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
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.
Ole Wanscher Safari Chairs in Oak & Light Canvas, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A very rare pair of original Ole Wanscher oak framed "Safari chairs" with canvas seats and tilting backs. Made in Denmark by PJ Furniture in the 1960s. This is Wanschers take on the ...
Canvas, Oak
Nanna Ditzel Armchair no. 113, Wenge & Woven Cane, Kolds Savværk, Denmark, 1950s
By Nanna Ditzel, Kolds Savvaerk
Located in Odense, DK
A rare and exceptionally sculptural Nanna Ditzel Model 113 armchair, designed in Denmark in the 1950s and produced by Kolds Savværk. Executed in richly figured wenge, the chair demon...
Cane, Wenge
Hans Wegner Chinese Chair 4283
By Fritz Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner famous and beautiful chair is an adaptation of an old Chinese chair of the Ming dynasty; “China Chair”. A very comfortable armchair made in mahogany. Loose seat cushio...
Leather, Mahogany
$3,600 / set
Danish Modern Arm Chairs, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish Modern arm chairs, 1940, original olive upholstered body on a solid beech wood frame with hand tied spring seat structure, ready to b...
Upholstery, Beech
Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kircodan, lounge chair, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This chair reflects the hallmarks of 1960s Danish modern design: a streamlined silhouette, an emphasis on natural materials, an...
Leather, Teak
Henning Kjaernulf Oak Kurul Armchairs for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
A pair of iconic chairs by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, often called the “kurulstol” or kurul chair. The Curule seat is a foldable and portable chair with curved legs, the roots...
Sheepskin, Oak
$6,700Sale Price / set|28% Off
Set of 6 Teak and Bouclé Dining Chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous set of six (6) dining chairs by Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Jutex (1960s Denmark) is comprised of two armchairs and four side chairs. Some of the many things that make th...
Bouclé, Teak
Danish Modern Armchair in Beech and Moonlight Sheepskin, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Danish Modern armchair, in the manner of Fritz Hansen. Produced in Denmark, 1940s. Recently reupholstered in Moonlight sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 78 cm / 30.71 in Width: 83 cm /...
Sheepskin, Beech
Danish Lounge Chair in Brown Leather and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, brown leather, oak, Denmark, 1970s This armchair is a prime example of Scandinavian Mid-Century design ideology. Clear in its appearance, use of neutral materials, and...
Leather, Oak
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen, reupholstered, genuine sheepskin.
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen. Completely renovated high-backed armchair. Quality genuine sheepskin from New Zealand/Australia with OKO-TEX quality certificate. Beech wo...
Sheepskin, Beech
1970s, Danish armchair by Georg Thams, furniture leather, bentwood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish armchair by Georg Thams. Original brown furniture leather, bent beech wood, canvas. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Leather with ...
Leather, Canvas, Beech, Bentwood
Two Armchairs, Scandinavian design - In the manner of Finn Juhl - Sheepskin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exceptional pair of armchairs showcases outstanding craftsmanship and a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. Every detail reflects the skill of an accomplished cabinetmaker, from the...
Sheepskin, Wood
Bröderna Anderssons Lounge Chair in Teak and Light Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bröderna Anderssons, lounge chair, velvet, teak, Denmark, 1950s A deep dark frame in wood curves around the seat and backrest. The chair is upholstered in a soft blue velvet that is...
Velvet, Teak
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Armchair in Navy Pierre Frey Velvet, Denmark, 1950s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Arnold Madsen, Madsen & Schubell
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed by Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell and produced in Denmark in the 1950s. The model is a variant of their iconic Pragh armchair, designed in 1948....
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Model 2 Chair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 2 chair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch frame, later fabric upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Fabric, Birch
B.J. Hansen Lounge Chair in Teak and Black Upholstery
By B.J. Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
BJ. Hansen, lounge chair, leatherette, teak, metal, Norway, produced in Sjøholt, 1960s. This high-quality wingback chair is based on a solid construction featuring round and bold s...
Metal
Henning Kjærnulf pair Razorblade Armchairs in Oak and fabric, Denmark 1960s
By Farso Mobelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Pair Henning Kjærnulf Razorblade armchairs for Farsø Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Solid oak frame with seat and backrest upholstered in striped wool fabric. All armchairs are in good...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno 'Mondi Soft' Armchair in Beige Upholstery
By Jouko Järvisalo, Inno Interior OY
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jouko Järvisalo for Inno Interior OY, armchair model 'Mondi Soft', chrome-plated metal, fabric, lacquered wood, Finland, design 1986 Finnish interior...
Metal, Chrome
Alfred Christensen Danish Armchair in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Prague, New Town
Danish armchair, model ’32’, designed by Alfred Christensen. Produced by Slagelse Møbelværk in Denmark, 1940s. Dark stained beech, recently reupholstered in light sheepskin. Second c...
