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.
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
Michael Andersen Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Green Ceramic Vases, 1940s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Tan France Auction Pick Set of two Scandinavian ceramic vases designed by Danish artist Michael Andersen & Son, signature engraved on the bottom, 1940s Dimension big vase: diameter...
Ceramic
$650Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Art Pottery Vase by Soholm Bornholmsk Stentoj
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Danish Art pottery vase by Soholm Bornholmsk Stentoj. Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian Modern
Ceramic
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
By Stig Lindberg, Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg, 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
Argenta Swedish Pottery Vessel
By ARGENTA, Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful petite Swedish pottery vessel in a blue/green hue with small sterling silver leaf application, designed by Wilhelm Kage for maker Argenta, circa mid-20th century, Sweden....
Sterling Silver
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Swedish Grace. Great condition. Impr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Impressed wit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Rolf Palm, 1981
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Rolf Palm, in the artist's studio, Mölle, Sweden, 1981. Excellent condition. Incised ’Palm / Mölle / H0’ and ma...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Vase 'Carrara' by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful and rare vase made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Carrara glazed stoneware. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / KÅGE / CARRARA / Swe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Good condition. Some spots in the glaze and some metal mar...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl by Swedish Ceramist Rolf Palm, 1978
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Made by Rolf Palm, in the artist's studio, Mölle, Sweden, 1978. Excellent condition. Incised ’Palm / Mölle / G8’ and ma...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful vase with blue glaze. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition, some small metal marks. Impressed 'Rörstrand', 'LÖNEGREN' and 'HAN...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Ceramic Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful vase with brown glaze. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Impressed 'Rörstrand', 'LÖNEGREN' and 'HANDDREJAD'. Gertrud Löne...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, made in Sweden, marked on the bottom, in matte enamel, 1960s. Dimensions: Height 22 cm, diameter 8 cm.
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful and rare vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Excellent condition. Beautiful glaze. Impressed 'Rör...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Small Blue and Red Stoneware Bowl by Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1986
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wonderful bowl by Sven Wejsfelt Gustavsberg Sweden. Beautiful glaze in purple and blue, manufactured in 1986. The bowl has a wonderful color with coloring it sees to change from some...
Pottery
Kyllikki Salmenhaara / Mug / Arabia Art Department 1950s
By Kyllikki Salmenhaara, Arabia of Finland
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kyllikki Salmenhaara was Finland's most accomplished ceramic artist, who refined her exceptional pottery skills into an art form, as well as a researcher and educator who devoted her...
Ceramic
Full Set of White 'Surrea' Vases by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Five stunning 'Surrea' stoneware vases with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / SURREA'. Th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Blue Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware bowl with blue glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden. In production 1958-1962. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Imp...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White and Gold 'Carrara' Tea Caddy by Wilhelm Kage. Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful rectangular Art Deco stoneware box / tea caddy with 'Carrara' glaze and gold details. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Good original conditi...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful and rare stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-1941. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Rörstrand / ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White 'Surrea' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. The fascinating design is a combination of two of Kåge’s best known lines of stoneware, “Surrea” from 1940 and “Våga” from 1949. Exc...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White 'Surrea' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Surrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. The glaze is a bit shinier than it usually ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown and Blue Floor Vase by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning stoneware floor vase with a beautiful hand carved geometric pattern. Designed by Lisa Larson at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1960s. Good condition. Some metal marks and...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Full Set of White 'Surrea' Bowls by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Three stunning 'Surrea' stoneware bowls with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg'. This is a ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White and Gold 'Surrea' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Guldsurrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze and gold details. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Some tiny firing spots a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA'. Wilh...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Nils Thorsson Vase For Royal Copenhagen
Located in Norwood, NJ
A "Baca" vase by Nils Thorsson for Royal Copenhagen. Marked 719/3259 and signed accordingly.
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Pomegranate shaped Floral Faience vase by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg Studio
Located in Hägersten, SE
Faience vase designed by Stig Lindberg. Hand thrown and painted at Gustavsbergs studio. Pomegranate shaped vase with polychrome hand painted floral decor. Good vintage condition with...
Faience
Kyllikki Salmenhaara / Mug / Arabia Art Department 1950s
By Kyllikki Salmenhaara, Arabia of Finland
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kyllikki Salmenhaara was Finland's most accomplished ceramic artist, who refined her exceptional pottery skills into an art form, as well as a researcher and educator who devoted her...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Cream / Off-white
By Gertrud Lönegren, Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful vase with Cream / Off-white glaze. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Impressed 'Rörstrand', 'LÖNEGREN' and 'HANDDREJAD'. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Art Deco, Yellow.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Stunning and rare stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Excellent condition. S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Kyllikki Salmenhaara / Mug / Arabia Art Department 1950s
By Arabia of Finland, Kyllikki Salmenhaara
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kyllikki Salmenhaara was Finland's most accomplished ceramic artist, who refined her exceptional pottery skills into an art form, as well as a researcher and educator who devoted her...
