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
Period: Late 20th Century
Danish Modern Walnut Arm Chair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category
1970s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Teak Pair of Armchairs with Brushed Charcoal Fabric Seats
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Scandinavian Modern teak pair of armchairs with their original brushed charcoal fabric seat cushions. These are marked made in Denmark, but we have been unable to identify m...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Mats Theselius 'Järn/Mocca' Easy Chairs, Källemo, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of 'Järn/Mocca' easy chairs by Mats Theselius. Produced by Källemo 1994 in a limited edition of 360 chairs, this is chair #41 and #354.
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category
1970s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category
1970s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Danish Modern Walnut Armchair
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Walnut Danish armchair, circa 1970's. Sturdy solid wood frame is wonderfully scaled for your many seating needs, home or office! The elegant frame with swooping arms makes this clean...
Category
1970s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Walnut
Karin Easy Chairs by Bruno Mathsson, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of easy chairs model "Karin by Bruno Mathsson. Original leather cushions.
Provenance: Polar Music Studio, Stockholm, installed when the studio was b...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek for TON, 1970s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
These armchairs were designed by Jaroslav Šmídek for TON company and made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970s. They are made of beechwood.
The chairs are stable and comforta...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
1960s Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany and White Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and produced by CFC Silkeborg in Denmark.
The armchairs are in good condition and features a frame in Mahoga...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
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
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek for TON, 1970s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
These armchairs were designed by Jaroslav Šmídek for TON company and made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1970s. They are made of beechwood.
The chairs are stable and comforta...
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Beech
Armchair "Mondo" by Karl-Erik Ekselius, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by JOC, Vetlanda, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
Hans Wegner Fauteuil GE 265 for GETAMA in Oak and Black Leather, 1980
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Hellouw, NL
Robust Hans Wegner Fauteuil GE 265 for GETAMA in oak and black leather, 1980. This chair has new upholstery in black leather. It is very comfortable and in good...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Danish Armchair by Erik Kirkegaard for Høng Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1985
Located in Schagen, NL
Very nice piece in teak and upholstery in wool. Some light stains to the upholstery and light wear to it’s base.
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Brunstad Møbler Amanda Leather Armchair with Ottoman
Located in Vienna, AT
Leather and hardwood Amanda armchair with ottoman, foot crosses made of matte chrome-plated steel, swivel base. Loose neck pillow and seat cushion. Adjustable seat and back. Measures...
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Office Chair, Model EJ70, Upholstered with Dark Grey Fabric by Johannes Foersom
Located in Lejre, DK
Office chair, model EJ70, upholstered with dark grey fabric designed by Johannes Foersom and Peter Hiort Lorentzen, and manufactured by Erik Jørgensen.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Six Refinished Hans J. Wegner Armchairs in Beech, Choice of Upholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of six 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
1990s Set of Four Danish Johannes Foersom Armchairs in Steel and Black Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of four Johannes Foersom stackable armchairs designed in 1998 in tube steel, beech, chrome and black fabric made by Paustian.
The chairs feature elegant organic round shaped a...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Scandinavian Midcentury Armchairs in Plaid, Set of 6
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern armed dining chairs or office chairs. Scandinavian styling in solid birch frame with bentwood back and custom upholstere...
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
Armchair by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, Walter Knoll
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Armchair by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, Walter Knoll.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
1990s Set of Eight Johannes Foersom Armchairs in Steel and Beech by Paustian
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight Danish stackable Johannes Foersom armchairs designed in 1998 in tube steel, beech, chrome and black leather made by Paustian.
The chairs feature elegant organic round...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
Rare Arne Hovmand-Olsen Armchair
Located in Vienna, AT
Extremaly rare Arne Hovmand-Olsen armchair with solid teak frame, seat and headpiece upholstered. Designed in the early 1970s. Marked. Under seat Arne Hov...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak
Chair by Gernot Rasenberger
By Gernot Rasenberger
Located in Long Island City, NY
A chair by Gernot Rasenberger. Spain, circa late 20th century.
Pained wood, cow hide and horns with brass decoration.
Labelled: "Pintor, Escultor y Disenador. Gernot Rasenberger. M...
Category
1990s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Animal Skin
Set of Eight Refinished Hans J. Wegner Armchairs in Beech, Choice of Upholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Armchairs named "The Koldinghus Chair" after the old Danish castle Koldinghus and were designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1988 for Frederecia Møbelfabrik in conjunction with a major resta...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Rare Danish Armchair in the Style of Kai Kristiansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Armchair with solid teak frame, seat and headpiece upholstered. Designed in the early 1970s. In the style of Kai Kristiansen "fire" armchair. Attributed to Hans Hovmand Olsen...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak
Set of Four Finnish Armchairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Frame in hardwood, steel legs, upholstered in black leather, made in Denmark in the 1970s.
Perfect original condition cites certificate included. Delivery time about 2-3 weeks.
Mea...
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
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
1973, Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Serie Easy Chair in Original Panton Fabric
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item 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 Beach,...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
1970s Christian Hvidt Set of Four Armchairs in Mahogany - Choice of Upholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of four armchairs in mahogany and upholstery in blue fabric designed by Christian Hvidt for Søborg Møbelfabrik as part of the collection SM76 designed in 1976.
The chairs have b...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany
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
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
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
Carl Malmsten Pair of Lounge Chairs with Original Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for AB O.H. Sjögren, pair of easy chairs, fabric, mahogany, Tranås, Sweden, 1987
Pair of wonderful chairs that are very well designed by Carl Malmsten. The armchairs a...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s, Danish club chair, original very good condition, furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish club chair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture wool fabric, removable cushions, brown plastic legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture man...
Category
1970s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wool
Swedish Easy Chair with Cowhide, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Sweden, 1970s. Attributed to Arne Norell.
Dark stained beech and leather.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cowhide
1970s, Danish armchair, original condition, velour, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish armchair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Solid oak wood, furniture green velour. Removable cushions. Manufac...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Oak
Børge Mogensen Armchair, Model 7202
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen armchair in solid lacquered beech.
New upholstered cushions with Magrethe wool from Nevotex
Model 7202, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Beech
Danish Modern Leather Lounge Chair in the style of Berga Mobler
By Berga Mobler
Located in Bridgeport, CT
We found this bold and curvy armchair in Denmark but are not sure of the maker and Designer as the chair is unmarked. The chair has a slight tilt backwards and a similar style and s...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
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
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
Danish Design by H.J.Wegner, GE501A, 70s, Teak Wood, Leather
Located in Tarm, 82
H.J.Wegner, model GE 501a. Old version with teak wood. Made by Getama in about 1970-75.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
1970s, Scandinavian Leather Armchair
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use.
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
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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