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.
Swedish Midcentury Faience Wall Mirror by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Faience wall mirror by Stig Lindberg with a beautiful, vivacious hand-painted decor of diluted red stripes and greyish brown arches.
Faience
Swedish Midcentury Faience Wall Mirror by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful faience wall mirror by Stig Lindberg with a vivacious, hand-painted, colorful decor of flowers and leaves. Original mirror with age-related spots.
Faience
Danish Midcentury Modern Rosewood Wall Mirror, Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool modernist wall mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard, made from rosewood in a smooth design with a sculpted frame. Very nice woodgrain. Model #105
Mirror, Rosewood
Large deep Mid century Scandinavian Danish pine wall mirror with dowel joints
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large deep Pine Mid century Scandinavian modern wall mirror. Solid pine wood frame with dowel details and thick mirror. Located in Brooklyn NYC. 53” w x 34” h x 4.5” thick
Mirror, Pine
Danish Mid-Century Ceramic Wall Mirror
By Arne Bang
Located in New York, NY
Charming Danish Mid-century Ceramic Wall Mirror in a beige/brown glaze with an etched ceramic border around the round glass. In a very good condition with a small chip on the back (p...
Ceramic, Glass
$1,124Sale Price|20% Off
Royal Copenhagen Mirror Colorful Organic Decor, Marianne Johanson, 1960s
By Marianne Johnson, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern faience frame mirror by Marianne Johanson for the Royal Copenhagen Tenera series. Hand-painted floral organic decor i...
Faience, Porcelain
Mid Century Scandinavian Oval Teak Wall Mirror, Denmark 60s
Located in Lucija, SI
Very beautiful wooden Wall Mirror from '60s was made in Denmark. This oval Mirror is made of wooden frame, details and mirrored glass.
Mirror, Teak
$1,781Sale Price|20% Off
Large Mid-Century Pine Wall Mirror, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A large Scandinavian wall mirror made in solid pine, Sweden, during the 1970s. The piece displays a refined simplicity characteristic of Nordic modernism, where function and natural ...
Mirror, Pine
Swedish Modern 1950's Brass mirror
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
1950's Brass mirror in the manor of Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn. Beautiful filigree design around the edges. Age appropriate wear to the brass and glass och overall in a very goo...
Brass
Swedish Modern Wall Mirror, Brass Frame, Etched Glass, 1940s Design
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely Swedish Modern wall mirror, with a brushed brass frame. Etched graphic pattern on the glass inside the edge of the frame.
Brass
Pair of 1950s Danish Modern Ceramic Wall Mirrors by Marianne Starck
By Michael Andersen & Son, Marianne Starck
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of Scandinavian Modern ceramic wall mirrors designed by Marianne Starck for Michael Andersen & Sons, Denmark, circa 1950s. These sculptural rectangular frames are rich...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Wooden Wall Mirror, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant Swedish Modern wall mirror, with a wide, smooth mahogany frame. Lovely, subtle decor of a line of brass pearls around the inner edge of the frame.
Wood
Uno & Östen Kristiansson Mirror in Teak and Leather by Luxus in Sweden
Located in Wien, Au
Uno & Östen Kristiansson Mirror in Teak and Leather by Luxus in Sweden Polished
Leather, Mirror, Teak
Scandinavian modern teak mirror, unknown designer, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful mirror by unknown designer, made in Denmark during the 1960s. Made in solid teak with a shelve with decorative peg construction.
Mirror, Teak
Swedish Modern Wall Mirror in Pewter from CAM, 1929
Located in Örebro, SE
Amazing and very rare wall mirror in pewter from Swedish CAM - 1929. Very decorative piece. Signed with makers mark on the back. Please notice a discreet inscription on the back...
Pewter
Mid century Danish modern teak wall mirror by Nils Jonsson Torring Mobler
By Nils Jonsson, Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern wall mirror by Nils Johnson. Beautiful solid teak and glass mirror with high quality woodworking. Curved corners and details. Labeled - Designed by Nils Joh...
