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
Period: Late 20th Century
Set of Four Birch Dining Chairs Model 66 by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Dining set of four chairs in birch, model 66, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1980s.
These chairs are part of the iconic 66 Chair series designed by t...
Category
1980s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Yngve Ekström for Swedese Pair of Pine Lounge Chairs Mid Century
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A 'Dymling' pair of pine chairs by Yngve Ekström for Swedese, Sweden, 1970s. Great condition, super comfortable. Solid pine. Loose cushions so can be easily recognized if needed.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Pine
The Phoenix chair designed by HJELLEGJERDE Group of Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An incredibly comfortable, stylish & rare lounge chair! Genuine leather seat can easily be removed from the walnut frame and reattached when needed for transportation. The leather ca...
Category
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather
90s, Danish Design by Alfred Homann, Set of "Ensemble" Chairs, Original
Located in Tarm, 82
90s, Danish design by Alfred Homann, set of six "Ensemble" chairs, original good condition. Manufactured by Danish furniture manufacturer Fritz Hansen in about 1990. Original red furniture...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Dining Chairs by Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, made of stained oak and new upholstered with canvas.
Refreshing design with b...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak, Canvas
Sedia Tipo Tulipe, Girevole, Anni 90
Located in Felino, IT
Sedia tipo Tulipe, disegno Saarinen anni 70. base in alluminio fuso verniciata a fuoco. struttura in plastica rigida. cuscino in lana, svestibile. girevole.
La sedia e' usata, non ha segni particolari, solamente il cuscino e' sbiadito.
Non e' originale Knoll, sotto alla base in alluminio fuso, porta una cancellatura del marchio.
La sedia' e' indicativamente della fine degli anni 90.
Category
1990s European Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Post Modern Folding Chair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980’s
Located in Delft, NL
Post modern folding chair by Niels Gammelgaard for Ikea, 1980’s.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
PK-22 Easy Chair by Poul Kjærholm for Fritz Hansen, Scandinavian Modern, 1980's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scandinavian modern; Denmark; PK-22 Easy Chair; Loung chair; Poul Kjærholm; Fritz Hansen; Rattan; Wicker;
Poul Kjaerholm early edition easy chair PK22 in hand-woven rattan and bru...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
16 Hans Wegner Style Teak Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are great solid teak chairs in the style of Hans Wegner. Made in the USA.
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak, Faux Leather
1970s Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard ''Ax'' Chairs
Located in Madrid, ES
“Ax” chairs designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Features a “X” shape frame in solid beech wood in its original condition...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
1970's Ilmari Tapiovaara ''Tapiolina'' Chairs
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of ash wood ‘’Tapiolina’’ chairs by the Finish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Fratelli Montina. Italy, 1970s.
Ilmari Tapiovaara’s work is characterized by the most radical functionalism. He studied in Helsinki fine Arts School and by working with Aalto (whose influence is present in all of his work) and Le Corbusier, He learned how to produce Beautiful and Fair designed...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash
Danish Dining Chairs in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, pine, Denmark 1970s.
Beautiful, organic and natural dining chairs in solid pine. A simplistic design with a round seating and attention for the natural expression an...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
Henning Kjærnulf Four Dining Chairs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Henning Kjærnulf four dining chairs, new upholstered with tan aniline leather.
Frame of solid rosewood.
Made by Vejle Stole & Møbelfabrik.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
'Point' Chair by Jonas Bohlin, 1990
By Jonas Bohlin
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Jonas Bohlin, hand-signed.
Produced in Sweden, 1990.
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Pinewood Bar Stools, 1970's
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Set of four pinewood bar stools in the style of Rainer Daumiller. Traces of use consistent with age and use.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
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
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
Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 4
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s
When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak
Mid-Century Sculptural Brutalist Norwegian Stump Chair in Solid Wood
Located in Odense, DK
Sculptural brutalist stump chair in solid wood, probably birch root. Handcrafted in Norway.
Unusual shape and a decorative figure for the modern interior.
Honorable mentions in...
Category
1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Birch
Pair of Vintage Scandinavian Modern Patchwork Leather Lounge Chair SET from IKEA
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of armchairs was produced in the early 1980s by the Swedish brand IKEA. The SET model first appears in the catalogue in 1979, was upholstered exclusively in fabric at the ti...
Category
1980s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Set of 5 Vintage Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Plastic & Fabric Chairs, 1970s
By Overman
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of chairs was designed by Svante Schöblom for the Swedish Overman manufacture during the 1970s. They were produced in several colors, but the white design is the most univer...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Scandinavian Modern Set of 4 Stump Dining Chairs, Hand Carved in Sweden, 1980s
Located in Odense, DK
A truly unique dining set of 4 stump chairs, made in solid pine and reupholstered in bouclé wool. Hand carved in Sweden by a local cabinetmaker Stig Su...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Bouclé, Pine
Rainer Daumiller Dining Chairs in Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller, dining chairs, pine, Denmark, 1970s
Beautiful set of organic and natural armchairs in solid pine. A lovely design focusing on the natural expression and grain of t...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
Hans Wegner PP51/3 V Chair PP Mobler, Denmark, 1988
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Rare set of 4 chairs model PP51/3 or the so called V chair designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by PP Mobler, Denmark 1988. Between 1952-53 Wegner desig...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Arne Wahl Iversen Model GS60 for Glyngore Danish Teak Dining Chair Set of 4
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Arne Wahl Iversen Modell GS60 for Glyngøre Stolefabrik
Solid teak wood and bright soft Velour fabric.