Sheepskin, Beech
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Prague, New Town
'Farmor' armchair, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40.55 in Wid...
Sheepskin, Wood
Mid Century Teak & Leather Framed Armchair by Ekornes Stressless, Norway 80s
Located in Lucija, SI
Scandinavian Modern Teak & Leather Armchair from Ekornes Stressless Made in Norway in the 80s
Leather, Teak
Arne Vodder for Sibast Pair of Dining Chairs in Walnut and Grey Upholstery
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Sibast Møbler, pair of dining chairs model '418', walnut, fabric, Denmark, 1960s This model has a characteristic, sculptural frame executed in warm walnut. The sligh...
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of Frits Henningsen Armchairs in Mahogany, Cane and Leather, Denmark, 1931
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed and produced by Frits Henningsen in Denmark in the early 1930s. The frames are crafted from solid mahogany, showcasing warm tones and finely...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
1960s, Danish vintage armchair, furniture wool, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish vintage armchair. Original green furniture wool, beech wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Wear consistent...
Wool, Beech
Vamdrup Stolefabrik Armchair in Teak and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Vamdrup Stolefabrik, armchair model 'VS 231', teak and orange fabric, Denmark, 1960s. The armchair with a solid teak frame, raises a handsome original orange upholstery seat. The f...
Fabric, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Arne Norell 'Inca' Leather Chair, 1970
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful and very comfortable 'Inca' chair designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1970, in chocolate brown buffalo leather on a dark stained beech wo...
Brass
$4,200 / set
Pair of Swedish Oversized Lounge Chairs, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pair of oversized Swedish lounge chairs, 1960, with original beige floral upholstery with colorful accents and fluted teak legs, the hazelnut brown fabric on the sides of t...
Upholstery, Teak
$23,237 / set
Arne Norell Inca Easy Chairs, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of the very comfortable Inca chair in patinated brown original buffalo leather. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden. Signed. Very good vintag...
Brass
“Papa Bear” Armchair with Footrest by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Brescia, IT
The “Papa Bear” set consists of an armchair and a matching footrest, featuring exposed oak elements and upholstery recently reupholstered in a cotton-blend mélange fabric. Designed b...
Fabric, Oak
Rare Børge Mogensen for Fredericia ‘Safari’ Armchair Cognac Leather Oak
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, ‘Safari’ armchair model 2221, saddle leather, oak, brass, Denmark, 1960s This rare armchair reminds of the classical foldable 'director-ch...
Brass
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Tank’ armchair, model ’37/400′, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1940s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Elegant Lounge Chair, Upholstered in Golden Brown Pure Mohair
By Mogens Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern lounge chair. Handmade in England. Beech frame, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, soft, golden brown pure mohair fabric. This listing is for a sin...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Safari Chairs in Brown Canvas and Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, pair of safari chairs model 'KK47000', ash, canvas, metal, brass, leather, Denmark, designed in 1933 and produced in 1960s. The chair shows very eleg...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Round Arm Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of modern round arm Danish style armchair. Handmade beech frame and sprung seat. Newly upholstered in a premium, soft, pure mohair fabric with solid oak feet. For a...
Beech, Oak, Mohair
Armchair Model "Sorry", Overman AB, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Armchair model "Sorry", manufactured by Overman AB, Sweden, 1960s. Leather upholstery metal and plastic frame. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use.
Metal
Round Arm Lounge Chair, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Mogens Lassen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb modern round arm Danish style armchair. Handmade beech frame and sprung seat. Newly upholstered in a premium, soft, pure mohair fabric with solid oak feet. Pairs are avai...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Pair of Thorald Madsen Armchairs in Sheepskin and Beech, Denmark, Mid 1930s
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare pair of armchairs was produced by the cabinetmaker Thorald Madsen in Denmark in the mid 1930s. The curved, round shape of the armrests and back gives the design a dist...
Sheepskin, Wood, Beech
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Vintage Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 Armchairs
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner armchairs model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The armchairs are a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmar...
Oak
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage armchair by Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Curved laminated oakwood design with light grey upholstery. Dimensions: 55 W x 48 D x 75 H cm. Chair of the 61 series, stackable laminated...
Wool, Oak, Plywood
$10,812 / set
Pair of Armchairs, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A super pair of modern Danish style lounge chairs / armchairs. Beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a golden brown, premium, soft, pure mohair fabric. Handmade in E...
Mohair, Beech
Viggo Boesen Model 30 Armchair, Beechwood & Niger Leather, Denmark 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in København K, 84
This rare armchair, model 30, was designed by Viggo Boesen attributed to and produced by Slagelse Møbelværk in Denmark during the 1940s, a formative period of pre-war and early post-...
