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.
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
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
Vintage Mid-Century Brass Table Lamp by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
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
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
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
Hans Agne Jakobssen for AB Markaryd New Old Stock Hanging Pendant Light, 1960s
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
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
Swedish 1970s Glass Candle Holder in Clear & Burgundy by Göran Wärff for Kosta
Located in Örebro, SE
A Swedish Modern lantern in clear and burgundy colored glass, with the upper and lower thirds executed in transparent glass and the central section in the burgundy tone. The contras...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Scandinavian Modern Iron and Glass Chandelier by Erik Hoglund for Boda Smide
By Erik Höglund, Boda Smide AB
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
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
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
$561Sale Price|60% Off
Joseph Simon Cream Glazed Lantern Pendant, Danish Design, 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
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
$889Sale Price|20% Off
L/101 Oil Lamp in Brass by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
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
Hans Agne Jakobsson Markaryd Candle Lantern Tealight Brass Glass White Lamp
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
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
$1,400Sale 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
Set of Three Midcentury Wall Lamps from ASEA, Sweden, 1950s
By ASEA
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of three very cool wall lights from ASEA, made from metal with white lacquer. Industrial look with accentuated joinery on the necks.
Brass
Set of 4 Oil Lamps in Brass by Ilse D. Ammonsen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
These kerosene lamps, designed by Ilse D. Ammonsen and produced by Daproma Design in Denmark during the 1950s, are exemplary of Scandinavian mid-century design’s focus on precision, ...
Brass
$1,200Sale Price|40% Off
Danish Modern Pendant Lamp Post and Beam Kitchen Midcentury Cabin Geometric
By Hans Følsgaard A/s, Preben Dahl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Preben Dahl Symfoni Scandinavian geometry, enameled steel hanging lamp.
Steel
$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
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
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pendant Lamp in Opal Glass
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian pendant lamp in opal glass.
Opaline Glass
$4,565 / item
H 23.63 in W 24.02 in D 5.12 in
Modern Two Portable Table Lamp, Marble Brass, Handmade in Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Two Portable Table Lamp, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Two portable table lamp redefines the concepts of functionality and inno...
Marble, Statuary Marble, Brass, Stainless Steel
Swedish Mid-Century Table Lamp in Brass and Wood by Boréns
By Boréns Borås
Located in Karlstad, SE
A sculptural Swedish modern table lamp with a clean and architectural expression. The cylindrical shade and circular base are executed in brushed brass, contrasted by a slender stem ...
Brass
$4,259 / set
H 32 in Dm 8 in
Pair of Italian Murano Glass Pendants in Pearl Optic Brass Mounted, 1960s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
An elegant pair of Murano glass globe pendants in pearl optic, brass mounts, chain and canopy, Italy, 1960s. These beautiful and rare pendants look really like a big pearl hanging fr...
Brass
$3,500 / set
H 11 in W 6.5 in D 6.5 in
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
$2,242Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.65 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Large Rattan Pendant Hanging Light / Lantern, 1960s
Located in Barcelona, ES
A cool handcrafted rattan large ceiling pendant hanging light with chinoiserie accents, Spain, 1960s. This large lantern has an eye-catching design featuring a semi-spherical rattan ...
Wicker, Rattan, Paper
Pendant Lamp by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Ab Markaryd Sweden, 1960s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Berlin, DE
Pendant lamp in opaline glass with a softly rounded shade suspended from a teak finial and dark metal fitting. The form narrows at the neck and opens into a smaller lower diffuser, c...
Opaline Glass, Teak
$1,029Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 18.9 in Dm 10.24 in
Scandinavian Table Lamps by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, DE
These table lamps were designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s and manufactured by Hans Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden. It comprises a white lacquered base with original ...
Brass, Steel
Table Lamp by Pierre Forsell for Skultuna, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare table lamp designed by Pierre Forsell. Produced by Skultuna in Sweden.
Brass
Helena Tynell, Pendant Lights, Brass, Glass, Germany, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and glass pendant lights designed by Helena Tynell and produced by Glashütte Limburg, Germany, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Replaced sockets. Overal...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Pendant, Finland, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern pendant, manufactured in Finland, 1960s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
Pierre Sindre 'Visir' Portable Brass and Glass Table Lamp for Örsjö
Located in Glendale, CA
Pierre Sindre 'Visir' portable brass and glass table lamp for Örsjö. Designed by Scandinavian creator Pierre Sindre, the 'Visir' portable table lamp is ...
Metal, Brass
Set of Six Pierre Forssell Wall Lights
Located in New York, NY
A great set of 1950s "Pendulum" Swedish brass sconces by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna. Rewired. Matching ball screws for the electrical box. No need for pictured nail once ...
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
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
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 Bent Karlby, Lyfa
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 Östermalm, Stockholms län
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 Östermalm, Stockholms län
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