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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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
1980s Swedish Wooden Bench – Sculptural Curved Legs in Solid Wood
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

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...
Category

17th Century Swedish Antique 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

Danish Modern Loveseat Sofa by Rud Thygesen, 1980s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant bench with frame in beech and fabric seat. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sørensen and Rud Thygesen.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Iconic bench model 153 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1960s. The bench is in very good original condition. As with a lot of Alvar Aalto's works the beauty c...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

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...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian vintage oak gossip chair
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian oak bench with reupholstered cotton bouclé cushion and small side drawer. Scandinavian oak Gossip chair, with an exposed interlocking frame and upholstered seat...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Swedish Long Wall Bench from Öland, ca 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Wall Bench from Öland, ca 1830 Its primitive form is simply lovely, and the stains and wear accumulated over the centuries make it a true piece of joy. Beautiful patina and...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Swedish Folk Art Bench 'Fållbänk', ca 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Folk Art Bench 'Fållbänk', ca 1850 Built-in primitive rural bench with storage under the seat. Worn grey surface with beautiful patina from age and use. Made of pine wood. ...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Vintage wooden school bench , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage wooden school bench , 1970’s Dimensions: 240cm Width , 28cm Depth , 29.5cm Height seat Condition: Used with nice patina Material: Wood . metal
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

"Scheletro" Bench by Kari Asikainen, P. O. Korhonen Oy, Finland, 1980s
Located in Oirlo, LI
This "Scheletro" sofa, a two-seater by Finnish designer Kari Asikainen, cannot be confused with any other model thanks to its unique, anthropomorphic design. It is extremely rare. D...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Roland Wilhelmsson, Bench, Pine, Sweden, 1972
Located in High Point, NC
A pine bench or coffee table model "Sink" designed and produced by Roland Wilhelmsson, Ågesta, Sweden, 1972. Present bench is labeled, hand signed, and dated June 1973
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Torbjørn Afdal, rosewood Krobo bench, Norway, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
’Krobo’ bench designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced in Norway in the 1960s for Mellemstrands Bruksbo. Made in rosewood. Modular and comes with an original plant box and a chest wit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Copper, Iron

Long Swedish Bench / Side Table in solid pine, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Solid pine bench produced in Sweden, 1970s. Width: 180 cm
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Bench in Solid Pine, 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in solid pine. Designed and made in Sweden 1970s. Great original condition.
Category

1970s Danish 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

TV Stand Bench in Solid Ash, South Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
Located in Landivy, FR
This TV stand 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 bench, a...
Category

2010s French Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Ash, Lacquer

Scandinavian 1960s pine bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian vintage 1960s pine bench with slatted surface and essential lines with an understated design typical of the Nordic style. Scandinavian 1960s bench made of solid pine, f...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Coffee Table Bench in solid Ash, South Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
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

Teak Bench and Chest by Tingstrom Sweden, 1960
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

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

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

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

Mid-Century Scandinavian Metal, Brass and Teak Bench Console, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century metal frame and teak bench console, Denmark 1960s. Brass details.
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Danish Teak Coffee Table or Hall Bench, Kai Lyngfeld-Larsen/Søborg Mobelfabrik
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb large Scandinavian coffee table or bench. Two large crossbars structure the table. The rounded side legs, supported by brushed metal supports attached to the top, lend great e...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

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

Peana Low Coffee Table, Bench in Natural Oak Wood Finish by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Peana Low Coffee Table, Bench in Natural Oak Wood Finish by Joel Escalona Peana, which in English translates to base or pedestal, is a series of tables and different surfaces inspir...
Category

2010s Mexican Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

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

Peana Coffee Table, Bench in Red Tinted Solid Wood Finish by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Peana Coffee Table, Bench in Red Tinted Solid Wood Finish by Joel Escalona Peana, which in English translates to base or pedestal, is a series of tables and ...
Category

2010s Mexican Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

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 by Krogenäs, Norway, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine bench by Krogenäs, newly upholstered in sheepskin. Produced in Norway.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Sheepskin, 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

1970's Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen Wall Mounted Two Seat Bench
Located in Knebel, DK
1970s 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 wall...
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

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

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

Corda Bench / Footstool (Natural Papercord)
Located in Queens, NY
2 "Corda" Mid-Century Danish Style bench/footstools made from FSC-Certified solid walnut, this bench is not only stylish but also environmentally friendly and features a styled cord ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Papercord

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

Large bench, hall furniture, Norwegian in rosewood, “Krobo”model, TorBjörn Afdal
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian bench furniture. Ideal for an entryway or living room (vase or plant holder, etc.). It can also be used as a coffee table. This highly decorative piece of furnitu...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

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

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...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Upholstery, Walnut

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

Bench No.2 by Folke Bensow
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Folke Bensow. For Nafveqvarns Bruk for the World exibition in Paris 1925. Swedish stand. Cast iron sides. Wooden planks. Distressed white paint all over.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. Very good condition and wonderful patina. This bench features ...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Large bench or occasional table in teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Large bench or occasional table in teak from Bruksbo
Category

1960s Scandinavian 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

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

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

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

Scandinavian Modern Nikari Oak Bench
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Jenni Roininen designed "Detalji" bench produced by Finnish manufacturer Nikari. The Detalji bench combines some of the finest elements of Finnish woodworking and textile design. Oak...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Papercord, Oak

A Reversible Top Low Table by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
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

Solid Oak Bench with Backrest– PI - 160 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The PI Series Solid Oak Bench with Backrest offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality with its modern design and comfortable structure. Handcrafted entirely from solid...
Category

2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Solid Oak Bench – PI -160 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
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

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

Solid Oak Bench with Backrest – PI -120 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The PI Series Solid Oak Bench with Backrest offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality with its modern design and comfortable structure. Handcrafted entirely from solid...
Category

2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Solid Oak Bench – PI -120 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
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

Solid Oak Bench with Backrest – PI - 140 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The PI Series Solid Oak Bench with Backrest offers both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality with its modern design and comfortable structure. Handcrafted entirely from solid...
Category

2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood, Oak

Solid Oak Bench – PI - 160 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
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

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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