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.
40
to
2
28
12
40
40
40
106
101
40
11
8
6
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
1,400
210
15
1,167
190
8
35
40
232
615
142
18
13
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
18
11
5
9
5
8
3
9
3
3
2
3
40
13
13
13
8
37
34
21
13
3
5
4
3
3
2
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1940s
Palle Suenson for Fritz Hansen Set of Four Windsor Armchairs
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson for Fritz Hansen, set of four Windsor dining chairs, teak, beech, Denmark, design 1947, production 1940s/1950s
Palle Suenson conceived this modern Windsor-style chair ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Beech, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Dining Chairs Oak & Cane by Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful set of 4 Danish Modern dining chairs in patinated oak & cane. The chairs were made in Denmark in the 1940s by a Danish cabinetmaker in the tradition of Kaare Klint. They ar...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
Rare set of Art deco - Brutalist Dining Chairs
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
Exceptional set of four dining room chairs featuring comfortable, lightly padded armrests and a plush spring-based cushioning. The seats gently contour to your body, providing superb...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Early set of "People's chairs" by Børge Mogensen, Beech & Mahogany, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Very rare first edition set of Børge Mogensen´s iconic "People's chair" made in the 1940s for the retailer FDB, where Mogensen was head of design. The chairs are made from beech and ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Beech, Mahogany
Axel Larsson pair for Bodafors 1930's All Original Decorative and comfortable
Located in Forest, BE
Ceci est une paire de fauteuils à accoudoirs de l'architecte Suédois Axel Larsson. Ils ont été produits par la firme SMF Bodafors début des années 1930. Le tissus et le bois sont dan...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Birch
1940s Swedish Pine Armchair by Göran Malmvall for Karl Andersson & Söner
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Swedish pine armchair designed by Göran Malmvall for his own furniture company Karl Andersson & Söner.
Probably an early copy from the 1940s.
A beautiful patinated soli...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Pine
Jacob Kjær 'UN' Set of Four Armchairs with Original Leather
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jabob Kjær for Jacob Kjær Møbelhaandværk, set of four 'UN' armchairs model 'B37', original black leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1949, manufactured 1957
Stunning set of 'UN' chai...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
10 Jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Knoll Studio classic, Jens Risom's designs were the first pieces manufactured by Knoll. Due to war-time restrictions on materials, this style chair was originally constructed of si...
Category
1940s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Wood
13 jens Risom Side Chairs for Knoll
By Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the Knoll Risom Side Chair - A Timeless Icon of Modern Design!
The Knoll Risom Side Chair is a true testament to the enduring legacy of modern furniture design. Created ...
Category
1940s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cotton, Wood
Set of Eight Frode Holm Dining Chairs, Walnut and Leather, Illum, Denmark, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare set of eight dining chairs was designed by Frode Holm and produced by Illum Bolighus in Denmark in the 1940s.
The elegant design is marked by the tapered front legs, ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Carl Malmsten High Back Chair in Mahogany and Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, high back chair, mahogany, brass, leather, Sweden, 1940s
High back chair designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. This chair is made in a warm mahogany, with a bea...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Palle Suenson Dining Chair with Teak Seat
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Palle Suenson for Fritz Hansen, dining chair, teak, beech, Denmark, 1940s.
Palle Suenson conceived this modern Windsor-style chair. The chairs are produced by Fritz Hansen in the 19...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Beech, Teak
Set of 8 Danish Dining Chairs in Walnut by Th Schmidt 1940's
By Hans J. Wegner, H. Schmidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb and rare set of dining chairs produced by Master Furniture Maker, TH. Schmidt in Copenhagen Denmark in 1946 (we have a copy of the original receipt). The chairs are show simil...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wool, Walnut
Carl Malmsten Set of Four Dining Chairs in Walnut and Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, set of four dining chairs, walnut, velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Designed by Carl Malmsten in the forties, these dining chairs have a beautiful elegant silhouette executed wi...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Carl Malmsten Set of Eight Armchairs in Mahogany and Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, set of eight armchairs, mahogany, blue velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Set of armchairs designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten that are hard to come by. These chairs contai...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Fabric
Rare Set of 6 Swedish Pine Chairs, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stained pine. Produced in Sweden, 1940s
Please note: matching dining table available.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Pine
1950s, Danish Design, Set of 4 Dinning Chairs, Oak Wood, Cherry-Red Velour
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design from about 1950s. Set of 4 dinning chairs, oak wood, cherry-red velour. Made by a Danish furniture manufacturer in about 1950. ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
Carl Malmsten Pair of Armchairs in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, pair of armchairs, oak, fabric, Sweden, 1940s
This pair of armchairs is designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten (1888-1972). The shape of the lines are striking a...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Rare Alvar Aalto 1940 War-Leg 69 Chair
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Early and rare War time leg 69 chair by Alvar Aalto. This is a collectors piece refurbished in a vintage Artek fabric. The War-leg is different from the ...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Göran Malmvall Dining Office Chair in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare dining chair in pine designed by Göran Malmvall and produced by Svensk Fur in the 1940s. In good vintage condition with some signs from age and use. Perfect as side or office ch...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Pine
Jacob Kjær 'UN' Armchairs with Original Black Leather and Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jabob Kjær for Jacob Kjær Møbelhaandværk, 'UN' armchairs model 'B37', original black leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1949, manufactured 1957
Stunning pair of 'UN' chairs by Jacob...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Vilhelm Wohlert Dining Chairs in Oak and Aniline Leather, Denmark, 1960's
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vilhelm Wohlert set of four dining chairs with frame of oak, with great details as visible joints and floating seat mounted on pyramid shaped spacers.
