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.
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
Rare Pair of Scandinavian Modern Mohair Armchairs, 1940s, Finland
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare pair of Scandinavian Modern mohair armchairs, 1940s. Designer unknown. The style is reminiscent of the works of Werner West, Otto Schultz, and Boman. Stained birch frame and reu...
Mohair, Birch
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
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
Danish Modern High Wingback Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Large high wingback Danish Modern armchair, in the manner of Mogens Lassen. Produced in Denmark, 1940s. Recently reupholstered in Honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 92 cm / 36.22 ...
Sheepskin, Beech
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
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
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
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
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Leather, Oak
Madsen & Schubell Pragh Armchair in Navy Pierre Frey Velvet, Denmark, 1950s
By Madsen & Schubell, La Maison Pierre Frey, Arnold Madsen
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
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
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
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
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
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
Alfred Christensen Danish Armchair in Light Sheepskin, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
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
Pair of 'Hunter' Easy Chairs by Torbjørn Afdal, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Great pair of safari chairs model Hunter designed by Torbjørn Afdal, produced by Bruksbo, Norway. Original leather cushions. Good condition!
Leather
1940s, Set of Chairs by Sternells Virserum, Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This is a set of armchairs manufactured by Sternells in Virserum, Sweden, during the 1940s. The chairs feature their original luxurious velour upholstery in a deep red tone, beautifu...
Beech, Oak
Torbjørn Afdal Leather Arm Chairs, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful leather arm chairs designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960, with chocolate brown leather and stained hardwood frame, sling armrests in belt leather, strapped c...
Leather, Canvas, Wood
Pair of Armchairs, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Viggo Boesen
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
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
Danish Modern Henning Kjaernulf Oak pair of razorblade Armchairs, 1970's
Located in Uccle, BE
A pair of razorback lounge chairs by Danish designer Henning Kjaernulf. This is his iconic design. Made of oak and reuphostered in toile chiné. Manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmøbel.
Fabric, Oak
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
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Chairs in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chairs model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 A pair of armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larsen hi...
Leather, Oak
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
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
Pair of USA-75 by Folke Olsson for DUX, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish armchairs in walnut by Folke Ohlsson, produced by DUX, 1960s. Very good vintage condition with small signs of usage and patina.
Teak
Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair with Curved Armrests, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Simplicity, functionality, and elegance - these are the basic aspects of Danish design and accordingly, of this sophisticated easy chair as well. As a representation of early moderni...
Wood, Fabric
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
Customizable Scandinavian Modern Armchair with Walnut Finish, Sole Design
Located in Miami, FL
A Sole Scandinavian Modern style armchair designed by Larissa Batista for Uultis, with walnut finish and off-white fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. The Sole ar...
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood
Viggo Boesen Model 30 Armchair, Beechwood & Niger Leather, Denmark 1940s
By Viggo Boesen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
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
Danish Oak and Sheepskin Armchair, Denmark ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The first half of the 20th century saw the rise of brilliant designers working to create furniture of the highest quality that explored truly modern shapes and forms. Danish cabinetm...
Oak, Sheepskin
Rare Mid-Century Safari Chairs after Arne Norell
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of leather Safari chairs are inspired by Arne Norell's classic sling design. This pair features tufted cushions, sling arm rests, and strong wood frame. Please confirm loca...
Leather, Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler 'Samso' Lounge Chair in Brown Leather, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, OPE Möbler
Located in Prague, New Town
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler (Olof Persson Fåtöljindustri), ‘Samso’ lounge chair, brown leather, rosewood, Sweden, ca. 1958. This rare lounge chair was designed by famed Danish ar...
Leather, Rosewood
Frits Henningsen Armchair in Patinated Cognac Niger Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, armchair, Niger leather, lacquered wood, Denmark, design 1933, made 1930s/1940s First unveiled at the 1933 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Designmuse...
