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
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.
Scandinavian gossip chair, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Gossip chair in oak with integrated drawer and green velvet upholstered seat. Scandinavian production, 60s. Known in Scandinavia as "telefonbänk" and in the Anglo-Saxon world as "go...
Velvet, Oak
Midcentury “Krobo” Bench by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Sleek rosewood “Krobo” bench by Torbjørn Afdal, with beautiful, dramatic veneer. Great as a coffee table or side table.
Rosewood
Scandinavian Slatted Bench in Solid Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, beech, Scandinavia, 1960s Tranquil and stunning design made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. This slatted bench displays a natural and serene appearance, mainly due to the solid ...
Beech
Scandinavian Modern Bench in Chestnut Upholstery and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Large bench, faux leather, teak, brass, Scandinavia, 1950s A charming furniture piece exuding a sense of harmony and purity. The bench, with its rectangular shape, showcases an upho...
Brass
Danish Cabinetmaker Frederik Stærmose Sofa Bench in Teakwood & Cane, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined and highly versatile Danish Modern bench designed by master cabinetmaker Frederik Stærmose, executed in the 1940s. Crafted from beautifully patinated solid Bangkok teakwood...
Cane, Teak
Canva Bench, Walnut with Handwoven Natural Danish Cord, Occasional Bench
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring woven paper cord, walnut, and modest tapers the Canva bench explores a love for material and craftsmanship welded with warm welcome. Constructed ...
Papercord, Wood, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous slatted bench in hand selected birch designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. Please see all pics and video as t...
Birch
Swedish long Bench 1870c
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish long Bench 1870c Made out of pine wood. Sold in as-is condition. Height: 42 cm/16.5 inch Depth: 27 cm/10.6 inch Widht: 132 cm/51.9 inch
Pine
Danish 1950s Sofa in Oak and Seagrass, Attributed to Frits Schlegel
Located in Lejre, DK
A beautifully crafted Danish Modern sofa from the 1950s, attributed to Frits Schlegel, executed in solid oak with a handwoven seagrass seat and backrest. The sofa displays the refine...
Cane, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench by Dagmar in Mohair and Fumed Oak
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Mohair, Oak
$7,300 / item
Laurel Settee, Modern Walnut Windsor Style Bench
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A clean modernization of a Classic Windsor bench, this settee features sculpted legs and slats instead of dowels and spindles. Constructed from sustainable walnut, the settee is artisan crafted with traditional joinery and finished with an all-natural, 100% plant-based, hard-wax oil. "The Laurel Settee...
Wood, Walnut
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench by Dagmar in Leather and Walnut
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Walnut, Leather
$2,400Sale Price|25% Off
Stunning Scandinavian modern Danish Pine Bench by Sven Larsson Sweden
By Sven Larsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Scandinavian modern Danish Pine Bench by Sven Larsson. Made in Sweden c. 1970. All Solid old growth pine wood construction with dowel joints and woodworking details. Great d...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a small cocktail t...
Birch
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench with Oak Frame and Mohair Seat
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Mohair, Oak
$1,177 / item
'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Natural Ash and Rattan
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
'Le Roi Bench' designed Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Dimensions: W 120 CM D 35 CM H 42 CM W. 47.24" D. 13.78" H. 16.54" Materia...
Rattan, Ash
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Chrome Black leather 3 seat bench by Ilmari Tapiovaara Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stendig Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Chrome Black leather 3 seat Bench Early production by Designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Stendig furniture chrome bench with original label. Made in Finland. Located in Brook...
Chrome
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Mohair
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Velvet, Oak
Laurel Settee, Modern Windsor Style Bench in Blackened Ash
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A clean modernization of a Classic Windsor bench, this settee features sculpted legs and slats instead of dowels and spindles. Constructed from sustainable blackened ash, the settee is artisan crafted with traditional joinery and finished with an all-natural, 100% plant-based, hard-wax oil. "The Laurel Settee...
Wood, Ash
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank & SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful bench by Josef Frank, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1960s. The frame is made of mahogany, upholstered seat with brass nails. The feet are elegantly sculpted and the bench can also be used as a table, end of bed stool...
Fabric, Mahogany
Borge Mogensen 1950s Oak and Leather Bench
Located in London, England
Model 3171 bench designed by master-designer Borge Mogensen with frame made from solid oak. The seat has been reupholstered with nw cognac brown aniline leather. Designed 1956 the Mo...
Leather, Oak
Kai Kristiansen Walnut and Mohair Mohair Velvet Bench
Located in London, England
A beuatiful bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar in Denmark. This hand-made to order bench has a solid walnut frame ...
