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.
Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen 'PH 4.5/3' Patinated Copper Wall Lights
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen, wall lamps, model ‘PH 4½/3’, copper, Denmark, 1950s These copper wall lamps feature Poul Henningsen’s celebrated three shade system, developed in ...
Copper
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Rare Pair of '7227' Wall Lights
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, wall lights, model '7227', nickel-plated brass, glass, Finland, ca. 1935 Dating from circa 1935, this elegant pair of wall lamps by Paavo Tynell reflects ...
Brass, Nickel
Hans Bergström for Atelje Lyktan Pendants in Patinated Copper
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, ceiling lights, patinated copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed these wonderful pendants in the 1940s. For the material, B...
Copper
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Rare Double Wall Lamps in Patinated Copper
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, wall lamps, patinated copper, Sweden, 1940s These wall lamps with double shades are a rare variation on Hans Bergström’s model 1006A for Ateljé Lyk...
Copper
Josef Frank, Pair of Wall Lamps in Brass, Svenskt Tenn Model 2389, Sweden, 1950s
By Svenskt Tenn, Just Andersen, Josef Frank, Nils Fougstedt, Estrid Ericson
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of elegant, mid-century, solid brass, wall sconces / lights / uplights / lamps with amazing patina. Designed by Josef Frank (model 2398) and made by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Stock...
Brass
1950s Finnish Adjustable Wall Light in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall light, brass, Finland, 1950s A charming 1950s wall lamp from Finland, reflecting the refined craftsmanship and poetic sensibility of Finnish mid-century lighting. Crafted in b...
Brass
$7,600 / item
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'V236' Wall Lights in Copper
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall lights model 'V236', copper, lacquered copper, Sweden, 1960s These wall lights by Hans-Agne Jakobsson feature angula...
Copper
Huge Carl Fagerlund Vintage Pair of Glass Wall Sconces, Orrefors in Sweden, 1960
By Lyfa, Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A pair of huge wall sconces by the Swedish designer Carl Fagerlund. They are manufactured by the Danish Lamp Company Lyfa and by Swedish Orrefors in the 1960s. The sconces are made ...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall lights ‘Tratten’, copper, Sweden, 1950s Hans-Agne Jakobsson designed this wall light 'Tratten', which is crafted fro...
Copper
Scandinavian Modern Wooden Slat Wall Light, Valinte Oy, 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern wooden slat wall light, manufactured by Valinte Oy, 1950s. Original wooden shade. Marked. Good original condition, consistent with age and use.
Wood
Scandinavian Wall Light in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall light, copper, Scandinavia, 1960s A stunning and well-executed wall light of the 1960s made in Scandinavia. The manufacturer used copper for this specific design that obtained ...
Copper
Hand Crafted Short Wall Light Sconce with Solitaire 01 Shade, Ø34cm/13.4in
By Naomi Paul
Located in London, London
SIMPLE SHADE collection is the essence of a shade. One simple design with transformative properties in singular and multiple forms. Using Japanese philosophy to mindfully design spac...
Brass
Pair of "Fringe" Wall Lamps by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of “Fringe” wall lamps by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, model v-271. Made from brass. Drapes of dark green silk textile suspended in layers from the shades. Cozy mood light.
Brass
$370 / set
Pair of Pinewood Wall Lamps, 1970's
Located in Bern, BE
Pair of matchingg 1970's Pinewood Wall Lamps with fabric shades. Set on a solid wood wall mount and arm. Cream fabric shades with a dark gold twirl design. Creates a lovely diffused ...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
$2,400 / item
Large Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Falkenbergs Belysning, large wall lamps, patinated copper, coated steel, Sweden, 1960s Grand Swedish wall lights in patinated copper. The cylindric shade directs the light downwards...
Copper, Steel
Einar Bäckström, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and brown ,cream fabric wall light designed and produced by Einar Bäckström, Malmö, Sweden, 1940s. In vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light...
Brass
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan '1040/1070-U' Wall Lights in Copper
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Atelje Lyktan, wall lights, model 1040/1070-U, copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. Executed in copper, th...
Copper
Scandinavian Minimalist White Dual Bathroom Lamp by Sigvard Bernadotte for Ifö
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A dual Wall lamp suitable as bathroom or outdoor lighting. Designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte for the swedish company Ifö during the 1960s. Cream white glazed porcelain mount with...
Porcelain, Glass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall lights, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This ...
Copper
Elegant Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy '9445' Wall Light in Brass
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, wall light, model '9445', brass, etched glass, Finland, 1940s. Among the rarer lighting designs created by Paavo Tynell, this model 9445 wall light beauti...
Brass
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan 'King' Wall Lights in Copper and Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan, 'King' wall lights, copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1973 There’s something quietly witty about this design by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan: a lam...
