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.
Swedish Designer, Daybed, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and stained birch daybed designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 76.0"W x 32.75"D...
Fabric, Birch
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Day or Single Beds in Teak
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, daybed/single beds, teak, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant en simplistic design by Børge Mogensen. Suitable to utilize as a day bed or a single bed. Th...
Teak
Midcentury Modern Lounge Chair, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant Swedish Modern lounge chair with cool distinct lines and curves. Upholstered with a pale mint velvet fabric.
Wood
Fur Bean Bag Chair Cover taupe or Stone - Merino Sheepskin
Located in Dural, AU
After a long day at work, there is no better way to relax than submerging into the oozing comfort of our fur bean bag chair cover. Handcrafted in Austr...
Sheepskin
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Danish Modern Daybed in Teak and Rattan GE7 Made at GETAMA, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated teakwood frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden spa...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Teak
Danish Mid Century Wooden Daybed in Oak, Canvas & Leather by Tage Poulsen, 1950s
By Tage Poulsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century modern architectural daybed in stained oak, beige canvas with a dark brown leather cushion and white sheepskin by Tage Poulsen produced in Denmark, 1950s. In...
Leather, Canvas, Oak
Danish Modern Daybed, Reupholstered, Made in Pine, by Nyt i Bo, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A large Danish mid century daybed in solid pine, reupholstered in grey wool. Made by a Danish company "Nyt i Bo" in 1970s. This daybed can also be used as ...
Wool, Pine
Lustgården Daybed in Beech & Bouclé by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Lustgården daybed, designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden, is a rare and refined example of Scandinavian mid-century design that c...
Fabric, Beech, Bouclé
Scandinavian Modern Fabric Daybed, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare daybed, produced in Denmark during the 1950s, is a refined representation of mid-century Scandinavian design, exemplifying the principles of functionality, simplicity, and ...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Large Teak Daybed by Bernhard Pedersen & Søn Model 159, Denmark 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This exquisite teak daybed, designed by Danish furniture maker Bernhard Pedersen & Søn, showcases the simplicity and elegance of classic Danish design. Its sleek, solid wood frame f...
Fabric, Foam, Teak
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
Swedish Modern Berlin Daybed T303 by Bruno Mathsson 1960
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Sublime stamped Berlin daybed model #T303 designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in Varnamo, Sweden 1960. Crafted from blonde beechwood in the Scandinavian modern style o...
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Midcentury "Ari" Lounge Chair by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool and comfortable “Ari” lounge chair by Arne Norell, made from steel and leather. Striking and decorative belt closing on the back. Leather in a milk chocolate brown color.
Metal
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed in Oak and Rattan "GE7" Made at GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden space fo...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Oak
1960s Daybed Hvidt Minerva France Son Teak Danish Sofa Modular
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Minerva Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark. Needs to be re-upholstered or professionally cleaned, dingy and dusty. The upholstery appea...
Teak
Early Daybed GE-258 in Oak and Cane by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Daybed GE-258 in oak by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1954. Backrest in wicker cane. Original mattress with grey fabric. Early production 1950s. with beatiful patina and round legs.
Fabric, Cane, Oak
Model BM4312 Daybed Sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, 1960s
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Skien, NO
This Model BM4312 Loveseat/Daybed/Sofa by Børge Mogensen / Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik was designed in 1958 and produced in the 1960s. Crafted from natural oak and be...
Oak, Beech
Swedish Modern Lounge Chair, Sheepskin Upholstery, Wood Legs, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking Swedish Modern lounge chair with bold lines, upholstered with sheepskin. Wooden legs with original black lacquer.
Sheepskin, Wood
Ib Hylander Daybed / Bench / Bed Produced by Søren Horn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed / bench / bed designed by Ib Hylander. Produced by Søren Horn in Denmark. Dimensions (W x D x H): 75 – 132 x 190 x 26.5 cm.
Brass
Daybed by Johannes Andersen for Østergaard & Thaarsti, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The rise of Danish furniture is deeply rooted in the transformative shift in design philosophy during and post-World War II. Faced with material scarcity, designers pivoted towards a...
Fabric, Wood
"El Rey" Lounge Chair by Mats Theselius, Källemo AB, Sweden, 1999
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool post-modernist lounge chair by Mats Theselius, modell called “El Rey”, made of solid brass, wooden seat covered with “crocodile” pattern and wrapped armrests in black leath...
