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
- 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.
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Color: Silver
Long Silver Necklace by Marianne Berg for Uni David-Andersen, Norway, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely silver necklace by designer Marianne Berg for Uni David-Andersen 1960s Norway. This is a two-section longer pendant with Viking inspired patterns on a long silver chain neckla...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Vintage Ivan Holth, Norway Guilloche Enamel over Sterling Silver Pin in the Shap
Located in Seguin, TX
Vintage Ivan Holth, Norway guilloche enamel over sterling silver pin in the shape of a sailing ship. White and blue, marked on back, overall...
Category
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Scandinavian Modern, Bjorn Weckstrom Silver Ring, for Lapponia, Finland, 1969
Located in London, GB
Bjorn Weckstrom scuptural sterling silver ring, Lapponia, Finland, 1969
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Choker Necklace by Jaana Toppila-Ikalainen 1998 Finland
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely silver necklace with wave shaped bars chained together by designer Jaana Toppila-Ikalainen -Finland 1998. The silver bars has a twisted shape. Natural patina and good vintage ...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Lapponia Modernist Silver Bracelet by Björn Weckström, Finland 1970s
By Lapponia
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Much sought after vintage 'organic' modern sterling silver bracelet. Fully hallmarked by Lapponia, Finland. Designed during the 1970s by Bjorn Wec...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Necklace Sunburst by Tone Vigeland for Plus, Norway, 1960s
By Tone Vigeland, Plus Norway
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vintage sterling silver pendant designed by well known Norwegian designer Tone Vigeland for Plus Studios, Norway 1960s.
The necklace has a shape as a sun and can easily be connected to the silver collier/neckring.
The pendant is stamped Sterling 925S and the symbol for Plus Studios, Norway.
Measures of pendant: 6.5 cm D x 9 cm H. Diameter of silver neckring: 13 cm.
Mid-century designer Tone Vigeland (1938) is a Norwegian silversmith and vintage jewelery...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Midcentury Ladderlike Silverpendant by NE From 1960s, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wonderful pendant silver necklace Danish midcentury designer NE from in the 1960s, Denmark. With horizontal bars lying on top of each other like a ladder. Slig...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Lovely Blue Stone Set of Vintage Silverring and Earrings Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful heaven blue vintage 'Bergslagen stone' ear rings and silver ring set from Sweden 1980s. The lovely pair of ear rings are made by Opifors AB. (s...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Round Blue Stone Silverpendant by Skreij J E Ab, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful blue round 'Bergslagen stone' necklace by Skreij JE Ab 1970s. Sweden.
The stone has various shades of blue color and are originally the "leftovers" or slag of the iron pro...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Stone, Sterling Silver
Silverring with a Hook 1950s-1960s Scandinavia
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful and classic silverring with a shape as a hook. Perfect for any occasion. Marked with silverstamp 925. Scandinavian design.
Size: Inner diameter is 17 mm. Thickness of ban...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Blue Stone Vintage Silverbracelet by Victor Jansson, Sweden, 1966
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful blue Bergslagen stone silver bracelet by Victor Jansson for Lindesberg, Sweden 1966. The stone has a triangle shape and traces of white stone within it. Clasp inside to ope...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Danish Silverring with Lapis Lazuli Stone by Brdr. Bjerring, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A square shaped silver ring with the Afghanistan Lapis Lazuli blue square stone on top embraced by a solid silver band edge holding the stone. Designed an...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Lapis Lazuli, Silver
Bronze Brooch and Necklace with Melted Look by Studio Else & Paul, Norway, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful bronze brooch or necklace designed by Studio Else & Paul, Hadeland, Oslo - Norway. This is a typical example of the 1970's ‘new’ look and has a Tribe inspired and melted ...
Category
1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Bronze
Hans Hansen Sterling Bracelet Bangle Danish Geometric, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A rare and well loved Minimalist Scandinavian 1970s modernist sterling silver hexagonal bangle. A seldom offered design, versatile, and comfortable with...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Flower Silver Necklace by Bronsil AB, 1970s, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely flower silver necklace made by Bronsil AB in Köping, Sweden, 1970s. The pendant has shape as a water lily with seven petals. Marked: SGP 925.
Size: Total length including the...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Bracelet from C. Holm, Denmark, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern Silver bracelet with polished and etched openings from Denmark by C. Holm.
Measures: Diameter: 2.5".
Height: 1".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver and Amber Necklace by Niels Erik From, Denmark
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern Sterling silver necklace and pendant with cabochon in amber. Designed by Niels Erik From, Denmark, 1960s.
Total length: 12”, chain 10”, pendant 2.5”.
Pendant he...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Bracelet by Theresia Hvorslev, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Silver bracelet with acid treated surface by Theresia Hvorslev and stamped 'Mema', Lidkoping, Sweden, 1976.
Measures: Depth: 2.75".
Height: 1.5".
Width: 2.5".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern, Pege, Alton Sterling Silver Bracelet with Purple Stone
By Alton
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern, Sterling silver bracelet with a faceted purple colored gemstone. Designer stamped "Pege" Alton, made in Sweden, 1969.
Diameter: 2.5
Height: 3.25' ".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver vintage earrings Leaf shaped by Heribert Engelbert AB, Sweden 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of elegant silver ear rings made as an oval wavedshaped leaf. Made by Swedish mid-century designer Stigbert for Heribert Engelbert AB Stockholm, Sweden in 1957. These beautiful vintage earrings are stamped Sterling Sweden, HE Stigbert B9. Measure each: length 2,5 cmL, 1.5 cmW and 1.7 cmD. Good vintage condition.
