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.
Vintage fondue set enameled from the 1970s, manufactured by Digsmed in Denmark
By Digsmed
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Vintage fondue set from the 1970s, manufactured by Digsmed in Denmark. Teak base mounted on ball bearings, allowing 360-degree rotation. The six pans and central pot are made of blac...
Iron
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
Candy Jar / Lidded Bowl - Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby 1950s
By Upsala Ekeby
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely rare candy jar designed by Anna-Lisa Thomson in the late 1940s at Upsala Ekeby, the jar has model number 1002 and is one of the first items she designed at Ekeby. The jar is...
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Porcelain Serving Dish, Berså Pattern, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A serving dish in porcelain in the very famous pattern Berså designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. It is 31.5 x 22.5 cm in diameter and 3.5 cm high. It is in excellent condition ...
Porcelain
$1,200Sale Price|40% Off
Tias Eckhoff for Lundtofte Opus Stainless and Rosewood Flatware Cutlery set
By Tias Eckhoff
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tias Eckhoff for Lundtofte. Made in Denmark. A Large "Opus" Dinner Rosewood flatware cutlery set. Stainless steel and Rosewood. Circa 1960s. Marked o...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Mexican Sterling Silver and Hardwood Salad Serving Set, circa 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking Mid-Century Modern two-piece salad serving set handcrafted in Mexico City, circa 1960s. The set consists of a large serving spoon and sculptural three-prong serving fork, ...
Sterling Silver
$100Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Large Oval Teak Salad Bowl & Tong Servers - 1960s
By Digsmed Design, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs large oval salad bowl with matching sculptural serving utensils, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed from richly figured staved teak, t...
Teak
Sculptural dish 'Ripples' designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, Denmark, 2003
Located in Stockholm, SE
‘Ripples’ serving dish by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen is a sculptural acacia wood dish conceived for both use and display. Its circular form is shaped around a raised central hollow, with...
Acacia
Scandinavian Modern Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a refined example of Danish modern utility fused with artisanal detailing. Const...
Teak, Bamboo
Modern Krenit Large Enamel Salad Bowl Herbert Krenchel Torben Ørskov Denmark
By Herbert Krenchel, Torben Orskov, Krenit
Located in Miami, FL
A large Mid Century Danish Modern Krenit Enameled Salad Serving Bowl in Tomato Red by Herbert Krenchel for Torben Orskov of Denmark from the 1960s. The stamp on the bottom would some...
Metal, Enamel
Vintage Rattan Tray by Artek, Handwoven Cane, Scandinavian Modern
By Artek
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage rattan tray designed and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1960s. Handwoven from natural rattan and cane w...
Cane
Danish Modern Kobenstyle Enamel and Cane Pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique Danish modern "Kobenstyle" enamel and cane pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The pitcher is in very good vintage condition with the exception of...
Enamel, Iron
Danish Modern Krenit Bowls 3 Flat Dishes Herbert Krenchel/Torben Ørskov Denmark
By Orskov and Co, Herbert Krenchel
Located in Miami, FL
Herbert Krenchel designed rare 1950s vintage set of 3 Krenit flat dishes, 1.25 inches in height by 6.5 inches diameter, marketed by Torben Ørskov of Denmark. One of each – inside co...
Metal, Enamel
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, well-scaled and finely crafted circular mutenye serving board having an end grain cutting surface and a sculptural recessed well.
Wood
Stig Lindberg, Fajans, Gustavsberg, Plate, 1940s - 1960s
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description: This faience earthenware piece was designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. His faience pieces are decorated by a total of 36 different painters, this particu...
Earthenware, Faience, Ceramic
A set of eight small Swedish plates 1800s
Located in Farsta, SE
A set of eight small Swedish plates 1800s Slightly varying sizes, shapes, and colors. Some with owner marks. Made of birch wood. Height: 1–2 cm/0.4–0.8 inch Diameter: 17.5–20.5 cm...
Birch
Platter or Tray in Wood Dennemark 1960s Brown Color Round shape
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
This tray or platter is from Denmark. It has been made in the 1960s. Brown Color. Round shape. Rattan and Wood.
Wood, Rattan
Illums Bolighus Decorative Palm Serving Bowls Teakwood Handles, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of charming and decorative serving bowls made of palm tree pods manufactured in the 1950s at the famous retailer Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen. The bow...
