Scandinavian Modern Benches
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of vintage Scandinavian modern furniture appear in the work of 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.
Characterized by bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries, Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with this style was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Bruno Mathsson, creator of the classic Grasshopper chair and Berlin daybed, but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the ’20s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced Scandinavian modern pieces 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. 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 he 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, maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Vernor Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern designs — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries. Even more than 50 years on from their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Swedish Modern Rectangular Stool in Solid Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
An early work by Swedish Deisgner Carl Malmsten. A rare wooden brutalist stool with a great warm patina. Made in the early 50s. Signed underneath.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Solid Wooden Stool
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage solid wooden stool. Scandinavian Primitiv, Brutalist, Modern design.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Solid Wooden Stool
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage solid wood stool, Scandinavian Modern design.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood
P Jensen Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Bench or Stool with New Cushion
By Poul Jensen
Located in Hopewell, NJ
Authentic midcentury designer bench or stool by P Jensen, Denmark, circa 1960. The sleek teak base is classic Danish modern. Newly upholstered attached plush seat cushion.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather seat. Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to crea...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Birch
White Painted Stool, Josef Frank Upholstery
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
White painted stool with upholstery by Josef Frank, Svensk Tenn length 44, width 36, height 44 cm. Cording is loose but we can replace cording if requested.
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Aalto design end, side table, bench in solid wood, with slatted top. This example is vintage 1970/1980's. It is in very good, original, clean and ready use use condition showi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather seat. Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to crea...
Category
1940s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Birch
Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Niger Leather, Sweden 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn - Scandinavian Modern
A beautiful bench by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, mahogany frame and Niger leather with nails.
The model 2082 was designed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Roland Bench, Solid Walnut, Customizable
Located in Louisville, KY
The Roland bench is built by hand in our Louisville, KY studio using premium solid hardwoods. Simple and sturdy, the bench highlights its unique double tenon joinery with the shaped ...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Roland Bench, Ebonized Cherry, Customizable
Located in Louisville, KY
The Roland bench is built by hand in our Brooklyn studio using premium solid hardwoods. Simple and sturdy, the bench highlights its unique double tenon joinery with the shaped legs. ...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Hardwood
'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Smoked Oak and Rattan
By Norr11
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI Bench
by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl
Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural French rattan. Inspired by the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Contemporary pi Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the m...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi Stool Fumed Oak Frame, Oil Finished, Split Willow Skein 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 m...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Willow
'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Natural Oak and Rattan
By Norr11
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI BENCH
by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl
Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural French rattan. Inspired by the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Vintage Scandinavian Rectangular Stool
Located in Oakland Park, FL
Vintage Scandinavian rectangular stool with woven seagrass seat
Reinforced. Square taper legs with stretchers
Size: 18” W x 12” D x 16” H
Seat height: 16.5” H.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Jute
Pair of Benches by Børge Mogensen.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two benches in solid, lacquered pitch pine. Maker Karl Andersson & Sons.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench
Located in London, GB
A custom-made upholstered bench with fumed and oiled oak frame. The padded top has been upholstered with in Pierre Frey mustard mohair velvet.
*Alternative upholstery options als...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Mohair, Oak
Detalji Bench in Oak and Paper Yarn by Jenni Roininen & Ritva Puotila
Located in Fiskars, FI
Detalji (“detail” in Finnish) bench (designed 2021) is made following the traditional Nikari craftsmanship solutions, accompanied with delicate Woodnotes paper yarn fabric “Woodpecke...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Pair of Josef Frank Benches, Mahogany and Niger Leather, 1950s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn - Scandinavian Modern
A beautiful pair of benches by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Model 2082, mahogany frame and Niger leather with nails.
The model ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
David Rosén, Rare Demountable Modernist Bench, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A rare demountable bench designed by David Rosén. Produced and retailed by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, circa 1940s. In pine and fabric.
David Rosén served as the head designer at...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine, Fabric
Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Black Dining Bench
Located in Paris, FR
RO is a small word with great meaning shared by all Scandinavian languages. It means tranquility, peacefulness, quietness or rest. RO bench is an interpretation of these qualities so...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Konstruktio solid wood bench by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The streamlined solid wooden bench is meant for indoors. Its elegant lines fit in homes as well as public areas. When needed, the seat can be upholstered.
Materials:
Birch, ash or ...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Bench / Sofa by Næstved Møbler in Denmark
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare bench / sofa designed by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Produced by Næstved Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak, Fabric, Wool
Bruksbo Bench, New Edition
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian Bruksbo bench, new edition. Designed in 1960 by Torbjøn Afdal and originally produced by the Norwegian cabinetmaker Bruksbo, the bench is now released by Fjordfiesta.
