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.
$1,872Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Helena Tynell Red Glass Pendant Light, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Helena Tynell Midcentury Modern Red Glass Pendant Lamp for Flygsfors. Sweden, 1960s. Designed by Helena Tynell and Manufactured by Flygsfors, ...
Brass
$880Sale Price|41% Off
Vintage Brass and Glass Oil Lamp Designed by Hans Agne, Jakobsson Ab, Markaryd
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage oil lamp by Swedish architect / industrial designer Hans - Agne Jakobsson. The lamp was initially designed in the 1960s and manufactured by...
Brass
$912Sale Price|20% Off
L/101 Oil Lamp in Brass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Scandinavian L/101 Oil- or Petroleum Light in brass. A nice example of Jakobsson's L-101 Model Oil Lamp with its original dark yellow/ochre glass shade. The manufacturer's sticker i...
Brass
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
Joseph Simon Earthcolored Stoneware Lantern Pendant, Denmark, 1960s
By Søholm Stentøj, Joseph Simon
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern round cream glazed lantern / pendant with brown glazed circular perforations. Manufactured on the Danish island of Bornholm by Joseph Simon for Søholm Stent...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Iron and Glass Chandelier by Erik Hoglund for Boda Smide
By Boda Smide AB, Erik Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A are, Scandinavian Modern chandelier in wrought steel structure designed by Erik Hoglund (Höglund) and executed by Boda Nova Glassworks / Axel Stromberg Ironworks, Sweden, 1971. I...
Wrought Iron
1950s Swedish Brass Framed Lantern with Plexi Rosettes
Located in Hanover, MA
A 1950s lantern pendant from Sweden in tapered round cage form, constructed from brass hoops and straps, onto which is screwed a series acrylic crystal rosettes. A single bulb is ins...
Brass
Brass Candleholder Model L-67 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Brass candleholder with 3 green lanterns by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by the designer own company in Markaryd, Sweden, in the 1950's and in a very good vintage conditio...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pendant Lamp Doo-Wop Chrome by Louis Poulsen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian pendant lamp Doo-Wop chrome by Louis Poulsen. Original edition. Originally introduced in the 1950s. Was designed in close cooperation between the Navy...
Aluminum
Set of Three Midcentury Wall Lamps from ASEA, Sweden, 1950s
By ASEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three very cool wall lights from ASEA, made from metal with white lacquer. Industrial look with accentuated joinery on the necks.
Brass
Forged Iron Lantern, Atrrb. Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Lantern, attributed to Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, 1930s. Forged iron frame, colored glass shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Iron
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Hanging Purple Pineapple Pendant Lamp with Teak Lyfa Folsgaard Danish
By Louis Poulsen, Lyfa
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Danish hanging lamp, unknown maker and designer. No plug, no canopy.
Steel
Børge Wernonch, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A red-glazed stoneware and white fabric table lamp designed by Architect Børge Wernonch for Afta, Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13"H x 5"W x 5"D Dimensions of Sha...
Stoneware
Vintage Mid-Century Brass Table Lamp by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing brass table lamp in a brutalist design by Pierre Forssell. With this design Pierre Forssell presented a whole new way of using brass in lighting and decorative objects. Execu...
Brass
Hans Agne Jakobssen for AB Markaryd New Old Stock Hanging Pendant Light, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare 'New Old Stock' Scandinavian Modern hanging pendant ceiling light / lamp designed by Hans-Agne Jakobssen for AB Markaryd of Sweden w...
Metal, Aluminum, Brass
Hans Agne Jakobsson Markaryd Candle Lantern Tealight Brass Glass White Lamp
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Adorable and very rare candle holder, L163 candle holder by Hans-Agne Jakobsson Markaryd from the 1950s. The base is in white glass with a brass candle holder. The lampshade is in ...
Brass
$1,200Sale Price|40% Off
Danish Modern Pendant Lamp Post and Beam Kitchen Midcentury Cabin Geometric
By Preben Dahl, Hans Følsgaard A/s
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Preben Dahl Symfoni Scandinavian geometry, enameled steel hanging lamp.
Steel
Glass and Brass Lantern Modell L27 by Hans Agne Jakobsson
Located in New York, NY
Large Glass and Brass Lantern Modell L27 by Hans Agne Jakobsson. Produced by the designer own company in Markaryd, Sweden, around the 1950's and in a very good vintage condition. The...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Ceramics Pendants in Earth Colored Glazing, 1960s, Denmark
By Søholm Stentøj, Noomi Backhausen
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning pair of handmade ceramics "Bell" pendants in earth colored glazing and rope. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. The pendants can be height adjusted via the canopy. In the style o...
