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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
Period: 1960s
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

Borge Mogensen 3171 Bench for Fredericia Circa 1961
Located in San Francisco, CA
Borge Mogensen original bench model 3171 for Federica, Denmark. Made from solid turned oak with black leather, perfect for a dining table or extra seating at 18"in. seat height. High...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Modernist Midcentury Pine Bench, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cute Swedish midcentury pine bench in a compact design with nice lines.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Vintage Modernist Rattan Bench by Børge Mogensen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful oak and rattan bench by Børge Mogensen. Great materials, low design that works both as a bench and a coffee table.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Pair of Scandinavian benches in Solid Elm by Olavi Hanninen 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb benches with brutalist design. High quality cabinetmaking work. Extremely robust. Solid wood.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Bench model "Visingsö" by Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish vintage wooden bench by Carl Malmsten for Svensk Fur. This furniture model traces the modern rustic style typical of Scandinavian homes in the 1960s. Made of pine wood, tha...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
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

Pipeline Bench by Erik Ole Jørgensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Stunning and rare Pipeline Bench by Erik Ole Jørgensen for Georg Jørgensen & Søn, Denmark, 1960. The tubular legs are made in stainless steel and the top is upholstered in a grey/gre...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway Teak "Krobo" Long Coffee Table, Bench, 1960's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Long Torbjorn Afdal solid Teak Table, Bench by Bruksbo Mellenstrands Norway. Featuring a longer lower lipped rectangular framework in smoothly grained Teak, with Steel supported legs...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 2m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Torbjørn Afdal - 2m Krobo Bench, c1960 Iconic midcentury design from Norway. Torbjorn Afdal's Krobo bench, circa 1960 was designed as a multipurpose bench for producer Bruksbo and c...
Category

1960s 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 worke...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Teak

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 1.5m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Torbjørn Afdal - 1.5m Krobo Bench, c1960 Iconic midcentury design from Norway. Torbjorn Afdal's Krobo bench, circa 1960 was designed as a multipurpose bench for producer Bruksbo and...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

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

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

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood “Krobo” Bench, Norway, 1960s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Krobo bench, table designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Manufactured in Norway by Mellemstrands Trevareindustri during the 1960s. Made from rosewood,,,,,Retains original label.. Hand delive...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Alvar Aalto 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...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Swedish 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

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia ‘Safari’ Sofa in Saddle Leather and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, ‘Safari’ sofa or bench model 2222, saddle leather, oak, brass, Denmark, 1960s. This rare sofa reminds of the classical foldable 'director-...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Scandinavian Vintage Bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage pine wood bench. A simple, square-shaped piece of furniture that can be used for multiple functions and in different rooms of the house, such as a bed base, at the entranc...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Danish Modern Red Hallway Set Bench, Drawers & Mirror, Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare Danish Modern hallway set consisting of a bench, a mirror and a small chest of drawers all designed by Kai Kristiansen in the 1960s.. This example is made of red stained oak and...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
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

Jacob Kielland Brandt Bench in Pine Wood for Christiansen, Handcrafted, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
Handcrafted pine wooden bench by Jacob Kielland Brandt, 1960s for Christiansen Denmark. This is a recognizable Scandinavian Modern period piece by it's specific shape, elegant curves...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Børge Mogensen Bench / Coffee Table by Fredericia, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large bench / coffee table model 272 designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stølefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Solid oak frame with hand-woven cane all in very good original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Danish Modern Teak Bench, Mirror and Drawers by Kai Kristiansen 1960s
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern teak bench, mirror and drawers by Kai Kristiansen 1960s. This Scandinavian mid-century modern hallway set was designed by Danish arc...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

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

Midcentury Danish Finn Juhl Model 137 Japan Sofa For France & Son
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Original solid teak Japan sofa designed by Finn Juhl in 1957 for France & Son, Denmark. An incredibly hard to find item which is a superb showcase for J...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage 1960s Hans Wegner 6-Leg Long Slatted Teak Xl Bench Danish Midcentury
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is the largest Model JH-574 Bench. In the original finish. Showing wear from use. All joinery is tight, and this bench is ready to use. Also has a nice neat full burnished label...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Vilhelm Lauritzen Bench in Teak and Metal, 1960s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare and important bench in steel and teak made on commission for Mørkhøj Skole by Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in the 1960s. The bench has a ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Danish Mid-Century Modern Oak Bench
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Oak midcentury bench, circa 1960s. A perfect entryway seating solution! Dovetailed drawer with darling metal finger pull, open cubby for gloves etc. V...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

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

Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
Located in Hellouw, NL
Stunning ‘minerva’ sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn from the 1960s. Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen have played a significant role in the internatio...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway Rosewood "Krobo" Coffee Table, Bench
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Torbjorn Afdal solid dark rosewood table, bench by Bruksbo Mellenstrands Norway. Featuring a sturdy, lipped and, balanced rectangular framework in smoothly grained dark Rosewood, wit...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian Bench with Upholstered Seat
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish oak bench from the 1960s. This original piece of furniture with simple and modern forms is distinguished by the presence of the upholstere...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, 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

Torbjørn Afdal Norwegian Rosewood Bench circa 1960 Mid-Century Modern
Located in Forest, BE
Rosewood bench by the Norwegian designer Torbjorn Afdal. Made of rare rosewood veneer. Completely hand polished and varnished. This item was completely restored to its former glory. ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fruitwood

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

Pine bench 'Trybo' by Edvin Helseth
Located in Berlin, BE
Designed 1963–1965 for a ski resort in Trysil, Norway.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak and Brass Bench Stool, Denmark 1960
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Teak bench stool Denmark 1960 solid and stable metal base. brass details.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Torbjørn Afdal Bench / Side Table Model Krobo by Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bench / side table model Krobo designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced by Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik in Norway. 2 plant stands and LP storage included. Height: ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

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

Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Bench with Chest of Drawers, Teak, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kai Kristiansen bench with movable chest of drawers on top. Made of partly solid teak. Made by Aksel Kjersgaard 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
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

Vintage rectangular coffee-table
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak wood coffee table/bench from vintage Scandinavian manufacture. This teak wood piece of furniture stands out for both its versatility and its minimalist and elegant, ideal for u...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Danish Modern Stool / Sidetable in Teakwood and Black Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Cool little stool or side table made in Denmark in the 1960s. The stool is made from solid Bangkok teakwood with an amazing grain. It featur...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Teak

Bench in Solid Pine by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in Scandinavian solid pine. Designed by Carl Malmsten, 1960s. Great original condition.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Danish Buffalo Leather Adjustable Armchair & Ottoman Set by M&S Mobler, 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Danish Buffalo leather adjustable armchair & ottoman set by M&S Mobler, 1960s Denmark. This vintage armchair and ottoman were produced in...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

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

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

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

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

Bench in Solid Oak, Tokyo, by Yngvar Sandström for NK, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
Tokyo, a bench in massive oak for sitting or for using as a table. Made by NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), the leading warehouse in Stockholm. Designed by Yngvar Sandström and part of a se...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

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

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

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

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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