Engelbert is an upmarket, exclusive jeweler...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Necklace by Issac Cohen with Green Stone
By Isaac Cohen
Located in New York, NY
A sterling silver necklace detailed with a green stone cartouche. Designed by Issac Cohen, 1950s, Stockholm Sweden.
Measures: Diameter: 5.5",
Height:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Serpentine, Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Swedish Bracelet by Åke Lindström, 1971 for Bengt Hallberg
By Åke Lindström
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with disk closure clasp. Designed by Åke Lindström for Bengt Hallberg, 1971, Sweden.
Measures: Width: 2.5", depth: 2...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Bracelet, Henry Marius Jacobsen Bracelet Copenhagen,
By Henry Marius Jacobsen
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with a raised cutout surface with free-form organic shapes. Designed Henry Marius Jacobsen, Copenhagen, 1960, Denmark.
Measures: Diameter: 2.5&...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Silver Scandinavian Modern Pendant and Chain from Hopeajaloste OY
Located in New York, NY
Silver Scandinavian Modern pendant with three soft curves shapes and silver chain from Hopeajaloste OY., Helsinki, Finland.
Chain length:...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Necklace and Pendant by Eksjo, 1972
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver necklace and with moving "fringe" elements ending in small balls. Made at the Eksjo studio in 1972, Sweden. Stamped on reverse.
Chain total length: 24".
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver pendant by Owe Johansson, Hopeajaloste OY
By Hopeajaloste OY, Owe Johansson
Located in New York, NY
A finnish silver pendant on a silver chain by Owe Johansson for Hopeajaloste OY, Helsinki, Finland, circa 1960.
Chain length: 27".
Pendant height: 3.5".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Pendant with Chain by Ove Bohlin, 1972
By Ove Bohlin
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern sterling silver pendant with gold details, inspired by the early 20th century Surrealism art movement. Made by One Bohlin, Stockholm, Sweden, 1972, with details i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Gold, Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Necklace, Rock Crystal Pendant by Alstrom, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver necklace on curved link chain and a rock crystal pendant. Designed by Alstrom, Stockholm, Sweden, 1960s.
Chain length: 14...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver & Malachite Bracelet, Gertrud Engel, A. Michelsen 1950
By Gertrud Engel
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern silver bracelet with linked overlapping leaves detailed with malachite cabochons. Designed by Gertrud Engel for A. Michelsen, 1950s, Stockholm, Sweden.
Diamete...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Malachite, Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Necklace by K.E. Palmberg for Alton, Falköping
By Alton
Located in New York, NY
A silver necklace with pentagonal pendant with gilded details. Designed by K.E. Palmberg for Alton, Falkoping, Sweden.
Diameter: 5", pendant height: ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Bracelet Caged Crystal Peter Von Post, 1971 Stockholm
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern silver bracelet with a secret. A faceted rock crystal is caged inside an attached organic shaped structure. Designed by Peter Von Post...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver MEMA Pendant from Lidkoping, Sweden, 1972
By Mema
Located in New York, NY
Silver Scandinavian Modern "MEMA" pendant with five capsule shaped elements on a silver chain. From Lidkoping, Sweden, 1972.
Chain length: 27"
Pendant height: 3&q...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Sterling Silver Necklace with Rock Crystal, Issac Cohen
By Isaac Cohen
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern silver necklace with highly textured surface and organic shaped openings. A round faceted quartz crystal adds a geometric detail. Designed by Isaac Cohen, Stockho...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Necklace by SG Hellstrom, Gnesta, Sweden, 1965
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern sterling silver necklace with adjustable panel. Made by S.G. Hellstrom, Gnesta, Sweden, 1965.
Measures: Opening diameter: 5" x 5".
Overall height...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver Collar "Stigbert" for Atelje Waldemar Jonsson
By Atelje Waldemar Jonsson
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian modern signed "Stigbert' silver collar for Atelje Waldemar Jonsson, Skara, Sweden 1973.
Measures: Diameter: 5".
Height: 1.5".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Silver Scandinavian Modern Pendant by Kultateollisuus Ky Turku, Finland, 1972
By Kultateollisus Ky
Located in New York, NY
A silver Scandinavian Modern pendant and chain with a geometric hexagonal design within a circle and detailed with six rock crystals. Made by Kultateollisuus KY Turku, Finland, 1972....
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver bracelet "Pege" with Tigers Eye, Alton, Sweden 1966
By Alton
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with oval tigers eye stone. Signed Pege, made by Alton, Sweden, 1966.
Measures Diameter 2.5",
height 75".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Modern Silver and Rock Crystal Bracelet, Waldemar Jonsson, 1969
By Waldemar Jonsson
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver and rock crystal bracelet with rock crystal by silversmith Waldemar Jonsson in Skara, Sweden, 1969.
Measures: Diameter: 2.75".
Height: 2".
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver
Sterling Silver and Amethyst Bracelet by Bent Knudsen
By Bent Knudsen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Interesting Scandinavian cuff from Danish jewelry designer Bent Knudsen in sterling with amethyst. Signed with impressed manufacturer's mark to interior: [Sterl...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
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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