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 ‘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
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
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
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
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
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
Carl-Axel Acking '5019' Wall Lights in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall lights, model ‘5019’, brass, perforated brass, Sweden, 1939 In 1939, the young architect and designer Carl-Axel Ack...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Light
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall light, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful bright copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson....
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
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
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
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
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Pair of Wall Lights in Brass and White Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, pair of wall lights, brass, glass, Sweden, 1960s/70s Designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, these wall lamps are characterized ...
Brass
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Wall Light in Patinated Copper
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
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
HANS AGNE JAKOBSSON V236 Pair of wall lamps
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of Scandinavian V236 wall lamps by the renowned Swedish designer Hans Agne Jakobsson. This rare model was designed in the sixties. Like many Scandinavian designers, he is strong...
Metal
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
Pair of Model 50-082 Wall Lights, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 50-082 wall lights, design Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by Orno Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Marked. Adjustable shades. Good vintage condition, pa...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass wall light designed and produced in Sweden c. 1940s Dramatic patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 4.25"H x 10.65"W x ...
Brass
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
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
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Wall Light in Patinated Copper
By Hans Bergström, Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, wall lamp, variation on model '1006A', patinated copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. As fo...
Copper
Scandinavian Modern Brass Wall Lights, Falkenbergs Belysning, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of cool brass wall lights from Falkenbergs Belysning, in a brutalist boxy design that emits a warm glowing light through the halftone screens.
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.5”H x 7"W x 13.0"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 4.0"H...
Brass
A pair of Böhlmarks modernist wall lamps 8787, Scandinavian design, Sweden 1950s
By Harald Notini, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Forserum, SE
A charming pair of wall lamps, model 8787, produced by the renowned Swedish manufacturer Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in the 1950s. Crafted from metal, they feature elegantly sculpted ...
Steel
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and light-grey-lacquered metal wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Patina on brass and minor scratches on shade consistent with age and use. Variable posi...
Metal, Brass
Vintage Swedish wall light 1940th
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vintage Swedish wall light, Circa 1940th. Patinated brass with flexible arm and perforated shade. Newly rewired with candelabra socket.
Brass
Vintage Louis Poulsen 'Black Louis' Clamp Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Multi-adjustable Wall light with clamp mount. The light can be directed in any direction. Everything is black besides the red on/off switch and It is called black Louis and was made ...
Aluminum
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and fabric wall light designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate oxidation present throughout brass. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 13.0"H x 10.0"W x 1...
Brass
Carl-Axel Acking Wall Light in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall light variation on model ‘5019’, brass, perforated brass, Sweden, 1939 In 1939, the young architect and designer Ca...
Brass
Danish Modern Wall Lights by Vitrika, Golden Art Glass & Brass, 1960s
By Fog & Mørup, Orrefors, Vitrika, Lyfa
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
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 Modern Pine Wood Wall Lights, Hand-Carved, Sweden, 1970s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Solbackens Svarveri, Uno Kristiansson, Fog & Mørup, Markslöjd
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of pine wood wall lights designed and produced in Sweden in the 1970s. Great example of Scandinavian craftsmanship displaying love for the natural, beautifully patinated wood in...
Wood, Pine
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
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
Pair of Model 3053 Wall Lights, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1950s
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy
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
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
Set of V149 Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Sconces with Amber Glass Shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Set (2) of brass sconces with round amber colored glass shades * Designer: Hans-Agne Jakobs...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, oak and white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Dramatic patina on brass. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 11.25"H...
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
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
A pair of large wall lamps by Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of extremely rare wall lamps model “5017”, designed by Carl-Axel Acking (Sweden, 1910-2001) for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, Malmö, 1940th. Large version of Model "50...
Brass
Pair of Large Paavo Tynell Commissioned Scones, Brass & Glass, Taito c. 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
When you think you’ve seen every iconic Tynell design, this extraordinary pair of wall lamps emerges—showcasing the master’s unparalleled ability to blend nature, grandeur, and craft...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Swedish Pine Wall Lamps by Markslöjd, 1970s, with Textile Shades
By Markslöjd
Located in Stockholm, SE
A charming pair of Swedish wall lamps in solid pine, produced by Markslöjd, showcasing the warmth and craftsmanship of Scandinavian design from the 1970s. Each lamp features a sculp...
Fabric, Pine
Pair of Brass and Amber Glass Wall Lights by Jakobsson, 1960
Located in Rijssen, NL
These stunning brass wall lights with amber glass are produced in the 1960s by Jakobsson. Design executed with a taste for excellence in craftsmanship. Well-wired, in full working o...
Brass
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
Pair of Swedish Rustic Pine Wall Lights with Lace-Trimmed Shades, 1970s
By Solbackens Svarveri, Markslöjd
Located in Stockholm, SE
A charming and characterful pair of Swedish wall lights from the 1970s, crafted in solid pine and paired with softly gathered fabric shades finished with delicate lace trim. These s...
Fabric, Pine
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
Magnetic wall lamps by Konsthantverk Hökerum, golden color, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A pair of wall lamps, model Magnetlampan (“The Magnetic Lamp”), produced by the Swedish manufacturer Konsthantverk AB in Hökerum in the 1960s. The lamps are crafted from steel with a...
Steel, Magnets
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan Wall Light in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, wall lamp, variation on model '1006A', patinated copper, Sweden, 1940s Swedish designer Hans Bergström designed this wall light in the 1940s. As fo...
Copper
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Acrylic, Sweden, c. 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and acrylic sconce designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.43"H x 11.5"W x 6.18"D Backplate Dimensions...
Brass
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 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
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass wall light designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 15” H x 4.25” diameter Backplate Dimensions (inches): 3.5" H x 3....
Brass
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
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, 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
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Sonata' Wall Light
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall light model V-169, brass, glass, Sweden, 1960s This beautiful brass and glass wall lamp, model V-169 from the 'Sonat...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10"H x 7.75"W x 29.5"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Standard) Bulbs are ...
Brass
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, c. 1940s. The brass arm presents with very light oxidation. Replaced rattan lampshade. Overall Dimensio...
Brass
Wall Light, Maria Lindeman, Idman Oy, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light, designed by Maria Lindeman, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Opaline glass shade, brass and painted metal frame. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age ...
Metal, Brass