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.
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'V-138' Wall Light in Copper and Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall light, model 'V-138', copper, handblown glass, Sweden, 1960s. This charming wall light, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobs...
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
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
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
Pair of Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper with Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of wall lights, copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1940s These refined Swedish wall lamps from the 1940s display a restrained yet expressive design characteristic of the Scandinavian...
Copper
Pair of Swedish Modern Brass Wall Sconces by Boréns, Model 6972, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant pair of Swedish Modern brass wall sconces manufactured by Boréns of Borås, Sweden, during the 1960s, model 6972. This unusual model features gracefully curved arms and bel...
Brass
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 Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan 'Knight' Wall Light in Copper and Blown Glass
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
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
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
Scandinavian wall lamp with leaf decoration, brass & cocoon shades Denmark 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A beautiful Danish Modern wall lamp produced by an unidentified Danish manufacturer in the 1950s. Executed in brass, the fixture features two elegantly curved arms extending from a c...
Brass
Swedish Pine Wood Wall Lamps by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1980s. * Pair of two (2) pine wood wall sconces with white fabric shades * Manufacturer: Solbackens Svarveri, Swe...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Rare Carl-Axel Acking '5017' Wall lights with Organic Shades in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall lights, model ‘5017’, brass, lacquered brass, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and constructively decorative, these wall lights ...
Brass
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
Beech Wood Sconces by Jan Wickelgren for Aneta, 1970s, Sweden
By Aneta
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Modern Scandinavian Sconces in bend Beech Wood designed by Jan Wickelgren for Aneta in the 1970s. * A set of two (2) bend beech veneer wall lamps with off-white shades in ca...
Fabric, Beech, Bentwood
Pair Swedish Midcentury Brass Wall Sconces with Pleated Shades, 1940s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Lovely pair of brass and fabric wall sconces designed and produced in Sweden in the 1940s. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, with beautiful pleate...
Brass
Pair of Vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson Adjustable Brass Scones C2796/1 Sweden 1970s
By Markyard, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
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
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Sconces by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the early 1980s. * Set (2) of pine wood night lamps / sconces with light beige fabric shades * Manufacturer: Solback...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Set of V149 Brass Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Classic Brass Sconces with Transparent Smokey-Brown Glass shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with transparent smokey-brown glass sh...
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
$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 ...
Pine, Wood, Fabric
Scandinavian Copper Wall Lamps by Hans Bergström, ateljé Lyktan, Sweden, 1940s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
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
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Wall Lamps, 1960s Adjustable Cone Shades in Black
Located in Hannover, DE
This stylish set of two wall lamps embodies the timeless charm of 1960s Scandinavian modernism. The lamps impress with their clean lines and functional aesthetic, which are character...
Brass, Iron
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
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, wall lamps, model '1006A', patinated copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. As for the materi...
Copper
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Pair of Wall Lamps 'V-220' in Brass and Violet Blown Glass
By AB Markaryd
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, pair of wall lamps model V-220, brass, blown glass, Sweden, 1960s. These well-executed wall lights model "V-220" are desi...
Brass
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
Scandinavian Modern Wall Lamps in Jute Rope & Opaline Glass by Markslöjd, 1970s
By Markslöjd
Located in Odense, DK
A rare pair of Scandinavian Modern wall lamps produced by Markslöjd, Sweden, in the 1970s. Crafted from stained beech with caramel-colored opaline glass shades, they combine clean Sc...
Jute, Opaline Glass, Wood
Swedish Designer Pine Wall Sconce Pleated Shades, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely solid hand-carved pine wood wall sconce designed and produced in Sweden in the 1960's. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, beautifuly hand-ca...
Fabric, Plastic, Pine
Danish Modern Wall Lights by Vitrika, Golden Art Glass & Brass, 1960s
By Vitrika, Lyfa, Fog & Mørup, 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
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
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
Pair of 1960s Wood Wall Lamps Attributed to Hans-Agne Jakobsson for AB Ellysett
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
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
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with vintage age and use. Replaced lamps...
Brass
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
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
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
Vintage Lisa Johansson-Papé Outdoor Scone 140-015 , Copper and Glass, Orno 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, FI
An outdoor wall lamp designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and manufactured by Orno Oy, in the 1950s in Finland. In fully original condition featuring a nice patina. The item is stamped by...
Metal, Copper
$789Sale Price|25% Off
Brown Ceramic Wall Lamp by Axella, stoneware Denmark 1960s
By Einar Johansen, Axella Stentøj, Soholm Pottery, Noomi Backhausen, 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
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Iron, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17” H x 10.5” W x 12.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 3.5” H x 3.5” ...
Iron
Set of V149 Brass Sconces designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Swedish Modern Brass Sconces with Deep Red Glass Shades designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with deep red glass shades * Designer: Hans...
Brass
$937Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian mid-century modern solid brass wall sconce
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Illuminate your space with the timeless elegance of our Scandinavian mid-century modern solid brass wall sconce. This meticulously crafted piece embodies the essence of Scandinavian ...
Brass
Set of Brass & Opaline Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Sconces with White Opaline Glass Shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1950s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with tall cone-shaped white opaline glass shades * Design...
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
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
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan 'Bumling Utomhus' Wall Light in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Atelje Lyktan, 'Bumling Utomhus' wall light, copper, metal, Sweden, 1968. This 'Bumling' wall lamp is designed by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan. The curved lam...
Copper
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
Monumental floral mid century wall lamp with leafs, brass & glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and exceptionally elegant Swedish wall fixture from the 1940s, produced by an unidentified manufacturer. The design shows clear similarities to the work of Edvard Hagman, yet...
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
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
$60,000 / set
A Pair of Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) Model Number 9460. Polished brass. Produced by Idman, circa 1950th. Both stamped "Idman". Dimensions: H 7" × L 14.2" × W 4....
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
Danish Modern Brutalist Wall Sconces in Flame Cut Brass by Holm Sørensen, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional and rare set of four sculptural wall sconces model 5395 by celebrated Danish lighting designer Holm Sørensen, executed in hand-formed, flame-cut brass during the 1960s...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, glass and off-white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8.375” H x 11” W x 5.75“ D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 3”...
Brass
Pair of 1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Lights Attributed to Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of 1940s Finnish Minimalist Plug-In Wall Lights Attributed to Paavo Tynell. A highly refined pair of adjustable rectangular wall lamps executed in metal with white painted inte...
Metal
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Polished Brass Outdoor Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' polished brass outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in hand-polish...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and glass wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 13” H x 6” W x 4.25” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 3.25” H x 2.15” ...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, Pair of wall lamp model 10330 for Taito, circa 1950.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Paavo Tynell important wall light model 10330 made in the 50's for Taito. This example is the biggest version of the model. This pair of wall lamps features a sculptural, folded for...
Brass
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Darkly Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö
By Jonas Bohlin, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Darkly Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö. Executed in richly patinated metal with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refined and clean geometric design...
Metal
Clamp Spot Lamp by Lad Team for Swiss Lamps International, Zürich 1970s
Located in Krefeld, DE
Clamp lamp spot silver metal designed by Lad Team for Swiss Lamps International, Zürich in the 1970s.
Metal
Pair of wall sconces by Möllers Armatur Eskilstuna, 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
A pair of lacquered metal wall sconces with flexible brass arms and adjustable shades. MAE V-6 marking and SEMKO mark present. Möllers Armatur Eskilstuna, 1950s. A pair of wall lamp...
Metal, Brass