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Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

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
Color:  Brown
Norwegian Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet by David-Andersen 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely and classic modernist style sterling silver bangle bracelet by David Andersen, Norway 1960s. The armring can be adjust to fit any preference you wish and are suitable for both...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Brass Vintage Clip on Earrings by Anna Greta Eker, Norway, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Midcentury brass clip earrings with a dark purple glass stone in the middle with a cut rock shape. Designed by Anna Greta Eker, Norway, 1960s. A typical couple of vintage earrings re...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Brass

Danish Modernist Silver Plate Ashtray or Incense Burner by Carl Cohr, 1950s
Located in San Diego, CA
Egg-shaped silver plated brass ashtray or incense burner. Titled The Smile, it was designed and manufactured by Carl Cohr in Fredericia Denmark. Stamped Cohr, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Set of Three Midcentury Danish Vikings Figures by Jacob Jensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three midcentury Danish Viking figures made of mixed woods by Jacob Jensen, circa 1950s. The figures are in good vintage condition and measure: 5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak, Walnut, Wood

Original Danish Kay Bojesen Toy Wagon "Family Trip", Colorful Beech Wood, 1950s
Located in Aarhus C, DK
Kay Bojesen´s "Family Trip" is one of his most loved wooden toy designs. This set is original vintage. It consists of wagon and 4 family members: mother, father and two children. ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood, Beech, Paint

Kay Bojesen Early Handmade Wooden Oak Elephant Children's Toy, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Rare Kay Bojesen wooden toy elephant from the early 1950s in patinated oak with an amazing grain. The Elephant was created in 1953 by Kay Bojesen and from the start handmade in his s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Walking Stick / Cane by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel, by Kold's Savvaerk, Denmark
Located in Hägersten, SE
Walking stick designed by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel. Produced by Kold's Savvaerk in Denmark during the 1950s. This example made from solid afromosia in the stem and laminated teak in the...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Danish Viking Figure
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and well made mid-century Danish viking figure made of mixed woods, leather and faux fur, circa 1950s. The figure is in very good vintage co...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Faux Fur, Wood, Teak, Walnut

Kay Bojesen Jointed Monkey Toy Danish Modern Teak
Located in San Diego, CA
Kay Bojesen articulating and jointed teak monkey. Bought from the original owner who had it in the early 1960s. Nice color and patina the cords are loosely sold AS/IS.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Christmas Ornaments by Georg Jensen Collectibles Series, Set of 2
Located in Miami, FL
Christmas ornaments designed by Georg Jensen for the Collectibles series. Both ornaments are in brass gilded with 24-carat gold. Measures: 7" High x 6" Wide and approximately 1.19 ...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Danish Viking Figure by Jacob Jensen Rare
Located in San Diego, CA
A super rare mid-century Danish viking figure by Jacob Jensen, circa 1950s. The figure is in very good vintage condition and measures 2.25"W x 2"D x 3.25"H. Our viking is made of a maple and walnut with a bronze long spear; it is signed on the underside. I have been collecting Danish wood toys...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Desk Model Airplane, Private Jet, Scandinavia, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A well-made mounted desk model of an aero plane/private jet. Professionally mounted on an oak stand. Unknown Scandinavian maker, circa 1970-1975. It’s made...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Acrylic, Oak

Glass Ball Full-Range Stereo Speaker with Built-In Subwoofer 'Customizable'
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This configuration is for a pair of stereo floor speakers with built-in subwoofer. Prices starts from € 7.950 / $ 8.450 Our audio evokes the beauty...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Granite

Danish Modern Solid Teak Carved Lion Toy / Lint Brush, Bojesen Era
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern solid teak carved lion toy / lint brush by Laurids Lonborg, circa 1950s. This incredibly fun lion lint brush was originally designed by Lonborg ...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Bojesen Monkey Repair Kit
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Boyesen's Monkey Repair Kit (Height 20 cm). For old and recent editions. EU shipping €3.00
Category

2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Customizable Glass Ball Full-Range Pedestal Mono Speaker.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This configuration is for a single mono floor speakers without built-in subwoofer. Prices starts from € 7.950 / $ 8.450 Our audio evokes the beauty...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Quartz, Marble, Granite

Hans Bolling Teak Duck Sculpture by Torben Orskov
Located in San Diego, CA
Large teak duck by Hans Bolling for Torben Orskov. Marked on the foot.  
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Pair of Articulated Toys / Rabbit & Bear in Pale Oak by Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Great pair of articulated toys; both a rabbit and a bear by Kay Bojesen, circa 1990s. #2036 Kay Bojesen's toys are world-famous Classic for childre...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

1950s Danish Staved Teak Quaich Midcentury Winged Viking Bowl Centrepiece
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Denmark, circa 1950s. Staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. A midcentury re-interpretation of the traditional wooden Quaich. Measures: 10 5/8 inches high, 10 inches...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Modern Wooden Viking Figurine
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood vintage toy Viking from the 1950 attributed to Kay Bojesen.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Articulated Toy Elephant by Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Articulated toy elephant by Kay Bojesen, circa 1990s. #1469 Kay Bojesen's elephant, born in 1953, is a world-famous Classic for children and adults...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Oak