Teak, Palmwood
Peter Holmblad Fondue set for Stelton Denmark Stainless Steel & Rosewood - NOS
By Arne Jacobsen, Stelton, Peter Holmblad
Located in St. Louis, MO
New Old Stock and no longer in production, this 1970s Rosewood & Stainless fondue set designed by or under the leadership of Danish Mid-Century Designer Peter Homblad (stepson from A...
Stainless Steel
Modern Krenit Spoon Fork Melamine Servers H. Krenchel Torben Orskov. Denmark 50s
By Herbert Krenchel, Torben Orskov
Located in Miami, FL
Fantastic set of Danish Mid Century Modern black Melamine salad serving spoon & fork utensils designed by Herbert Krenchel (1922-2014) in Denmark in 1950s. They were made by Tor...
Acrylic
Arne Jacobsen Stelton Cylinda Line Stainless Salad Set, 1970s
By Stelton, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Vintage Set of Stelton Arne Jacobsen Salad Server Fork and Spoon in Stainless Steel Cylinder. This line of serveware was called "Line 023-1"
Stainless Steel
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on these set of solid teak salad servers designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, great condition stamped.
Teak
1950s Danish Teak Salad Bowl by Finn Juhl for Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen, Finn Juhl, Magne Monsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modern design Classic - lathe turned teak salad bowl in the largest size, design by Finn Juhl crafted by Magne Monsen for Kay Bojesen.
Teak
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Salt & Pepper Shakers in Rosewood & Brass
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful elegant and rare set of shakers in rosewood & Beechwoods hand-turned , with solid brass screw bottoms the craftsmanship and quality on these si...
Brass
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Mutenye Tray for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural mutenye tray with cutting board insert designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark as part of his "Rare Woods Collection" (circa 1960). This example is among the rarest manufactured of the series with under 100...
Wood
Kay Bojesen Teak Condiment Set, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1962
By Kay Bojesen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Kay Bojesen 3 piece teak condiment set. Known for his articulated Jointed Monkey, Bojesen alson produced some outstanding Danish designs for dining as well! Turned from teak this set...
Glass, Teak
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak Serving Plate by Kay Bojesen
By Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
A Danish modern solid teak serving plate by Kay Bojesen, circa 1950s. The plate is in good vintage condition and measures 10.75"D x 1"H. It is sig...
Teak
Rosewood & Beech Bentwood Wine Rack by Torsten Johansson for AB Formtra
By Torsten Johansson, AB Formträ
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A superbly crafted bent rosewood and beech wine rack designed by Torsten Johansson for AB Formtra of Sweden in the 1950s or 1960s. The eye-catching design is made of beautifully gra...
Rosewood
Danish solid wood dish or salad bowl by Richard Nissen in the 80'
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Solid beech salad bowl or serving dish. Can be used as a fruit bowl, salad bowl, decorative piece, or to display small items. Made in Denmark in the 1980s by the Nissen factory (see ...
Wood, Beech
Danish Modern Blue Enamel Købenstyle Fondue Pot by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk Form
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Købenstyle fondue pot with blue enamel finish and solid teak handle supported by a cast iron base with sculptural teak feet designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk (ca. 1950s, Denmark ...
Enamel, Iron
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Danish Modern Snack Trays by Upsala Slojd
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of four Danish modern snack trays by Upsala Slojd of Denmark, circa 1960s. The set is in very good vintage condition and each tray measures 6....
Teak
1950s Scandinavian Modern Design Creamware Plates, Kaare Berven Fjeldsaa, Norway
By Stavangerflint, Kåre Berven Fjeldsaa
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Handcrafted and Hand-Painted Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern Creamware Plates — "Aquarium" Motif by Kaare Berven Fjeldsaa for Stavangerflint A stunning set of Norw...
Creamware
Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Tray, Teak & Wenge, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak, Wenge
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Rörstrand
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Additional Information: Material: Stoneware, cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (...
Stoneware
1960s Scandinavian Modern Large Teak Tray from Sweden, Good Condition
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Tray in Teak, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Probably produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 63 x 15.5 x 3 cm Condition: Go...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Ronneby Design Sigurd Persson Cast Iron Casserole Sweden
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1960s Sweden Cooking Pot Large Casserole Cast Iron Pan Stamp by maker Ronab Ronneby Design Sigurd Persson Large Casserole Pot Sweden 6...
Iron
Large salad bowl or dish solid beech by the Richard Nissen workshop in Denmark
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Large salad bowl or dish made from solid beech by the Richard Nissen workshop in Denmark. Can be used as a fruit bowl, a salad bowl, a decorative piece, or to display small objects. ...