Mirror, Teak
$1,124Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish grace Art Deco 1930s silver Mirror, in the Vibe of Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Forest, BE
Cute silver painted Swedish grace Art Deco mirror. Showing traces of time and use but with a nice patina. Little hook to hang it to the wall. Perfect to fit in narrow places. Son patronyme officiel, Swedish Grace - " la grâce...
Mirror, Hardwood
Faience ceramic mirror by Stig Lindberg
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1950's Faience ceramic mirror by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Milky white ceramic featuring a selection of flower motifs in bright colors. In a very good vintage conditio...
Ceramic, Glass
$3,996Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Danish Teak + Linen Pier Mirror with Storage Coat Rack Pouches Cabinmodern
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon wall mirror design. A Minimalist Danish take on the Classic pier mirror. Teak pegs, cloth/linen lined with pockets. Measures: Actual mirror W 20.5 x H 39 in. Clothe area...
Teak
$2,695
Swedish Modern Mirror
Located in Hammarö, SE
A refined Swedish mirror with a warm wooden frame and beautifully etched glass. The geometric decoration gives the piece a subtle graphic quality, while the aged brass details and ge...
Mirror, Teak
Large Danish Teak Mirror by Pedersen & Hansen, Viby J
Located in Charleston, SC
Gorgeous mirror by Pedersen & Hansen, Viby J (Jutland), Denmark In this listing we are very pleased to offer a wonderful and fairly large mid century modern round teak wooden mirror....
Mirror, Teak
Scandinavian Vintage Brass Wall Mirror, Glasmäster, Sweden, 1960s
By Glasmäster
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant wall mirror from Glasmäster i Markaryd, with a smooth brushed brass frame.
Brass
1970s Teak Wall Mirror Style of Pedersen & Hansen Denmark
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Mid 20th Century Modern Teak Wall Mirror Denmark 1970s Unmarked, style of Pedersen & Hansen Medium size mirror in teak wood. Beveled and tapered angles give a clean sophisticated loo...
Mirror, Teak
Midcentury Wall Mirror in Rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Wall mirror with frame in rosewood. Designed by Kai Kristiansen, made by Aksel Kjersgaard Denmark. Great original condition, circa 1960.
Rosewood
Bo Fajans, Wall Mirror, Ceramic, Sweden, 1940s
By Bo Fajans
Located in High Point, NC
A round off-white-glazed ceramic wall mirror designed and produced by Bo Fajans, Sweden, c. 1940s.
Ceramic
Antti Hakkarainen Wrought Iron Wall Mirror, Taidetakomo Hakkarainen 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful wall mirror in solid iron designed by Antti Hakkarainen and manufactured by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen in the 1930s. The mirror is in great original condition with a beautiful greenish patina. Antti Hakkarainen was well known for his exceptional craftsmanship especially with iron objects...
Iron
True Romance Mirror Small, Ringvide, Ash, Natural or Coloured Oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
TRUE ROMANCE - Small mirror In India and China there are the earliest finds where the flower and love are linked. The over 4000-year-old finds tell us something about the flower's s...
Glass, Smoked Glass, Pine
Vintage organic Scandinavian 1960s solid teak wood wall mirror
Located in Meulebeke, BE
Scandinavian / 1960 / mirror / teak / Mid-century / Vintage Minimalistic designed Scandinavian solid teak wooden mirror. Designed in the 1960s. The frame has an elliptical bottom, w...
Mirror, Teak
Shaped shield mirror, made in Europe, 1930s–1940s
Located in Brescia, IT
Wall mirror with a distinctive shield-shaped design, featuring a curvilinear profile defined by concave curves at the top and bottom. The shaped panel is attached directly to the woo...
Glass, Wood
Danish Modern Teak Wall Mirror by Eilstrup Furniture, Denmark, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant Danish modern wall mirror manufactured by Eilstrup Furniture of Denmark, circa 1960s. The mirror features a beautifully crafted solid teak frame with softly rounded corners, ...