Mohair, Oak, Walnut
Danish Modern Ca 1970 Bench or Settee in Carved Oak Henning Kjærnulf Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool Danish bench or settee from around late 1960's to early 1970's. It is very much in the brutalist style of Henry Kjærnulf, but we are not able to ascertain if it is really b...
Wool, Oak
Børge Mogensen BM0488L Table Bench 138 x 46 for Carl Hansen
By Børge Mogensen, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in New York, NY
The BM0488 Table Bench was shown for the first time at the 1958 Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Furniture Exhibition on a stand called ‘Landhuset’ designed by Børge Mogensen. In 2020...
Cane, Oak
Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway Teak "Krobo" Long Coffee Table, Bench, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Torbjorn Afdal solid Teak Table, Bench by Bruksbo Mellenstrands Norway. Featuring a longer lower lipped rectangular framework in smoothly grained Teak, with Steel supported legs...
Steel
Kai Kristiansen Vintage Rosewood & Mohair Upholstered Bench c1950s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
A classic upholstered bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s as part of his popular Entre range produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark. The frame is m...
Mohair, Rosewood
Kai Kristiansen Upholstered Bench in Fumed Oak and Fabric
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, a key figure in the Danish Modern movement, designed the Entre Series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside cabinets, benches, and chests. Combining Danish desi...
Oak
Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa in Checkered Fabric, Oak and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen, sofa, fabric, oak, teak, Denmark, 1960s The designer of this sofa is Aksel bender Madsen (1916-2000) who is known for his classic Mid-Century designs and worked with prominent Danish designers such as Kaare Klint (1888-1954), Ejner Larsen (1917-1987), and Arne Jacobsen (1902-1971), to name a few. This sofa is pure and clean in its appearance due to its lack of unnecessary decoration. In the meantime, the slightly long shaped backrest and the sleek legs create a very calming and weightless appearance. The slightly bent armrests are made out of teak while the rest of the frame is oak. The checkered fabric...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
$3,165 / item
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench by Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, England
Bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s and now produced under license by Dagmar. Hand-made to order, this upholstered bench has a fumed and oiled oak frame. Th...
Mohair, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Bench with Seat, Italy 60s
Located in Lucija, SI
Nice Scandinavian modern entrance bench with seat. Made in Italy in the late 60s
Faux Leather, Teak
Swedish Modern Square Solid Pine Coffee Table by Sven Larsson, Brutalist, 1970s
By Sven Larsson
Located in Odense, DK
Large bench / coffee table in solid pine, crafted by Swedish designer Sven Larsson in 1970s. Signed underneath. Great craftmanship, perfectly suited for any interior style. A Mode...
Pine
Bench in Oak and Cane by Børge Mogensen, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench in Oak and Cane by Børge Mogensen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Oak and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Erhard Rasmussen in Denmark Dimensions (W...
Oak
Vintage Danish Oak Bench, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Oak Bench, 1960s. Mid-Century Brutalist bench in oak with original wool fabric. Made in Denmark in the 1960s in Henning Kjærnulf style....
Wool, Oak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Dutch Modern Solid Large Teak Brutalist Slatted bench
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Dutch Modern Solid Large teak Brutalist Slatted bench. Nice solid wood Bench great Dutch woodworking. Great for entryway hallway or bedroom. Shows normal wear from use and age. ...
Teak
Henning Norgaard Rosewood Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in London, England
Henning Norgaard - Coffee Table, 1960s A striking, modernist coffee table from lesser-known Danish designer Henning Norgaard. This series was produced in a variety of sizes all with...
Glass, Rosewood
Mid Century Modern Bench in Pine, Made by a Swedish Cabinetmaker in the 1970s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Roland Wilhelmsson, Pierre Chapo, Carl Malmsten
Located in Odense, DK
A charming bench in solid pine, crafted by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1970s. Great craftmanship, perfectly suited for any interior style. A Modern, Scandinavian, Classic or an Ar...
Pine
Ib Hylander Daybed / Bench / Bed Produced by Søren Horn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed / bench / bed designed by Ib Hylander. Produced by Søren Horn in Denmark. Dimensions (W x D x H): 75 – 132 x 190 x 26.5 cm.
Brass
Nanna Ditzel "Bench for Two" for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark 1989
By Nanna Ditzel, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Utrecht, NL
Nanna Ditzel (1923-2005) was commonly known as 'The Grand Dame of Danish Design'. She was among the most influential and significant Danish designers of the 20th Century. Some of her...
Plywood, Wood
Bench or Side Table with a Planter Box by Torbjørn Afdal, 1960s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This bench or side table model Krobo with a planter box, designed by Torbjørn Afdal and produced by Bruksbo in Norway, is a versatile and elegant piece from the 1960s. The bench feat...