Leather, Wood
Inca Easy Chair with Ottoman by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
The very comfortable "Inca chair" in patinated brown original buffalo leather with stool. Designed by Arne Norell, produced by Norell Möbel AB in Aneby, Sweden. Signed. Very good v...
Brass
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
Illum Wikkelsøe Capella Series Armchairs, 1950
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful pair of easy chairs from the Capella series, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, produced by Niels Eilersen in Denmark, designed in 1959, solid teak wood frames with loose cushions...
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair and Ottoman with Canvas Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christiansen, easy chair and ottoman model 272, teak, off-white canvas, leather, Denmark, 1963 Easy chair with matching ottoman by Danish designer Illum Wikk...
Leather, Canvas, Teak
"Knoll" Armchairs by Jon Brunstad & Arne Velle, Norway 1955 - Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs of model "Knoll" designed by Jon Brunstad/ Arne Velle at Hjalmar Brunstad Fabrikker AS in Norway 1955. They are reupholstered with Sheepskin (moonlight) and is in...
Wood, Sheepskin
Set of 10 Finn Juhl Egyptian Chair in Walnut Wood and Dark Red Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 10 Armchairs designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Design critics have described Finn Juhl’s Egyptian chair as a m...
Leather, Wood
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
Pair of Karu Lounge Chairs in Maple Sheepskin by Dagmar
Located in London, England
Haimi - Karu Chair, 1940s A new edition of classic armchair from Finland, designed in the 1940s. The Karu chair is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finl...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Studio Eoos model e005 Embrace chair for Carl Hansen & Son Denmark, 2015
Located in Skokie, IL
The Embrace Chair fuses a wooden structure and soft upholstery to create an elegant dining chair that is so expressive that it can function as a stand-alone piece as well. The chair...
Steel
1970s, Swedish design by Åke Fribytter, armchair, furniture leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish design by Åke Fribytter. Brown furniture leather, canvas, bent oak wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Sw...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
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
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
Round Arm Lounge Chair, Newly Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen
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
'Little Big Chair' Swivel Armchair in Sheepskin Sahara by Norr11
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Little big chair armchair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Fabric: Sheepskin (07 SAHARA) Made in Italy With its sculptural...
Sheepskin
Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Karis, Nyland
Mid-century modern Scandinavian teak armchair by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Møbelfabrik. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. New quality fabric seat and backrest by Lauritzon. We hav...
Fabric, Teak
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
Danish Cabinetmaker Armchair in Warm Sheepskin, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Strongly influenced by the functional forms of the Bauhaus school in Germany, Danish designers led the way in furniture design during the 1950s. They combined the inspiration brought...
Sheepskin, Wood
Danish Modern "Faaborg" Armchair Kaare Klint at Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Very rare and early Kaare Klint "Faaborg" armchair in Cuban mahogany, oak and cane. Made at Cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen in the 1930s. The chair is in original condition a...
Mahogany, Oak
Arne Norell Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair in Rosewood and Black Leather, Sweden
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sirocco Safari Lounge Chair, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Norell Möbel AB in Sweden. Frame of solid rosewood with beautifully aged black patinated leather upholstery. All ...
Leather, Rope, Wood
Pair of "Falcon" Easy Chairs by Sigurd Resell, Norway, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Vatne möbler in Norway, 1970s. Leather cushions in good condition with minor signs of usage.
Leather
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 A rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish architect-designer Ib Kofo...
Leather, Rosewood
1970s, Scandinavian design, armchair in brown furniture leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian design. Armchair in brown furniture leather, canvas, beech bent wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by ...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Danish Wingback Chair in Red Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Easy chair, fabric, beech, Denmark, 1950s This archetypical wingback chair of the 1950s is both extremely comfortable and pleasing to the eyes. The armchair is upholstered in a fine...
Fabric, Beech
Walnut Folding Chair MK16 Mogens Koch for Interna
By Mogens Koch
Located in Vienna, AT
Safair armchairs, frame made of walnut and upholstered in leather. The folding safari chair was originally designed in 1932 for a church seating contest. Probably too progressive, it...
Leather, Walnut