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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Bench in Solid Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in Scandinavian solid pine. Designed by Carl Malmsten, 1960s.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench, designer Alvar Aalto. The bench has recently been reupholstered with Johanna Gullichsen's Helios Ochre fabric. The bench is in good used condi...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Midcentury Scandinavian Stool in Pine, 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in solid pine. Designed and made in Denmark, 1970s. Great original condition.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Nordic Scandinavian Style Teak Bench from the 1960s
Located in Padova, IT
Nordic Scandinavian style teak bench from the 1960s
Scandinavian style bench in brown teak wood.
The structure is solid and intact both in the seat and in the legs. It is in very g...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian modern pine bench by Børge Mogensen, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare bench designed by Børge Mogensen during the 1960s.
In 1961 Mogensen designed pine furniture to be put in his own summer house. The series later started to be produced by the Sw...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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 ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Beech
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
Located in London, England
Stunning, exotic grained rosewood bench with matching, loose standing two-drawer unit which can be positioned anywhere along the bench surface. This piece was designed by Danish desi...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
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...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
1940's Danish Ottoman or Bench
Located in Oakland, CA
1940s Scandinavian ottoman raised on elegant mahogany legs in the manner of Frits Henningsen. The ottoman is upholstered in the original blue wool fabric and can be used in its curre...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wool
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. The bench has a later upholstery with Misson...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
Swedish Bench in Birch by Nesto Möbel AB, Sweden 20th Century
By Nesto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish and Scandinavian designers of the 20th century often took inspiration from the beauty of natural world, translated into their use of organic elements in interior spaces. This...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Birch
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
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
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
Long Swedish Bench / Side Table in Solid Oak, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very good condition. Produced in Sweden, 1960s.
Measure: Width: 210 cm.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak
20th Century Scandinavian Teak Bench, c.1950
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Mid 20th Century Teak slatted bench on a strong thin metal frame, a sleek Scandinavian design.
CONDITION
In Good Condition - wear and tear consistent with age.
SIZE
Width: 182cm
De...
Category
20th Century 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 Bench / Coffee Table in Solid Oregon Pine. Manner of Sven Larsson 1960s
Located in Ystad, SE
Minimalist Bench / Coffee Table in Solid Oregon Pine. In the manner of Sven Larsson, Sweden 1960s
Elegant Swedish 1960s Minimalist Bench / Coffee Table i in Solid Oregon Pine.
Desi...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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
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
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Ebonised 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 century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the modern craft movement.
Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed to manufacture in small batches from sustainably sourced oak, ensuring the best attention to detail and quality. The Danish cord seats...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
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
Bench Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large bench by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
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
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord 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 ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
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
Solid Oak Bench – PI - 160 cm
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
The PI Series Solid Oak Bench, available in 120, 140, and 160 cm lengths, brings a modern and natural touch to your living spaces. Crafted from elegant solid oak wood, this modern an...
Category
2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, 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. ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Oak, Wood, Papercord
Pair of 1970's Solid Pine Wood Benches Sweden
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Pair of rustic solid pinewood benches from the 1970's
Beautiful patinated appearance and very functional
The Benches can be flat packed for volume saving low cost shipping
Solid...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Memphis Bench by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, 1980
Located in Oirlo, LI
Memphis Style Bench by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, 1980
Vintage set by Johannes Foersom & Peter Hiort Lorenzen, 1980 Denmark.
Large ...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
Torbjorn Afdal "Krobo" Table/Bench by Bruksbo Norway
Located in San Francisco, CA
Torbjorn Afdal "Krobo" Table/Bench by Bruksbo Norway. Gorgeous rosewood long bench or low table perfect for a hallway or to display sculptures or a ...
Category
1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Rosewood
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...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Solid Danish Pine Bench By Architects Friis & Moltke Nielsen, 1978
Located in ECHT, NL
Solid pine bench designed by the danish architects knud friis and elmar moltke nielsen in the 1970s for their own studio friis & moltke denmark. Their a...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Pine Bench by Carl Malmsten
Located in Dronten, NL
Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern solid pine bench by Swedish company Karl Andersson and Söner, designed by Carl Malmsten. Nice woodworking details that are also present in the designs...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
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
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
Wood, Oak, Papercord
6' 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
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
A pair of Benches by Folke Bensow
By Folke Bensow
Located in Long Island City, NY
Almost a pair of cast iron garden benches designed by Folke Bensow in 1925th. Model Park Bench No2. Manufacturer by Näfequarns Bruk in Sweden. Cast iron with wooden seat. The length...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Iron
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
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
Canva Bench, White Oak with Handwoven Danish Cord, Occasional Bench
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring woven paper cord, sustainable lumber, and modest tapers, the Canva bench explores a love for material and craftsmanship welded with warm welcome....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Walnut
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
Mid-century BENCH - DENMARK
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Here we have a rosewood hallway set from the 1960s made by Wards Ateljéer AB. It comes together with a black leather cushion for the bench. It's possible to complete the bench with a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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
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
Teak Bench and Chest by Tingstrom Sweden, 1960
By Tingströms
Located in Paris, FR
Teak bench and chest by Tingstrom Sweden, 1960
Good vintage condition, upholstered with original fabric.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Teak
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
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
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
Scandinavian Bench with Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s wood and metal bench.
A distinctive and typically Nordic design piece, this pine wood indoor bench has a dedicated metal planter space where plants and flowers can b...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Metal
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
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
Rare Low cocktail/coffee table Teak & Oak by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
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
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Ebonised Oak Slatted 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 ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches
Materials
Wood, Oak
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Limed Oak Slatted 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, 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.