Vase Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A midcentury, Swedish vase from Rörstrand, designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane. The vase is in very good condition except from some minor white marks in the glaze from the production why...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund.
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund. Model ASZ for Rörstrand. Sweden circa 1960's.
Ceramic, Pottery
Set of Eight Hand-Crafted Ceramic Face Mugs by Bjorn Wiinblad, Denmark
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic set of 8 Danish Modern chocolate/espresso hand decorated ceramic face mugs.
Ceramic
White Surrealistic Ceramic Bowl "Surrea" by Wilhelm Kåge 1940 Mid century Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl of model Surrea designed by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in the 1940s. It is 24 cm in diameter and in mint condition. The Surrea objects have offset forms, white Carrara glaze, and modern expressions. This is one of the most well known and appreciated stoneware series designed by Wilhelm Kåge. The serie contains of both bowls and vases. Wilhelm Kåge’s Surrea...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Green Ceramic Bowl Stunning Glaze Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand -
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 19.5 x 17 cm (7.8" x 6.8") in diameter and 5 cm (2") tall. It is in excellent condition, ...
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg 1950s Stoneware Dish, Gustavsberg Studio, Black/Brown
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful platter designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsbergs Studio in Stockholm, it is 30.5 cm (12.2") in diameter. It has a black/brown color an...
Stoneware
Isak Isaksson - Green Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 19 cm (7.6") tall and about 9 cm (3.6") wide and it is in excellent condition. T...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Stoneware Floor Vase in Ceramic by Danish Artist Ole Victor, 2022
By Ole Victor
Located in Odense, DK
Large ceramic floor vase with glaze in variations of beige and pastel colors, made by Danish artist Ole Victor, 2022. Ole Victor is a Danish artist who a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ewald Dahlskog – Lovely shaped Turquoise vase - Bo Fajans Sweden 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely turquoise naturally shaped vase designed by Ewald Dahlskog at Bo Fajans, Sweden in the 1930s. The vase is 15 cm (6") high and in excellent condition. It has a lovely glaze.
Ceramic