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.
Pair of Eero Aarnio “Elephant Boot” Rattan Wicker Lounge Chairs , 1970s
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of rare Eero Aarnio “Elephant Boot” Lounge Chairs Designed in Finland, made in Hong Kong, c. 1970, Woven natural rattan, bamboo. Decals on ...
Wicker
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox C...
Sheepskin, Wood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige checkered lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scratches to the wo...
Fabric, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chairs, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chairs Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chairs model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 and 1950s/60s This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chair model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 This iconic chair, made with 250 metres o...
Steel
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, 'Copenhagen II' lounge chair, model 'MV60', solid oak, leather, brass, Denmark, design 1960, made 1960s/70s The MV60 lounge chair, also known as Co...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Light surface scra...
Fabric, Wood
Rare Marianne Boman-schleutker for Boman Easy Chair in Pink Velvet and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marianne Boman-schleutker for Oy Boman Ab, easy chair, model 'Marianne', velvet, birch, Finland, circa 1941 Designed by the Finnish female interior architect Marianne Boman-Schleut...
Velvet, Birch
Stressless Leather Recliner and Ottoman Norway Ekornes Scandinavian Modern
By Ekornes
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an stressless leather recliner and ottoman manufactured by the Norwegian brand Ekornes. It features specialized built-in engineering like the Glide-system an...
Leather
Hans J. Wegner AP 16 Lounge Chair in Leather for A.P. Stolen, Denmark, 1960s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant model AP 16 lounge chair designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by AP Stolen in Denmark during the 1960s. The chair features a refined wooden frame stained black, with W...
Wood
Pair of “Hunter” Lounge Chairs by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1970s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of “Hunter” lounge chairs designed by Torbjørn Afdal and manufactured by Bruksbo in Norway. Safari-style wooden frames with leather straps and deeply tufted brown leather cushions.
Leather, Wood
Børge Mogensen 'Spanish Chair' in Oak and Cognac Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 'Spanish Chair,' oak, leather, brass, Denmark, 1958. This well-known design by Børge Mogensen has a very strong appearance. The sincere co...
Brass
Poul Kjærholm pair of PK22 Lounge Chairs
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Poul Kjærholm pair of lounge chairs in original patinated tanleather. Frame of brushed steel. Model PK22, made by Fritz Hansen.
Stainless Steel
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Pine
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chair 'El Dorado’, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was designed in 2002 for...
Brass
Otto Schulz Lounge Chair in Green Pierre Frey Tweed and Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By La Maison Pierre Frey, Otto Schulz, Jio
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge/easy chair was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping, Sweden in the late 1940s. The design is distinguished by its curved, enveloping bac...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kircodan, lounge chair, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This chair reflects the hallmarks of 1960s Danish modern design: a streamlined silhouette, an emphasis on natural materials, an...
Leather, Teak
Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, armchairs in Pierre Frey Teddy mohair fabric, beech, Denmark, 1940s This bold and curvy armchair is based on a solid construction with a tender touch due to the soft t...
Fabric, Beech
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling Lounge Chair in Bicolor Purple Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling, lounge chair, Pierre Frey Teddy mohair, Umeå, Sweden, 1930s Designed by Bo Wretling and produced in the Otto Wretling workshop, this rare lounge chair...
Metal
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chairs 'El Dorado’, limited edition, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was de...
Brass
Danish Late Art Deco Lounge Chair with Cabriole Legs
By Georg Kofoed
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful very stylish Danish low lounge chair from the 1930-40's. We are unaware of the designer and maker for this chair but they are a bit in the style of famed maker, Georg Kof...
Wool
Stressless Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ekornes c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman, in baseball glove brown leather, on bentwood bases. The chair and ottoman swivel on the disk form base, the chair back reclines t...
Leather, Bentwood
Pair of Scandinavian Mid Century modern All Black Leather Low Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern all black Leather lounge chairs with black lacquer frame legs. Leather shows nice patina with signs of use and age. Very comfortable...
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
Frits Schlegel Model 1594 Beech Armchair for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1930s–1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Model 1594 armchair designed by Frits Schlegel for Fritz Hansen during the 1930s or 1940s. The beech frame has curved armrests and an open spindle back. Loose seat and back cushions ...
Fabric, Beech
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Seal' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler, Sälen' (Seal) lounge chair, model '503-799', teak, leather, Sweden 1956. The 'Sälen' (seal) lounge chair is a design by Danish designer Ib Kofod-L...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A grey fabric and birch lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric ideally replaced and spring seat ideally restored. ...
Fabric, Birch
Mid-century modern Pair of GE 375 Scandinavian lounge chairs, with 2 armrests
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Pair of GE 375 Scandinavian lounge chairs, with one pair of armrests. Getama edition from the 1970s. The armrests can be positioned on one chair to create an armchair, or on either s...
Oak
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Vintage Pernilla 69 Lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson Sweden The Pernilla 69 is a classic easy chair designed by iconic Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson. Bentwood beech fram...
Leather, Canvas, Upholstery, Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Hans J. Wegner CH22 Lounge Chairs, Carl Hansen, 1967
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Balen, BE
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1950, the CH22 was among the inaugural collection produced by Carl Hansen & Søn and remains one of the designer's most celebrated lounge chairs. Cha...
Papercord, Beech, Paint
Pair of Midcentury “CH 27” Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “CH 27” lounge chairs by Hans J. Wegner, made from oak and rattan. Beautiful pattern in the rattan and whimsical carved “horns” at the tops of the backs.
Rattan, Oak
Danish 1940s Lowback Easy Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size. Padd...
