Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

Emerged in the 1930s
Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism

CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
Open, airy spaces
Promotion of functionality
Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

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.

Style: Scandinavian Modern

Creator: Gunnar Nylund

Brown Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Round Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

White Stoneware Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s-1960s

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Vase in Blue-Glazed Stoneware by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gray Vase "Collier", Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s - Mid century Vintage

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gunnar Nylund Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Group of 3 Brown Vases & Bowl, Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Mid-Century Vintage

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gunnar Nylund "Rubus" Mid Century Ceramic Bowl Dish for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

2 Small Vases Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s Green & Brown Mid Century Vintage

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Brown Teapot Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Blue Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Nymölle, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s - Mid century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Green Hedgehog Vase, Ceramic, Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, 1950s Mid Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s-1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Green Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gunnar Nylund "AXK" Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Ceramic Vase Speckled Glaze, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Ceramic Figurine Ferret, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Vase with handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Mid century Vintage, Sweden

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Dark Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s-1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s-1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Grey Stoneware Vases Chamotte, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Lovely Ceramic Vase Speckled Glaze, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl Model ARO by Rörstrand in Sweden

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Vintage Petite Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Rörstrand, Sweden

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Large Stoneware Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Blue Rubus

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Collection of Nine Miniature Stoneware Vases and Bowls by Gunnar Nylund

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Stoneware Vases, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Midcentury

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics

Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceramics