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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
Canva Bench, Walnut with Handwoven Black Danish Cord, Occasional Bench
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Walnut

Canva Bench, White Oak with Handwoven Danish Cord, Occasional Bench
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

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

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

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

Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden. My heart truly feels for this kind of furniture, where aesthetics are driven by practicality. The gray patina and wear mak...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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

Hans Wegner, Slated Bench, Solid Teak, Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
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

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

Alvar Aalto 153A Bench for Artek in Black Lacquer
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar Aalto 153A Bench for Artek in Black Lacquer. Originally designed in 1945 and produced by its original manufacturer, Artek of Finland. This bench i...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

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

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

Scandinavian oak bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s Danish-made oak bench with minimalist design. This piece of furniture boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a table top composed of teak wood slats, supported by squa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

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

Teak and Oak Bench or Table by Eric Johansson for Abra, Sweden, 1950s
By Abra Mobler, Eric Johansson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Bench or sofa table designed by Eric Johansson. Produced by Abra möbler in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from solid oak in the base and teak in the table top. Very good vintage condi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak, Teak

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

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

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

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

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

Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia, IT
Artek's 153A bench was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1945 and is still a modern and elegant design piece today. The seat is made of solid birch and rests on ...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solid Oak Bench with Backrest– PI - 160 cm
Located in İzmir, İzmir
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

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

Contemporary Pi2 Stool, Limed 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. 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

Solid Oak Bench with Backrest – PI - 160 cm
Located in İzmir, İzmir
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 İzmir, İzmir
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

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

Solid Oak Bench – PI - 140 cm
Located in İzmir, İzmir
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

Børge Mogensen Aserbo Pine Bench for Karl Andersson
Located in Winnipeg, CA
Børge Mogensen's Asserbo dining bench in solid oregon pine for Karl Andersson. Despite the soft nature of pine, this bench is in impressive condition with wear that is expected from ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

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

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Fumed 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

Scandinavian Modern Terra Bench made with textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
A collection that brings out the sublime beauty of materials and natural forms. The Terra collection promises to ensure unique comfort without compromising on design. The restful and...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Textile, Wood

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

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

Unique Danish oak bench with a reversible leather & teak top by Unknown, 1960s
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

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

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

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

Side Tables / Benches Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side tables / benches by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden. Listed price is / item.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Loggia Bench
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Table top and seat in Northern pine or Accoya. Base in cast iron. For indoor and outdoor use Price is for Northern pine. Accoya : + € 1300. Other woods and sizes offered on demand ...
Category

2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Loggia Bench
Loggia Bench
$6,367 / item
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Black Dining Bench
Located in Paris, FR
This bench is an interpretation of qualities as peacefulness and tranquikity so well integrated in the Nordic atmosphere. This bench was designed with minimal lines and is multifu...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

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

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/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

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

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

PI Bench, Oak Backrest, Upholstered Forest
Located in İzmir, İzmir
-The modern and comfortable PI Bench is produced entirely by hand from oak wood. -Solid Oak/ Length: 140 cm Width: 45 cm Height: 80 cm *Maintenance: It should be wiped with a damp cl...
Category

2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Contemporary PI2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Black 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

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Ebonised 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

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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