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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 

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

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: 19th Century
Scandinavian folk art chair circa 1830-50s
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian folk art chair circa 1830-50s Most likely from Norway. Beautiful patina with an amazing form and glow. Made out of birch wood. Heigth: 66 cm/25.9 inch Depth: 38 cm/14...
Category

1830s Norwegian Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Model FD 133 "Spade Chair", Finn Juhl
Located in Neuss, NW
Model FD 133 "Spade Chair" by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen from the 1960s. High-quality frame made of solid teak. The armchair has been reupholstered and covered with a high-qua...
Category

Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Armchair by Werner West for Schauman, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Armchair by Werner West for Schauman from the 1940s. Birch frame, seating reupholstered. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Be...
Category

1840s Finnish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Armchair, anonymous, for A Lagerberg, Sweden, 1897
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

Set of Two Gustavian Armchairs from circa 1810
Located in Lejre, DK
The set of two Gustavian armchairs from circa 1810 appear with a beautiful patina that adds character and history to their appearance. The chairs are made of gray painted wood, which...
Category

1810s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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Arm Chair Model 53 by Finn Juhl
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Chair model 53 was originally designed by Finn Juhl in 1953 and is one of the most appreciated designs from his oeuvre. It's an extravagant piece of furniture. It integrates the ligh...
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1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Arm Chair Model 53 by Finn Juhl
Arm Chair Model 53 by Finn Juhl
H 28.75 in W 27.96 in D 30.32 in
Pair of Elias Svedberg Armchairs for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of armchairs was designed by Elias Svedberg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in the 1940s. The rounded, curved lines and the tufted interior on the back and sid...
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1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Finn Juhl Rosewood Spade Chair FD133
Located in Seattle, WA
Designed in 1954 the Model 133 ‘Spadestolen’ was Juhl's first collaboration with Danish producer France & Son. The frame was originally made in teak with loose foam cushions, sprung ...
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Leather, Rosewood

Finn Juhl Rosewood Spade Chair FD133
Finn Juhl Rosewood Spade Chair FD133
H 30 in W 29 in D 26.5 in
Finn Juhl Lounge Chair Model FD 136 in Teak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lounge chair model number FD 136 designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, with a curved backrest and an undulating seat that float within a spare, elega...
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Gio Ponti, Exceptional Pair of Rare Wingback Armchairs in Walnut, Italy, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Gio Ponti (1891 - 1979) A rare and extraordinary pair of wingback armchairs by modernist master Gio Ponti, in polished walnut with white bouclé upholstery. The chairs' striking fili...
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"Skrindan" Armchairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era. The unique stained beech frames are a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this pair from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her models with such precision and creativity that still makes them collectible pieces. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have unmistakeable backs and sides comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the backs and armrests sit relatively low, the chairs have an open look. The original upholstered, dark green-coloured loose back and seat cushions elevate the visual comfort. The subtle elements of decoration include the tufted buttons on the cushions, the upholstered armrests, and the tapered legs. OPE Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. These Skrindan armchairs are exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to their cores, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. The chairs have their original velvet upholstery. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 28.93 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.22 in 73.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture...
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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Danish Modern Teak Spade Lounge Chair by Finn Juhl for France & Søn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish modern teak "spade" lounge chair design by Finn Juhl for France & Søn in Denmark, circa 1950s. These chairs are known for their comfort and beauty, but most importantly, their sculptured spade shape armrest. The chair was made of the highest quality teak giving it a mid-century look. The chair needs to be upholstered but offers you the opportunity to create the perfect chair...
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Finn Juhl FD-133 Easy Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather for France & Daverkosen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant Easy Chair Model 133 designed by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen in 1953, Denmark. Teak frame with distinguishing thin (plywood) curved armrests. The leather cushions are supported by (coated) springs and easily form to the desired sitting position. This Finn Juhl FD...
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Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen FD 136, Teak Lounge Chair in Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
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Rare Club Chair, France, 1940s / 50s, Newly Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
Located in London, GB
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Finn Juhl "Spade" Lounge Chair
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Located in Goteborg, SE
This stylish chair was designed by the Carl-Axel Acking for the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo in 1959. This piece is in solid teak and natural leather.
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Previously Available Items
19th Century French Leather Armchair
Located in High Point, NC
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19th Century French Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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19th Century French Leather Armchair
19th Century French Leather Armchair
H 40.6 in W 26.8 in D 32.3 in
Early 19th Century Swedish Painted Armchair
Located in Lejre, DK
Arm chair in solid pine designed and made in Sweden. Original condition.
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1810s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Paint

Early 19th Century Swedish Painted Armchair
Early 19th Century Swedish Painted Armchair
H 31.5 in W 24.41 in D 19.69 in
Kaare Klint KK3758A, "Barcelona Chair" for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Kaare Klint, 1888-1954. Barcelona chair " / "The Red Chair" by Kaare Klint, model KK 3758A. Made in solid Cuba mahogany and natural leather. Designed in 1927, executed by Rud. Ras...
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Mid-19th Century Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Pair of Borge Mogensen "The Spanish Chair"
Located in Kastrup, DK
Pair of Borge Mogensen "The Spanish Chair"a pair of "The Spanish Chair" (1958) Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Furniture. Solid oak and saddle leather. Go...
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1850s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Pair of Borge Mogensen "The Spanish Chair"
Pair of Borge Mogensen "The Spanish Chair"
H 26.38 in W 32.29 in L 26.38 in
Set of two Gustavian Armchairs from circa 1810
Located in Lejre, DK
A set of two Gustavian armchairs from circa 1810. The chairs are in grey painted Wood and newly upholstered fabric. We only have two left, the price has been changed accordingly!
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1810s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Fabric, Wood

Set of two Gustavian Armchairs from circa 1810
Set of two Gustavian Armchairs from circa 1810
H 37.41 in W 22.84 in D 27.17 in
Bruno Mathsson Pair of Eva Chairs in Leather, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs model Eva, designed by Bruno Mathsson, 1941. Produced by Dux, Sweden, 1960/70s. Leather with patina.
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Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

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Beech, Leather

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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