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.
Odin Pattern Stainless Steel Flatware Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
A 42 piece set of "Odin" stainless steel flatware designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark for Dansk. Designed in Denmark, produced in Germany, circa 1960s. Each piece is signed. The s...
Stainless Steel
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
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
Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A 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 and marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund w...
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
Large handcrafted candleholder by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted candleholder made my Norwegian ceramic artist Jossolini, aka Johanne Birkeland. Jossolini is known for her unique statement pieces, that holds a strong presence in the r...
Ceramic
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
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 9 -...
Ceramic, Stoneware
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Brown Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1969
By Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1969. Great condition. Signed Thell '69. Claes Thell is a Swedish cera...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Black Ceramic Vase - Carl-Harry Stålhane - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black vase designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The vase is 10.5 cm (4.2") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Carl-Harry Stålhane is one...
Ceramic
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn. Bed tray with botanical motif. Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Josef Frank (1885–1967) for Svenskt Tenn Bed tray with botanical motif. Rectangular bed tray with wooden frame and metal legs. The tray decorated with Josef Frank’s characteristic b...
Metal
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
Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia Finland Perho Pitcher Butterfly 1960s
By Arabia of Finland, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage ceramic pitcher features a minimal rounded form with tone-on-tone blue butterfly decor. Perho (Butterfly) is one of the most successful Arabia series, created from 1958 to mi...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Isak Isaksson Green Ceramic Vase - Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 10 cm (4") high and about 11 cm (4.4") in diameter and it is in excellent condition. This is a ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Isak Isaksson - Black & Red Ceramic Vase Crystalline Glaze Contemporary Artist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely black and red ceramic vase with a crystalline glaze designed by Isak Isaksson in Sweden. The vase is 18.5 cm (7.4") tall and about 15 cm (6") wide and it is in excellent con...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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 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
Black Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Roger Nilsson, Höganäs, Sweden, 1987.
By Henning Nilsson, Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Roger Nilsson, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1987. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Sign...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
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
$275Sale Price|20% Off
Teapot, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Mid-Century Modern Vintage
By Bo Fajans
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning teapot designed at Bo Fajans in Gefle, Sweden and of the model "Lilly" that is super rare to find today. The teapot is 15.5 cm (6.2") high and about 23,5 cm (9.4") long. I...
Porcelain
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 6 Georg Jensen Etched Glasses, Partridge in a Pear Tree, Danish Modern
By Georg Jensen
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage Georg Jensen set of 6 stemmed glasses features etched decor of "Partridge in Pear Tree", an abstract bird perched on top of a fruit tree, on clear glass background. Minimall...
Glass
Vintage Holmegaard Glass Beer Mugs by Michael Bang, 1970s
By Holmegaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare set of unused Beer Mugs in handblown clear glass. Its a variation of Michael Bangs Globetrotter made prior to 1973. The set was made at Holmegaard in Denmark. Measurements: H:...
Blown Glass
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
Bar Knife Bottle Opener Dansk Jens Quistgaard.Scandinavian Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage bar knife bottle opener by Dansk, Design by Jens Quistgaard. Stainless steel and teak wood. Easy ducks, made in Germany. Dimensions: 9.38" Long x...
Stainless Steel
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
$199Sale Price|58% Off
Danish Modernist Holmegaard Tundra Art Glass Bowl, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mouthblown Danish Modern clear crystal art glass bowl with wavy, organic umber accent lines as added by paint brush inside the glass. Designed by Michael Bang in 1976-78 for Danish H...
Crystal
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
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
Unique Stoneware Platter by Birger Kaipiainen for Arabia, Finland, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking unique stoneware platter by Birger Kaipiainen. Beautiful composition with silvery apples on a white background, as well as black currant berries and blue grapes in relief. ...
Ceramic
$199Sale Price|69% Off
Organic Modern Stoneware Pitcher, Denmark, 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...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Clay, Pottery
Scandinavian Modern Wine or Bottle Coasters in Brass, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish pair or bottle coasters for wine, spirits or water. Fashioned from solid brass and with a practical base in clear glass. Unknown Scandinavian maker/designer in the style of...
Brass
Torsten Johansson Swedish Bentwood Modular Wine Rack, 1960s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Torsten Johansson Swedish Rosewood Modular Wine Rack, 1960s A sculptural and architecturally expressive Swedish Modern wine rack by Torsten Johansson (1917–1996), executed in bent r...
Wood, Birch, Plywood
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
Jens H. Quistgaard Dual Pepper - Salt Mill & Shaker in Teak, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Jens Harald Quistgaard design for his own company International Designs of Denmark. This stylish yet versatile dual combination salt & pepper shaker is made from solid teak. Makers...
Teak
$260Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Furnivals England Cups & Saucers Red Denmark Pattern
By Furnivals
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Set of vintage 4 tea or coffee cups and 4 saucers is decorated in the Denmark pattern in the unusual red or pink colorway. Usually the Denmark pattern is synonymous with blue and whi...
