Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
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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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Chairs by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1926
Located in Long Island City, NY
The chairs by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, circa 1926.
Stained oak with cane. Manufacturer tug with numbers attached.
Price is for each.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Sling Chair, Model BO 360 by Erik Ole Jørgensen for Olaf Black
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed by Erik Ole Jørgensen for Olaf Black and retailed through Bovirke, this Danish modern lounge chair, model BO 360, features a rounded sling seat in a co...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
1950s Danish Pair of Armchairs Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a dark blue, cotton and linen weave, on top of tapered wood legs. Designed by Hans Wegner, made by AP Stolen ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cotton, Linen, Wood
Danish Modern Lounge Chair in the style of Kurt Ostervig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique upholstered Kurt Ostervig influenced lounge chair with teak tapered legs and hand rests. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Tapestry, Upholstery
Chrome Legged Occasional Armchair
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Classic Mid-Century design with white oak and chrome frame. Newly upholstery in a traditional Danish wool. Visually this piece looks stunning from all angels and would add class to a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Rosewood
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design "Colonial" chair for Paul Jeppsen, Denmark. Made with a solid rosewood frame and cane seat with chocolate brown leather cushions, labeled.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood
Børge Mogensen Armchair
Located in Highland, IN
This striking armchair by Børge Mogensen was made in Denmark by Søborg Møbelfabrik. Like many of his designs, it exhibits a stately presence and more restrained aesthetic.
The vers...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Armchair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced armchair finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery with leather welting.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Armchairs David Blomberg Attributed, circa 1909
By David Bloomberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
The armchairs, design attributed to David Blomberg for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, circa 1909.
Stained elmwood with carved decoration. H-36".
Provenan...
Category
Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Elm
Early Ole Wanscher Armchair for Fritz Hansen
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Early Ole Wanscher armchair in stained beech and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, circa late 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Pair of Mahogany Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pair of mahogany lounge chairs newly upholstered in dark grey wool savak.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Mahogany
Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair
Located in Highland, IN
We feel that Finn Juhl's delegate's chair (or FJ51) is one of his most under appreciated designs. Perhaps overshadowed by the sexy #45 chair, with which it shares many qualities, it ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen armchair.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs, Manner of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair Danish modern armchairs, teakwood frames and upholstery. Stunning lines, design... retains original green wool fabric, usable...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl for Cado Modular Sofa Lounge Armchairs 1950s, Danish Modern
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl for Cado Modular Modern sofa lounge armchair set 1950s rarity, signed. Gorgeous rosewood base. Rare Finn Juhl for Cado Danish Mid-Century Modern modular three-piece sofa,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Rosewood
Grete Jalk Chair with Arms, Teak with New Leather Upholstery, Beautiful Form
By Grete Jalk
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armchair designed by Grete Jalk (Greta Jalk), Denmark, 1950s. Solid teak frame has been reupholstered in new ivory leather.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Danish Modern Wingback Armchair by Bovenkamp
By Bovenkamp
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A stunning example of Danish modern design. Produced by Bovenkamp this wing back chair has unique free floating curved arms. The upholstery is original.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Hardwood
Classic Danish Modern Oak and Curved Teak Armchairs by H. Brockmann-Petersen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Danish modern oak and curved teak armchairs, George Tanier selection for Sibast Mobler, designed by H. Brockmann-Petersen. Wonderful s...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Pair of Jens Risom "Playboy" Armchairs
By Jens Risom
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful pair of armchairs by Jens Risom, model C140 in walnut frame and original green upholstery in excellent condition.
Price is for the pair only.
Category
1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Bruno Mathsson for DUX Ingrid Arm or Lounge Chairs
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of vintage high back ingrid arm or lounge chairs by the late great Bruno Mathsson (1907-1988) for the venerable Swedish furniture store DUX. Restored and newly upholstered in a ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chenille
Mid-Century Modern Leather Walnut Armchair By Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern, solid walnut armchair by Jens Risom with seat, back and arms, newly upholstered in a rich cognac leather.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Grete Jalk Teak Armchairs
By Grete Jalk
Located in New York, NY
Rare pair of Danish modern teak frame armchairs designed by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Denmark. One seat cover has small tears, as shown. Offered an...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Arnold Madsen, Lounge Chair With Ottoman, Oak, Grey Fabric, Denmark, 1956
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and grey fabric lounge chair with ottoman, designed and produced by Arnold Madsen, Denmark, 1956.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Early ML-33 Oak Rocking Chair with Carvings by Hans Wegner for Mikael Laursen
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this oak rocking chair, model ML-33, for Mikael Laursen in the 1940s. The rare rocker, the first that Wegner designed, showcases hi...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Peter Hvidt Tall Back Easy Chair, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
Newly refinished and reupholstered, great scale Peter Hvidt easy teak chair, produced by France & Son, 1960s.