Brass
$1,757Sale Price|45% Off
'Cleopatra' Daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping Netherlands, c. 1953, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish 'Cleopatra' daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping, Netherlands, was designed and produced in circa 1953. Signed on the springs as can be seen in the photos. Featurin...
Metal
Daybed GE-19 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful daybed GE-19 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1956, solid oak frame with tapered legs and brass end rail accents, felt covered flat springs, new un-upholstered mattress includ...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Daybed in Birch by Bruno Mathsson, 1973
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The rare Berlin daybed, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by his father Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden, is a landmark piece in the canon of Scandinavian modern design. First ...
Sheepskin, Birch
$4,067 / item
Scandinavian daybed in teak and cane Denmark 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful and elegant Scandinavian daybeds, produced in Denmark in the 1960s. Crafted in warm-toned teak, the design is defined by its refined proportions and gently curved end panel...
Fabric, Teak
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian modern pine daybed sofa made in Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern pine daybed sofa made in Sweden. Great daybed or sofa size of a twin bed doubles as a sofa or bed. Has lower cushion with 2 back and 2 side cushions. Upholstery i...
Pine
'Model 470' Daybed sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany 1960s
Located in Ranst, VAN
'Model 470' sofa/daybed designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany 1960s. The sofa is made of teak and and has a grey velvet upholstery. The daybed is adjustable in two position...
Teak
Swedish Modern daybed, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant Swedish modern daybed, designer unknown, crafted in Sweden during the mid-20th century. The piece features soft, organic lines with a gently curved backrest and a low, e...
Fabric, Beech
$5,440Sale Price / item|20% Off
Walnut and Camel Velvet Essex Daybed in Scandinavian Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the architectural beauty of New York City, the Essex daybed combines the natural elegance of solid walnut wood with the luxurious s...
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed
Located in Long Island City, NY
Bruno Matthson descended from five generations of master cabinetmakers in Sweden. “He carefully studied the ‘mechanics of sitting.’ For example, in search of the perfect seating curv...
Upholstery, Beech
Bed Made In Veneered Rosewood, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bed of veneered rosewood of Danish design from around the 1960s. Is in very good condition. Measurements in cm: H:74.5 W:200 D:98 - 2 pcs in stock.
Rosewood
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed / Sofa Produced by France & Son
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare minerva daybed / sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Cane, Teak
Danish Daybed Upholstered in Bouclé Fabric, Denmark ca 1970s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This stunning Danish daybed, upholstered in luxurious bouclé fabric, embodies the clean lines and functional beauty that defines Scandinavian mid-century modern design. Crafted in De...
Bouclé, Wood
Early 1950s Hans J.Wegner Daybed GE-1 by Getama Denmark / Museums Quality
Located in Handewitt, DE
Old daybed / lounger, model GE-1 in oak by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1950s. This daybed is in a untouched rare condition and one of the first productions, new cushions and up...
Oak
$1,295 / item
Natural White Fur Bean bBag Chair - Kids size
Located in Dural, AU
After a long day of learning and playing, there is no better way for a child to relax and find oozing comfort than in our junior-size fluffy sheepskin bean bag...
Sheepskin
Daybed GE-19 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful daybed GE-19 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1956, solid oak frame with tapered legs and brass end rail accents, felt covered flat springs, marked.
Brass
Daybed "GE-1" by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool lounge chair with footstool by Hans J. Wegner. Can be set in a flat position and turned into a daybed. Made from oak with beautiful woodgra...
Brass
France & Son Peter Hvidt Molgard & Orla M. Nielsen Model Minerva Daybed Sofa
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Minerva daybed, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn. The daybed features an elegant solid teak frame and an attractive salmon-colored cotton upholster...
Fabric, Teak
$8,175 / item
Silas Daybed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Silas Daybed and its distinct, handcrafted solid wood frame takes its cues from masterful designs of the Brazilian Mid-Century Modern movement. The beautiful joinery techniques a...
Fabric, Linen, Velvet, Ash, Oak, Walnut
$11,564 / set
New Upholstered Pair of GE-19 Hans Wegner Daybeds
Located in Handewitt, DE
New upholstered pair of daybeds GE-19 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark, 1956. Early production! As part of the restoration, we had new mattresses made for the daybeds and a new ...
