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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 

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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Item type: Antique and Vintage
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Borge Mogensen 1950s Oak and Leather Bench
Located in London, GB
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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Folke Bensow, Pair of Benches No. 2, Näfequarns Bruk, Sweden 1925
Located in Berlin, DE
Folke Bensow, rare pair of 'Park Benches Nr. 2', designed in 1925, executed by Näfequarns Bruk in Sweden. Black cast Iron and lacquered wood.  
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

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

Danish Modern Forest Green Sheepskin Bench
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.
Category

20th Century Dutch Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, Cherry

Borge Mogensen Side Table/Bench in Oak and Rattan Cane, 1950s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern side table or bench in solid oak and handwoven rattan cane by Danish architect Borge Mogensen. Mogensen designed this model in the 1950s when it was made in different s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Oak

Roland Wilhelmsson, Coffee Table in Pine by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1970
Located in Berlin, DE
A timeless Scandinavian Modern bench or coffee table in solid thick pine by Roland Wilhelmsson, executed in Sweden, 1970. Characteristic visible wood joints and great craftsmanship....
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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...
Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Marble

Pine Sofa by David Rosén Model Berga, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
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

Bench in heavy and solid Pine made by Fröseke, furniture maker in Sweden, 1970s
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

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

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

Garden Bench Designed by Folke Bensow
Located in Long Island City, NY
Cast iron garden bench designed by Folke Benson in 1925th. Model Park Bench No2. Manufacturer by Näfequarns Bruk in Swedenand. Cast iron with wooden seat.
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

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

Alvar Aalto L-Leg Bench/ Table Model 106
Located in Highland, IN
This exceptional example of Allto's slat bench/ table by Artek dates to circa 1948 and was sold at Chicago's landmark modern design store Baldwin Kingrey...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Kai Winding Chest / Bench Produced by Poul Hundevad in Denmark
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

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

Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Wall Mounted One Seat Bench
Located in Knebel, DK
1980s wall-mounted one seat benches in beech and original blue fabric by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen by Magnus Olesen. The benches were made as 1 seater, 2 seater and 3 seater ...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

1970's Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Wall Mounted Two Seat Bench
Located in Knebel, DK
1970's Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen wall mounted two seat bench in beech by Magnus Olesen. The benches were made as 1-seat, 2-seat and 3-seat benches and an additional small wal...
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Oak Music Bench by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high stool/piano bench in oak with new leather upholstery.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, 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

White Painted Stool, Josef Frank Upholstery
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pine sofa design David Rosén model "Berga", Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-Seat Bench in Teak by Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejner Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
2-seat bench in teak with new woven cane. Maker Willy Beck.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

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

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

Swedish Bench by Folke Bensow in Cast Iron & Pine for Näfveqvarns Bruk, 1920s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early mid century "Sneckan" bench in cast iron and pine wood by Folke Bensow produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk Sweden 1923. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 50 cm...
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Entry Telephone Bench
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern entry way/telephone bench in rosewood manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's. This exquisite piece, recently imported from Europe to California...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

K.J. Petterson & Söner, Pair of Stools in Pine, Scandinavian Modern Design
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Scandinavian Modern A rare and stunning pair of Pall stools in pine, manufactured by K.J. Pettersson & Söner. The chairs have a history as to who designed and manufactured the stool...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Torbjorn Afdal - Krobo Bench, c1960 Highly figured rosewood bench or coffee table from Norwegian designer Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo. Produced c1960s with veneered top and solid le...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Pair of Solid Pine Benches Attributed to Sven Larsson, c. 1970's
Located in Norwalk, CT
Embrace the perfect marriage of Scandinavian Modernism and rustic charm with this remarkable pair of solid pine benches. Attributed to Sven Larsson, a celebrated name in the world of...
Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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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