Scandinavian Modern Chairs
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Arne Jacobsen
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of 4 Chairs by Arne Jacobsen
Located in Brescia, IT
4 iconic chairs by designer Arne Jacobsen.
Known as the Series 7 chair, the 3107 chair is part of design legend, a timeless and historic chair. Jacobsen, inspired by the work of C...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Maarten Baas Signed Limited Edition Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chair
Located in Dronten, NL
Limited Edition made in 2009 of the iconic Arne Jacobsen series 7 chair.
To pay tribute to this design, Fritz Hansen choose 7 designers from the young generation to pick out their fa...
Category
Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Arne Jacobsen Oxford Office Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen Oxford office chair five star base in aluminum. Turnable and with wheels. With height adjustment
New upholstered with black pure full grain aniline leather.
Made by F...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen, Seagull armchair, model 3208
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining armschair original upholstered with black leather.
Base of chromed steel tube.
Model 3208 Seagull, made by Fritz Hansen 2016. Brown label
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen 3 Legged Ant Chair For Fritz Hansen
Located in Bunnik, NL
Original eye-catching Arne Jacobsen black three legged Ant chair.
The Ant chair is a classic of modern chair design. It was designed in 1952 by Arne Jacobsen for use in the canteen o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather.
Base of powder coated steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Set of two Mosquito chairs 3105 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen circa 1969
Located in MONTREUIL, FR
2 chaises Mosquito 3105 par Arne Jacobsen pour Fritz Hansen.
Fabriquées au Danemark en 1969 (cf photos).
Ces chaises étaient à l'origine recouvertes de simili cuir rembourré en mouss...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arne Jacobsen Oxford Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen Oxford chair five star base in aluminum.
New upholstered with black pure aniline leather
Made by Fritz Hansen.
Original designed for the Oxford university.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Midcentury Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chairs Sunny Yellow
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of yellow Arne Jacobsen series 7 chairs for Fritz Hansen. No real signs of wear. This iconic design is one of the most successful chairs every produced from this era. Incredibly...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Arne Jacobsen Early Edition "Oxford" Chair in Brown Leather, Fritz Hansen, 1966
Located in Odense, DK
Early edition "Oxford" swivel chair by Arne Jacobsen. Made in 1966 by Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen. Original brown leather with a beautiful patina. Brand sticker on the base dated 1066 (...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Eight Arne Jacobsen 3207 and 3107 Chairs, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1973
Located in Dronten, NL
Matching set of 6 arm chairs model 3207 and 2 side chairs model 3107 designed by Arne Jacobsen, produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 1973. Cream colored lacquer with some wear as o...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set of Ten 'Butterfly' Chairs in Plywood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 'Butterfly' or 3107 chairs, plywood, steel, Denmark, design 1955
Set of iconic multifunctional chairs by master designer Arne Jacobsen. These chair...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair 4130
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair, model 4130. Original vinyl seat cover in very nice shape. Pretty clean example, spine in good shape! Solid Chair perfect...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Arne Jacobsen Model 3100 "Ant" Chairs by Fritz Hansen Teak Wood & Steel, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Early set of 4 Arne Jacobsens iconic Model 3100 "Ant" chair. This is the rare first edition chair in teakwood with three legs and iron hardware underneath with Fritz Hansen "FH" stam...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Black Vintage Chairs Arne Jacobsen 1952 for Fritz Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern set of 2 vintage black stairs, which was designed by Arne Jacobsen 1952 and executed for Fitz Hansen, 1970, Denmark. It is marked underneath.
The stacking chairs ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Set of 6 Oxford Chairs, Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
A set of 6 Oxford chairs, designed by the renowned Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen. This exclusive version features a high back and a 5-legged metal foot, adding a touch o...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric
Arne Jacobsen Model 3103 "T-Chairs" by Fritz Hansen Leather & Steel, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of rare Arne Jacobsens Model 3103 "T-chair" in the original grey leather upholstery. Made and marked by Fritz Hansen in the late 1970s. Th...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
1 Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Multiple Available
Located in Pasadena, TX
Iconic chair of the Danish design movement, the Series 7 Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen.
Multiple available.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 4 Series7 Chair, Burnt Yellow & Steel Chrome by Arne Jacobsen
Located in Dubai, AE
The Series 7™ chair is an icon in modern furniture history, designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. Its unique shape is timeless and incredibly versatile, displaying character without ove...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Polish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Vintage Model 3117 Swivel Chair Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1950s
Located in Berlin, DE
Arne Jacobsen Schreibtisch-Drehstuhl Model 3117 Bürostuhl.
Originales Vier-Sterne-Drehgestell der ersten Serie mit verchromten Stahlfüßen auf Rollen.
