Scandinavian Modern Benches
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.
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Color: Brown
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 uphols...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Teak "JH 555" Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. 1950s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing sofa by Hans J. Wegner, model “JH 555”. Made from teak with linen upholstery. Clean lines with a striking silhouette and decorative wooden elements. Cas...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak, Linen
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 no...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Bench in Solid Oak, Tokyo, by Yngvar Sandström for NK, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
Tokyo, a bench in massive oak for sitting or for using as a table. Made by NK (Nordiska Kompaniet),
the leading warehouse in Stockholm. Designed by Yngvar Sandström and part of a se...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Midcentury Scandinavian Bench in Pine, 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in solid pine. Designed and made in Denmark, 1970s. Great original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Contemporary pi Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Black 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....
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Coffee Table Bench in solid Ash, South Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric 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 be used as a TV stand, Bed end or Sofa Back Table.
Weight 18 kg
Mon Petit Meuble...
Category
2010s French Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
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.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Brass
Bench by Hans Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model designed for Johannes Hansen.
Solid teak.
Measurements:
L: 194 cm/ 6' 5"
W: 42.5 cm/ 16 3/4"
H: 31 cm/ 12 1/4".
Hans J. Wegner is the father of Danish design and is well kn...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Bench in heavy and solid Pine made by Fröseke, furniture maker in Sweden, 1970s
By Fröseke 2
Located in Goteborg, SE
Rustic hall bench in heavy and solid pine made by Fröseke, furniture maker in Sweden, 1970s.
This piece is possible to use as both storage and seating.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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 i...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Swedish Craft, Farmers Low Table or Bench, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A pine low table or bench designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category
Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Sizable Bench, Solid Oak, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable, solid oak bench designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s.
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Wall Mounted Bench in Beech and Blue Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
1980s wall-mounted benches in beech by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen by Magnus Olesen.
The benches were made as 1 seater, 2 seater and 3 seater benches and an additional small wa...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Beech
"Visingsö" Bench in Pine by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
This small bench was designed by one of the real giants in Nordic design, Carl Malmsten. The bench is rustic, but elegant. It is made in solid pinewood, a material you not often see ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Kurt Østervig Bench / Side Table Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bench / side table designed by Kurt Østervig. Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the twentieth century modernist idiom, Scandinavian modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood
Contemporary pi2 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. Also influenced by the ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood
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. ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Willow
Pine Sofa by David Rosén Model Berga, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
By David Rosén
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s.
Good condition, solid and stable.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Solid Pine Midcentury Slat Stools, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Echt, NL
Set of solid pine stools in good condition.
Made in Sweden in the 1960s
The seat is made of solid pine slats.
The base is made of sculpted and joined pine wood
The rustic pine ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Pine
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 no...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Kurt Østervig Side Table or Bench Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and long side table or bench designed by Kurt Østervig. Produced by Jason Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Teak
Kai Winding Chest / Bench Produced by Poul Hundevad in Denmark
By Kai Winding
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare chest / bench designed by Kai Winding. Produced by Poul Hundevad in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Cane, Oak
Torbjørn Afdal Bench / Side Table Model Krobo Produced by Bruksbo in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench / side table model Krobo designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced by Bruksbo in Norway.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Carl Malmsten Benches Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of benches model Visingsö designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk fur in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
1950s Danish Solid Teak Slatted Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A solid teak bench with a slatted seat over six (6) tapered legs.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Torbjørn Afdal Bench / Side Table Model Krobo Produced in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench / side table model Krobo designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced by Mellemstrands møbelfabrik in Norway.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Pine Sofa by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s.
Very good condition, solid and stable.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Carl Malmsten Bench Model Visingsö Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench model Visingsö designed by Carl Malmsten. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Low Table / Coffee Table by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectangular solid teak top and oak base low table/bench/coffee table with a basin-edged top.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Teak
Torbjørn Afdal Side Table / Bench Model Krobo Produced in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench / side table model Krobo designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced by Mellemstrands møbelfabrik in Norway.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Yngve Ekström Coffee / Side Table by Westbergs in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table / side table / bench designed by Yngve Ekström. Produced by Westbergs in Tranås, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Teak
Stool, Bench Anonymous, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool/bench anonymous,
Sweden, 1980's.
