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
Set 6 Sculptural Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set 6 sculptural teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen for K.S.Moblier / Denmark. Nice original condition. Finish and patina. Extremely c...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Teak
Six Kurt Østervig Dining Chairs for Sibast, Denmark 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This set of six dining chairs by Danish designer Kurt Østervig is a beautiful example of simple, refined mid-century Danish design.
The black leather chairs are made of solid dark w...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Matched Pair Chairs Teak and Rope by N. O. Møller, Model 71, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair of teak and rope side chairs made in Denmark.
Model 71, designed by Niels O. Møller. Excellant original condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rope, Teak
Set of Six (6) "Eva" Dining Chairs w/ Sculpted Backs in Teak by Niels Koefoed
Located in Deland, FL
As iconic as they are aesthetically alluring this set of "Eva" chairs, designed by the renowned Niels Koefoed, are a true treasure. In 100% original, vintage condition this set is as...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
Børge Mogensen J39 Vintage Dining Oak Chair for Fdb Mobler Set of 2
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The J39 chairs was designed by Borge Mogensen and produced by FDB Mobler since 1947.
These chairs are old and the first production from FDB Mobler. The design was inspired by the Am...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Oak
PK 9 Chair by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 9 - 'Tulip' dining chair in patinated red leather on steel frame. Poul Kjærholm / Fritz Hansen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Göran Malmvall, Set '8' with Pine Chairs, Sportstugemöbler / Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Göran Malmvall (1917-2001), was born into the furniture & design industry. As the youngest son of the founder Karl Andersson of Karl Andersson & Sons/Söner. He studied at Carl Malmsten, which started a furniture making school 1930. Many designs of Malmvall are sometimes mistaken as Malmsten. Malmvall worked for his fathers company from an early age until 1982. Among his most known works are the Svensk Fur collection, Svitjod and the KA 72 cabinet series, which was designed in 1972.
These classic swedish pine chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Pine
"Utö" Chairs by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden 1930s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish architect and furniture designer Axel Einar Hjorth served as the lead designer for Sweden’s Nordiska Kompaniet department store from 1926 to 1938. During this time, Hjorth designed the “Sportstugemöbler” series, (which translates to “sports cabin furnishings”) a collection of wooden furniture designed for country homes. The various models in the sportstugemöbler series took their names from the Stockholm archipelago – including Blidö, Lovö, and famously, Utö.
These Utö chairs...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
Rare Set of 8 Hans Wegner Bullhorn Chairs by Johannes Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Extremely rare set of 8 original Hans J. Wegner Bullhorn chairs.
These chairs are in teak with rosewood joins. Immensely well made and extremely co...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood, Teak
1960s Erik Buch Six Restored Teak Dining Chairs Custom Reupholstery Included
By Erik Buch, Ørum Møbler
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of six rarely seen Erik Buch dining chairs in teak by Ørum Møbelfabrik.
The well designed and very comfortable dining chairs are along with the Captains armchair that can be f...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
1960s Erik Buch Set of Eight Teak Dining Chairs, Custom Reupholstery Included
By Ørum Møbler, Erik Buch
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight rarely seen Erik Buch captains dining chairs in teak by Ørum Møbelfabrik.
The well designed and very comfortable dining chairs are along w...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
Mid Century Dining Chairs, 1960s, Set of 4
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Set of four upholstered dining chairs, made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. The chairs are constructed of beech wood. Very interesting shaping. The upholstery and wood are...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood, Beech
Walnut Dining Chairs by Eyjolfur Augustsson by HJ. Jackson 'Hjalmar Jackson'
Located in Utrecht, NL
Finest carpentry made walnut 1960's dining chairs (4) by Icelandic-Swedish designer Eyjolfur Augustsson.
Made (and signed with metal plate under s...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Set of 8 Hans Wegner "W2" Cane Seat Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 Hans Wegner "W2" dining chairs. Designed in 1953. Produced by C.M. Madsens Fabikker.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
Hans Wegner JH-505 Cow Horn Chair, Oak
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner
JH-505 cow horn chair, 1952
The JH-505 chair is one of Danish master Hans Wegner’s most collectable and sought after designs. It was a direct continuation of the...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Rattan, Rosewood
Set of Four Poul Cadovius Dining Chairs for CADO, Denmark, 1959
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Set of four dining chairs by Paul Cadovius for Cado – Denmark, 1959.
The chairs are made of teak wood and are reupholstered in a black faux leather.
Very good condition.
Designer:...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Set of Six Niels Otto Moller Ladder Model 82 Back Dining Chairs
Located in Garnerville, NY
Set of six impressive Model 82 ladder back chairs by Niels O. Moller for J.L. Moller Mobelfabrik. Featuring solid Rosewood construction with newly recovered black vinyl seats, elegan...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Rosewood
Swedish Modern Dining Chairs in Solid Pine by Roland Wilhelmsson, Set of 6, 1960
Located in Odense, DK
Swedish modern dining chairs in solid pine by Roland Wilhelmsson for Karl Andersson & Søn, set of 6, 1960s.
