Scandinavian Modern Dining Room 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
Number in Set: Set of 5
1960s Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s teak dining chairs with floating seat designed by Erik Buch for Oddense Maskinsnedkeri.
The chairs have a simple solid construction with elegant lines and a comfortable seatin...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base re-uphol...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Walnut, Purple Velvet Modern Essex Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek chair with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings in this case The Essex Building in Central Park south.
This chair is designed to fit in many environments, no matter the affair, in order to achieve simplicity, yet elegance. The Essex Armchair...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Oak, Green Velvet Modern Essex Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek chair with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings in this case The Essex Building in Central Park sou...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Oak
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the collection.
The p...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Suede, Wood
Walnut, White Velvet Modern Essex Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the colle...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Akademia Chair in Oak or Ash by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Kolho a Unique and Colorful Scandinavian Serpent like Chair
Located in Halikko, Finland
With Matthew Day Jackson
"Kolho is a series of tables and chairs formed of right angles and serpentine forms. It is inspired by Apollo landing a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Plywood
Hans Wegner Oak and Cane Round Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model JH501 oak dining chair with cane seat, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. This iconic Danish modern design is best known as "The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
Akademia Chair in Ash by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair Model 3107 Cognac Leather
Located in Asaa, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair Model 3107 cognac leather.
Model 3107 also know as series 7, Butterfly Chair or in Dan...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Akademia Chair in Oak Stained Black by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Nordic Dining Room Chair in Walnut or Oak
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful Nordic style chair all in wood, strong and light that enhances every room.
Available in oak or walnut and with upholstered seat pad.
Assembled with no screws o...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Walnut
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair, Reupholstered in Purple Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Hans J. Wegner airport chair by AP. Stolen reupholstered in purple fabric
Exceptional modern chair. Of its time designed in 1958, on tub...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with black aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Ole Wanscher Set of Six Dinning Chairs in Rosewood for A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of six dining chairs by Ole Wanscher. Executed by A. J. Iversen for Illums Bolighus, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rosewood and black horsehair.
Matching dining table available.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
Erik Kirkegaard Armchairs / Dining Chairs B Høng Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 5 armchairs / dining chairs designed by Erik Kirkegaard. Produced by Høng møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nature leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
Linea RMT3 Chair in Ash by Rudi Merz
By Rudi Merz
Located in Fiskars, FI
Linea RMT3 chair is designed by Rudi Merz in 2009. Its curved backrest enhances seating comfort. The seat is always upholstered, and the frame is from northern European ash. Wooden j...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
1960s Reupholstered Orange Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Exceptional modern chair. Designed in 1958, on tubular-steel frames with sharp triangle boomerang shape. Seat have been reupholstere...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Set of 5 Chairs in Rosewood by Lyngfeldt Larsen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian set of 5 chairs in rosewood by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen. Original leather.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair, Reupholstered in Green Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport chair by AP. Stolen Reupholstered in Green Fabric
Exceptional...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Up to Seven Schønning & Elgaard Dining Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Schønning & Elgaard, dining chairs with hardwood frame, upholstered in black leather. Made in Denmark in the 1960s. Original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Set of Six Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Fabric
Linea RMT6 Armrest Chair in Ash by Rudi Merz
By Rudi Merz
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Linea RMT6 chair is designed by Rudi Merz in 2011. Its horseshoe shaped backrest is manufactured using traditional joinery and the wide, upholstered seat gives good seating comfo...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nubuck semi aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
1950s Danish Dining Chairs by Borge Mogensen in Teak and Beech
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A side chair with a solid beech frame and a seat and back of molded teak plywood. Most bear makers mark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak, Beech
Set of Five Erik Buch Refinished Dining Chairs in Rosewood, Inc. Reupholstery
By Erik Buch, Ørum Møbler
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of 5 Danish rosewood dining chairs designed by Erik Buch and produced by Ørun Møbler in the 1960s
The model is often reffered to as the "Captains model" and is not seen very o...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Midcentury Danish Dining Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood construction (walnut) upholstered seat and backrest. Excellent restored with new upholstery.
