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Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

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
Alvar Aalto, Wooden Room Divider, Screen 100 in Pine, Artek 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
The 100 slatted wall / room divider by Alvar Aalto is a dynamic interior element assembled from narrow vertical pine slats and can be rolled up and opened as a straight or in numerou...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Fire Screen Olle Hermansson, Husqvarna Cast Iron the Thunder God Tor
Located in Stockholm, SE
Midcentury Swedish fire screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna made in cast iron. It can both be placed either as a fire screen or a sculpture. The fire ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron

1958 Danish Teak Hutch Bar Credenza by Hans Wegner for Ry Møbler
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Born on April 22nd in 1958, this free-standing wall-unit / hutch is truly an architectural masterpiece. The entire construction can be easily broken down and assembled without any h...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Teak, Pine

Alvar Aalto Room / Screen Divider, Finland, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent vintage condition with signs of usage and patina. Pinewood. Produced by Artek, Finland, late 1960s. Measures: Height 150 cm W 200 cm.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Rörligt Objekt' Folding Screen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, limited edition 'Rörligt Objekt' folding screen or room divider, patinated aluminum, wood, Sweden, after 1989 Designed by Mats Theselius for Källemo A...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Aluminum

Bertil Vallien fire guard, produced by Boda, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Påarp, SE
Fire guard designed by Bertil Vallien. Produced by Boda in the 1970s. Good condition with minor marks of use.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Mats Theselius folding screen / room divider produced by Källemo, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare folding screen / room divider ‘Rörligt objekt’ by Mats Theselius, early 1990s. Aluminum with dot decoration in relief. Folds into four parts: 4 x 48 cm, height 188 cm.
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Steel, Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Bookends, Danish Abstract Brutalist Design
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This pair of mid-century modern bookends showcases a striking Danish abstract brutalist design. Expertly crafted from solid teak wood, the pieces feature an elegant curved silhouette...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

3x Sculptural Bookends by Spisani Italy Dogs Terrier Labrador
Located in Krefeld, DE
Very nice vintage set of three bookends by Spisani. No damages, free international shipping.  
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Acrylic

Alvar Aalto Room Divider Screen 100 By Artek 1950s
Located in Espoo, FI
Alvar Aalto's room divider, model 100, manufactured by Artek, material pine. The screen is from the 1950s, and in very good used condition. Beautiful patina of time.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Wonderful Pine Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Munich, DE
Made from woven pine stripes in massive wooden frames connected with leather.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Screen 100 In Pinewood By Alvar Aalto & Artek Designed in Finland 1936
Located in Reading, Berkshire
The Artek 100 Screen was designed by Alvar Aalto with a natural aesthetic for various interiors requiring privacy and separation within a room. Its lightweight design can be utilised...
Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Rörligt Objekt' Folding Screen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, limited edition 'Rörligt Objekt' folding screen or room divider, no. 30/100, patinated copper, wood, Sweden, after 1989 Designed by Mats Theselius for...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Copper

Scandinavian Modern Book Ends in Solid Brass, Minimal Design by Erik Olovsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elevate your bookshelf with our stunning casted brass book ends. These polished book ends combine minimalistic design with a touch of sophistication, providing both functionality and...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Kai Kristiansen Storage Chest Trunk for Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Storage trunk by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, c.1960s, Denmark. The teak chest features a brass hinged lid and brass lock with key. The inside of the chest showcases a large...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Set of Scandinavian Modern Screens or Room Dividers in Stained Beechwood, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare set of 5-sided vintage room dividers in stained beechwood handmade in the 1940s by a Scandinavian cabinetmaker. Beautiful five-panel screen, room divider, framing with intricately carved geometric design medallions in wood and negative space. This design is occasionally seen on the International design market, but still haven't been attributed to any specific designer. The style is similar to that of Hans J. Wegner, William Waiting...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Beech

Room Divider Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Room divider on wheels. Produced in Sweden. Dimensions (W x D x H): 85 ( 255 ) x 45 x 148 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Steel

FRAMA Contemporary Scandinavian Design Frame Room Divider One Panel
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Frame Room Divider is designed to be a discrete and subtle way of separating any room. Whether you require some privacy, a place for guests to relax, or want to add a spatial ele...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Wonderful Pine Folding Screen Room Divider
Located in Munich, DE
Made from woven pine stripes in massive wooden frames connected with leather.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Folding Screens / Room Dividers Produced by Alberts in Tibro, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare pair of folding screens / room dividers. Produced by Alberts in Tibro, Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Suede, Pine

Randers Teak Box
By O. Schjøll & B.K. Handest, ABO Randers A/S
Located in Philadelphia, PA
O. Schjoll & B.K. Handest for ABO Randers Teak Locking Box. Sliding removable top Tray. These were made in 2 sizes and this is the one that you don't see as often. Good original c...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Alvar Aalto Room Divider Model 100 Produced by Artek in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Room divider model 100 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Pine

Vintage Scandinavian Bookends in Oak, 1960s, Set of 3
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 3 Bookends in Teak with metall rest's probably manufactured by either FM Møbler or ESA in Denmark during the 1960s. Measurements: Heights: 12 cm, Dept: 11 cm.
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Aluminum

Pair Of Brass Bookends By Lotta Horn For Rejmyre Mässingsbruk Horses Sweden 1990
By Lotta Horn
Located in Norwich, GB
Pair of brass bookends modelled as horses by Lotta Horn for Rejmyre Mässingsbruk. Sweden. Early 1990s. Stamped marks. They are richly patinated and in good condition, showing a few ...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

Room divider / Screen, rattan, Scandinavian Modern, Swedish mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful rare room divider in rattan, in the style of Larsson Korgmakare (maker of Josef Frank/Firma Svenskt Tenn rattan furniture). Decorative and practical, suits most rooms. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Rattan

"Roomie" a Room Divider by eliaselias in Vintage Fabric, Danish Design, 2023
Located in Odense, DK
Introducing the "Roomie", a large room divider hand crafted by the visionary eliaselias team in 2023. This innovative piece seamlessly blends functionality and aesthetics, redefining...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Brass

1960s Danish Modern Single Teak Bookend
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Danish Modern Single Teak Wood Bookend 5.25 h x 5.25 d x 4 w Unrestored preowned original vintage condition Wear is present Refer to all images for condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Teak

Pair of Ystad Metall 1928 Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Rare and early pair of bronze bookends by Ystad Metall, likely from 1928 and designed by Oscar Antonsson. Decorative design with keenling Puttis holding their hands on an antique urn...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Bronze

1960s Artic Ice Art Glass Sculpture Elephant Bookends Lars Hellsten Orrefors
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Playful sculptures/bookends. Heavy glass crystal at 8 lbs. Ea. Both pieces are signed and retain original decals. No chips.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Art Glass

Midcentury Waste Bin in Solid Teak, Made in Denmark
Located in Lejre, DK
Waste bin in solid teak. Designed and made in Denmark, great condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Teak

Metal Ladder / Red
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian metal ladder. An original piece found in every home in Sweden. Modern and industrial in flavor, it can be used for a variety of purposes, including for resting clothe...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Home Accents

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern home accents for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern home accents 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 home accents created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern home accents made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original home accents, popular names associated with this style include Alvar Aalto, Alberts Tibro, Artek, and Mats Theselius. 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 home accents differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $68 and tops out at $33,565 while the average work can sell for $1,445.

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