These brutalist chairs are in...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Pine
Niels O. Møller Set of Six Rosewood Chairs
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Niels O. Møller set of six rosewood chairs, seats with grey yarn. Manufactured by J. L. Møller, Denmark.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rosewood, Yarn
Poul Hundevad Model 30 Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Rarely seen set of six sculptural Brazilian rosewood dining chairs by Poul Hundevad. The seats have been newly upholstered in aniline cognac brown leather. Manufactured by Poul Hunde...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Niels Moller Model 82 Chairs, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Produced by J.L. Moller Mobelfabrik. Made from solid rosewood with luxurious, exotic grain. Seats reupholstered in black aniline leather. Rarely seen set.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Erik Buch Set of Four Teak Captain Dining Chairs, Included Reupholstery
By Erik Buch, Ørum Møbler
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of four rarely seen Erik Buch dining chairs in teak by Ørum Møbelfabrik.
The well designed and very comfortable dining chairs are along with the Captains armchair that can be fo...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
Elegant Set 4 Scandinavian Modernist Dining Chairs, Beechwood, Denmark, Sweden
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant set 4 Scandinavian modernist dining chairs, beechwood, Denmark, Sweden, amazing quality and construction. Stunning design.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Knud Faerch Set of 8 Model 343 Dining Chairs, Rosewood and Leather
Located in London, GB
Knud Faerch
Model 343 dining chairs, circa 1950s
Rarely seen set of eight model 343 dining chairs designed by Knud Færch & produced by Slagelse Møbelfa...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 4 Johannes Andersen Uldum Møbelfabrik Danish Rosewood Dining Chair
Located in Buffalo, NY
A set of four 1960s Danish modern rosewood dining chairs by designer Johannes Andersen, made in Denmark by Uldum Møbelfabrik: model UM85. A Classic of Danish design. Made of solid ro...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Naugahyde, Rosewood
Knud Faerch Set of 8 Model 343 Dining Chairs, Rosewood and Leather
Located in London, GB
Knud Faerch
Model 343 dining chairs, circa 1950s
Rarely seen set of eight model 343 dining chairs designed by Knud Færch & produced by Slagelse Møbelfa...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
1950s Danish Oak Round Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A newly upholstered oak 'round' chair produced previous to 1954, with original impressed stamp,
'Johannes Hansen COPENHAGEN DENMARK'. Model JH-501.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Set of 6 Henry W. Klein Rosewood Dining Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Henry W. Klein
Rosewood dining chairs, circa 1960.
Set of eight sculptural dining chairs produced by Bramin, Denmark, circa 1960 in stunning, exotic rosewood. The seats have be...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Steen Eiler Rasmussen & Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen Pair of Chairs for Danbork, 1954
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Vintage teak chairs by Steen Eiler Rasmussen & Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for Danbork.
Designed 1954 for the school in Rungsted Denmark.
Set of 2.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Georg Leowald Saddle Leather Dining Chairs for Wilkhahn, Set of 4
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Wilkhahn dining chairs in caramel saddle leather designed by Georg Leowald.
The chairs have some patina.
Solid afromosia wood frame with nice details.
Set of 4.
Category
1950s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set 4 Dining Chairs Attributed to Ole Wanscher, "T" Chair Knoll Fabric
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning set of 4 dining chairs attributed to Ole Wanscher, "T" chair Knoll fabric, amazing design, superior quality, recently upholstered in high quality Knoll fabric. Hand delivery...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Niels Møller Model 82 Danish Rosewood Dining Chairs, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Produced by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. Made from solid rosewood with luxurious, exotic grain. Seats reupholstered in black aniline leather. Rarely seen set.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Four Rosewood Dining Chairs by Svegards Markaryd, Sweden
Located in Buffalo, NY
A handsome set of four rosewood ladder back dining chairs by Svegards Markaryd
Chairs are burnt marked Svegards Markaryd made in...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Rosewood
Niels O. Møller, Set of Six East Indian Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of six dining chairs ( Model 66 and 83) in East Indian rosewood and green leather, designed by Niels O. Møller in 1974,
Manufactured by P. Je...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Niels Moller Rosewood Armchairs Model #62
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Niels Moller rosewood armchairs model #62 designed in 1962 and produced by J. L. Moller Mobelfabrik.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Set of Eight Sculptural Dining Chairs by Poul Volther, Frem Rojle, Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set of eight Poul Volther teak side chairs by Frem Rojle, Classic Mid-Century design, superior quality and construction, finger joinery. Retains original Alexander Girard electric bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, 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
Verner Panton "Cone" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton "Cone" chair designed in 1958 and produced by Plus-Linje.
NOTE: We have more if you want to make a set.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Metal
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Eight Kaare Klint Dining Chairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set Of 8 Kaare Klint dining chairs in elm wood. Designed In 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Elm, Fabric
Arne Jacobsen "Giraffe" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This rare chair was designed for use in the dining room of the
SAS Royal Hotel. The chair was never produced for sale to the public. Only 120 chairs were made for the hotel. We h...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash, Fabric
Set of Six Niels Møller Model #77 Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of six Niels Møller model #77 dining chairs designed in 1959.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Kaare Klint Armchairs
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Kaare Klint armchairs designed in 1927 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Set of Six Teak Niels Møller Model No. 71 Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 6 Teak Niels Møller Model No. 71 Dining Chairs Designed in 1951 and Produced by J. L. Moller Mobelfabrik
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Set of 8 Hans Wegner CH-30 Dining Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 Hans Wegner CH-30 dining chairs designed in 1952 and produced by Carl Hansen & Son
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak, Teak
Set of Four Rare Tapiovaara Chairs from The Marski Hotel
Located in London, GB
Four chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for his Marski hotel in central Helsinki. Only ever made for the hotel, this "Lulu" chair and the larger "Dumbo" chair a...
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Brass
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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