Der Stuhl ist neu gepolstert,...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Drop Black Lacquered Chair in Walnut Aniline
Located in Herlev, 84
Arne Jacobsen Drop 3110 chairs with shells of plastic reupholstered in walnut aniline leather and black powder-coated steel legs. The model was originally exclusively designed for the hotel SAS Royal/Radisson Blue Royal in Copenhagen in 1958. Then the chair was relaunched in 2014. These used chairs...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, Model ''Syveren'' 3107, Mokka Aniline Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with Mokka aniline leather.
Base of powder coated steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Oxford Chair, Newly Upholstered with Black Classic Leather
Located in Herlev, 84
These Oxford chairs are used and are newly upholstered with black classic leather and fitted with new foam cushions. The chairs have firm backs and no defects despite some minor scra...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen 3108 Lily Oak Wood
Located in Herlev, 84
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Fritz Hansen
Model: Lily 3108
Measurements: H: 80, W: 50 D: 52, SH: 44,5
Materials: Oak wood
Condition: ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Arne Jacobsen 3107 Series 7 Chairs in Orange by Fritz Hansen, 1974
Located in London, GB
This set of 6 Model 3107, or Series Seven chairs, were designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen.
The chairs are finished in the original orange paint.
The leg...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Plywood, Paint
These Oxford Chairs Are Used and Are Newly Upholstered with Black Classic Leathe
Located in Herlev, 84
Designer: Arne Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Fritz Hansen
Model: Mosquito/Munkegaard
Measurements: H: 79 W: 49,6 D: 47, SH: 44,5
Materials: Teak wood
Condition: The chair ha...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak
Set of Arne Jacobsen Seven Armchairs in Beech '6'
Located in Herlev, 84
Arne Jacobsen set of 6 seven armchairs chair in beech from 2005. The chairs appear in good condition with a few minor chips and scratches.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with cognac vintage aniline leather.
Base of powder coated steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Frit...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Midcentury Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Up to 24 Arne Jacobsen series 7 chairs for Fritz Hansen. This iconic design is one of the most successful chairs every produced from this era. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair, Model ''Syveren'' 3107, Mokka Aniline Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with Mokka aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base reuphols...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Set of Five Oxford Swivel Chairs in Brown Leather by Arne Jacobsen, Design 1965
Located in Hellouw, NL
Set of five 'Oxford Chairs' swivel dining chairs with brown leather upholstery and a metal frame. These chairs, with model 3171, are designed in 1965 and executed at a later date by ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base re-uphol...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base reup...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Midcentury Arne Jacobsen Series 7 Chairs
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
8 Arne Jacobsen series 7 chairs for Fritz Hansen. This iconic design is one of the most successful chairs every produced from this era. Incredi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Oxford Midcentury Black Leather Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of two scandinavian midcentury modern design swivel “Oxford” office chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen and produced by Fritz Hansen with black le...
Category
1660s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950s Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early "Egg" chair with vintage upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nature leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nubuck semi aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
One Arne Jacobsen Brown Leather Seagull Chair
Located in Madrid, ES
A chair, model 3208."The Seagull", chromed tubular steel colored aniline leather. Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1970 and edited by Fritz Hansen. Reupholstered by professional upholst...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
White Seven Chair, Model 3207, with Armrests by Arne Jacobsen and Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
White seven chair, model 3207, with armrests designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. The chair is in great vintage condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
1965 'Oxford' Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in Original Beige Wool
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern 'Oxford' chair in beige upholstery with a low back on a cast aluminum five point base. Designed by Arne Jacobsen, made by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1965. Listed p...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Set of 6 Black Munkegaard Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955
Located in Lejre, DK
The set of 6 Munkegaard chairs, designed by the iconic Arne Jacobsen in 1955, epitomizes Danish design excellence. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these chairs are a ti...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood
1960s Arne Jacobsen Butterfly Auditorium Chairs by Fritz Hansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Rare auditorium version of the Iconic chair model 3107 / butterfly from the 7 series designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, Denmark in the 1960s.
The seats of ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
1960s Set of 8 Danish High Back "Oxford" Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of eight swiveling armless high back "Oxford" chairs on five-point satin cast aluminum bases in vibrant mauve vintage upholstery.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Classic Modernist Side Chair, Series 7 by Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian chairs model 7 by Arne Jacobsen. Produced by Fritz Hansen / Knoll chromed steel legs. Classic 1955 design, original light grey painted finish.
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Vintage Grand Prix Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1968, Set of 6
Located in Eindhoven, Noord Brabant
These 6 Grand Prix chairs are designed in the fifties by Arne Jakobson for the Danish company Fritz Hansen.
The Grand Prix chair was designed in 1955 and introduced at the Designers...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Plywood
Scandinavian Modern chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, animal skin and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen, Norr11, and Arne Jacobsen. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $70 and tops out at $83,516 while the average work can sell for $3,192.
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