Wool, Beech
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Leather high lounge chair Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Safari high lounge chair by Torbjørn Afdal. Solid wood frame in dark brown Stain brass hardware with tan leather cushions and brown leather arm...
Brass
Swedish Modern Lounge Chair by Carl Cederholm, Firma Stil & Form, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking lounge chair by Carl Cederholm. Generously proportioned and beautifully shaped oak frame with gracefully curved armrests and backrest in an organic form that follow the silh...
Wood, Velvet, Oak
Pair of Danish late Art Deco Lounge Chairs with Birch Armrests Halabala Style
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superb Danish late Art Deco early midcentury chairs from the early 1930's with spring cushions and beautiful open armrests and legs carved in solid Birch a really nice color. Style s...
Wool, Beech
Small Danish Slipper Chairs in Oak by Slagelse ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the sit...
Teak
Ingmar Relling Siesta Lounge Chair and Ottoman in naturel Oak and Black Leather
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ingmar Relling Siesta armchair and footstool for Rybo / Westnofa, Norway. Frame of natural oak with a strong canvas stretched between the bentwood studs. Fitted with loose cushions i...
Leather, Rope, Oak
Danish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green velvet lounge chairs designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Minor wear to fabric and wood feet. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Velvet, Wood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and blue fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Mild to moderate wear to fabric (small hole in seat cushion, staining in headrest area, and minor fra...
Fabric, Birch
Danish Modern "Safari" Lounge Chair in Saddle Leather by Aage Bruun, 1960s
By Aage Bruun & Son
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and exceptionally preserved Danish Modern “Safari” lounge chair designed by Aage Bruun, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in solid beechwood with thick saddle leather sling construc...
Leather, Beech
Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair Model EJ 100, black original leather
By Hans J. Wegner, Erik Jørgensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An immortal classic, the EJ-100, Ox chair designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960, and is regarded as one of Wegners more important chairs. It was Wegner's fascination with Picasso that i...
Stainless Steel
Pair Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low lounge chairs Swedish Design. Designer and maker - Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid century modern Vintage Rosewood and soft...
Brass
Bröderna Anderssons Lounge Chair in Teak and Light Blue Velvet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bröderna Anderssons, lounge chair, velvet, teak, Denmark, 1950s A deep dark frame in wood curves around the seat and backrest. The chair is upholstered in a soft blue velvet that is...
Velvet, Teak
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Tufted Leather lounge chair by Tormod Alnas
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Tufted Trega Leather lounge chair and ottoman by lounge chair by Tormod Alnas. Soft Brown Leather with Canvas backing and sling chrome frame. Good Vin...
Chrome
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and red fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Light fraying and minor stains on fabric, vintage fabric ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent...
Fabric, Oak
Juul Kristensen pair of lounge chairs teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Juul Kristensen pair of lounge chairs in teak. Cushions upholstered with grey wool fabric. Made by Juul Kristensen in the 1960s.
Wool, Teak
Danish Low Lounge Chair in Purple wool with Teak Accents, 1960's
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A sculptural and very beautiful 1960s lounge chair with teak accents on the armrests. The chair has some of the same of the same design lines as Hans Wegner's famous Mama Bear chair ...
Wool, Teak
Elegant Lounge Chair, Upholstered in Golden Brown Pure Mohair
By Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An elegant modern lounge chair. Handmade in England. Beech frame, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, soft, golden brown pure mohair fabric. This listing is for a sin...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
B.J. Hansen Lounge Chair in Teak and Black Upholstery
By B.J. Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
BJ. Hansen, lounge chair, leatherette, teak, metal, Norway, produced in Sjøholt, 1960s. This high-quality wingback chair is based on a solid construction featuring round and bold s...
Metal
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model-1032 Reclining Chair w/ Ottoman for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions: 39.50in H x 28.75in W x 33.50in D Seat Height: 17in Ottoman: 16.50in H x 23.50in W x 16.50in D Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam __________...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Safari Chairs in Brown Canvas and Ash
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, pair of safari chairs model 'KK47000', ash, canvas, metal, brass, leather, Denmark, designed in 1933 and produced in 1960s. The chair shows very eleg...
Metal, Brass
Superb Pair of Lounge Chairs, Newly Upholstered in Pure Ivory Alpaca
By Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of modern round-arm lounge chairs. Handmade beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a premium, soft, ivory, pure alpaca wool fabric with solid oak feet. F...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
Early Edition Fabricius and Kastholm for Kill International Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius for Kill International, armchair model 'FK82' "X", steel, cognac leather, Denmark, 1960s This Danish lounge chair has a very strong appearanc...
Steel
Pair of Norwegian leather and chrome Harald Relling lounge chairs for Westnofa
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of late 1960's - early 1970's Norwegian lounge chairs by Harald Relling for Westnofa. Has brown leather upholstered cushions that sit on a canvas sling which is stra...
Chrome
Scandinavian Danish black leather Safari sling lounge chair with ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modernist safari chair with a teak frame featuring sculpted arms straight rounded stretchers and straight round supports. Has a thick black leather sling seat and a matc...
Leather, Teak
High-Back Lounge Chair in Oak & Lambswool, Danish Modern, Viggo Boesen, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen, Alfred Christensen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Scandinavian high-wingback lounge chair from the 1950s, expertly crafted in oak and recently reupholstered in luxurious shearling lambswool. The chair embodies the essenc...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Oak, Wool
Low Back Lounge Chair by Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1950's
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful 1950s Danish easy chair by Fritz Hansen. Very elegant with a sculptural organic shape and harmonious proportions and size making it very versatile and well suited for today...
Wool, Beech
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, 1994 The distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedish desig...
Iron
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
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.