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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 20th Century
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 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 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
Giant-Sized King's Guardsman by Kay Bojesen
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 & 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 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 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 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
Engraved Ashtray by Orrefors
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 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 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 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
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 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 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, 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 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 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
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 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 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
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
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
Danish Blown Glass Hanging Ornaments
By Kastrup
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
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
Rare 1955 Helsingborg Exhibition Cigarette Holder+Ashtray Stig Lindberg Domino
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A rare two piece set, commemorating the Helsingborg Exhibition of 1955, and only produced for one year, for this exhibit. No Gustavsberg collection is complete without something fro...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Collectibles and Curiosities
Materials
Ceramic
Huge Wooden Toy Soldier by Kay Bojesen
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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