Set of 4.
Classic Danish design.
In good vintage condition.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak, Papercord
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
6 Scandinavian Upholstered Dining Chair Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabin Chalet
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Set of six, 4 sides and 2 armchairs in original upholstery is in fair condition, without rips or tears, but does have some light soiling. Upholstery is original.
1981 Upholstered ...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Ash
Pair of Hans Wegner Walnut China Chairs
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner
FH 4283 China chair, 1944
This incredibly rare version of Wegner's iconic design was produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark in 1977 in exquisite European walnut in ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Leather
Hans Wegner Fauteuil GE 265 for GETAMA in Oak and Black Leather, 1980
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hellouw, NL
Robust Hans Wegner Fauteuil GE 265 for GETAMA in oak and black leather, 1980. This chair has new upholstery in black leather. It is very comfortable and in good...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
One Arne Jacobsen Brown Leather Seagull Chair
Located in Madrid, ES
A chair, model 3208."The Seagull", chromed tubular steel coloured aniline leather. Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1970 and edited by Fritz Hansen. Reupholstered by professional uphols...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel
1970s Danish Round Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak "round" chair retaining the original upholstery with impressed stamp, "Johannes Hansen COPENHAGEN DENMARK".
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Chair, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pine chair, produced in Sweden, late 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Pine
Outstanding Grete Jalk Teak Lounge Chair, Midcentury Danish Modern
By Grete Jalk
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Grete Jalk teak lounge chair. This chair retain its original orange striped woven fabric in nice vintage condition-some light spots-cleaning recommended. Very usable as i...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Concrete Chair Jonas Bohlin, Sweden, 1980s
By Källemo, Jonas Bohlin
Located in Stockholm, SE
Concrete and steel. Designed in 1980. Produced by Källemo, Sweden, 1987. Signed.
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Concrete
Scandinavian Style Wooden and Fabric Set of 6 Dining Chairs
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Set of 6 chairs with a graphic and geometric structure square section, sled base, subtly carved backrest marrying the curves of the back, large and comfortable seats (H47cm / W39cm /...
Category
Late 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Conference Armchairs in Oak Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
These comfortable 61 series stacking laminated oak conference armchairs were designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen in 1975.
The well made chairs have been...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
Mikado Dining Chairs Design Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen by Fredericia
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Dining chairs in beech designed Foersom & Hiort-Lorenzen and produced Fredericia Stolefabrik.
This set of four Mikado dining chairs in solid beech comes with the removable original vegetal soft pad leather cushions, with the other side in flax which can be used as well.
Usually there was armrests on the chair but the first owner has removed them. You can see on the edge the details of it. The cushion shows an aged patina. The chairs were produced by Fredericia. The first edition was launched in 1996 by Fredericia. Later versions of this chair were produced with Multiplex wood seating by FDB Mobler. The Mikado chair is part of the design collection of the Design Museum Danmark. The chairs are based on a construction principle that uses the seat as the element that joins everything together. Each has eight spindles for a comfortable seating. Mikado has the 18th century English Windsor chairs...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Leather
1970s Rud Thygesen, Johnny Sorensen Set of Eight Armchairs - Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight stackable laminated oak conference armchairs designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen in 1975.
The conference chairs are very comfortable in use ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
1970s Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen Set of Six Armchairs - Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of six 61 series stackable laminated oak conference armchairs designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen in 1975.
The conference chairs are very comfortab...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
1970s Rud Thygesen, Johnny Sorensen Set of Twelve Armchairs - Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 12 stackable laminated oak conference armchairs designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen in 1975.
The conference chairs are very comfortable in use and...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
1970s Rud Thygesen, Johnny Sorensen Set of Ten Armchairs Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of ten stackable laminated oak conference armchairs designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen for Magnus Olesen in 1975.
The conference chairs are very comfortable in use an...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Oak
1970, Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Serie Office Chair, Original Panton Fabric by Kvadrat
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
(6) Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son "Wishbone" Chairs
Located in Norwalk, CT
Simply referred to as "The Chair" by connoisseurs of Danish mid-century design for its iconic status in the canon of Scandinavian modern furniture, Hans J. Wegner's "Wishbone chair" ...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Beech
Hans J. Wegner Ch36 Dining Chairs, 1970s, Soap Treated Beech
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner dining chairs in solid soap treated beach, original papercord seat.
Model CH36, made by Carl Hansen.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Beech
Midcentury Scandinavian Teak Office Chair, 1970's
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This armchair was made in the 1970´s. Made of teak and fabric. Very well preserved condition.
Measures: Height: 86 cm
seat: 60 × 53 cm
Seat height: 48 cm.
Category
Late 20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Teak, Fabric
G-Mobel Easy Chair in Green Leather for Göte Möbler, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Hellouw, NL
G-Mobel arm chair for Göte Möbler, Sweden in about 1970. A solid wooden frame with a dark green upholstery gives it a robust look. The chair is in good condition with most of the lea...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Niels Møller Model 66 Armchair, 1974
Located in London, GB
Niels Møller
Model 66 armchair, 1974.
Rosewood armchair designed by Niels Møller for JL Moller Mobelfabrik, Denmark, 1974. Seat reupholstered in new woo...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Niels Möller Modell 75 Danish Teak Dining Leather Chair for J.L. Möllers
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Niels Otto Möller Modell 75 for J.L. Möllers Mobelfabrik.
Solid teak frame with black leather.
Set of 2.
Classic Danish design.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs
Materials
Teak, Leather
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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