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Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

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
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...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Danish Teak Daybed Model 311 by Kurt Østervig for Jason Möbler 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
The Model 311 daybed by Kurt Østervig for Jason Møbler is a quintessential example of Danish mid-century modern design. Designed in the 1950s, this piece combines functionality with ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

FRAMA Contemporary Scandinavian Design Daybed with Linen Mattress and Oak Frame
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KR-180 Daybed by Kim Richardt is a piece of furniture that uses the simple contrasts of vertical and horizontal lines to create a structurally pure form. A soft natural canvas is fitted around a dense foam mattress, creating the appearance of a pure rectangle atop a solid white oiled oak frame with a monumental structure, almost a silhouette of a bridge. Features – Flat packed – Easy to assemble without additional tools – Mattress is made of three-layered foam for extra comfort – Perfect for a living room, or as a functional guest bed...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Oak

Børge Mogensen Oak Daybed "Model 190" for Fredericia, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Børge Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. Daybed Model 190 was designed in 1954 for Fredericia Furniture and shows Mogensen’s strong design ideals putting functionality and longevity first. Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith in traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials. He focused on making pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable, while his chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Even though he was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models, Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. This daybed has a simple look with understated elegance executed from high-quality materials. The solid oak construction stands on four round, tapered legs and has a lamella top with an upholstered mattress on it. Since the aesthetic is dominated by straight lines, the mattress has button tufting to bring depth into the appearance and accentuate the light coloured fabric. Paired with the blonde oak, the result is elegant and timeless, an aesthetic that can easily complement any style. Danish furniture maker Fredericia Stolefabrik was founded in 1911 by N. P. Ravnsø in an industrial port town of the same name. From the start, Ravnsø built Fredericia's reputation on quality and hired only the most skilled craftsmen he could find. In 1955, the Ravnsø family sold Fredericia to Andreas Graversen, whose first order of business would be to hire Børge Mogensen as head of design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The mattress has been reupholstered recently in a premium 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: 76.37 in W x 32.87 in D x 10.82 in H (excl. mattress) 194 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 27.5 cm H (excl. mattress) About the designer: Børge 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

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Rosewood

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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Linen, Velvet, Ash, Oak, Walnut

Silas Daybed
Silas Daybed
$8,175 / item
Eclectic Red Leather 'Ateljee' Sofa by Yrjo Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, 1963
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This 'Ateljee' sofa/daybed was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro in 1963 for Haimi Oy in Helsinki This design classic is one of the iconic pieces from Yrjo Kukkapuro and is an original v...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Brass, Steel, Nickel

'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson dated 1968 and with fresh new cover in sand Alpaca fur by Pierre Frey with leather buttons. This model was originally shown at the Berlin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Beech

Hans J. Wegner Versatile Chaise Lounge or Daybed in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, chaise lounge with ottoman model GE01, oak, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1954 This chaise lounge consists out of two sections. An adjustable lounge chai...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Metal

Walnut, Green Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

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.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Oak

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Brown Oak Frame, Woven in Natural Danish Papercord
Located in Norwich, GB
This one-off Lambda daybed is handmade from sustainably-sourced brown oak in the East of England. Brown oak is an English oak that is infected with the Beefsteak Fungus, which releas...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Wood, Oak, Papercord

Walnut, Camel Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
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...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Mid Century 1970s Ingmar Relling Black Leather Reclining Chaise Lounger
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Beech

‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Rare 'Facet' sofa by Folke Jansson for S.M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri AB, Skövde Sweden 1957. Very rare model of which only eight copies where produced as a jubileum model. This one of...
Category

20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Wood

Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen
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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Velvet, Teak

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.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Beech

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Teak

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. With beautiful old ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Oak

Model BM4312 Daybed Sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, Oak, 1960s
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, the s...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Oak

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Hans Wegner Daybed Model GE-1 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model GE-1 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Brass

Danish Cabinetmaker Modern Bouclé Daybed, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This stunning daybed with its exotic wood base was inspired by classic Danish furniture design and simplicity. Danish Modern is a recognized term around the world, and pieces from th...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Fumed Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Rush, Wood

Outstanding Rare and Important Daybed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Munich, DE
model number 704. made in limited quantities by Jason Møbler.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by sleek, conte...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Natural Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Rush, Wood, Oak

Nordic Modern Daybed in Sheepskin, Scandinavia, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This gorgeous daybed with dark wood legs was inspired by classic Scandinavian furniture design and simplicity. ‘Nordic Modern’ is a recognized term aroun...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Ebonised Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Rush, Wood, Oak

Walnut, White Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Limed Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Rush, Wood, Oak

Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960
Located in New York, NY
Chic "Berlin" daybed by Swedish modern master, Bruno Mathsson. Made by Firma Karl Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960 Molded Beech, new upholstery Measures: 80" L x 40" W x 18.5" H. Bruno M...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Scandinavian Modern daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern daybeds 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 daybeds created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern daybeds 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 daybeds, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA, Bruno Mathsson, and Børge Mogensen. 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 daybeds differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,274 and tops out at $32,000 while the average work can sell for $6,850.

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