Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1940s
Danish Designer, 6-light Sconces, Brass, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of 6-light brass and fabric sconces designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s.
Sold with Lampshades.
Stated dimensions refer to the Sconces with the Shades.
Dimensions of ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Metal, Fabric, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, metal and fabric wall light, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Dimensions of back plate (inches) : 4.625 x 1 x 0.0625 (H x W x D).
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Valinte Oy, Wall Light, Brass, Red Metal, Finland, 1940's
By Valinte Oy
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red metal wall light designed and produced by Valinte OY, Finland, 1940s.
Dimensions of back plate (inches) : 4.87 x 1 x 0.6 (H x W x D).
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Green Lacquered Metal, Sweden, C. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and green lacquered metal wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Variable dimensions, measured as illustrated in the first image.
Dimensions of back plate...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Red Lacquered Metal, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and red lacquered metal wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Dimensions of back plate (inches) : 1.75 x 1.3125 x .9375 (H x W x D).
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Four-Armed Wall Light, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A two armed wall light. designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Can also function as flush mount ceiling light.
Stated dimensions with lightbulbs a...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Bertil Brisborg, Wall Light, Brass, Metal, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, C. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and metal wall light designed by Bertil Brisborg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Variable dimensions, measured as illustrated in the first image.
Dim...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish, Adjustable Wall Light, Brass, Green Lacquered Paper, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable organic wall light. In brass, with a vintage lampshade, likely original, in lacquered green fabric.
Dimensions are as pictured at th...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish, Small Functionalist Wall Light / Sconce, Nickel, Sweden, 1940s
By Lyfa
Located in High Point, NC
A small functionalist wall sconce / wall light, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s
Other designers of the period include Paavo Tynell, Le Corbusier, Josef Frank, Kaare Klint, ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Nickel
Pair of Swedish Modern Wall Lamps, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of large, flush mount Swedish Modern wall lights, made from glass and brass. Thick frosted glass with a decorative pattern along the ed...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish, Adjustable Wall Light, Brass, Blue Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable organic wall light. In brass, with a vintage lampshade.
Dimensions are as pictured.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Sähköliikkeiden Oy, Wall Light, Patinated Copper, Milk Glass, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wall light, designed and produced by Sähköliikkeiden Oy, Finland, 1930s-1940s.
Features copper and milk glass.
Has retained dramatic patina...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Copper
Swedish Designer, Adjustable Wall Light, Brass, White Fabric, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A functionalist wall light / task light, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s-1950s. Features brass. Brand new fabric lampshade. With telescopic arm.
Takes one lightbulb on E27 ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Danish, Wall Lights Iron Porcelain Black Lacquer Metal Glass Denmark 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair wall light. Designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1930s-1940s. Features iron, porcelain black-lacquered metal, glass
Fixture presents with dramatic and beautiful patina.
Thre...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Carl-Axel Acking Wall Lamps by Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of wall lamps designed by Carl-Axel Acking. Produced by Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A functionalist wall light / task light, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s-1950s. Features brass. Original finely ornamented glass difuser.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish, Wall Light / Sconce, Metal, Milk Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable wall ligt. Designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Features cast iron and milk glass.
Configured for hardwire.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Iron
Danish Designer, Adjustable Wall Light, Chrome steel, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A functionalist wall light / task light, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Features chrome steel. Brand new lampshade.
Stated dimensions with lampshade attached as is illus...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
ASEA, Wall Light, Lacquered Metal, Blown Glass, Sweden, 1940s
By ASEA
Located in High Point, NC
A modernist wall light, designed and produced by ASEA, Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Gunnar Asplund Large Outdoor Wall Lamps by ASEA in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large outdoor wall lamps designed by Gunnar Asplund. Produced by ASEA in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Large Wall Lamps Produced by ASEA in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large wall lamps by unknown designer. Produced by ASEA in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of Glass and Brass Swedish Modern Wall Lights, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of amazing brass wall lamps, made in Sweden in the 1940s. Made in the form of large leaves, with a glass shade holding the light bulbs. A beautiful, warm glow.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Johan Petter Johansson Triplex Wall / Ceiling Lamp by Triplex Fabriken in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Extending Triplex wall / ceiling lamp designed by Johan Petter Johansson. Produced by Triplex Fabriken in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Triplex Industrial Lamp by Johan Petter Johansson, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very good condition. New wiring. Signed.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Gunnar Asplund Large Outdoor Wall Lamp by ASEA in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large outdoor wall lamp designed by Gunnar Asplund. Produced by ASEA in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Pair of Large Swedish Art Deco Wall Lights, circa 1940
By Orrefors
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large Swedish Art Deco wall lights, circa 1940.
Produced by Bolmarks.
Brass, striped sandblasted glass shades. Measures: Height ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Blown Glass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A gold-painted brass wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 18” H x 12” W x 7” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): N/A
Bulb Specifications: E...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 12” H x 15” W x 7” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): N/A
Bulb Specifications...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Danish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5” H x 12” W x 24” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 5.75” H x 2.25” ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in sweden, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.5” H x 5” W x 7.5” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): N/A
Bulb Spe...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Böhlmarks, Wall Light, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
By Bohlmarks
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable two armed brass and cream-white metal wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 10” H x 15.5” W x 12.25” D
Back Plate Dimension...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Copper, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A hammered copper wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 10” H x 6.5” W x 4.5” D
Back Plate Di...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Copper
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and white fabric wall light designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 7” H x 24” W x 25.5” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 4.5” H...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A two-armed brass and etched glass wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.5” H x 9” W x 5.25” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 6.5” ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Iron, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron and metal wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 13” H x 5.3” W x 11.5” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 3.25” Diameter,...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Iron
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic brass wall light designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 8” H x 4.25” W x 8.5” D
Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 2.5” Diameter x 0.6” D
Bulb...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
ASEA, Wall Lights, Copper, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
By ASEA
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of patinated copper and opaline glass wall lights designed and produced by ASEA, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 13.5” H x 8.5” W x 13” D
Back Plate Dimensions...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Copper
Danish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall light designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.15" H x 3.5" W x 7.25" D
Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb
Number of Sockets: 1
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Swedish Designer, Sconces, Brass, White Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and fabric sconces designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Dimensions of Back Plate (inches) : 5.20 x 3.31 x 0.58 (Height x Width x Depth)
Sockets take E-14 bu...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Carl-Axel Acking, Pair of Large Brass Sconces, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of large and rare wall lights by the Swedish architekt and designer
Carl-Axel Acking,
Sweden, 1940s
Manufactured by Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik.
Perforated cup ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Louis Poulsen, Örsjö Industri AB, and Orrefors. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $40,000 while the average work can sell for $1,978.
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