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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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
Scandinavian Designer Black Yellow Dining Arm Chair
Located in Paris, FR
This dining chair takes exquisite inspiration from Danish design and Portuguese heritage through the most modern of production methods to bring you a timeless yet ultra-modern crafte...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Wool
Set of 3 Danish armchairs, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian armchairs. With their understated and elegant design, these armchairs can be combined with other armchairs with armrests, available in another listing, to create ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
High Back Armchair, Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back armchair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen having an exposed teak frame with expressive bent laminated curved arms and vintage blue upholstery. Made in Denm...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Danish high back black leather armchair with mahogany frame
By Kaare Klint
Located in DK
This high back armchair of mahogany was designed by Kaare Klint (1888-1954) back in 1939.
It was manufactured by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark.
The model is called ‘Nørrevold...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Bambi 57 Armchair Oak New Edition
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Bambi 57 Scandinavian armchair oak. New edition. Designed in 1955 by Rolf Rastad and Adolf Relling and originally produced by the Norwegian manufacturer Gusta...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Jacob Kjaer Armchair in Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Jacob Kjaer armchair in mahogany and niger leather.
Executed by Jacob Kjaer, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Armchair is a beautiful fusion of walnut wood and velvet upholstery, offering both luxury and comfort in a sleek, modern design. With its clea...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
4 Argos armchairs in beech and black fabric by Baumann, 1980s
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Set of four Argos armchairs by Baumann made in France in the 1980s. Attractive beech structure design with wide, low sloping seat, rounded borders and f...
Category
1970s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
30's alvar aalto 403 hallway chair painted white
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
The early 403 was characterized by making the best use of the flexibility of the pre-wood, without the bearing surface on the cross.
This is an individual that has been painted in...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch
Rosewood Dining Chairs by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern ladder back dining chair by renowned Danish designer Helge Vestergaard-Jensen. This sculptural chair features a luminous Brazilian rosewood frame with black lea...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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
Danish Leather and Steel Armchair, Model FK 6725 by Preben Fabricius
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian armchair. Structure with three legs in Chrome Steel, seats and backs in cowhide leather in excellent condition.
This piece of furniture comes from the premises ...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Hans Olsen Pair of Armchairs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans Olsen armchair with frame of solid oak.
Seat new upholstered with cognac aniline leather.
Made by C. S. Møbler.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Walnut, Grey Velvet Modern Empire Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Empire collection redefines modern luxury with this velvet-upholstered armchair, offering a perfect balance of comfort and contemporary style. The plush velvet upholstery enhance...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
1960s Inge Andersson Armchairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Inge Andersson armchairs with reupholstered black leather. A classic example of mid-century Scandinavian design ideology that combines aesthetics and functionality with wid...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Pair of Armchairs by Lars W. Schlyter for Slöjdföreningens Skola
Located in Borås, SE
c. 1929
Leather upholstery, Macassar Ebony.
Designed by Lars W. Schlyter for Slöjdföreningens School in Gothenburg, Sweden for the Stockholm Exhibition 1930.
H 90 cm/35,4 in...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Macassar
Walnut, Green Velvet Modern Empire Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Empire collection redefines modern luxury with this velvet-upholstered armchair, offering a perfect balance of comfort and contemporary style. The plush velvet upholstery enhance...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Pair of armchairs in teak
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchair in teack reuphostered in mustard fabric.
The cushions are not integral with the structure.
Shipping can be possible via 1stDibs but we also can provide our own sol...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Danish Rosewood and Leather Armchair by Erik Wørts for Soro Stolefabrik
By Erik Worts
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian armchair. Structure in solid Rio rosewood, seat and back in original leather. Very elegant piece of furniture listed by the Design Museum Denmark under the number...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Wood, Velvet and Rattan Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood, velvet and rattan Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1950.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Rattan, Wood
Walnut, Green Fabric Modern Essex Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Essex collection offers a modern yet timeless take on comfort, inspired by the sleek architecture of New York City. Upholstered in premium fabric, this armchair combines minimalist elegance with inviting softness, making it a refined choice for contemporary interiors.