Copper
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Wall Lamps by Aneta, Sweden, 1970s
By Aneta
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Swedish Modern pine wood wall lamps made by Aneta in the 1970s. * Set of (2) pine wood wall lamps with white opaline glass shades * Manufacturer: Aneta, Sweden * Period: 1970...
Glass, Wood, Pine
Wall sconces, a pair vintage 1990s Scandinavian Ikea wall lights "Lod"
By IKEA
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Pair of Vintage “Lod” Wall Sconces by IKEA, 1990s — Rare Cobalt Blue Finish A matching pair of vintage “Lod” wall sconces, produced by IKEA in the 1990s and finished in an elegant p...
Metal, Aluminum
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan 'Knight' Wall Light in Copper and Blown Glass
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, 'Knight' wall light, variation on model '1012' copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1940s This rare wall light designed by Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan...
Copper
Homann & Kjær for Louis Poulson Wall Lamps ‘Nyhavn’ in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alfred Homann & Ole V. Kjær for Louis Poulsen, wall lamps model ‘Nyhavn’, copper, Denmark, design 1976 The ‘Nyhavn’ wall lamp by Alfred Homann and Ole V. Kjær was designed in 19...
Copper
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy AB, 1930/1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of wall lights, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy AB, 1930/1940s. Nickeled brass frame, renewed wooden slat shade. Glass anti-glare cover. Marked. Good vintage condi...
Brass, Nickel
Rare Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Pair of '9405' Wall Lights in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pair of wall lights, model ‘9405’, brass, glass, Finland, 1940s A Rare Model from the 94 Series Among the rarer lighting designs created by Paavo Tyne...
Brass
Harald Notini, pair of wall lamps model "8596" for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
These Model 8596 wall lamps, designed by Harald Notini (1879–1959) for Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, are an elegant expression of the softer, more organic direction of Swedish Modern l...
Brass, Iron
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan Bumling Utomhus Pair of Wall Lights in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Atelje Lyktan, pair of 'Bumling Utomhus' wall lights, copper, metal, Sweden, 1968. This 'Bumling' wall lamp is designed by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan. The c...
Copper
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Wall Light in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Atelje Lyktan, wall light, model '1040', copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. As for the material Bergstr...
Copper
Pair of Vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson Adjustable Brass Scones C2796/1 Sweden 1970s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markyard
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson Swedish modern wall lamps / Scones model C 2796/1 by Markyrad from the 1970s, crafted in solid brass with hard plastic wall brackets. These scu...
Brass
$2,400 / item
Large Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Falkenbergs Belysning, large wall lamps, patinated copper, coated steel, Sweden, 1960s Grand Swedish wall lights in patinated copper. The cylindric shade directs the light downwards...
Copper, Steel
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan '1040 U' Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Atelje Lyktan, wall lights, model '1040 U', copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed these wall lights in the 1940s. For the material, Berg...
Copper
Scandinavian Copper Wall Lamps by Hans Bergström, ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing pair of wall lights by Hans Bergström, made from copper and glass with discreet bubbles. Large design with decorative spikes on the tops. Model #1012 Rewired but needs to b...
Copper
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan '1040/1070-U' Wall Light in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Atelje Lyktan, wall light, model 1040/1070-U, copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. Executed in copper, the...
Copper
Rare Carl-Axel Acking '5017' Wall Light with Organic Shades in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall light, model ‘5017’, brass, lacquered brass, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and constructively decorative, these wall lights a...
Brass
Asea Elektroskandia Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Asea Elektroskandia, wall lights, brass, lacquered metal, Sweden, 1950s These wall lights crafted from patinated copper and glass, are showcasing a design typical of mid-20th-centur...
Metal, Brass
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan 'King' Wall Lights in Copper and Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan, 'King' wall lights, copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1973 There’s something quietly witty about this design by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan: a lam...
Copper
Set of Brass Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Matched Pair of Elegant pair of brass wall sconces with smoked glass shades designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson as part of the Sonata collection in the 1960s. * Pair of two (2) brass wa...
Brass
Pair of Finnish Wall Lamps Brass Sconces KT Valaistus Wall Lights Mid Century
By ASEA, Paavo Tynell, Hans Bergström
Located in Basel, BS
Pair of Finnish wall lamps in brass, made by KT Valaistus in the 1970s. Beautiful perforated rim detail, adjustable in all directions, can face upwards and downwards. Newly wired ...
Brass
Scandinavian Teak Wall Lamp with Woven Straw Shade, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Scandinavian wall lamp from the 1960s, featuring a beautifully sculpted teak arm and an organic woven straw shade. The lamp extends approximately 61 cm (24 in) from the wall,...
