Scandinavian Modern Lounge 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.
48
to
4
24
23
48
48
48
55
48
48
46
21
11
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
27
20
2
48
23
21
20
20
48
48
33
15
232
164
133
69
60
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Ib Kofod-Larsen
Ib Kofod-Larsen Teak Cloud Master Reclinner Chair 1950s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Early Ib Kofod Larsen "Cloud Master" recliner chair. Designed in 1954 and produced by Carlo Garhn Denmark 1950s. Made in solid teak and with the first red fabric. Incl. the matching ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Early Ib Kofod Larsen Easychair Model 4346 in Teak
Located in Handewitt, DE
Early Ib Kofod Larsen easychair, model 4346 in teak and creme fabric. Very early production with the old Fritz Hansen mark 1950s (see last pic) In absolutely original condition , wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Pair Of Rare Model Penguin Chairs By Ib Kofod-Larsen For Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of elegant, rare model "Penguin" lounge chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig feature wrought iron frames with bent back legs that differ from the back framework of the more ubiqu...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Samso Chairs, c1950s
Located in London, GB
Ib Kofod-Larsen - Pair of Samso Lounge Chairs, circa 1958.
Rarely seen lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE), Jonkoping, Sweden. T...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Chairs in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chairs model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956
A pair of armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larsen hi...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Peacock Chair Selig Denmark, 1950-1960
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Rochester, NY
Ib Kofod-Larsen Peacock walnut spindle back hoop style chair manufactured by Selig, circa 1950-1960. Look at all pictures and read condition report in comment section**** HAND DELIVE...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen Danish Bentwood and Leather Penguin Chair Circa 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
An original "Penguin" lounge chair upholstered in leather, designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig in 1953. This version, with wrought iron framework and bentply back, is circa 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Ib Kofod-Larsen Reclining Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Highland, IN
This reclining lounge chair and ottoman by Ib Kofod-Larsen combines sexy lines, incredible comfort, and great function. The chair features five positions of recline accommodating eve...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Upholstery
Ib Kofod Larsen Easychair Sälen / Seal Chair 1960s for Ope
Located in Handewitt, DE
Ib Kofod-Larsen easychair, model "Sälen" / Seal Chair. In solid oak and black leather. Prod. by OPE Sweden 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Ib Kofod Larsen Lounge Chair in Leather
Located in Oakland, CA
Rare Danish lounge chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for G. Laauser, 1955. Finely sculpted frame of nut wood with a steamed back structure, and inne...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Set of Two Ebonized Lounge Chairs in Bouclé by Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig, 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Deland, FL
Designed by the visionary Danish craftsman Ib Kofod Larsen in the early 1950's this model chair predates his iconic (and similarly shaped) "Z" chair. However far fewer of these armle...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
Pair of Ib Kofod Larsen Spear Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Cane
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark
Designer: Ib Kofod Larsen
Manufacturer: Selig
Era: 1960s
Dimensions: 28.5? wide x 25.5? deep x 28? tall
Seat: 16? tall
Condition: Frames in excellent origin...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chairs Model "Seal" Produced by Ope in Sweden
By OPE, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Hudson, NY
Solid teak Ib Kofod-Larsen for OPE Möbler, pair of (Seal) lounge chairs model 503-799, teak and leather, Sweden, 1956 newer leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Palomino Sheepskin & Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig freshly upholstered in hand sewn rich Oatmeal / Ivory Shearling. An early Mid Century Scandinavian ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Walnut
Ib Kofod Larsen Oatmeal Sheepskin & Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig freshly upholstered rich hand sewn Oatmeal Shearling. Hailing from 1950s Denmark, this Scandinavian...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Sheepskin, Upholstery, Walnut
Midcentury Scandinavian Lounge Chairs "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Karlstad, SE
A beautiful pair of lounge chairs, model "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen (Denmark) for OPE Möbler (Sweden) 1958.
This is a timeless classic design and is constructed with a high sen...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Midcentury Scandinavian Seating Group "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare seating group consisting of four lounge chairs, model "Kandidaten" by Ib Kofod Larsen (Denmark) for OPE Möbler (Sweden) 1958.
This is a timeless classic design and is constru...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Easy Chair with Footstool by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered lounge chair and foot stool in 'Elegance' aniline leather (colour: Indian Red) on a rosewood frame. Designed in 1958. Ib Kofod Larsen / Mogens Kold.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Pair of Midcentury "Seal" Lounge Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of amazing “Seal” lounge chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen, made with teak frames. Light grey upholstery with dark brown leather piping. Great silhouettes and materials, sculpted wingli...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Produced by Selig
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Selig in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bouclé, Cane, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Candidate Lounge Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A pair of Afromosia African teak 'Kandidaten', (Candidate), lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (O.P.E.) in Jonkoping, Sweden, circa 19...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Modern Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig Hoop Chair with Seat Cushion
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Miami, FL
1950s Danish Modern Ib Kofod Larsen for Selig Hoop Chair with Seat Cushion
Offered for sale is a 1950s Danish Modern Ib Kofod Larsen hoop chair that ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Walnut
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Model Samsö Produced by OPE
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Samsö designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Walnut Scandinavian Danish Modern Lounge Chair for Selig
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wayne, NJ
Lovely chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen imported by Selig. It features stunning sculpted arms new Removable / Washable Cushion cover. The webbing is in good condition. The Selig emblem is pr...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Danish IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent Chair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This chair was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Kofod-Larsen Penguin Chair
Located in Littleton, CO
An exquisite original vintage all-wood edition of Ib Kofod-Larsen's classic 'Penguin' chair. Denmark, 1960s.