M...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Ash
Pair of Side Tables or Benches in Solid Rosewood by Alberts in Sweden
Located in Malmo, SE
Rare pair of side tables or benches in solid rosewood. Produced by Alberts in Tibro, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Canva Bench, Walnut with Handwoven Natural Danish Chord, 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 with a mortice and Tenon fr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Walnut
Minimal 43" White Oak Bench by Coolican & Company
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
A versatile and durable bench suitable for a variety of applications including extra seating, hall entrance bench or even a narrow coffee table. The Adelaide bench is a welcome addit...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Bench in Blackened Ash by Coolican & Company
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
A versatile and durable bench suitable for a variety of applications including extra seating, hall entrance bench or even a narrow coffee table. The Adelaide bench is a welcome addit...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Scandinavian Minimalist Pine Bench with Trestle Legs, Scandinavia, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
From the humble locker room style wooden bench to a chunky industrial bench or a very elegant gold or silver legged velvet upholstered bench, this humble piece of furniture has been ...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Papyri Bench, Occasional Woven Bench in Blackened Ash and Natural Danish Chord
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 harvested Ash.
The seat ...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Oak
Minimal White Oak Bench by Coolican & Company
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
A versatile and durable bench suitable for a variety of applications including extra seating, hall entrance bench or even a narrow coffee table. The Adelaide bench is a welcome addit...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Swedish Sportstuge School, Minimalist Sofa, Pine, White Fabric, 1970s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A modern and Minimalist sofa designed in the Swedish sportstuge style. Produced in massive and stacked planks of pine. Produced in the 1970s. The purity of the form highlights the be...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Pine
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
This longer bench works well at the end of a bed, in an entry corridor or as a pair on either side of a dining table.
Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Jacob Kielland-Brandt Bench in Stained Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kielland-Brandt, bench, solid pine, Denmark, 1960s.
This wooden bench is designed by Jacob Kielland-Brandt. This piece features tapered and tilted legs that go 'through' the s...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Hans Wegner, Slated Bench, Solid Teak, Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A bench designed by Hans Wegner, produced by cabinet maker Johannes Hansen. In solid teak. With makers metal plaque to underside of bench.
Wegner worked contemporary to designers ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Bruksbo Bench, New Edition
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian Bruksbo bench, new edition. Designed in 1960 by Torbjøn Afdal and originally produced by the Norwegian cabinetmaker Bruksbo, the bench is now released by Fjordfiesta.
M...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Walnut
72" White Oak Bench by Coolican & Company
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
A versatile and durable bench suitable for a variety of applications including extra seating, hall entrance bench or even a narrow coffee table. The Adelaide bench is a welcome addit...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Carl Malmsten Visingsö Bench, AB Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1953
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Cal Malmsten Visingsö bench, AB Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1953
Pine
Measures: H: 17.33 D: 13.25 W: 35.5 in.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Korben Bench, Solid Hardwood, Customizable
Located in Louisville, KY
The Korben bench is built by hand in our Brooklyn studio using premium hardwoods. Simple and sturdy, the bench highlights its through joinery and a minimal Silhouette. Sized for a st...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Hardwood, Maple
Bench in mahogany by Grete Jalk
Located in Copenhagen, DK
111A - Bench in solid mahogany, designed in 1959. Maker P. Jeppesen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Mahogany
1950s Pirkka Bench by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
Located in Norwich, GB
A small bench designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Finnish. Circa 1950s. Maker's stamp.
The bench is very sturdy, with no damage, it has the original finish to the black...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Frama Contemporary Scandinavian Adam Bench Oak with Matt Black Steel Frame L1200
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Adam bench is inspired by industrial design, an artist's studio, and a workshop. The functionality and simplicity of the design, combined with strong materials, give this bench a str...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Black Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Ash
Coffee Table Bench in solid Ash, South Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Eric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This coffee table (also bench) is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris.
It is 100% made in France with exclusive solid ash wood from sustainable managed French forests.
It can also ...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Pair of Scandinavian Tripod Stools, 1950's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian (possibly French) 'Seat' tripod stools, 1950's
Oak, fine construction details
Measures: H: 16 D seat: 10 W seat: 13, legs at base are apart 15.5-18 in.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Carl Malmsten Bench Visingsö by Svensk Fur in Sweden
Located in Malmo, SE
Bench model Visingsö designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Split Willow Skein Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Oak, Willow
Roland Wilhelmsson "Bamse" Bench Coffee Table in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare bench in solid pine by Roland Wilhelmsson model "Bamse", signed and dated March 1970s. Great as a coffee table or behind the bed. In good vintage and original condition.
Dim...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Børge Mogensen, Rare Bench / Coffee-Table, Model 5273, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
A rare bench or coffee-table in oak and cane, designed by Børge Mogensen in the 1950s and executed by Frederica Stolefabrik.
Excellent vintage condition, absolutely no damages to th...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Cane, Oak
Stool, Bench Anonymous, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool/bench anonymous, Sweden, 1980s.
Pearwood.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pearwood
Hans Wegner Slatted Bench in Teak for Johannes Hansen, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans Wegner, slatted bench in teak made by master cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, 1960s. Model JH-574. Stamped from maker.
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Swedish Pine Bench, Made by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson & Söner
Located in Odense, DK
Mid century Swedish pine bench with great patina, made by Carl Malmsten for Karl Andersson & Söner, 1960s.
Nice details that are also present in the designs of Roland Wilhelmsson...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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 arti...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Walnut, Wood
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 Ash, the settee is artisan...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Ash
Mid century Danish brutalist solid pine stool with leather upholstery, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Mid century Danish / Scandinavian solid pine stool with black leather upholstery, 1960s.
Nice warm patina in this brutalist stool.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
