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
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.
Two Armchairs, Scandinavian design - In the manner of Finn Juhl - Sheepskin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exceptional pair of armchairs showcases outstanding craftsmanship and a refined Scandinavian aesthetic. Every detail reflects the skill of an accomplished cabinetmaker, from the...
Sheepskin, Wood
Set of 4 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Bar Stools
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A complete set of four teak barstools made in Denmark circa 70's or 80'd. The stools feature sculptural teak frames with the black naugahyde cushions. Seats were poorly recovered and...
Naugahyde, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Set of Early Production Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1960s
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
A rare set of 6 model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner iconic chair. The chairs have an amazing deep patina to ...
Papercord, Oak
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Pine
Danish Set of Six Dining Chairs in Blonde Wood and Dark Grey Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, faux leather, Denmark, 1960s. Modest and elegant set of six dining chairs. Its design shows clear lines and an open backrest. The dark grey leather...
Faux Leather, Beech
Jacob Kielland-Brandt Dining Chair in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kielland-Brandt, dining chair, solid pine, Denmark, 1960s This remarkable chair is designed by Danish designer Jacob Kielland-Brandt in the 1960s. It has a strong expression, ...
Pine
Børge Mogensen Oak & Leather "Spanish" Arm Chairs Model BM3238, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "BM 3238" arm chairs in oak and natural saddle leather. Designed in the 1950s by Borge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen made these ...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Indra Easy Chairs in Beech, Brass & Leather by Arne Norell, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Indra easy chairs, designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, is a compelling example of mid-century Swedish design where material ric...
Brass
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn 'Sawbuck' Dining Chair in Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 'Sawbuck' dining chair, model CH29, teak, beige fabric, Denmark, design 1952 Hans Wegner's chair exemplifies a solid construction, despite its...
Fabric, Teak
Göran Malmvall pine chair 510 by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish side chair, Model 510, designed by Göran Malmvall for the manufacturer Karl Andersson & Söner, Huskvarna. Originating from the late 1940s, it is a late example of the "sports...
Pine
Roundette Nesting Dining Chair Hans Olsen Frem Røjle Danish Modern
By Hans Olsen, Frem Røjle
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an iconic set of four (4) "Roundette" nesting dining chair designed by Danish architect Hans Olsen in the 1950s and manufactured by Frem Røjle. Smart Nesting Design. The chairs feature a unique frame This allows the seat and upper frame to slide completely flush underneath the matching circular Frem Røjle dining table...
Upholstery, Teak
Dietiker Ono, Modern Swiss Dining Chair, in American Walnut Wood by This Weber
By Dietiker
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Ono is a classic piece of Swiss design and the lightest of all wood chairs, weighing only 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg). Designed by This Weber. Manufactured with care from American Walnut wood...
Walnut, Leather
Set of four N. O. Møller Dining Chairs, solid teak, full grain leather
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of four N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid teak. Seats new upholstered with tan aniline leather Model 75, made by J. L. Møller, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Teak
Magnus Olesen Stacking Armchair Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage armchair by Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Curved laminated oakwood design with light grey upholstery. Dimensions: 55 W x 48 D x 75 H cm. Chair of the 61 series, stackable laminated...
Wool, Oak, Plywood
LC1 Sling Chair by Le Corbusier, Jeanneret, and Perriand for Cassina, 1920s
By Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand Cassina, Cassina
Located in Torino, IT
Designed in 1928 by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, and Charlotte Perriand, the LC1 Sling Chair is one of the most iconic chairs in the history of modern design. Reissued by Cassina ...
Steel
$195
Rattan Pod Chair
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
USA, 1970s Rattan / wicker pod chair. Cute little accent. Smaller scale, great texture. CONDITION NOTES: Some looseness to the woven wicker parts. I a...
Wicker, Rattan
NV-45 Easy Chair in Rosewood & Leather by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The very rare NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and crafted by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, stands as one of the most iconic and sculpturally expressive works in t...
Leather, Rosewood
Calif-Asia, Low Chair, Rattan, USA, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A rattan chair designed and produced by Calif-Asia, USA, c. 1960s. Seat Height (inches): 3.5" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Rattan
Axel Einar Hjorth - Utö Dining Chair - produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Hasselt, VLI
Axel Einar Hjorth “Utö” Dining Chairs - price per piece (5pcs in total avaible). These chairs, part of the Utö expo designed by Hjorth and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. T...
Wood, Pine
$2,256Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
Swedish Folk Art Chair ca 1821
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Folk Art Chair dated 1821 This exceptional folk art chair, crafted from pine wood in 1821, is 202 years old. The beautiful patina and various repairs over the years have ma...
Pine
"Skoga" Pine Lounge Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, NK, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
“Skoga” lounge chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine in a striking, modernist design. This model was designed in 1933 and intended both for inside and garden use. This eye-catch...
Pine
$1,400 / set
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen Pair of Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Frederik Sieck
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen, pair of chairs model 3200, skai, black lacquered wood, metal, Denmark, design 1962 This industrial pair of chairs was designed by the Swedish design...
Metal
Contemporary Chair 'BAIA' by Kensaku Oshiro x DK3, Chrome Frame, Black Leather
By DK3, Kensaku Oshiro
Located in Paris, IDF
BAIA dining chair Steel frame, wooden or upholstered backrest Model shown on main image: Frame: Chrome Backrest: Leather Fabric: Black Pelle leather Dimensions: H.74 x 58 x 50 cm ...
Steel, Chrome
Niels Moller Model 71 Dining Chairs, Rosewood & Leather, 1950s
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
Located in London, England
Niels Moller - Model 71 Dining Chairs in Rosewood & Leather, 1951 Niels Moller's Model 71 dining chair was one of his earliest and most expressive works, designed in 1951 in the ear...
Leather, Rosewood
'Hippo' Bar Counter 65 by Norr11, Black Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
HIPPO Bar Chair Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Black Oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 24 Wood ty...
Wool, Oak
"Knoll" Armchairs by Jon Brunstad & Arne Velle, Norway 1955 - Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of armchairs of model "Knoll" designed by Jon Brunstad/ Arne Velle at Hjalmar Brunstad Fabrikker AS in Norway 1955. They are reupholstered with Sheepskin (moonlight) and is in...
Wood, Sheepskin
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and Sahara coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. ...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Easy Chair in Beech by Otto Schulz, 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare easy chair, designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Boet in Sweden, is a distinguished example of early Scandinavian modernism imbued with a sense of craftsmanship and quie...
Sheepskin, Beech, Leather
Four Danish Solid Brazilian Rosewood Dining Chairs
By Bruno Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
Set of 4 Mid-Century rosewood dining chairs, 1958, Denmark. Handcrafted from solid Brazilian rosewood, the frames feature comfortable angled backrests and are upholstered in patinate...
Rosewood
$705Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and red boucle . Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorb...
Oak, Bouclé
American Designer, Low Foldable Chairs, Rattan, Usa, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of bamboo, rattan and metal folding lounge chairs designed and produced in the USA, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 1.75" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Rattan
Set of 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller solid beechwood dining chairs, Denmark
By Rainer Daumiller, Hirtshals Savvaerk
Located in Bern, CH
Setof 6 1970's Rainer Daumiller Danish modern dining chairs. Solid beechwood construction. Curved backrest, recessed seat with cylindrical lags. Scandinavian minimalism in Brutalist ...
Pine
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood & Leather Samso Chair, 1958
Located in London, England
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Samso Lounge Chair, 1958 A rare lounge chair produced for Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE) in Jonkoping, Sweden and designed by Danish architect-designer Ib Kofo...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 6 Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model 316 Teak Dining Chairs, 1955
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Balen, BE
A set of six Model 316 dining chairs in teak, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1955. Exemplifying the elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Danish Modern de...
Seagrass, Teak
Contemporary Set 'Mammoth', Chair + Ottoman, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 5
By Rune Krøjgaard, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Mammoth chair + ottoman Signed by Rune Krøjgaard & Knut Bendik Humlevik for Norr11. Dimensions: - Chair: W 89 cm / D 87 cm / H 104 cm / SH 35,5 cm - Ottoman: W 61,5 cm / D 53 ...