Goatskin, Beech, Leather
Swedish Safari Armchair in Natural Cognac Leather and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Nordiska Kompaniet, armchair, leather, birch, Sweden, 1950s This elegant safari lounge chair is crafted from natural cognac brown leather, which has developed a beautiful patina ove...
Leather, Birch
Set of Four Mid Century Danish Modern Bart Stools or Counter in Teak Wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern set of four stools made in Denmark circa 1970's. These feature solid teak framing with padded seats. Fabric is original and could use updating but these are perfectly ...
Fabric, Teak
$3,400 / item
Børge Mogensen, Model 2254 Lounge Chair, 1956
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful lounge chair 'BM-2254/ Slædestolen' designed by Børge Mogensen in 1956 and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Sweden, adjustable mahogany frame with original beige alcanta...
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
Norwegian Pine Lounge Chair, ca 1940
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Pine Lounge Chair, ca 1940 Deep, beautiful patina and lovely forms. Made of pine wood. Height: 68 cm/26.7 inch Width: 52.5cm/20.6 inch Depth: 60 cm/23.6 inch Seat Height...
Pine
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland 'Saturnus' Armchair in Black Leather
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Haimi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, 'Saturnus' lounge chair, leather, fiberglass, Finland, 1960s. Stunning easy chair in patinated black leather and fiberglass by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkap...
Leather, Fiberglass
1960s, Danish armchair, furniture wool, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish armchair. Beige furniture wool, beech wood legs. Wear consistent with age and use. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured b...
Wool, Beech
Swedish Modern Lounge Chair by Carl Cederholm, Firma Stil & Form, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking lounge chair by Carl Cederholm. Generously proportioned and beautifully shaped oak frame with gracefully curved armrests and backrest in an organic form that follow the silh...
Wood, Velvet, Oak
Arne Vodder Lounge Chair in Original Patinated Black Leather
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, lounge chair, leather, teak, Denmark, 1953 This distinct design is by Danish master Arne Vodder, and manufactured by Ivan Schlechter The exterior of...
Leather, Teak
Stokkestol Chair, Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Rosewood, Sheepskin, 1960's
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by Jens Quistgaard (the genius behind Dansk) for Nissen Langaa, this ultra-sculptural 1960s Stokkestol (Stick chair) or simple Stokke Chair is the kind of piece that stops c...
Aluminum
Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 402 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame with wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, heavy...
Wool, Birch
Easy chairs model “Bodö” by Svante Skogh for AB Hjertquist & Co, Nässjö, 1957
By Svante Skogh
Located in Karlstad, SE
A well-balanced pair of Swedish easy chairs from the late 1950s, designed by Svante Skogh. The Bodö model is defined by its clean, architectural frame in warm-toned wood, with angula...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Sculptural Danish Modern Wingback Armchairs in Pink Velour, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant pair of Danish wingback lounge chairs from the 1940s, upholstered in a warm salmon-pink velour. The chairs feature a graceful silhouette with softly curved armrests, sculpted...
Velvet, Wood, Beech
1960s, Danish armchair, cherry-red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish armchair. Cherry-red furniture velour, bent beech wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Dani...
Velvet, Beech, Bentwood
Mid-20th Century, Razorblade Armchair by Henning Kjærnulf, Oak & Lambswool, 1960
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning brutalist oak armchair designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbler produced circa the 1960s, this chair exemplifies the bold yet refined character of mid-century ...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Early Poul Kjaerholm PK11 Armchair for E Kold Christiansen Denmark 1950's
By Poul Kjærholm, E. Kold Christensen
Located in Troy, MI
Early model PK11 armchair by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christiansen Denmark circa 1957 Architectural three leg frame in stainless steel with original leather seat and arced backres...
Stainless Steel
Rastad & Relling 'Bambi' 56/2 Lounge Chair in Solid Walnut for Fjordfiesta
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in Tilburg, NL
Rastad & Relling 'Bambi' 56/2 Lounge Chair in Solid Walnut for Fjordfiesta. Designed in 1956. New, current production. Lounge chair in solid walnut or oak with a seat and back in embroidered leather. The Bambi Lounge chair...
Leather, Walnut
$2,178Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto, 1930s chair 403, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace the essence of Scandinavian design with the Alvar Aalto, 1930s Chair 403. This piece is a blend of functional elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- j...
Upholstery, Birch
Scandinavian Modern Armchair in Brown Leather & Walnut, Circa 1990
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Scandinavian Modern Brown Leather Armchair: Organic Design" Manufacturer: Unknown Production Year: Circa 1990 Material: Brown leather and walnut wood Condition: Goo...
Wood
Norwegian Dining Chair in Olive Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chair, beech, fabric, Norway, 1960s This Norwegian elegant dining chair shows beautiful lines and stunning wood connections. The visually almost floating seat with the well-s...
Fabric, Beech