New upholstered with brandy ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Carl Malmsten High Back Chair in Walnut and Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, high back chair, walnut, brass, leather, Sweden, 1940s.
Rare armchair designed by Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. This chair exhibits a warm walnut frame which is ni...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Brass
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Dining Stackable Chairs Model Portex
Located in Vienna, AT
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Dining chairs/stackable chairs, model Portex. Designed in 1945. Produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1960s.
They come in a fully renewed finitio...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Beech
Bruno Mathsson Dining Chairs Model Mimat Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of 5 dining chairs model Mimat designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Birch
Swedish Brutalist Set of Solid Wood Chairs, Sweden, ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Sverige brutal” or Swedish Brutal was a pre-eminent design movement not only in architecture, but also in 20th century furniture design. In more recent years, a new appreciation for...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of Six Danish Mahogany Dining Chairs by Sondergaard Mobler
Located in Vienna, AT
Six chairs made by Sondergaard Mobler in Denmark in the late 1940s.
The frame is made of mahogany, only one restored the rest delivery time 3-4 weeks.
Upholstery with another fabr...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Mahogany
12 Mid Century Danish Modern by Børge Mogensen J39 C1947
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant design by Børge Mogensen for Federico's, model # J39 which originally had rush seats. These have been recovered in a shaker style cloth weave. Could be updated. Wo...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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
Frits Henningsen Dining Chairs by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 8 dining chairs designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in Denmark.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
1940s Finnish Dining Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dining chair in laminated birch with newly upholstered black leather seat and back.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Birch
Eight Leather Dining Chairs Attributed to Frits Henningsen
Located in Dallas, TX
An extremely graceful design, eight dining chairs attributed to Frits Henningsen. The frames with rare form executed in the finest hand dyed leather with nailhead trim, on rich dark ...
Category
1940s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood, Leather
Set of 12 Dining Chairs by Axel Larsson
By Bodafors, Axel Larsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 12 beautiful dining chairs in stained elmwood and leather by Axel Larsson, custom made for a Swedish Court of Appeals. Dignified design with tall backs, discreet curves and a ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Brass
Frits Henningsen Windsor Dining Chairs Model CH 18A by Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Windsor dining chairs model CH 18A designed by Frits Henningsen. Produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Birch
Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Cerused Oak by Axel Einar Hjorth, circa 1940
Located in Long Island City, NY
A six chairs dining set by Axel Einar Hjorth, Sweden, circa 1940.
Cerused oak with leather seats.
Marked: AE Hjorth.
Wood frame in perfect vintage condition. Original leather seat...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Fritz Hansen & Ivan Schlecther Sidechair with Original Nature Leather, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Fritz Hansen & Ivan Schlechter side chair with frame of stained beech. Original upholstered with patinated nature leather with brass nails.
Made in the 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
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
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
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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Design Icon Ilse Crawford on Her Colorful New Hans Wegner Chairs
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Set Of 8 Dining Chairs Italy
Set Of Dining Chairs Swivel
Simple Comfortable Dining Room Chairs
Featured Contemporary Dining Room Chairs
Set Of 8 Italian Dining Chairs
Upholstered Walnut Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs
Vintage Walnut Side Chairs
Antique Dining Room Chairs 8
Chair Dining Room Wood New York
Breakfast Table And Chairs
8 Dining Chairs Oak
8 Oak Dining Chairs
Used French Provincial Dining Room Set
Mahogany Ball And Claw Chairs
Light Brown Leather Dining Chairs
1970s White Dining Chairs
Inlaid Mahogany Chair
Carved Teak Chair