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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Number in Set: Set of 2
Alfred Kristensen 1940s Pair of Danish Velvet Armchairs
Located in London, GB
Alfred Kristensen - Pair of Lounge Chairs, circa 1950s.
These elegant lounge chairs were produced by renowned cabinetmakers Slagelse Mobelvaerk in D...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Erik Kirkegaard Armchair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Kirkegaard armchair in teak
Seat new upholstered with full grain aniline leather.
Made by Høng Stolefabrik.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Oak Cigar Chairs Model Ge240 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are a particularly good original pair of Wegner Cigar chairs, all original apart from the covers on the cushions, which retain the original interiors, so feel as they should to...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Space Copenhagen for Fredericia Mustard Yellow Swoon Lounge Armchairs, Set of 2
Located in London, GB
Designed by Space Copenhagen for Danish furniture manufacturer Fredericia, this pair of Swoon armchairs was made in 2021.
Featuring a lacquered walnut frame, the chairs have a sculp...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Pair of armchairs model 49 by Erik Buch for Oddense Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1960's
By Erik Buch
Located in Brussels , BE
very good condition
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
John Sylvester & Jørgen Matz set of four armchairs in teak, Bramin 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
John Sylvester & Jørgen Matz set of four armchairs of solid teak. Great details with floating back and curved armrests, in the manner of Finn juhl.
Made by Bramin in the 1960s
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Scandinavian style armchairs by Sedláček & Vyčítal, Czechoslovakia, 1960
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Pair of mid century armchairs from the 1960´s. This furniture were designed by Karel Vyčítal and Miloš Sedláček for Dřevotvar Jablonné nad Orlicí in the former Czechoslovakia. Miloš ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Danish Modern Armchairs by Hans Olsen for Bramin, 1950s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Armchairs by Hans Olsen for Bramin, 1950s. Set of 2.
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern Model 107 lounge chairs in stained oak by Danish architect Hans Olsen for Bramin,...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Armchair NO. 66 by Niels O. Møller
Located in Copenhagen, DK
NO 66 - Armchair in rosewood and patinated leather seat. Niels O. Møller / J.L Møller
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Cabinetmaker Upholstered Chairs with Stained Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Strongly influenced by the functional forms of the Bauhaus school, Danish designers led the way in furniture design during the 1950s. They combined the inspiration brought by new ind...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilersen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, PA
A Scandinavian Modern pair of Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilersen. The pair of teak armchairs are covered with the original multi-colored fabric similar to boucle. The e...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchairs, circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Danish rich mahogany armchairs by Frits Henningsen, circa 1940, with a slightly curved rectangular backrest, downswept armrests on scrolled supports raised on sabre legs. Ful...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian Style Armchairs, 1980s, Set of 2
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Vintage scandinavian style armchairs, made in the 1980´s in the former Czechoslovakia. The structure is made of beech wood. The wo...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Beech, Fabric
Pair of Lounge Chairs with Curved Oak Armrests, Denmark, 1940s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
These unique armchairs perfectly reflect the quality and craftsmanship of Danish cabinetmakers and the instantly recognizable features of Scandinavian design. Danish designers’ parti...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Axel-Einar Hjorth, Attributed, Pair of Solid Pine & Armchairs, Sweden, 1930-40s
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of solid, acid stained pine & forged iron barrel back shaped sports cabin armchairs, Sweden 1930-1940s.
Attributed to Axel-Einar Hjorth, execute...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Kurt Olsen “Model 215” Easy Chairs for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair of “Model 215” easy chairs were designed by Danish designer and architect Kurt Olsen, and unifies some of the best characteristics of mid-century Danish design and craftsma...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Fully Restored Mid Century Scandinavian Style Armchairs
Located in Prague 8, CZ
A pair of armchairs in Scandinavian style, made of beech and ash wood, it has removable cushion. Made in the 1970´s. Price is for the pair.