Straw, Teak
Flushmount Scones LED Handmade, Contemporary Sculptural Brass, Bonnie Large
Located in Torslanda, SE
by Matthew Holleman, 2023 Standard size, 37" L, 33" H 95cm L, 85cm H Brass, Nickel and Bronze options available. This piece is handmade from our Swedish workshop and fully customi...
Brass, Bronze
Josef Frank pair of wall lamps 2389 for Svenskt Tenn Sweden, 1950s.
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
These sconces are a beautiful example of Josef Frank’s softer approach to modernism for Svenskt Tenn in the 1950s. Made in polished brass, they combine simplicity with warmth in a wa...
Brass
Danish Modern Wall Lights by Vitrika, Golden Art Glass & Brass, 1960s
By Fog & Mørup, Vitrika, Lyfa, Orrefors
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish modern double wall lights of solid golden art glass on shiny brass mount. Produced by Danish Vitrika with Orrefors glass in the 1960s. 6 items available, price per item. Wire...
Brass
Danish Modern Brass & Frosted Glass Wall Sconces by Abo Metalkunst, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Art Deco revival brass wall Sconces with frosted/mat spherical glass shades manufactured and designed by Abo Metalkunst in a style reminiscent of Hans Agne Jakobsson and Michael Anas...
Brass
Julia Treutiger for IKEA “Gyllen” Wall Lamp, Polychrome Glass, Sweden, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Julia Treutiger for IKEA as part of the sought-after Gyllen collection during the 1990s, this striking wall lamp perfectly captures the playful postmodern aesthetic of th...
Glass
Pair of Paavo Tynell Wall Lamps / Scones 9424, Brass and Rattan, Taito 1940s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare and elegant pair of Paavo Tynell wall lights / scones model 9424 by Taito Oy. These wall lamps have a beautiful organic design mimicking branches with crystals, possibly pert...
Brass
Scandinavian modernist wall lamp by Karlskrona Lampfabrik, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Scandinavian modernist wall lamp produced by Swedish manufacturer Karlskrona Lampfabrik in the 1960s. Crafted from copper, it features an organically shaped reflector and a white a...
Copper
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed off-white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Fabric has subtle stains Overall Dimensions (Inches): 12.25"H x 4.25"W x 4.25"D Back Plate ...
Fabric
$529Sale Price|41% Off
Scandinavian Modern Brass Swing Arm Wall Sconce with Opaline Sphere, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Side to side adjustable wall lamp composed of a solid heavy stock brass 'body' installed with a opaline ball shade. It was designed and manufactured in Scandinavia during the 1950s o...
Brass
Pair of 1960s Wood Wall Lamps Attributed to Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Ellysett
By AB Markaryd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1960s Plug-in Wood Wall Lamps Attributed to Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Ellysett Designed and produced by Jakobsson in Markaryd, Sweden and executed in thin sheets of gently ...
Wood
Pair of Model 3053 Wall Lights, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 3053 wall lights, design Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by Orno Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, wooden slat shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ag...
Brass
Scandinavian wall sconce featuring a female figure, early 1900s
Located in Brescia, IT
A wall sconce made of patinated metal featuring a female figure and ornamental scroll motifs, finished with a circular frosted glass shade. Scandinavian production, early 1900s. Thi...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Replaced lampshades. Slight difference to width of each backplate. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Sconce, Brass, Glass, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and yellow glass with flowers sconce / wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.12"H x 2.6"W x 3.02"D Dimensions of back plate (inc...
Brass
Set of 7 Lisa Johansson-Papé Scones 140-015, Chrome & Glass, Orno 1970s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, FI
An outdoor / Indoor scones designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and manufactured by Orno Oy, in the 1970s-80s in Finland. The wall lamps are in their fully original condition with almost ...
Metal, Copper
Mid Century Modern Teak Wall Lamp by Temde Leuchten
By Domus
Located in Hannover, DE
This beautiful wall lamp made up of solid teak wall lamp with a wool lampshade is a rare find. Its simple, timeless design will blend seamlessly with the overall look of your home. T...
Wool, Teak
White Porcelain Bathroom Wall Lights by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte for Ifö, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of sconces suitable as bathroom or outdoor lighting. They were designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte for the swedish company Ifö during the 1960s. White glazed porcelain mount...
Porcelain, Opaline Glass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.65” H x 9.1” W x 35.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 6.5” H, 1....
Brass
$768Sale Price|25% Off
Brown Ceramic Wall Lamp by Axella, stoneware Denmark 1960s
By Einar Johansen, Soholm Pottery, Noomi Backhausen, Axella Stentøj, Maria Philippi
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Striking Scandinavian ceramic wall lamp produced by Axella, Denmark, in the 1970s. The design features three overlapping stoneware discs finished in a rich brown glaze with concentri...
Ceramic, Stoneware