Bouclé, Oak
The Chieftain Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Chieftain easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark in the early 1960s, stands as one of the most revered and iconic pieces in...
Leather, Rosewood
$795 / item
Verner Panton Pop-Art C1 Chairs
Located in Dronten, NL
Elevate your interior with this exceptional C1 armchair, designed by the legendary Verner Panton and produced by Vitra, a name synonymous with timeless quality and innovation in mode...
Stainless Steel
Nordiska Kompaniet Side Chair, Swedish Modernism, 1959
Located in Dronten, NL
A refined side chair by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK), the renowned Swedish manufacturer celebrated for its pivotal role in 20th-century Scandinavian design. Nordiska Kompaniet is best kn...
Bronze
Nordic furniture danish teak high back dinning chairs s-6
Located in Montréal, CA
This is a vintage set of six Scandinavian dining chairs crafted from teak wood, featuring clean lines and the refined simplicity typical of Nordic design. The chairs are defined by t...
Teak
$705Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and City Velvet reloaded from Chivasso . Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century M...
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Rosewood Set of 6 Dining Chairs Style of Niels Moller
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic set of very elegant and simple dining chairs with ladder backs and generous seats created from Rosewood. Late sixties and in excellent v...
Fabric, Rosewood
'Hippo' Chair by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé col.03
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Hippo chair. Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: light smoked oak Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 03 Wood types available: natura...
Wool, Bouclé, Oak
$658Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and HOLIDAY BIRILLINO sand/white fabric from C&C Milano Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely wit...
Mohair, Velvet, Oak
$1,998 / item
BAIA Red Chair by Kensaku Oshiro, Oak, Leather
By Kensaku Oshiro, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
'Baia' chair designed by Kensaku Oshiro for DK3. Steel, leather and walnut Dimensions: H 70 x 55 x 48 cm Model shown on main picture: Frame: Red Wood: Oak Leather: Pelle Frame: ...
Steel
Clam Chair by Arnold Madsen, 1944
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Clam easy chair, designed by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944, represents a rare and exemplary piece of Scandinavian mid-century design. The...
Fabric, Lacquer, Wood
$658Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and beige boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razor...
Oak
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001. Arne Jacobsen stacking dining chairs Model 3107 with cognac leather removable upholstery. Model 3107 also know as series 7, B...
Leather, Bentwood
Mid Century Scandinavian Set of 4 Dining Chairs by Niels O Moller w/ Rope Seats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Danish chairs in teak with braided seats made of waxed cardboard cord. The seats are meticulously hand-laced with over 120 meters of natural c...
Wicker, Teak
Set of 2 Easy Chairs in Beech and Sheepskin by Viggo Boesen, 1930s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Danish architect and designer Viggo Boesen and produced by Hos Wulff in Denmark during the 1930s. The chairs feature a stained beec...
Sheepskin, Beech
$4,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs by Poul Volther for Frem Rolje
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional pair of mid century Danish modern lounge chairs designed by Poull Volther for Frem Role circa 1950's. These chairs are in very fine, original condition, showing only mino...
Leather, Teak
$658Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and original Dragør fabric as they were made originally with. Provided by Danish Art Weavery. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
Set of four Swedish pine chairs by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Set of four rare sculptural chairs designed by Bo Fjaestad for Arvika Konsthantverk, Sweden, 1930s. Crafted in pine with a beautiful original patina, these chairs feature a distinct...
Pine
$799Sale Price / item|47% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razoblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and honey coloured lambskin. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$658Sale Price / item|55% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and boucle. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another...
Oak
$705Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and mokka latina aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$705Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and vintage tobacco aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$705Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and cognac pure aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
$705Sale Price / item|52% Off
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, model Razorblade, Denmark, Oak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of oak and black pure aniline leather. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by Another Classic...
Oak
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Pine Chairs, Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Scandinavian Modern chairs, design Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1970s. Pine. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold together as a set.
Pine
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.