Up to 10 pieces available.
Delivery time about 3-4 weeks.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Mahogany and Leather Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Cuban mahogany 'Barcelona' dining or side chair designed by Kaare Klint featuring a leather upholstery. Originally introduced at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spa...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Limited Edition Dining Chairs by Ask Emil Skovgaard
By Ask Emil Skovgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Kora dining chairs, designed and handmade personally by Ask Emil Skovgaard, Denmark. Limited edition.
Measurements: Seat height 45 cm, (17.7") overall height 80 cm (31.5").
Materials...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Finn Juhl Dining Table and Chairs
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite dining set by Finn Juhl was designed in 1951 and is Classic Juhl. The sculptural frames of the model FJ 51 chairs support the curved seats and backs giving them the ap...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut
New Bentwood Armchair with Wood Seat and Back and Brown Skin Cushions
Located in Miami, FL
New bentwood armchair with wood seat and back and brown skin cushions
Ideal for hospitality
Measures: Arm height 23.62 in.
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Animal Skin, Bentwood
Nordic Dining Room Chair in Walnut or Oak
By Studio Gud
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful Nordic style chair all in wood, strong and light that enhances every room.
Available in oak or walnut and with upholstered seat pad.
Assembled with no screws o...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Walnut and Cream Leather Dining Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Built to order dining chairs with solid walnut frame with oil finish. High quality leather. Very durable design and materials, great for restaurants, hotels and in homes that host all the holidays. Our best dining chair...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair Reupholstered in Black Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Exceptional modern chair. of it´s time Designed in 1958, on tubular-steel frames. Seat have been reupholstered with black Kvadrat Ha...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Oak Armchair with Wenge Inlay by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak armchair with wenge inlay detail to the C-shaped backrest with a paper cord seat.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Wenge
1960s JH-505 Teak Cow Horn Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare teak Danish modern dining chair with a splined backrest and a natural cane seat. Model JH-505 was designed in 1952 by Hans J. Wegner and produced i...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Teak
Set of Five Danish Modern Rosewood Dining Chairs by Eric Buck
By Erik Buch
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of five, elegant, Danish modern, rosewood dining chairs with upholstered seats and backs by Eric Buck.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
White Oak and Leather Dining Chairs by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superbly crafted dining chair largely devoid of extraneous detailing, having exposed oiled white oak frames with gently curved backs and tapered dowel-form legs and natural leather...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Black Leather 'Oxford' Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swiveling 'Oxford' chair designed by Arne Jacobsen featuring a low black leather back on a cast aluminum five point base. Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
Five Restored Poul Volther Dining Chairs in Oak Custom Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of five Poul M. Volther model J60 oak dining chairs designed for FDB Møbler in 1955.
The chairs have the look, the feeling of the 1950s and the special patina that only 60 years...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
White Oak and Leather Dining Chairs by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A superbly crafted dining chair largely devoid of extraneous detailing, having exposed oiled white oak frames with gently curved backs and tapered dowel-form legs and natural leather...
Category
1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
1960s Danish Modern Upholstered Teak Dining Chair
Located in High Point, NC
From Denmark circa 1960, these simple and finely crafted chairs are sleek and inviting. Updated with a cotton-linen-polyester upholstery fabric, with great natural texture and easily...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Original set of 4 plywood teak and oak, model CH29 Wegner chairs.
Located in København K, DK
Amazing set of four sawback, teak and oak plywood side chairs, model CH29. Designed in the 1950s by Hans Wegner and manufactured by Carl Hansen and son, Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Teak
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 chairs designed in 1949 and Produced by Johannes Hansen.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Scandinavian Modern dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern dining room 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 dining room chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern dining room 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 dining room chairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Niels Otto Møller, Fritz Hansen, and J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. 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 dining room 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 $110,000 while the average work can sell for $3,465.
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