Skip to main content

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 

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. 

21
1
to
1
20
2
22
22
22
61
1
21
1
19
2
1
6
5
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
8
11
1
4
2
22
16
11
11
6
22
22
18
3
507
80
77
77
49
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Børge Mogensen
Scandinavian modern dining chairs 'Asserbo' by Børge Mogensen, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Set of four dining chairs 'Asserbo' designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by the Swedish company Karl Andersson & Söner during the 1960s. Made in beautiful pine with woven cord s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Seagrass, Pine

Børge Mogensen Set of Six Dinning Chairs for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen set of six chairs of oak and natural tanned leather. Executed by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Dining Chairs ‘BM 61’ in Oak and Cane
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, dining chairs model ‘BM 61’, oak, cane wicker, Denmark, 1950s This naturalistic looking chair is characterized by a splendid desi...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Børge Mogensen Early Pair of Dining Chairs in Oak and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, pair of dining chairs chairs, model 3236, oak, leather, Denmark, 1960s Pair of dining chairs in oak and black leather upholstery. These ch...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Dining Chairs ‘BM 61’, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, dining chairs model ‘BM 61’, oak, Denmark, 1950s This naturalistic looking chair is characterized by a splendid design featuring simple shapes and aut...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Rare Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Pair of ‘Safari’ Armchairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, pair of ‘Safari’ armchairs model 2221, saddle leather, oak, brass, Denmark, 1960s This rare pair of armchairs reminds of the classical fol...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

2021 Borge Mogensen Carl Hansen BM4570 Chair by Borge Mogensen in Teak & Canvas
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a BM4570 Outdoor Dining Chair made with a solid teak wood frame and a canvas fabric seat. The chair, designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in D...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak, Fabric

Beech Slatback Chairs by Børge Mogensen for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The designs of Borge Mogensen aimed at functionality, minimalist appearance and easy accessibility. This pair of slatback chairs is perhaps one of the best examples of these principles of the Danish master with a rustic yet modern design. The most attention-grabbing visual element of this rare model is the backrest with eight wooden spindles that create an airy look that recalls the traditional slatback chair style. The curved top rails have a sculptural look mimicked by the armrests that are also supported by individual slats. This creates a unified appearance that highlights the diverse shapes and the natural beauty of the beech wood and its versatile grain. Interesting details are to be found everywhere in the design, including the perfectly fitted seat cushions and the uniquely arranged stretchers connecting the legs. As the lower structure with the legs and stretchers combine straight lines with round shapes, the design gains a sculptural look that is appealing from all angles. The structure displays a beautiful contrast between the smooth beech frame and the elegant and textured bouclé fabric of the cushions. The chair’s manufacturer, FDB Møbler is a Danish furniture company established in 1942, and Børge Mogensen served as the design studio’s manager. Mogensen and the designers he employed came from the Copenhagen Cabinetmaker's Guild tradition and were unwilling to prioritize anything over craftsmanship and quality. Extremely modest and confident at the same time is how these chairs can be best described. Mogensen preferred to work with traditional and natural materials, but also liked to experiment with new techniques; the resulting models are Danish Modern classics. Condition: In good vintage condition. The chairs’ cushions have been reupholstered recently in a premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 23.42 in W x 24.4 in D x 32.48 in H; Seat height 18.11 in; Arm height 25.39 in 59.5 cm W x 62 cm D x 82.5 cm H; Seat height 46 cm; Arm height 64.5 cm About the designer: Borge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinetmaker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942. At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950, he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood, Fabric

Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Dining Chair in Oak and Cane Wicker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, dining chair, model ‘BM 61’, oak, cane wicker, Denmark, 1950s. This naturalistic looking chair is characterized by a splendid design featuring simpl...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Børge Mogensen Model BM1 Dining Oak Chairs for C.M. Madsens Set of 6
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This set of 6 Model BM1 Chairs. It was designed 1958 by Børge Mogensen and produced by C.M.Madssn Fabriken. These chairs are old and the first production. T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Børge Mogensen Set of Four Dinning Chairs for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen set of four dining chairs in oak and natural tanned leather. Executed by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen Four Armchairs for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen four armchairs of oak and natural leather. Executed by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen Two Armchairs for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen two armchairs of oak and natural leather. Executed by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Set of 4 Chairs
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian set of 4 chairs by Borge Mogensen model 3237 for Fredericia Furniture. Solid laquered oak and leather. Piece bought in 1970. Initialy produced by cabi...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen Oak and Leather Lounge Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
A rare set of low lounge chairs with frames of solid oak. The seat and back with patinated brown grain leather. These examples were manufactured by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Two of th...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Model 2254 Lounge Chair by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1960s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Amazing lounge chair model BM-2254 Slædestolen designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1960s. This chair is adjustable in two different positions as can be seen on the...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Børge Mogensen, Pair of Rare 'BM1' Armchairs in Oak and Cane, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
A fantastic pair of Børge Mogensen 'BM1' armchairs in patinated oak and cane. Great original vintage condition. Executed by C.M.Madsens Fabriker, Haarby, Denmark, in the 1960s. Pro...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Børge Mogensen Chairs Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of chairs designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Pine, Leather

Børge Mogensen Armchairs / Chairs Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of armchairs / chairs designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Svensk Fur in Sweden. Dimensions armchairs (W x D x H): 61.5 x 50 x 77.5 cm, SH 43 cm Dimensions chairs (W x ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Pine

Børge Mogensen Model 3233 Oak Armchair by Fredericia Stolefabric, Denmark
Located in Voorburg, NL
Solid and stylish oak armchair from the 1960s designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik of Denmark. Clean open profile with a solid oak frame. Overall excellent condition...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Pair of Børge Mogensen Mahogany King of Diamonds chairs for Søborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Pair of King of diamonds chairs in mahogany and beige leather designed by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik in 1944. The chairs have an elegant d...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Børge Mogensen J39 Vintage Dining Oak Chair for Fdb Mobler Set of 2
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The J39 chairs was designed by Borge Mogensen and produced by FDB Mobler since 1947. These chairs are old and the first production from FDB Mobler. The design was inspired by the Am...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Related Items
Børge Mogensen Easy Chairs Model Bm-2254 by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model BM-2254 / Slædestolen designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark. 2 adjustable positions.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Børge Mogensen "BM62" Armchair by P. Lauritsen & Søn, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Danish Modern armchair in oak and rattan cane designed by Danish designer Børge Mogensen in the 1950s and manufactured at "P. La...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

1970s Borge Mogensen Set of Six Model 3241 Dining Chairs in Oak
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of six model 3241 dining chairs in oak designed in 1968 by Børge Mogensen for Frederecia Stolefabrik. The chairs and upholstery are in very good condition.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Borge Mogensen #3238 Spanish Hunting Chairs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, set of 6 armchairs model 3238, in oak and leather, Denmark, 1964. Set of six armchairs in solid oak. These chairs remind of the classical ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Borge Mogensen #3238 Spanish Hunting Chairs
Borge Mogensen #3238 Spanish Hunting Chairs
H 31.5 in W 25.6 in D 20.48 in
Set of Børge Mogensen "BM61" Dining Chairs by P. Lauritsen & Søn, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning set of 6 dining chairs in oak and rattan cane designed by Danish designer Børge Mogensen and manufactured at P. Lauritsen & Søn. This set is from the very early production of this iconic chair. All chairs have been rewoven in accordance with the original technique and materials by a skilled cabinetmaker in Denmark. The BM61 chair...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Børge Mogensen Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Børge Mogensen. Manufacturer: Fredericia Stolefabrik. Period or model: Mid-Century Modern. Specs: Wood, leather. Condition: This Børge Mogensen sofa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather

Borge Mogensen J39 Dining Chair, Smoked Oak
Located in Berkeley, CA
J39, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1947. This versatile masterpiece is crafted from solid wood and features a handwoven seat in natural paper cord.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Borge Mogensen J39 Dining Chair, Smoked Oak
Borge Mogensen J39 Dining Chair, Smoked Oak
H 30.31 in W 18.9 in D 16.93 in
Børge Mogensen Spanish Chair set in Naturel Leather and Oak for Fredericia
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic set of Spanish chairs by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1958. Solid soaped oak frame with natural saddle leather all...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Børge Mogensen, Set of 4 Oak J39 Dining Chairs
Located in Kastrup, DK
Børge Mogensen 1914-1972: Set of 4 Shaker dining chairs model J-39 by Børge Mogensen for FDB Mobler. Crafted from solid oak wood and features a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Six Hunting Dining Chairs by Børge Mogensen attr. Frederica, Denmark
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautiful set of six 'Hunting' chairs, probably the oldest version of model no. 3237 and attributed to Børge Mogensen and Fredericia Furniture, Denmark. All six chairs come with gre...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Borge Mogensen Spanish Chair
Located in Berkeley, CA
With the Spanish chair, Mogensen expanded upon his work with solid oak and saddle leather. The chair was launched in 1958 as part of an innovative living...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Borge Mogensen Spanish Chair
Borge Mogensen Spanish Chair
H 26.38 in W 32.48 in D 23.62 in
1960s Set of Four Børge Mogensen Chairs in Teakwood, Model 122
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
Stunning and iconic set of four 1960s Børge Mogensen chairs in teak wood. Made by Søborg Furniture maker, Model 122.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Previously Available Items
Børge Mogensen Spanish Chairs for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen four Spanish chairs in oak and vegetable-tanned leather. Executed by Fredericia furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Borge Mogensen BM62 Chairs
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Ultra elegant and rare pair of early armchairs, model BM62, designed in 1958 by Borge Mogensen for P. Lauritsen & Søn Denmark. This pair in superb teak and original French cane. Beau...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Borge Mogensen BM62 Chairs
Borge Mogensen BM62 Chairs
H 15.36 in W 23.63 in D 19.69 in
Private Listing for Pamela: Børge Mogensen Set of eight 'Spanish' dining chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Private listing for Pamela, consisting of: - Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, set of six 'Spanish' dining chairs model '3237', oak, leather, Denmark, 1964 - Børge Mogens...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Set of Eight Chairs for P. Lauritzen & Son
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen set of eight chairs in oak, seat and back with cane. Model BM61, Executed by P. Lauritzen & Son.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Original Beech Dining Chairs, J39, by Børge Mogensen for F.D.B. Mobler, Denmark
Located in Denventer, NL
Set of 2 beech dining table chairs, model J39, designed by Borge Mogensen and produced by F.D.B. in Denmark 1970s. “The peoples chair” has a beautiful oak frame and papercord (rop...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Beech

Set of 6 Vintage Chairs by Borge Mogensen with Rope
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian Swedish chairs from the 1960s. Six dining chairs, model 'Asserbo,' designed by Børge Mogensen and manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner. The frame is made of pine w...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Pine

Børge Mogensen Dining Chair "Model Øresund 537" Solid Patinated Oak & Seagrass
Located in Odense, DK
Great set of 4 Børge Mogensen "Øresund" dining chairs made in the 1960s at Karl Andersson & Sons, Sweden. These chairs have never been restored and retains the original seagrass webb...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Seagrass, Oak

For Emilia: Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Set of EIGHT chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Private listing for Emilia, consisting of: 1. Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, set of six 'Spanish' dining chairs model '3237', oak, leather, brass, Denmark, 1964 (LU933...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Set of 4 "J39" Dinning Oak Chairs for FDB Møbler, 1947, Denmark
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian Modern period set of 4 stunning dining room chairs were designed by Børge Mogensen in 1947 for FDB Møbler Danish manufacture. Due to its different use in private as well as public spaces the chair got called "The people's chair" and became the most famous chair...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Twelve Restored Danish Borge Mogensen Oak Conference Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of twelve Danish Børge Mogensen conference- / dining chairs in oak by Fredericia Stolefabrik - Inc. Reupholstery. The elegant and comfortable rarely seen chairs feature a relat...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Set of 4 Dining Chairs, Model "Asserbo" by Børge Mogensen, for Ab Karl Andersson
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 4 mid-century Swedish dining chairs in solid oregon pine and papercord. Model "Asserbo" by Børge Mogensen, for AB Karl Andersson & Söner, made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Pine

Set of 6 Dining Chairs, Model "Asserbo" by Børge Mogensen, for Ab Karl Andersson
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 6 mid-century Swedish dining chairs in solid oregon pine and papercord. Model "Asserbo" by Børge Mogensen, for AB Karl Andersson & Söner, made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Pine

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.

Recently Viewed

View All