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
Pair of Oak Cigar Chairs Model Ge240 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Henning Kjaernulf “Razorblade” Armchair with Sheepskin Seat, Denmark 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This so-called “Razorblade” armchair, designed by Henning Kjaernulf, combines a strong angular structure with a rounded curved design that gives an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Upholstered Armchair, Scandinavia 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Scandinavian Modern furniture reflected the Scandinavian materials and craftsmanship and mixed them with a modern style. This early modern armchair is an elegant and comfortable evid...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Alpaca, Wood
Armchair Model 62 by Niels Møller for J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Denmark
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Model 62 chair from the 1960s designed by Niels Otto Møller for J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. The chair is made of teak with black leather upholstery. Very good used condition with age-a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Danish Easy Chair with Beech Legs, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish design emerged as a prominent contributor to the Scandinavian design philosophy with many of the designers that are most well-known from the mid-20th century hailing from Denm...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
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
Kaare Klint Red Chair for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint Red Chair in Cuban Mahogany, Niger leather and brass nails. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, 1930s.
Underside with manufacturer's paper...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
K. S. Møbler Armchair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
K. S. Møbler armchair in rosewood. New upholstered with aniline leather.
Made in the 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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
Ole Wanscher Lounge Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair with new upholstered with blue fabric.
Frame of stained beech.
Made by France & Daverkosen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Beech
Midcentury Armchair in Patinated Leather, Danish Design, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Danish armchair in patinated leather and mahogany. Designed and made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
G-Mobel Easy Chair in Green Leather for Göte Möbler, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
G-Mobel arm chair for Göte Möbler, Sweden in about 1970. A solid wooden frame with a dark green upholstery gives it a robust look. The chair is in good condition with most of the lea...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ilmari Lappalainen “Emilia 2470" Armchair with a Solid Teak Frame, Finland, 1960
Located in New York, NY
Ilmari Lappalainen “Emilia 2470" armchair with a solid teak frame is from the early 1960’s. The chairs contoured body is newly upholstered and it’s frame...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
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
N. O. Møller Set of Armchairs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
N. O. Møller set of armchairs with frame of solid oiled teak.
Seat with weaved wool.
Model 56, made by J. L. Møller, Denmark, 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
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
Vintage Danish 1950s Boucle Armchair
Located in London, GB
Danish cabinetmaker lounge chair, circa 1950s.
Armchair in the manner of Flemming Lassen, produced in Denmark by an anonymous designer. Stained beech legs with new wool blend bouc...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Model Pernilla 3, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model Pernilla 3 designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1960, signed and dated.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Canvas
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
Hans J. Wegner Armchair for Magasin Du Nord
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner armchair frame of oak and armrests of teak.
Seat and back new upholstered with black aniline leather.
Made by Johannes Hansen in the 1950s for Magasin Du Nords...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner, Eight Armchairs JH513
Located in Berlin, DE
A set of eight Hans Wegner JH513 armchairs in solid mahogany and leather.
Executed by cabinet maker Johannes Hansen in Copenhagen.
Each chair sign...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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
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
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
Hans Wegner JH-713 Chair, Rosewood
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner
JH-713 conference chair, 1957
Wegner’s iconic armchair. This early example with patinated oak frame and cognac brown leather seat. Produced by Johannes Hansen, Den...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Niels Møller Model 66 Armchair, 1974
Located in London, GB
Niels Møller
Model 66 armchair, 1974.
Rosewood armchair designed by Niels Møller for JL Moller Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1974. Seat reupholstered in new woo...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Carl-Gustav Hiort Af Ornäs Wingback Armchair in Teal Velvet, Finland, 1952
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare armchair was designed by Carl-Gustav Hiort Af Ornäs and produced by his own company Hiort Tuote Puunveisto in 1952. This model was called Siesta and is the Finnish designer...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Niels Moller Model 56 Chair, Rosewood
Located in London, GB
Niels Moller
Model 56 armchair, 1954
The model 56 was one of Niels Moller's earliest designs and remains one of his most popular. This rare example come...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
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
Finland Leather Armchair, Mid-Century Modern OY BJ. Dahlqvist AB, High Back
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a high back Mid-Century Danish modern armchair made in Finland. No original label present.
Maker: BD Furniture. Hounekalutehdas-mobelfabrik. OY BJ. Dahlqvi...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch, Leather
Hans Wegner GE-290 High Back Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-290 high back armchair designed in 1953 and produced by GETAMA.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen armchair.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany, Cane
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen armchair with original horsehair upholstery. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
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
Niels Møller Rosewood Model 55 Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Niels Møller rosewood model no. 55 armchair designed in 1951 and produced by J. L. Møllers Møbelfabrik.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Hans Wegner CH-22 Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner CH-22 lounge chair designed in 1951 and produced by Carl Hansen & Son. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Børge Mogensen "Spanish" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen "Spanish" chair designed in 1958 and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen was inspired by a Spanish military commander's chair.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Hans Wegner GE290 High Back Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE290 high back armchair designed in 1953 and produced by GETAMA. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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
Hans Wegner GE-240 "Cigar" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-240 "cigar" chair designed in 1955 and produced by GETAMA. We have more that we can reupholster for you. Send us your fabric. Store forme...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "AX" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "AX" chair designed in 1950 and produced by Fritz Hansen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Leather, Teak
Kaare Klint Safari Chair by Rud. Rasmussen
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Great black leather with very nice patina.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Set of Eight Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of eight 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
Askel Bender Madsen and Ejner Larsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Askel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen Armchair
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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
Ole Wanscher Colonial Armchair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher Colonial Armchair Designed in 1949 and Produced by Poul Jeppesen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
Very Rare Bjorn Tragardh or Uno Ahren Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Bjorn Tragardh or Uno Ahren Armchair Circa 1930 Produced by Svenskt Tenn. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
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
Frits Henningsen Arm Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen arm chair With Original Horsehair Material
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
Ole Wanscher "Colonial " arm chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher "Colonial" arm chair designed in 1949 produced by P. Jeppesen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, 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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