Mirror, Teak
Danish Modern Mirror in Solid Glass by Pukeberg Sweden
Located in San Diego, CA
This gorgeous solid blown glass aqua blue color mirror by Pukeberg, made in Sweden circa 1970's in nice condition with no chips or cracks some light wear in the mirror around the edg...
Blown Glass, Mirror
Important Pine Miror Attributed to Roland Wilhelmsson circa 1960, Sweden
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Important and massive pine wall miror attributed to Roland Wilhelmsson based on the style and the woods details. The miror is build with solid pine and as a tablet on its bottom part...
Pine
Monumental Mirror by Unknown Designer in Woven Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Monumental mirror by an unknown designer and Swedish maker, produced during the 1940s. Measuring an impressive 100 × 100 cm, it features a beautifully woven rattan frame with a warm,...
Rattan, Mirror
Scandinavian Teak Frame Mirror Model 402 By Östen Kristiannson
Located in Vienna, AT
Teak organic shaped frame with a mirror. Designed in Sweden by Östen Kristiansson in the 1960s.
Mirror, Teak
Mirror by Lars Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Decorative mirror designed by Lars Holmström and produced by Arvika Konstsmide. Hammered brass frame with a distinctive scalloped contour surrounding the oval mirror plate. Marked to...
Brass
Swedish designer floral decor wall mirror, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Unique wall mirror by unknown designer in Sweden during the 1930s. Made in an organic shape with floral decor in iron lacquered white. Mirror glass with stains and crackling.
Iron
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern Pine Geometric Large wall Mirror
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern Pine Geometric wall Mirror. Labeled RJ Traevarer on back panel. Late 20th Century. Dimensions: H 52" x W 29" x 1" deep
Mirror, Pine
Scandinavian Modern Octagonal Wall Mirror in Teak, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Anonymous Danish/Scandinavian furniture maker circa 1970. Reminiscent in style to Aksel Kjersgaard and Uno and Osten Kristiansson. Octagonal wall mirror with frame in solid teak. Ass...
Mirror, Teak
Scandinavian Mosaic Tile Wall Mirror with Handcrafted Ceramic Frame 1960
Located in Oirlo, LI
A stunning vintage Scandinavian wall mirror from the 1960s, featuring a beautifully handcrafted mosaic frame made from small, carefully arranged ceramic tiles. The rich combination o...
Ceramic, Wood
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Birch, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Does not include mounting hardware.
Birch
Danish Rectangular Oak and Teak Mirror by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen, Illums Bolighus
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Scandinavian Modern rectangular wall mirror by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark circa 1960's This iconic teak and oak mirror is a Model 161 by famous Danish carpenter Aksel Kjersgaard, from...
Mirror, Oak, Teak
Swedish Designer, Wall Mirror, Gilt Wood, Mirror, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A gilt wood wall mirror designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s.
Mirror, Wood
Hans Agne Jakobsson Mirror Beech Wood & Brass Sweden 1950s
Located in Basel, BS
Rare Hans-Agne Jakobsson mirror hand-crafted of bent beech wood with a solid brass ring to hang up, made in Sweden circa late 1950s to early 1960s. The wood has been cleaned and re...
Brass
Mirror model 80, Glasmäster Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Swedish modern mirror produced by Glasmäster in Markaryd, Sweden, during the 1960s. Rectangular form with a frame in brushed brass. Labeled on the reverse, model 80.
Brass
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
Danish Modern shadow box illuminated wall mirror Teak by Pedersen & Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Teak shadow box illuminated Square wall mirror by Pedersen & Hansen Made in Denmark circa 1960s. Gorgeous teak wood grain throughout the rectangular frames with finger joints. St...
Mirror, Teak
Swedish Modern Hall Mirror with Brass Mounts and Etched Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Hammarö, SE
This elegant Swedish Modern hall mirror from the 1940s embodies the restrained sophistication that characterizes Scandinavian design of the period. The organically shaped mirror plat...