Danish Modern Hand Painted Police Officer Stackable Toy
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice 1950s wood painted Danish police officer stackable toy, a rare find great to display, simple and unique. The top comes off and you can remove each part.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Nautical Horn in Copper and Brass, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An unusual long, lean and stylish maritime fog horn (presumably). It made from solid copper and has a brass mouthpiece. Manufactured in Scandinavia during the...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Scandinavian Modern Silver “Sagitta” Ring by Bjorn Weckstrom, Lapponia, Finland
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern silver "Sagitta" ring with specially treated surface. Designed by Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia, Finland, circa 1970s. Measures: Diameter: 1". Hei...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Scandinavian Modern Bird Bottle Opener
By Carl Bent
Located in Vienna, AT
Teak wood with brass vintage toy bottle opener from the 1950.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Vintage Neck Ring by N.E. From, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic beautiful silver neck ring by Niels Erik From, Denmark, 1960s. Easy to wear and put on / off your neck. Stamped with: Stamped with From 925S. Special and Classic jewelry i...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Silver Scandinavian Modern Bracelet by Björn Weckström, Lapponia, 1971
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern Finish silver bracelet in silver by Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia, 1971. Weckstrom's work is famous for his unique patination treatments and surface textures. Me...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

Huge Wooden Toy Soldier by Kay Bojesen
Located in San Diego, CA
Huge Royal Guardsman Standard-Bearer designed by Kay Bojesen. Includes the original Danish flag. Incredibly rare at this scale, Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Modern Viking Bottle Opener by Carl Bent
By Carl Bent
Located in Vienna, AT
Teak wood with brass vintage toy bottle opener from the 1950 signed Carl Bent.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Swedish Decor Silver Bracelet and Ring Set by Willy Käfling, 1971
Located in Stockholm, SE
A great sterling silver arm bracelet and silver ring set by Willy Käfling, Stockholm - Sweden 1971. Beautiful and easy to wear vintage armcuff with beautiful wave desingned patterns ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Scandinavian Gold Cufflinks, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Square rounded of solid gold cufflinks made from 14-carat yellow gold. Nordic minimalism and purity comes alive in this subtle pair of vintage 197...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Gold

Golden Brass Armbracelet from Finland, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brass bracelet sectioned together with six golden parts of perforated brass links shaped as eights. Lovely golden bracelet perfect for both everyday and party wear use. Box locker. S...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Vintage Triangle Silver Earrings by Rey Urban, Sweden, 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful pair of vintage triangle sterling silver ear rings by Rey Urban, Stockholm, Sweden, 1957. These beautiful ear rings are decorated with a small pink stone in the middle and ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, Sterling Silver

1960s Scandinavian Modern Farmhouse Toys by Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A brightly colored and whimsical miniature farm set by the Danish master of whimsey Kay Bojesen. The fifteen individual wooden pieces consist of a farmhouse of laminated beech with removable gray roof, two beds a bench, two tables, barn of laminated beech with red removable gate, the wooden figures of mom, dad, and youngster, livestock being wooden cows...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech

Kay Bojesen, Denmark, Baby Rattle in Beech, Late 20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kay Bojesen, Denmark. Baby rattle in beech, late 20th century. Size: Diameter 7.5 cm. In very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Beech

Unique Brass and Copper midcentury Bracelet by Anna Greta Eker, Norway, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful vintage brass bracelet desinged and made by Norwegian silversmith Anna Greta Eker. This brass bracelet has decorative copper details on the outside combined with colored "s...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brass and Naturestone vintage Clip Earrings by Anna Greta Eker, Norway, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gorgeous midcentury brass clip earrings with a purple nature stone by designer Anna Greta Eker, Norway, 1970s. Organic and oval shape with brass orname...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Bog Wood Jewelry Box Primitive Cave Man Daeodon Hunt Sterling Inlay, Midcentury
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Paleolithic hunting scene on wooden segmented jewelry/cigarette box. Fully functional, hinges work smoothly.
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Bog Wood

Carved Teak Pipe Rest
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A carved and sculptural pipe rest crafted from a single piece of warm teak.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Vintage Model of Danish Mid-Century Corner Chair
Located in New York, NY
Apprentice cabinet makers would make models of furniture as a part of their training. A lovely addition for a collector of miniature chairs and a generally appealing decorative acces...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Modern Birger Lindgren Silver Pendant Citron Quartz Stockholm 1967
By Birger Lindgren
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern silver necklace with a rounded rectangular pendant with a dramatic, mounted citron rock crystal. Designed by Birger Lindgren, 1967, Stockholm Sweden. Pendant: ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rock Crystal, Silver

Wall-Mounted Tilting Tobacco Vessel
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wall-mounted lidded tobacco vessel having a rounded tilting form on mounted arms crafted of turned and carved richly figured teak.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Teak

Silver Craft Necklace
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple silver necklace with a framed abstract design and three loose hanging rings.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Silver

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 Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Leather, Rosewood, Teak

Scandinavian Modern collectibles and curiosities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern collectibles and curiosities 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 collectibles and curiosities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern collectibles and curiosities made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original collectibles and curiosities, popular names associated with this style include Kay Bojesen, Alton, David Andersen, and Anna-Greta Eker. 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 collectibles and curiosities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $12 and tops out at $332,864 while the average work can sell for $470.

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