Framed by clean, architectural lines, its spacious seat and supportive backrest ensure a comfortable experience, while its adaptable design allows it to complement a variety of environments. A seamless blend of artistry and functionality, the Essex armchair...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen, 1960s
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
Set of Two Refinished Hans J. Wegner Armchairs in Beech, Choice of Upholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two refinished Hans J. Wegner armchairs in beech.
The armchairs named "The Koldinghus Chair" after the old Danish castle Koldinghus were designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1988 ...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Oxhide Teak Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A very rare teak armchair / lounge chair retaining the original oxhide black leather seat and back upholstery. Designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by Johannes Hansen circa 1950s i...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
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
Mahogany Lounge Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
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
Contemporary Rocking Chair "Esqueleto" Designed by Ángel Mombiedro, Spain, 2022
Located in Madrid, ES
Hand-crafted curved metal rocking chair designed by Spanish designer Angel Mombiedro. It consists of a metallic structure and an orange synthetic velvet seat.
Ángel Mombiedro
Mo...
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for 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
Scandinavian Armchairs Covered with Green Velvet, 1960
Located in Marseille, FR
1960 Scandinavian armchair covered with green velvet, 70 x 68 x 74 cm in size.
Additional information:
Style: 40s 60s.
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet
Humpback Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback armchair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Lounge Chairs by Chresten Findahl Brodersen for Findahl Møbelfabrik, Set of 2
Located in Göteborg, SE
The armchairs have been renovated by a professional upholsterer. They have new padding and new wool fabric. They are in excellent condition.
On the teak parts there are traces of us...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Teak
Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
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
Hans Olsen ''9015'' Suede Easy Chair for Gärsnäs
Located in Göteborg, SE
Fantastically comfortable and well-designed armchair by Hans Olsen for Gärsnäs, 1960s.
The armchair has been reupholstered and we have reupholstered it with a beige suede-like fabri...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Oak, Teak
1897 Swedish Carved Armchair – Designed for A. Lagerberg with Painted Folk Motif
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painted pine.
Presented at the Stockholm exhibition of 1897.
Measures: H 108 cm/ 3'7”
W 60 cm/ 23 1/2"
D 56 cm/ 22”
SH 42 cm/ 16 1/2".
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Pine
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant Scandinavian Modern armchair / side chair designed by Kaare Klint featuring Cuban mahogany and the original natural leather upholstery. Made in Denmark by Rud Rasmussen ci...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Leather
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for AP 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
Oak and Leather Armchair from Denmark
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak armchair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
1935, Bas Van Pelt Rope Slung Rare High Back Comfortable Armchair
By Bas Van Pelt
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This chair is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house.
Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beac...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Raffia, Oak
Easy Chair with Low Back Upholstered in White Fabric, Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
The armchair with a low back, upholstered in an elegant white fabric and resting on beautifully polished rosewood legs, is a masterpiece of Danish design from the 1960s. Its clean li...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Scandinavian Modern Landform Armchair Made with Wood and Textile, Handmade
Located in Seroa, PT
In a Haussmanian inspiration, you will find in this collection the noblest characteristics of this style. A discrete colour palette, between off-white and white, an avantgarde atmosp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Wood, Leather
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara.
A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created.
Winner of the Ame...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Natural Oakwood Armchairs, 1950s
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of natural oak armchairs with an openwork back constituted with five vertical bars, slightly convex. They stand on sleigh legs.
Trimming constituted with a square-shaped cush...
Category
1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Apex Armchair - Modern Handcrafted Scandinavian Armchair with Wooden Legs
Located in London, GB
The Apex collection brings a fresh look into our houses with its modern lines and Scandinavian influence, crafted with solid wood legs and upholstered in a wide variety of sustainabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair, Model 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31.
A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating bac...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch
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.