Brass
Mirror with Oregon Pine Frame by Erik Höglund, 1950s
By Erik Höglund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This mirror, designed by Erik Höglund and produced in Sweden during the 1950s, exemplifies Scandinavian modernism through its thoughtful use of natural materials and minimalist form....
Glass, Pine
Scandinavian Teak Mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard Odder, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Vintage mirror in teak designed by Aksel Kjersgaard. Produced by Odder in Denmark, 1960s.
Mirror, Teak
Nils Fougstedt 1926 for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Swedish Grace Pewter Mirror.
By Svenskt Tenn, Nils Fougstedt
Located in Skanninge, SE
Amazing pewter mirror by Nils Fougstedt 1926. Model "No 137". A great example of "Swedish Grace". Made for famous Swedish firm "Firma Svenskt Tenn". This model was first introduced ...
Brass, Pewter
Ceramic pendant, Mette Lokke Stiil, Danish / Scandinavian Midcentury
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare stoneware pendant by danish ceramist Mette Lokke Stiil, 1960/70s. Glazed decor of flowers. Height excluding chain 42 cm. Total height 74 cm....
Stoneware
Wooden Veneer Wall Mirror by Glas & Trä, Hovmantorp
Located in New York, NY
Wooden Veneer Wall Mirror by Glas & Trä, Hovmantorp, Sweden, circa 1950. Beautiful organic shaped pattern with lighter wood curving around the glas. The shape of the mirror is al...
Glass, Wood
Fröseke, AB Nybrofabriken, oak mirror
Located in Hammarö, SE
Produced by Fröseke AB, this elegant Swedish oak mirror is a refined example of Scandinavian craftsmanship from the 1960s. Based in the Småland region of southern Sweden, Fröseke bec...
Oak
Bjerkås Hand-Forged Wrought Iron Mirror, Sweden, Documen
Located in Hammarö, SE
Bjerkås Armatur Model 1016 Wrought Iron Hall Mirror with Integrated Sconces and Console, Documented in the 1946 Catalogue, Page 33 An elegant and highly sculptural Swedish hall mirr...
Wrought Iron
Swedish modern wall mirror by Fröseke, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Elegant wall mirror produced by Fröseke during the 1940s, exemplifying the refined simplicity of Swedish Modern design. The frame is crafted in beech with subtly undulating, wave-sha...
Mirror, Beech
Swedish modern wall mirror by Fröseke, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Elegant wall mirror produced by Fröseke during the 1940s, exemplifying the refined simplicity of Swedish Modern design. The frame is crafted in beech with subtly undulating, wave-sha...
Mirror, Beech
Bjerkås Armatur, Illuminated Wall Mirror, Metal, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-lacquered metal and beige fabric illuminated wall mirror produced by Bjerkås Armatur, Sweden, c. 1940s. Bulb Specifications: E-14 Bulbs Does not include mounting hardware. ...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Wall Mirror, Stjärnmetall ca 1930s
Located in Örebro, SE
Rare and absolutely beautiful Scandinavian Modern wall mirror by Stjärnmetall, ca 1930s. Frame depicting music playing and dancing figures. Original foxed mirror. Wear and patina co...
Metal
Handcrafted Scandinavian mirror by Michael Andersen
Located in Hannover, DE
This exquisite artist's mirror is a rare find and a masterpiece in its design and craftsmanship. The beautiful ornamentation, featuring stunning royal blue, is simply breathtaking. T...
Pottery, Mirror
$478Sale Price|28% Off
Round Scandinavian Wall Mirror made of Oak, Denmark 1970s
Located in Hannover, DE
Beautiful, simple, round wall mirror. The mirror glass is simple and timeless and fits into any style of home. The wood on the front is made of high-quality oak veneer, the back of t...
Mirror, Oak, Teak
Nordic Classicism Pewter Wall Mirror, Taidetakomo A. Hakkarainen 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant pewter-framed mirror produced by Taidetakomo Antti Hakkarainen in Finland during the 1920-30s. The design reflects the transitional period between Nordic Classicism and th...
Pewter