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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
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

Carved Teak Pipe Rest from Denmark
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

Wall Mounted Tilting Tobacco Vessel for ESA
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

Danish Blown Glass Hanging Ornaments by Kastrup Glas
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

Engraved Ashtray for 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 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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