Ceramic
$1,368 / set
Scandinavian Brass Lantern Candle Holders
Located in London, GB
Set of three brass lantern candle holders with tinted glass diffusers, Scandinavian Modern 1960's. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor us...
Brass
1960s Architectural Jaktstuga Pinewood Chalet Table Lamps Hans-Agne Jakobsson
By Ellysett, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A pair of 1960s wooden bedroom table lamps designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Ellysett, Markaryd, Sweden. Executed in fine pine strips and turned pine bases. Very de...
Pine
$520Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Nordic Ceramic Tealight & Plant Hanger Pendant, c.1960s
Located in Skien, NO
**Nordic / Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Multi-Functional Tealight Holder & Plant Hanger – Designed by Ragnar Kjartansson for Glit HF Pottery, ca. 1960s** ...
Brass, Copper
Hanging Lantern in Brass by Pierre Forsell, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Hanging Lantern in Brass by Pierre Forsell, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Skultuna in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 7 ...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Lucite and Brass Pendant by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd
By Markyard, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern polished brass pendant with five-Lucite panels featuring a "cut-out" center design. Designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Markaryd. Newly electrified with one stand...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pendant Lamp in Opal Glass
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian pendant lamp in opal glass.
Opaline Glass
French Pendant Light or Lantern in Rattan, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
French Modernist Rattan Pagoda Pendant Lamp or Lantern. France, 1950s. This eye-catching rattan chandelier features a pagoda shape rattan hanging lamp with oriental inspired design. The lampshade is made of an intricate of rattan canes and it hangs from a chain made of round rattan links. Topped by a wooden canopy. It has been carefully restored and newly wired with beige twisted cotton cloth electrical wire and an E27 bulb holder. It will be a nice addition hanging over a kitchen's table or dining area. Perfect for a beach house, countryside house or urban appartment. Overall Measurements (including the chain and the canopy): 84 cm H x 37 cm diameter Body of the lamp: 28 cm H x 37 cm diameter This ceiling lamp is from the period described. It has been carefully restored with traditional methods to preserve its original patina. Rattan Pendant Lamp // Coastal Pendant // Rattan Suspension Light...
Bamboo, Wicker, Cane, Rattan
Brass Lantern with Faceted Glass, circa 1960
By Emil Stejnar, Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Gio Ponti
Located in Vienna, AT
Lyrical mid-century brass lantern with faceted glass. Very intricate design with a solid hexagonal brass structure, which is partially enameled in white, and six faceted glass elemen...
Brass
Erik Höglund and Kosta Boda Chandelier, 1960
By Erik Höglund
Located in Brussels, BE
Erik Höglund ans Kosta Boda (Sweden, 1932-1998) a chandelier for 12 candles, Sweden, 1960-70s. Wrought iron, cast and blown clear glass, height without links ca 95 cm, diameter ca 4...
Wrought Iron
$2,200
H 23.63 in Dm 17.72 in
Erik Höglund for Boda Smide, Iron & Glass Chandelier, Sweden, Circa 1965
By Erik Höglund
Located in London, GB
A striking mid-century chandelier designed by renowned Swedish artist Erik Höglund for Boda Smide, circa 1965. Crafted from black-lacquered iron, this sculptural piece features six a...
Iron
$3,457
H 33 in Dm 9 in
Fontana Arte Style Blown Glass Brass Thee-Light Lantern or Pendant, Italy, 1950s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A gilt brass and blown smoked glass Fontara Arte style pendant or lantern with a central three-bulb candelabra cluster, Italy, 1950s. It takes three Edison E14 bulbs. Dimensions: O...
Brass
Modernist 1950s Italian Red Lantern, Milk Glass & Brass
By Arredoluce, Stilnovo
Located in NUEMBRECHT, NRW
This unusual midcentury pendant was designed and manufactured in Italy in the 1950s. It features a red crinkle lacquered shade, a white milk glass striped lamp shade and brass hardwa...
Brass, Metal
Erik Hoglund Hanging Candelabrum / Candelabra / Chandelier. Blown Glass, Iron
By Boda, Erik Höglund
Located in Kansas City, MO
Erik / Eric Hoglund hanging candelabra / candelabrum / pendent / chandelier. Blown glass and wrought iron. Includes four original drop down extensions. This is an excellent example o...