Wood, Beech
Rare Pre-Dansk Teak "Bowtie" Salt & Pepper Mill by Jens Quistgaard - Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, highly coveted, and collector-grade vintage mid-century modern sculptural combination salt shaker and pepper mill, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard, circa ea...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Serving Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving tray in teak designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak
Cathrineholm Lotus Enamel Skillet with Wood Handle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Cathrineholm enamel skillet featuring the iconic Lotus pattern in red and white, with a teak wood handle. A classic piece of Scandinavian mid-century kitchenware.
Enamel
Coaster Plates Attributed to Jens Quistgaard Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 10 coaster plates attributed to Jens Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark.
Rosewood
Danish Modern White Enamel Købenstyle Fondue Pot by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk Form
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Købenstyle fondue pot with white enamel finish and solid teak handle supported by a cast iron base with sculptural teak feet designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk (ca. 1950s, Denmark...
Enamel, Iron
$723Sale Price|20% Off
Jens H Quistgaard, Fjord Carving Set in Original Box
Located in Klintehamn, SE
The Fjord flatware was designed in 1953 and produced in co operation with an American businessman under the label Dansk design. The flatware was originally manufactured in Germany. S...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Dansk exotic teak and wenge wood round serving tray with beautiful counterbalanced design, by renowned Danish designer, Jens Quistgaard. Engraved hallmark on bottom of tray. Denmark
Teak, Wenge
Digsmed, Denmark, spice rack wheel, solid teak, Scandinavian modern, 1960s
By Digsmed
Located in Forserum, SE
A sculptural, wall-mounted rotating spice wheel designed by Flemming Digsmed and produced by the Danish manufacturer Digsmed in the 1960s. Crafted from solid teak, it features eight ...
Glass, Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Dansk Teak Cutting Board, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Teak Cutting Board Butcher Block 19.5 h x 15.25 w x 1 thick Original vintage See all images for condition
Teak
Vintage Cast Iron Warming Stand, Scandinavian Folk Design, 1960s
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
This vintage cast iron warming stand from the 1960s is a charming example of Scandinavian folk-inspired design. Finished in black cast iron, it features beautifully ornamented decora...
Iron
1970s Vintage Flatware Set in Stainless Steel and Turned Wood — 36 Pieces
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
Elegant vintage flatware set from the 1970s, comprising: 9 small spoons 9 tablespoons 9 forks 9 serrated knives Each piece features a beautifully tu...
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice o...
Teak
Large Digsmed Teak Cutting Board Serving Tray Danmark Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A vintage Digsmed Danmark (Denmark) teak tray with a slope to the main area of the tray. This tray has two notches and is meant to be hung as a decoration. It shows no evidence of use.
Teak
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Staved Teak Lidded Butter Box / Container by Sigvard Nilsson for Sowe Konst
By Sowe Konst, Sigvard NIlsson
Located in San Diego, CA
A pristine staved teak lidded butter box / container by Sigvard Nilsson for Sowe Konst, circa 1960s. The box is super rare and measures 8.635"W x 3.625"D x ...
Teak
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Salad Serving Set by Nissen, Denmark, circa 1960s
By Nissen
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted Mid-Century Modern salad serving set by Nissen, Denmark, executed in richly grained teak. This sculptural two-piece set features a classic Danish modern silhoue...
Teak
Swedish Turned Platter 'Sovelfat' ca 1820
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Turned Platter 'Sovelfat' ca 1820 Smooth patina, has owner marks. Made out of birch wood. Heigth: 2 cm/0.7 inch Diameter: 29.5 cm/11.6 inch
Birch
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Blue & White Enamel Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of Danish modern blue & white enamel bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowls are in very good vintage condition with no chips to the enamel and me...
Enamel
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Tray in Wengé by Jens Quistgaard, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark, exemplifies the Danish designer’s commitment to combining refined form with everyday functional...
Wenge
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Casserole in stoneware, Silja model, 1960s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Casserole, Silja model, 1960s. Decorated with Westman’s iconic retro floral motif in blue and pink on a white ground. Made in Rörstrand’s heat-resista...
Stoneware
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Ovenproof bowl and dish, Silja model, 1960s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Ovenproof bowl and dish, Silja model, 1960s. Decorated with Westman’s signature retro floral motif in blue and pink on a white ground. The Silja serie...
Stoneware