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Scandinavian Modern Games

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 

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

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: 1960s
Vintage Danish Modern Teak Roll-Ette Game Designed by Theodor Skjode Knudse
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautifully designed Roll-Ette board game in teak and rosewood designed by Theodor Skjode Knudsen. Complete with 8 balls (6 are needed for the g...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Games

Materials

Leather, Rosewood, Teak

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Serial No. 11494. 82 Keys. Step back in time with this masterfully crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period whe...
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Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by Louis Zwicki, c. 1960's
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Step back in time with this masterfully-crafted Danish Mid-Century Teak Pianette by the renowned Louis Zwicki. From the heart of the 1960's, a period when design and craftsmanship me...
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All Glass Modern Backgammon Game Table by Impatia
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The Tuttuno leather edition backgammon game table is designed to accommodate two players with a built-in backgammon playing surface. The minimalistic design gives off the unique impression that the table is floating. This Tuttuno table features a unique low-iron glass structure supported by an inner genuine leather top trim, finished off with a premium Alcantara playing surface which is laser printed with the backgammon board. This table is exclusively made 100% in Italy and sourced from the highest quality of materials. Accessories Included: 1 custom leather backgammon box + cheker set 2 dice shakers...
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Kay Bojesen Jointed Monkey Toy Danish Modern Teak
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4 Vintage 1950s Teak Danish Viking Soldier Figures Mid-Century Collection
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1972 Modernist Blue Design Aluminum Chess Set Board Game by Scott Wolfe
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Piet Hein 'Solitaire' Teak Board Game for Skjode, Denmark, 1960s
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Danish Modern Solid Teak Carved Lion Toy / Lint Brush, Bojesen Era
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Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
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Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
Vintage Huckley Barrel Carnival Game
H 10 in W 17 in D 18.5 in
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Early 20th Century French Scandinavian Modern Games

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French Vintage Wooden Checkers Game
French Vintage Wooden Checkers Game
H 1.58 in W 15.75 in D 19.69 in
Previously Available Items
Vintage Danish Modern Teak Roll-Ette Game Designed by Theodor Skjode Knudse
Located in St. Louis, MO
Beautifully designed Roll-Ette board game in teak and rosewood designed by Theodor Skjode Knudsen. Complete with 8 balls (6 are needed for the g...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Games

Materials

Leather, Rosewood, Teak

1960s Danish Teak Backgammon Set by Henning Bang
By Henning Bang
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid teak backgammon set with twenty-four routed points for game play. Strips of inlaid wenge and beech indicate players sides of the board and correspond to the small square play...
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Games

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Teak

Alfred Klitgaard Handcrafted Box with Domino Game by Alfred Klitgaard in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare handcrafted box with domino game designed by Alfred Klitgaard. Produced by Alfred Klitgaard in Denmark.
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Games

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Sterling Silver

Vintage Danish Teak and Leather Dice Cup
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Danish dice cup manufactured by Laurids Lonborg. This piece is made of teak with leather banding and includes a set of five dice.
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Danish Roulette Game by Thomas Skjode Knudsen
Located in Garnerville, NY
Beautifully designed roulette board game in teak, rosewood and wenge wood by Thomas Skjode Knudsen. Complete with wenge top and balls in a leather pouch. Complete with easy instructi...
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Danish Rosewood 3-D Puzzle Cube by Lis og Kjell Drewsen
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Skjode Knudsen Roulette Game
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a vintage danish modern roulette game. Made in sold teak and rosewood. It comes with nine (9) ball and the spinning roulette. ...
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Games

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Teak, Rosewood

Skjode Knudsen Roulette Game
Skjode Knudsen Roulette Game
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Scandinavian Modern games for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern games 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 games created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, steel and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern games made in a specific country, there are Asia, China, and East Asia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original games, popular names associated with this style include and Theodor Skjøde Knudsen. 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 games differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $475 while the average work can sell for $74.

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