Ceramic, Pottery
Celadon Green Earthenware Bowl & Plates, Nittsjö, Sweden, 1960s
By Jerk Werkmaster, Nittsjo, Nittsjo Keramik
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This collection comprises an elegant ensemble from Nittsjö, featuring exquisite celadon green dishes with a classic structure. Each element, from the grandeur of the large bowl to th...
Earthenware
Round Koka platter by Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand Sweden
Located in BELFORT, FR
Koka round platter by Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand Sweden, manufactured in the 1960's. Slight wear due to its age and use, no chip, no crack. Measurements : diameter 17, 5 cm, ...
Ceramic
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Rare Pepper Shaker by BR Denmark in Wenge Wood
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid wenge wood peppermill Shaker, circa 1950s with brass tip and metal mechanism, nice original condition.
Metal, Brass
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Set of eight "Solöga" (Sun Eye) plates.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand, Sweden. A set of eight "Solöga" (Sun Eye) plates in earthenware. From the 1960s. Marked. Perfect condition. Appears unused. First fact...
Earthenware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Swedish Ceramist Claes Thell, 1977
By Claes Thell
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Made by Claes Thell, in the artist's studio, Höganäs, Sweden, 1977. Excellent condition. Signed Thell '77. Claes Thell is a Swedish ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Scandinavian Modern Berndt Friberg Blue Stoneware Vase, Gustavsberg
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely blue vase designed by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg in Stockholm, the vase is 16.5 cm high with a lovely harfur glase. It ´s marked as on picture and was made in 1958. It is...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$3,561 / set
Ewald Dahlskog, Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
1930s ceramic vases by Ewald Dahlskog for Bo Fajans, Gefle.
Ceramic
Set of Eight Hand-Crafted Holmegaard Smoked Glass Goblets, 1970s
By Holmegaard
Located in New York, NY
Set of 8 smoked glass drinking vessels by Holmegaard. A great addition to any bar or table setting. Glasses are very versatile and ould be used fo...
Blown Glass
Scandinavian Modern Serving Tray in Teak, Karl Holmberg I Götene, ca 1960s
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern serving tray in teak, Karl Holmberg i Götene, ca 1950-60s. Wear and patina consistent with age and use. Light water ring marks, as seen on the last picture. Scuf...
Teak
Royal Copenhagen Model 1177 Classic Blue Fluted Bowl.
Located in Lejre, DK
This bowl is model 1177, which features the traditional, hand-painted blue design. The pattern is very characteristic of Royal Copenhagen’s blue-painted porcelain, known as "Blue Flu...
Porcelain
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Five deep "Solöga" (Sun Eye) dinner plates.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand, Sweden. A set of five deep "Solöga" (Sun Eye) dinner plates in earthenware. From the 1960s. Marked. Perfect condition. Appears unused....
Earthenware
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
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design Denmark, 1960's three pairs available - sold separately some small imperfections in the finish "Stylish ...
Stainless Steel
Carl Harry Stålhane '1920-1990' for Rörstrand. Four Deep Solöga Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Carl Harry Stålhane (1920-1990) for Rörstrand. Four deep Solöga plates in hand-painted and glazed stoneware. 1960s / 70s. Measures: 20.5 x 4.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stam...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Unique Handmade Stoneware Jug by Saxbo, Denmark, 1930s
By Saxbo
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful spherical stoneware jug with handle and small spout made at Saxbo in Herlev, Denmark (1930/40s). Made from hand-thrown stoneware glazed in blackish “Iron” glaze. Stamped wi...
Stoneware
Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Sylvia Leuchovius
Located in Goteborg, SE
Decorative tray by the Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius. (1915-2003). Leuchovius was one of Rörstrands most prolific artists for almost 30 years. This tray is a typical example of he...
Ceramic
Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Tongs, Finland, 1950's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tapio Wirkkala Crystal Ice Bucket with Clasp, Finland, 1950's, original tongs
Crystal
Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Scandinavian Modern, Kosta Boda, Sweden
By Kjell Engman
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Vintage Art Glass Carafe by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda, Sweden, late 1990s. Striking Scandinavian design meets vibrant artistry in this handcrafted art glass carafe by Kjell Engman ...
Art Glass
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 17.5 cm (7") tall and about 17 cm (5.8") wide and it is in excellent condition. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ilmari Tapiovaara teak cutting board or serving tray for Artek, Finland, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A beautiful cutting board or serving tray, crafted from solid teak and featuring a relief pattern of a tree branch. Designed in the 1960s by Finnish architect Ilmari Tapiovaara for A...
Teak
Art Glass Vase, Bertil Vallien, Kosta Boda, Sweden, circa 1970
Located in Chappaqua, NY
Art Glass Vase, Bertil Vallien, Kosta Boda, Sweden, circa 1970. Frosted hand-blown glass with bright blue applied abstract design, Galaxy series. Signed on bottom. Bertil Vallien (b....
Art Glass
Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six-person dinner set. 30 pieces
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sigvard Bernadotte "Scanline" brass flatware. Six-person dinnerware set consisting of six dinner forks, six dinner knives, six tablespoons, six coffee s...
Brass
Blue Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24,5 cm (9.8) high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze and marked as 1...
Ceramic