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Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

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 

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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Italian Brass Floor Lamp was conical adjustable by Stilnovo 1950.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Exceptional Italian floor lamp. The light is encompassed by a cylindrical brass barrel above and a reflector, with an inlaid briar leaf, below. V-shaped base with curved rods decorat...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grey Brass Metal Floor Lamp Denmark, circa 1950
Located in Vienna, AT
The Scandinavian Modern era stands for reduced forms and shapes. This presented floor lamp shows these great attitudes. Additionally the floor lamp combines elegance and coolness. Also the floor lamp was made of a grey lacquered cast iron trumpet base, a brass stem and a grey lacquered aluminum lamp...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass

Floor Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cast iron, brass, lacquered metal and leather. Rare model. Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture, lighting, and glassware,...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal, Iron

Swedish 'Bumling' Floor Lamp by Anders Pehrson
Located in London, GB
The ‘Bumling’ lamp by Anders Pehrson has been produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Sweden since 1968. This version of the design icon is striking for its bold col...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Metal

Floor Lamp in Brass and Fabric Attributed to Hans Bergström, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Floor Lamp in Brass and Fabric Attributed to Hans Bergström, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass and fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by ASEA in Sweden Di...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Iron and Glass Floor or Table Lamps by Holm Sorensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of tall black wrought iron and glass floor or table lamps. Various pieces of thick green and blue glass in geometric shapes framed in black wrought iron and suspended on squar...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Wrought Iron

PH 3½/2½ Floor Lamp Made In Chrome By Poul Henningsen For Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
The PH3½/2½ floor lamp, a distinguished member of the esteemed 3/2 Family, represents Poul Henningsen's legacy of exquisite lighting design. Collaboratively crafted with precision by...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Opaline Glass

Matin Floor Lamp, Lavender by Inga Sempé for Hay
By HAY
Located in Dubai, AE
The Matin Floor Lamp offers a contemporary yet poetic design, with a construction that combines visual delicacy with physical robustness. The flat-packed design consists of a slend...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Steel

Floor Lamp Produced by Stilarmatur in Tranås, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and heavy floor lamp in brass by unknown designer. Produced by Stilarmatur in Tranås, Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Height Adjustable Uplights/Floor Lamps Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of height adjustable uplights/floor lamps. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Danish Curved Brass Floor Lamp, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This eccentric mid-century floor lamp combines a classical shape reimagined with carefully thought out proportions and Danish craftsmanship. The tube’s geometric construction defines this model, making it a one-of-a-kind model. Being a mid-century Danish-made design, this floor lamp features numerous functional elements, including an adjustable head secured by a brass ball joint, adjustable neck and a tapered empire lampshade...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Pair of Carl-Axel Acking floor lamps, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite pair of floor lamps, model 2645, was designed by renowned Swedish architect and designer Carl-Axel Acking. Manufactured by Bröderna Malmströms in Malmö, Sweden, these ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern floor lamps for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern floor lamps for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage floor lamps created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern floor lamps made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original floor lamps, popular names associated with this style include Bergboms, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Louis Poulsen, and Gubi. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for floor lamps differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $233 and tops out at $102,660 while the average work can sell for $3,809.

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