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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
Scandinavian Modern Silver ring by Pentti Sarpaneva, Åbo, 1972
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern, Finnish silver ring in the form of a flower by Pentti Sarpaneva, for Åbo, 1972. Diameter: 1" Height: .75"
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

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 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

Hydrometer by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A black enameled hydrometer, was a part of a weather station.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Metal

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

Vintage Illums Bolighus Danish Brass Metalworks Footed Bowl attrd. Carl Aubock
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Vintage Mid-Century brass sculpture, attributed to Carl Auböck. These were designed for Illums Bolighus, this one is marked, DENMARK, some are marked, Illums Bolighus. In as-found o...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Silver and Agate Bracelet, Erik Granit, Helsinki, 1961
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with elongated oval gray agate. Made by Erik Granit, Helsinki, Finland, 1961. Measures: Width: 2.25, depth: 2.25. H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Agate, Silver

Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

Scandinavian Modern, Pege, Alton Sterling Silver Bracelet with Purple Stone
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

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

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 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 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

Scandinavian ModernSterling Silver Cuff Bracelet, Pekka Piekainen, Finland 1978
By Pekka Piekäinen, Auran Kultaseppä
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern sculptural sterling silver cuff bracelet designed by Pekka Piekainen 1976, made by Auran Kultaseppä, Finland. Measures: Depth 2.25...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Scandinavian Modern Silver Bracelet with Tigers Eye Stone by Noblelle, Denmark
By Noblelle
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian modern silver bracelet with oval shaped tigers eye stone. Made by Noblelle, Denmark, 1970. Measures: Diameter: 2.5", depth: 1.25".
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Stone, 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

Scandinavian Modern Silver bracelet "Pege" with Tigers Eye, Alton, Sweden 1966
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

Contemporary Sculpture in Red-Elder Wood Handcrafted in Denmark by ÖRN DUVALD
Located in Gentofte, DK
Sculpture by Pétur Örn and Søren Duvald. Object between form and function- a composition of architectural elements and furniture craft traditions. Exhibited in 2015 at Dronninglund...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass, Other

Scandinavian Modern Silver Link Bracelet Jo’ans Koping Sweden, 1972
By Jo'Ans Guld AB 1
Located in New York, NY
A Scandinavian Modern handmade woven link bracelet in silver. Made by Jo'ans AB. Koping, Sweden, 1972. Diameter: 2.5". Open length: 8".
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling 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 Necklace by K.E. Palmberg for Alton, Falköping
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 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

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 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 Sterling Silver Necklace by Issac Cohen with Green Stone
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 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

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 Sterling Silver Necklace with Rock Crystal, Issac 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

Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A very rare and monumental giant-sized model of the Royal Danish King's Guardsman hand crafted in wood having movable arms and legs and retaining its ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Wood

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, Kupitaan Kulta Silver and Quartz Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Silver Scandinavian modern pendant with an inserted oval faceted smoky quartz stone. The chain is also silver. Designed by Kupitaan Kulta, Finland. Measures: Chain length: 16&qu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Quartz, 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

Engraved Ashtray by Orrefors
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A substantial and sculptural engraved glass disc-form ashtray.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Glass

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 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

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

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

Danish Blown Glass Hanging Ornaments
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A luminous and expressive group of of blown glass hanging ornaments.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Blown Glass

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

Hand-hammered Sterling Sculptural Necklace or Choker by Jan Arenhill, 1969
By Jan Arenhill
Located in Houston, TX
Unique sterling silver necklace by Jan Arenhill, Malmö. Malmö, Sweden, circa 1969, hand-hammered sterling silver. Impressed with following hallmarks: Year mark T9 1969. Artist's ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver and Amethyst Bracelet 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

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

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

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 Silver Necklace or Brooch by Smycka Kumla, Sweden, 1979
Located in Stockholm, SE
A circular and practical silver necklace in which can also be used as a brooch if you wish. This jewelry is made by Smycka Kumla (company established 1926, Sweden) in 1979. Nice pati...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage 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

Silver Jewelry with Brilliant Cut Rock Crystal from 1973 by Salovaara, Finland
By Suomen Kultaseppä Oy, Kultaseppä Salovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Silver jewelry with round brilliant cut rock crystal. Salovaara, Åbo 1973. Neckline of sterling silver. Norway. Kultaseppä Salovaara was founded ...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Rock Crystal, 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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