Frame has been refinished in its original, natural color and spring cus...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Armchair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Fabric
Oak and Leather High Back Lounge Chair, GE-260A, by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this minimalist lounge chair, model GE-260A, for GETAMA in 1950. The solid oak frame supports a striking high back to which the tapered arms are attached with br...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Brown Leather Highback Lounge Chair After Børge Mogensen
Located in Dorchester, MA
Designed in the style of Børge Mogensen, this well-constructed and deeply comfortable Danish modern lounge chair features a solid wood frame upholstered in patinated brown leather.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Chair by Otto Schulz
By Otto Schulz
Located in Long Island City, NY
The chair designed by Otto Schulz, produced by Jilo Mobler, Sweden.
W-33'; H-30" D-30".
Condition: Excellent vintage.
The matching chair available see item LU9378920549.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch
Oak Mogens Koch Occasional Armchair
By Mogens Koch
Located in Minneapolis, MN
An older and more traditional occasional chair in white oak and leather. Newly restored and in excellent condition. Design by Mogens Koch.
Professional, skilled furniture restorati...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Rare Vintage Arne Norell Teak Armchair and Ottoman with Leather Straps
By Arne Norell
Located in East Hampton, NY
Grand Scandinavian design with so many handsome details like leather straps for headrests and armrests. Fully restored with new sunbrella canvas fabric in khaki and refinished teak w...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Pair of Hans Wegner Lounge Chairs for Johannes Hansen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Very rare and well-constructed pair of Wegner Model JH 812 lounge chairs in chrome-plated steel with original saddle leather, circa 1970. Documented in Hans J. Wegner's 100 Chairs...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Lounge Chair by Edward and Tove Kindt-Larsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak framed armchair with a dramatically angled triangular back and arms, retaining its original burnt orange wool upholstery.
Measures: 22" a...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Swoop Armchair
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This occasional chair has beautiful bentwood arms that has a look of elegance when viewed from the side. Finished in white oak and leather.
Professional, skilled furniture restor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Armchair by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak armchair having an exposed frame with a gently curved seat and back wrapped in leather.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood armchair or lounge chair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and finely detailed armchair mahogany that retains its original striated horsehair fabric, leather welting and patinated brass tacks.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs, easy chairs, side chairs.
Timeless, very nice modern Danish Classic Mid-Century vintage open armchairs Vinyl back with the seat recovered in black wool tweed fabric.
Office or desk chairs with chrome frame and wooden arms deatils.
Mid Century Modern Classic in the style of Fin Juhl...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome
Teak and Cane Armchair by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak armchair retaining the original cane seat and back.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Teak
Bjorn Tragardh and Uno Åhren, Lounge Chair, Velvet, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A modernist velvet and birch lounge chair designed by Bjorn Tragardh and Uno Åhren and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930s.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Cuban Mahogany Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. This chair features an architectural exposed Cuban mahogany frame with shaped an...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Stora Eva" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Stora Eva" chair designed in the 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Danish Modern Walnut and Leather Armchair by Povl Dinesen
By Povl Dinesen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish modern walnut and leather armchair by Povl Dinesen. Classic design and superior quality featuring beautiful turned and wood and joinery, would be a handsome desk or occasional...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
1930s Danish Oak Windsor Chair by Frits Henningsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Windsor chair in oak with the original Nigerian goat red leather seat pad.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Pair of Slatted Painted Armchairs With Upholstered Seat
Located in Pound Ridge, NY
Pair of early 20th c Scandinavian design painted pine hall armchairs, with slatted back and sides. Floral seat upholstery.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Teak Conference Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A handcrafted and elegant armchair devoid of extraneous detailing, having an exposed solid teak frame and a gently curved seat and back in leather upholstery.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Leather
1950s Danish Armchair by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superb armchair having an open oak frame with subtly angled arms and retaining its rich aniline-red leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak, Leather
Armchair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modern Chippendale-influenced armchair crafted in mahogany with original black leather upholstery and leather welting.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Frits Henningsen Arm Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen arm chair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six Stacking Armchairs by Hans Wegner & Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of six stackable beech armchairs with black woven chairs.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Pair of Leather Armchairs by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of Scandinavian Modern dining armchairs designed by Kaare Klint. These chairs feature Cuban mahogany frames and the original natural leather upholstery. Manufactured by Rud Ra...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Set of Four Stacking Armchairs by Hans Wegner & Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four stacking armchairs with cream webbed seats in beechwood.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Teak Arm Chairs by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of solid teak arm chairs designed by Greta Jalk for P. Jeppesen. Exquisite Danish Modern.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge armchair with a tight upholstered back and loose seat cushion that sits on solid teak tapered dowel legs, retains the original green wool upholstery.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Scandinavian Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern armchairs 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 armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher, and Finn Juhl. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $72 and tops out at $207,921 while the average work can sell for $3,961.
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