Ceramic
Stoneware Bowl by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Art Deco, Yellow.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Stunning and rare Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware bowl. Designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great original condit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Beautiful Stoneware Vases by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the Artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1991. Excellent condition. Signed Thell '91. Claes Thell...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Kyllikki Salmenhaara / Mug / Arabia Art Department 1950s
By Kyllikki Salmenhaara, Arabia of Finland
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kyllikki Salmenhaara was Finland's most accomplished ceramic artist, who refined her exceptional pottery skills into an art form, as well as a researcher and educator who devoted her...
Ceramic
Unique Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Rune Bergman
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Swedish ceramist Rune Bergman in his studio in Simrishamn, Sweden. Excellent condition. Signed 'RB'.
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Norwegian Potter Erik Ploen Rare Snowflake Bowl Mid-Century Modernist
By Erik Plöen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Hand built stoneware bowl or ashtray with white and blue speckled and dappled glazes, signed and dated, 1950.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Art Deco, Yellow.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gertrud Lönegren, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
Stunning and rare stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren. This studio piece was created at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Great condition. Firin...
Ceramic, Stoneware
'Paprika' Ceramic Vases (3) by Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
By Upsala Ekeby, Anna-Lisa Thomson
Located in Utrecht, NL
Impressive and rare set of 3 vintage ceramic 'Paprika' (peppers) vases by Swedish designer Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952). Dark brown ceramic vases, worked with Sgraffito technique ...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Pottery Vases and Bowl by Gunnar Nylund Sweden 1950s
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wonderful set of 3 Gunnar Nylund pottery by Röstrand Sweden from the 1950s. Beautiful green/brown/yellow glaze. In the set is: 1x floor vase height 51cm, diameter 18cm / 20,08inch,...
Pottery
Kyllikki Salmenhaara / Creamer / Arabia Art Department 1950s
By Kyllikki Salmenhaara, Arabia of Finland
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Kyllikki Salmenhaara was Finland's most accomplished ceramic artist, who refined her exceptional pottery skills into an art form, as well as a researcher and educator who devoted her...
Ceramic
Large Herman August Kähler Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Bowl, 1960s
Located in Krefeld, DE
Wonderful bowl by Herman August Kähler, Denmark. Manufactured in the 1960s. The bowl has a wonderful off white glaze. No damages.
Pottery
Yellow Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gertrud Lönegren, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful Swedish Grace stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Impressed 'Lönegren', 'Rörstrand' and ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Hand made turquoise glazed vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand during the 1950s. Flower petal shape with a rare turquoise glaze with dark grey spots. Very good vintage condition with f...
Stoneware
Turqoise Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand during the 1940s. Stoneware vase with a rare light turquoise glaze with darker spots. Signed with Nylunds initials an...
Stoneware
Marianne Westman, Vase, Firesand, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Marianne Westman
Located in High Point, NC
A vase in a grey glazed firesand, designed by Marianne Westman, produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1965. With signature to underside. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimen...
Ceramic
White 'Vaga' Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful 'Våga' bowl. Stoneware with white 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Swedish Grace. Great condition. Some metal marks. Impresse...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 White 'Vaga' Vases by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 3 beautiful 'Våga' vases. Stoneware with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. 'Swedish Modern'. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gusta...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Beautiful Stoneware Vases by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1986
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the Artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1986. Excellent condition. Signed 'Thell '86'. Claes The...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Yellow Stoneware Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gertrud Lönegren, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful Swedish Grace stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Impressed 'Lönegren', 'Rörstrand' and ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Pottery Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
Located in København, Copenhagen
Art pottery vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. "Eterna" with decoration in relief. Measures: 21 cm. In perfect condition.
Brown Ceramic Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gertrud Lönegren, Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful Swedish Grace vase with hand-carved decor. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'LÖNEGREN. Gertrud L...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue & Brown Ceramic Vase by Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Gertrud Lönegren
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful Art Deco /Swedish Grace vase with hand-painted decor. Made by Gertrud Lönegren at Rorstrand in Sweden between 1936-41. Great condition. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'HANDMÅLAD...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Olle Alberius Ceramic Scandinavian Vase "Sarek" for Rörstrand, 1960
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic vase “Sarek” in matt enamel designed by Olle Alberius for Rörstrand, made in Sweden, marked on the bottom, 1960s.
Ceramic
Set of 2 Art Deco Vases by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 2 beautiful Art Deco stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Made by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Rörstrand'.
Ceramic, Stoneware
White 'Surrea' Vase and Bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
Stunning 'Surrea' stoneware vase and bowl with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / SURREA'. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large White 'Surrea' Floor Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning 'Surrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1940s. Swedish Modern. Great condition. Wilhelm Kåge was a Swedish artist,...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gustavberg Lisa Larson Paloma Bowl
Located in New York, NY
Very nice example of Lisa Larsons "Paloma" series in perfect condition. Less whimsical than much of Lisa Larsons work. Measures: Interior diameter 5.
Pottery