Rosewood
$1,694Sale Price|20% Off
Outstanding Flint Rolled Marble Coffee Table or Bench
Located in Munich, DE
A quite industrial shape combined with an breathtaking raw marble top. Normal wise this kind of flint rolled marble can only be found at tables by Poul Kjaerholm. The top is absolute...
Marble
Bench in Brass and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1953
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The BO101 bench, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Bovirke in Denmark in 1953, represents a refined synthesis of material elegance and structural clarity that defines the best of...
Brass
Contemporary pi Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics....
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 2m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, England
Torbjørn Afdal - 2m Krobo Bench, c1960 Iconic midcentury design from Norway. Torbjorn Afdal's Krobo bench, circa 1960 was designed as a multipurpose bench for producer Bruksbo and c...
Rosewood
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the ...
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Solid Pine Bench by Fröseke, Furniture Maker in Sweden, 1970s
By Fröseke 2
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This bench and hall storage is made in solid pine and produced in Sweden at Fröseke Fruniture during the 1970s. Its solid pine with minimalistic features is a nice way of showing th...
Pine
Small Exceptional Swedish 'Fållbänk' Bench from the mid 17th Century
Located in Farsta, SE
Small Exceptional Swedish 'Fållbänk' Bench from the mid 17th Century Sometimes, you get the privilege of obtaining and, in a certain way, becoming a custodian of history. I am in l...
Pine
Folke Bensow cast iron and solid oak bench for Näfverkvarns Bruk Sweden 1920s
By Folke Bensow, Nafveqvarns Bruk
Located in Ystad, SE
This early version of the "Sneckan" Park Bench No.1 Designed by Folke Bensow in 1923 for Näfverkvarns Bruk Sweden stands out with its unique patina consisting of a mix between the gr...
Iron
Axel Einar Hjorth "Skoga". Wooden Bench in Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Swedish mid century wooden bench in pine model "Skoga" by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm 1932. In good original condition. Dimension...
Pine
$3,380 / item
Campaign Safari Ottoman with Brown or Black Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
The campaign Safari ottoman is a reference to the Danish style furniture from the 1960s with its simple curved frame. Upholstered with a sling seat affi...
Leather, Upholstery, Walnut
Hans Wegner Bench Model JH 574 by Johannes Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner slatted bench model JH 574 for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. High quality construction and attention to detail this bench is perfect for...
Teak
Vintage 1960s Hans Wegner 6-Leg Long Slatted Teak Xl Bench Danish Midcentury
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is the largest Model JH-574 Bench. In the original finish. Showing wear from use. All joinery is tight, and this bench is ready to use. Also has a nice neat full burnished label...
Teak
Papyri Bench, Occasional Woven Bench in Blackened Ash and Natural Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame, custom doweling and a handwoven seat, the Papyri Bench is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably...
Papercord, Oak
Norwegian Long Bench circa 1780
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Long Bench circa 1780 Sturdy bench with a beautiful patina, antique nails and smooth surfaces. Made out of pine wood. Height: 47 cm/18.5 inch Depth: 43 cm/16.9 inch Widt...
Pine
Frits Henningsen Cane, Mahogany, and Leather 10 1/2 Ft Bench
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Frits Henningsen was a cabinet maker and known for his labor-intensive, hand-built furniture items, using hardwoods such as mahogany. This bench is amazi...
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century modern teak danish slat bench with chrome braces
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century modern teak danish slat bench with chrome braces. Great simple designed bench. Shows normal wear frame use. Possibly by Hans Wegner - And...
Chrome
Airisto Side Table and Bench, a Modern Scandinavian Wooden Design Piece
Located in Halikko, Finland
Airisto bench with Joanna Laajisto. The Airisto collection's furnishings are multifunctional, they can be used as a side table, stool and a bench. The na...
Ash
1960s Scandinavian Modern Bench with Forest Green Sheepskin
By Custom Furniture Builders
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke Scandinavian Modern bench custom upholstered in dense forest green sheepskins. Bench rests on sold cherry frame and seat crown has a slightly quilted effect. Mint restored.
Sheepskin, Cherry
Norwegian Exceptional Long Bench, ca 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Exceptional Long Bench, ca 1830 With its original paint and beautifully carved ends, this bench is truly one of a kind. Somber reed tones, thick iron nails, and a primiti...
Pine
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bench with Oak Frame and Pierre Frey Fabric
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Bench - 1956 This is a new edition of Kai Kristiansen's 1956 design, made under license in Denmark. Kai Kristiansen was a key figure in the Danish Modern mo...
Linen, Oak
Swedish Folk Art Bench 'Fållbänk' ca 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Folk Art Bench 'Fållbänk' ca 1850 Primitive rural bench with storage under the seat. Worn gray surface with beautiful patina from age and use. Made of pine wood. Heigth: 4...
Pine