Pearwood.
Dimensions:
H: 26 cm/ 10 1/4''
L: 75 cm/ 29 1/2''
D: 25 cm/ 9 3/4''
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pearwood
Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Natural Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
FRAMA Contemporary Scandinavian Adam Bench Oak with Matt Black Steel Frame L1200
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed by Toke Lauridsen, the Adam Bench represents classic industrial design aesthetics, embodying a simplistic and understated look that pays homage to solid materials and high f...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Roland Wilhelmsson Bench in Pine by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table / bench model Bamse in pine designed by Roland Wilhelmsson. Produced by Karl Andersson & Söner AB in Sweden.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Roland Wilhelmsson Table in Pine by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table / bench model Bamse in pine designed by Roland Wilhelmsson. Produced by Karl Andersson & Söner AB in Sweden.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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
Svend Madsen Coffee Table by K. Knudsen
Located in Highland, IN
Wonderful teak Svend Madsen coffee table by K. Knudsen & Son with softly curved lines and tapered legs.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
1950s Danish Solid Teak Slatted Bench by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A midcentury solid teak bench with a slatted seat over six (6) tapered legs.
Designed by Hans Wegner and made by Johannes Hansen in Denmark, 1950s.
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Bench/Table Designed by Sigvard Nilsson for Söwe-konst, Sweden. 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Bench/table designed by Sigvard Nilsson for Söwe-Konst,
Sweden, 1970s.
Elm.
Dimensions:
L: 137 cm/ 54"
D: 70 cm/ 27 1/2"
H: 48 cm/ 18 7/8"
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Elm
FRAMA Scandinavian Design Adam Bench in Oak with Black Steel Frame L1600
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, gives this bench a st...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Steel
Pine sofa design David Rosén model "Berga", Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
By David Rosén
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s.
Good condition, solid and stable.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Torbjørn Afdal Krobo Bench with Lp Box by Bruksbo in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench or side table model Krobo with LP box designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced by Bruksbo in Norway.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa or Bench by Næstved Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bench or sofa designed by Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Produced by Næstved Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Teak
A Unique Oak Bench With a Reversible Teak And Leather Top
Located in Sagaponack, NY
a Danish cabinetmaker quality bench made of oak with a reversible top. the two section top slides on nylon rails built into the frame, the 2 sections slide out from each end of the f...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Pair of Side Tables or Benches in Solid Rosewood by Alberts in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
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
Danish Design Oak Bench, circa 1950
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Danish design bench in oak, seat with three blades of wood and trapezium shape feet, in teak.
Denmark,
circa 1950.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Sofa in Teak and Grey Fabric Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Unique Bench ‘Arc’ Designed by Per Brandstedt, Sweden, 2014
By Per Brandstedt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unique bench ‘Arc’ designed by Per Brandstedt,
Sweden, 2014.
Solid blackened oak.
Measures: H: 40 cm/ 1' 4"
D: 34.5 cm/ 1' 2"
W: 83 cm/ 2' 9"
...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
Reversible Top Low Table by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A low table / bench with a flip-top black laminate and a teak top on an oak base.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Teak
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 2m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
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...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
Bench by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 5273 - Bench in oak and cane. Børge Mogensen / Fredericia Furniture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Cane, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Slatted Bench or Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Slatted teak bench, or table designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Johannes Andersen, circa 1950s.
Bench slats have been cleaned and oiled with teak o...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-240 sofa designed in 1955 and produced by GETAMA.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Scandinavian Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include par-avion co., Carter Ellis, Peter Coolican, and Poiat. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $322 and tops out at $30,000 while the average work can sell for $3,100.
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