Wrought Iron
Amber Bubble Glass Pendant Lamp by Helena Tynell, 1960
By Helena Tynell, Glashütte Limburg
Located in Rijssen, NL
A beautiful bubble glass chandelier or pendant lights designed by Helena Tynell for Glashütte Limburg. A design Classic, the hand blown glass gives a wonderful warm glow. The dimens...
Glass
$3,750 / set
H 9.06 in W 7.88 in D 5.91 in
Hans-Agne Jakobsson "V-149" Set of 3 Wall Sconces for AB Markaryd, Sweden 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Utrecht, NL
While Hans-Agne Jakobsson designed and produced various types of furniture, his lighting received greater international attention, not without a good reason. As these “V-149” wall sc...
Brass
$2,108Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.65 in Dm 16.15 in
Rope Large Bell Pendant Light Hanging Lamp / Lantern, Spain, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching umbrella bell shaped rope pendant light with scalloped bottom, Spain, 1960s This midcentury suspension lamp features an umbrel...
Rattan, Rope, Jute
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ceiling Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceiling lamp designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden.
Brass
Midcentury Stilnovo Lantern Brass & Red Lacquered Shade, 1950s, Italy
By Stilnovo
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern lantern manufactured by Stilnovo in 1950s. This lamp is a striking appearance in any room. Due to the sublime combination of opal glass, brass and red wrinkle lacquered shade...
Opal, Brass
Sold
H 16.15 in Dm 6.3 in
Vintage 1950s Hans-Agne Jakobsson Oil Lamp Model L-47 Vintage Brass Amber Glass
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A nice warm, unrestored, and unpolished piece of old world Scandinavian decor for your interior. A rare kerosene or oil table lamp, model L-47 designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jako...
Brass
Sold
H 11.23 in Dm 6.7 in
Set of 3 candle-lights in Brass, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Set of 3 elegant Scandinavian L102/32 Candle Lights in brass and glass. Nice examples of Hans-Agne Jakobsson's Candle Lanterns with their dark yellow/ochre mouth-blown glass shades....
Brass
Sold
H 7.88 in Dm 18.51 in
Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm Pendant, Nordisk Solar, Danish Modern, 1963
By Nordisk Solar Co., Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Odense, DK
Marvellous pendant in copper by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm. Designed for and produced by Nordisk Solar in 1963. Model 376.Overall, this Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm Pen...
Copper
Brass Candleholder Model L-67 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful brass candleholder with 3 pale smokey glas lanterns by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by the designer own company in Markaryd, Sweden, in the 1950's and in a very good vinta...
Brass
Bent Karlby 12 Brass Glass Kina Pendant Lamp Lyfa Denmark
By Lyfa, Bent Karlby
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Bent Karlby is widely regarded today as one of Denmark’s most productive and versatile lighting designers of the 20th century. He started his collaboration with LYFA in the 1940s, wh...
Brass, Aluminum
Vintage Scandinavian Two Layered Ceiling Pendant
Located in Westport, CT
Scandinavian Modern greige glasssphere shaped pendant with interior ribbed cone-shaped glass in clear and gold. Attributed Designer: Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Newly wired por...
Blown Glass
Pierre Forsell Hanging Lantern Produced by Skultuna in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare hanging lantern in brass designed by Pierre Forsell. Produced by Skultuna in Sweden.
Brass
Sold
H 16.15 in W 4.14 in D 14.57 in
Pair of Wall Lamps by Bertil Brisborg for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s
By Bertil Brisborg, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of elegant brass wall lamps by Bertil Brisborg. Clean design with streamlined shades and slender stems.
Brass
Danish Suspension Chandelier, 1960s, Colored Glass and Teak
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare colourful Danish glass and teak chandelier by Holmegaard, 1960s. Three blown glass cones of different color are suspended from a 'floating' teak bar. Each cone has one E27 socke...
Blown Glass, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Lantern Shaped Pendant Fixture in Black and Copper
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This vintage original pendant fixture is shaped like a lantern, the patinated copper plated interior emits a warm glow from within. The fixture has been updated with North American s...
Metal, Copper
Pair of Brass Table Lamps by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden
By Pierre Forssell, Skultuna, Pierre Forsell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing pair of brass table lamps in a Brutalist design by Pierre Forssell. With this design Pierre Forssell presented a whole new way of using brass in lighting and decorative objec...
Brass
Ceiling Lamp, Model A203, Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finland, 1940s. Lacquered metal and brass. Measures: H 160 cm / 5' 3" W 68 cm / 2' 2 3/4" D 29 cm / 11 1/4" Provenance: From Stora Enson's head office in Helsinki, designed ...
Metal