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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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Seminar KVT1 Solid Oak Chair by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
Seminar KVT1 is an archetype of a solid wooden Ostrobothnian chair, with light and well-proportioned structures. It was originally developed as a model ...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak

Side Chair in Mahogany and Leather by Frode Holm, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Side Chair in Mahogany and Leather by Frode Holm, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, leather Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Produced by Illums Bolighus in Denma...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Mahogany

October Light Chair in Ash by Samuli Naamanka
Located in Fiskars, FI
October Light is a skillfully designed, extremely lightweight wooden chair with meticulously done joinery that follows the traditions of Nordic cabinetmaking. This graceful chair is adorned with wood grain patterns of ash and finished either with clear lacquer or black stain. The seat is available with or without upholstery. The chair is stackable and can be equipped with a linking device. Inspired by the winds and moods of the Finnish autumn, the October Light chair...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Ash

Chairs Attributed to Helge Vestergaard-Jensen by Cabinetmaker Thysen Nielsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Unique chairs attributed to Helge Vestergaard-Jensen. Produced by cabinetmaker Thysen Nielsen in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Nylon, Cord, Cherry

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Set of 4 Chairs by Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian set of 4 chairs by Aksel Bender Madsen. Newly upholstered with Sørensen cream leather. Measures: H 74 cm. W 48 cm., D 42 cm., H seat 43 cm.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

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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