Brass
Severin Hansen Jr. Teak Daybed SH7 1957 / New Upholstered
Located in Handewitt, DE
Daybed by Severin Hansen Jr. in teak. New upholstered with fine petrol colored velvet fabric. The backrest can be adjusted as a seat and daybed.. Model SH7, designed in 1957. Produce...
Velvet, Teak
Erik Buck Oak Daybed by Knud Juul-Hansen, 1950s
By Knud Juul-Hanson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare daybed, designed by Erik Buck and produced by Knud Juul-Hansen in Denmark in 1953, is a distinctive example of early Danish modern furniture, combining natural materials wi...
Metal
Danish Oak Daybed with Upholstered Mattress and Pillow, Denmark, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This gorgeous daybed with oak legs was inspired by classic Danish furniture design and simplicity. ‘Danish Modern’ is a recognized term around the world, standing for the characteris...
Fabric, Wood
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Garden of Eden / Lustgarden Chaise Longue Daybed, 1950s
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist Garden of Eden (Lustgarden) chaise longue or daybed. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniets, Sweden, 1958. Newly reupholstered in green velvet.
Fabric, Beech
Swedish Sculptural Mid Century Wooden Daybed in Teak and Hide Upholstery, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish / Scandinavian sculptural mid century daybed in teak wood and hide upholstery by an anonymous designer, 1960s. In good vintage condition with a later beige hide upholste...
Hide, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Teak Daybed by Christensen & Larsen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare daybed, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and produced by the esteemed cabinetmaker Christensen & Larsen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a quintessential expression of D...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
$1,995 / item
Large Boucle Ottoman Pouf - Shearling sheepskin
Located in Dural, AU
Get ready to get comfy and submerge into this luxurious and extra, extra large sheepskin ottoman or bean bag. Its impressive 180cm diameter siz...
Sheepskin
Danish Modern Hans J. Wegner Adjustable Daybed GE-1 in Teakwood by GETAMA, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
Rare & important daybed with footstool model GE-1 by Hans J. Wegner. From the very early production by GETAMA in the 1950s. Can be set in a flat position and turned into a daybed. Ma...
Teak
"Paris" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing “Paris” daybed by Bruno Mathsson, designed in 1937. Made from birch bentwood with wreathed jute. Sleek, clean design. Mattress in grey fabric on t...
Jute, Birch
Outstanding Rare and Important Daybed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Munich, DE
model number 704. made in limited quantities by Jason Møbler.
Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Daybed, Walnut Frame & Cane Surface, Danish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
This daybed reflects Ib Kofod-Larsen’s considered approach to functional furniture developed in post-war Denmark. Constructed with a solid walnut frame and a cane sleeping surface, t...
Cane, Walnut
Daybed in Rosewood, Nylon Strings and Black Leather by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Daybed in Rosewood, Nylon Strings and Black Leather by Helge Vestergaard Jense Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, nylon strings and black leather Style: Mid century, Scandi...
Rosewood, Leather, Nylon
Mid Century 1970s Ingmar Relling Black Leather Reclining Chaise Lounger
By Knut Relling, Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A superb late 1970s black leather chaise deigned by Ingmar & Knut Relling for Westnofa. Black Leather with reversible loose cushion that can be flipped to reveal the soft red velour...
Leather, Beech
Poul M Volther Daybed Sofa Model 981 DIVA by Frem Røjle, Teak 60ties green cord
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish Modern Mid Century Daybed Modell 981 DIVA by Poul Volther for Frem Røjle. 1st Edition by the 1st manufacturer. The frame is made of solid teak wood and the fabric is a green ...
Fabric, Teak, Cord, Beech
Danish Modern 1940s Daybed
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A 1940s Scandinavian designed daybed. Recently reupholstered in a playful textile designed by Klaus Haapaniemi called "Ice Flower". Professional, s...
Upholstery, Beech
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Leather, Beech
Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen
By Grete Jalk
Located in London, England
Grete Jalk (1920-2006) was a Danish architect and furniture designer known for her contributions to the mid-20th-century design movement. She studied architecture at the Royal Danish...
Velvet, Teak
Ejvind Johansson Daybeds, Model G19 for FDB Mobler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pair of Ejvind Johansson design teak and oak daybeds, model G19 for FDB Mobler. Very good condition.
Oak
Set of 6 Scandinavian Modern Teak and Leather Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Almelo, NL
Set of 6 Scandinavian Modern Teak and Leather Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1960s A beautifully crafted set of six Scandinavian Modern dining chairs from Denmark, dating to the 1960s. Exe...
Leather, Teak