Height: 83 cm
width: 68 cm
depth:...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Ash, Beech
1970s, Danish Design Armchair, Restored, Quality Furniture Wool, Teak Wood
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design armchairs with buttons. Completely refurbished, quality furniture wool, two different colours: gray and charcoal grey. Legs and nails of oiled teak wood. Brand new...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Teak
Danish armchairs, 70s, reupholstered, furniture wool, beech wood
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design, completely renovated-reupholstered armchairs. Brand new cushions, upholstered in felt-like mixed furniture wool. Renewed beech wood frame. Renovated at Retro Møbl...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Beech
1950s Danish "Boomerang" Arm Chairs by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen, Pair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Wilton, CT
Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944-2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, the company was a pionee...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Teakwood and Rattan Cane Armchairs by Hvidt & Molgaard, 1957
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing set of vintage armchairs made in the late 1950s at Søborg Møbelfabrik, Copenhagen by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen. The chairs a...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Rosewood, Teak
Pair Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair Modernist Lounge Chairs designed by Kofod Larsen for Selig..Beautiful sculpted walnut frames.. Superior quality and construction.. in need of seat and back cushions.. Ha...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Danish Cabinetmaker 1940s Sheepskin Armchairs
Located in London, GB
A pair of low vintage armchairs with curved arms, produced in Denmark between 1940-1950. The legs are made of stained beechwood and the chairs hav...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
1990s Set of Two Leather Armchairs by Skalma, Denmark
By Skalma
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very good condition with minor signs of use.
- Quality craftsmanship work.
- Measure: height of seat 44 cm.
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Axel-Einar Hjorth, Attributed, Pair of Solid Pine & Armchairs, Sweden, 1930-40s
Located in Berlin, DE
A pair of solid, acid stained pine & forged iron barrel back shaped sports cabin armchairs, Sweden 1930-1940s.
Attributed to Axel-Einar Hjorth, execute...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Pine
Pair of Carl Gustav Hiort af Ornäs 'Rialto' Armchairs by Puunveisto Oy, Finland
Located in Utrecht, NL
Chair 'Rialto's streamlined design and refined details engage in a fascinating dialogue. The beautiful signature leather-wrapped armrests give strength to Rialto's unique appearance,...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Rastad & Relling Bambi Lounge Chair by Gustav Bahus
Located in Southampton, NY
Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling lounge chairs Model Bambi by Gustav Bahus in Norway.
Two available. Both made of teak and leather, however, one lighter due to sun fading.
The smooth fla...
Category
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Scandinavian Teak Armchairs by Oskar Langlo
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Scandinavian armchairs in teak with beige upholstery by the Norwegian designer Oskar Langlo, edited by P. I. Langlos Fabrikker A/S, in Stranda, No...
Category
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Wikkelsoe Leather Armchair Chair black Niels Eilersen Set of 2
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with thick black aniline leather.
Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen.
Great comfort with o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek, 1960s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
These bentwood armchairs were designed by Jaroslav Šmídek and made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s.
The chairs are stabile and comfortable. They are in good vintage cond...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Pair of Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold Lounge Chairs
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare pair of Danish modern arm, lounge chairs designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold. in original estate condition. Retain o...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Pair of Nanna Ditzel Armchairs, ND # 83
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of Nanna Ditzel teak and upholstered armchairs, # ND 83 with the original design from 1952. Produced by Søren Willadsen. Re-upholstered in Kvadrat fabric.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Børge Mogensen Armchairs Produced by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of armchairs designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Pair of Kai Lyngeldt-Larsen Rosewood Armchairs, 1959
Located in London, GB
Kai Lyngeldt-Larsen
Rosewood armchairs, 1959
Rosewood armchair produced by Soren Willadsen in Denmark, circa 1960. Seat upholstered in cognac brown aniline leather.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Kai Lyngeldt-Larsen Rosewood Armchairs, 1959
Located in London, GB
Kai Lyngeldt-Larsen
Rosewood armchairs, 1959
Rosewood armchair produced by Soren Willadsen in Denmark, circa 1960. Seat upholstered in black aniline leather.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Henry Walter Klein Danish Modern Pair of Teak Easy Chair for Bramin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern armchair by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin.
The frame is made of solid teak wood with some nice details.
The cushions are renewed some years ago in velour fabric paste...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs. Expertly Restored to Like New.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of fully upholstered Danish modern lounge chairs in a neutral cream fabric. Very comfortable.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Niels Moller Rosewood Armchairs Model #62
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Niels Moller rosewood armchairs model #62 designed in 1962 and produced by J. L. Moller Mobelfabrik.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Hans Wegner Jh-525 Armchairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans Wegner JH-525 armchairs designed in 1959 and produced by Johannes Hansen. Note: I have two more in need of reupholstering.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak, Teak
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 chairs designed in 1949 and Produced by Johannes Hansen.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
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
Leather, 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
Leather, 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.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
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
Leather, Mahogany
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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