Beautiful dark teak and beech woods.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Teak, Beech
Mid Century Danish Modern Spindle Back Lounge Chair by IB Kofod Larsen in Walnut
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Restored classic hoop chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen and produced by Selig in the 1960's. It features solid walnut construction with newly made seat cushions. Manufacture label. R...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Wingback Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod Larsen for Fröscher
Located in Ranst, VAN
Wingback lounge chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen in 1974 for Fröscher KG in Germany. The rosewood frame is beautifully detailed and fully restored. The le...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood, Rosewood
Penguin Chair by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Penguin chair designed by Ib Kofod Larsen and produced by Selig. Gorgeous molded birch upper shell provides contoured support with original upholstered seat atop black iron f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Iron
Pair of Elizabeth Chairs by Ib Kofod-Larsen Model U-56
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Pair of iconic teak and leather 'Elizabeth Chairs' by Ib Kofod-Larsen. These incredibly rare and exquisitely crafted Model U-56 chairs were designed in 1956 and later nicknamed the E...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Set of Two Easy Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ib Kofod Larsen set of two easy chair in teak with black leather. Model 'Holte'. Maker Oluf Persson OPE.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Teak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern IB Kofod Larsen for Selig Penguin Accent Chair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is an original 'Penguin' chair designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. This piece was designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s. This chair ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Penguin Side Chair
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Theis original 'Penguin' Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen ais crafted from teak and European beech wood. As comfortable as it is beautiful.
Professional, skilled furniture restoration is a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Model Holte Produced by OPE in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Holte designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Cane-Back Lounge Chair Pair
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Highland, IN
These two beautiful lounge chairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig have beautiful lines, cane backs, and new seat cushions upholstered in "Rivington" by Knoll.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen U-56 Elizabeth Chair for Christensen & Larsen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Incredibly rare and exquisitely crafted Model U-56 Elizabeth chair designed in 1956 by Ib Kofod-Larsen for cabinet makers Christensen & Larsen.
Later nicknamed the Elizabeth chair...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chair Model Sälen / Seal Produced by OPE in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Sälen / Seal designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
1950s Danish Black Leather Lounge Chair by Ib Kofod Larsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A black leather upholstered lounge chair with tufted wingback, having a finely joined exposed frame supporting a floating sculptural s...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Samso Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Ib Kofod-Larsen
Samso lounge chairs, circa 1958.
Rarely seen lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE), Jonkoping, Sweden. These examples are made from highl...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chairs Model Sälen / Seal Produced by OPE in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model Sälen / Seal designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen, Lounge Armchair "Seal", Produced by OPE, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
Ib Kofod-Larsen
"Seal"
A teak and leather lounge armchair, the carved wood frame supporting a shell shaped seat and back upholstered with a beautifully patinated black leather...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Afromosia Teak Candidate Lounge Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A pair of Afromosia African teak 'Kandidaten', (Candidate), lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (O.P.E.) in Jonkoping, Sweden, circa 1960.
Danish master Ib Kof...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Highback Lounge Chair
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful, stately design by Kofod-Larsen is Classic Danish modern. The teak frame has wonderful sculptural details and supports an upholstered seat. Newly restored and reuphols...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Easy Chairs Model Samsö Produced by OPE in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model Samsö designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by OPE in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Ib Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Samso Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Ib Kofod-Larsen
Samso lounge chairs, circa 1958.
Rarely seen lounge chairs produced by Olof Perssons Fatoljindustri (OPE), Jonkoping, Sweden. These ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Exceptionally Rare, Possibly Unique Ib Kofod-Larsen Chair
Located in Munich, DE
Designed in 1954. The only chair that is known to exist. Made by Christensen and Larsen. A different version of the chair is shown in the famous Grete Jalk books "forty years of Dani...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Teak
1950s Kofod-Larsen Brazilian Rosewood Danish Pickett Lounge Chair Mid-Century
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Hyattsville, MD
All original with original finish. The Frame is Excellent, Strong, Level and Sturdy. Original cushion a bit dingy. Imported from Denmark by Selig.
Chair measures:
W 29.75 x D 27.75 x...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Pair Kofod Larsen for Selig Mid Century Danish Walnut Lounge Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic pair Modernist Lounge Chairs designed by Kofod Larsen for Selig..Beautiful sculpted walnut frames.. Superior quality and construction.. in need of seat and back cushions.. Ha...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Scandinavian Modern lounge chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern lounge 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 lounge chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern lounge 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 lounge chairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen, Børge Mogensen, and Arne Jacobsen. 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 lounge chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $473 and tops out at $107,244 while the average work can sell for $5,453.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
60s Modern Lounge Furniture
Pair Of Vintage Italian Leather Chairs
Low Chairs Chrome
Knoll Tufted
Kofod Larsen Selig
Kofod Selig
Vintage Teak High Back Lounge Chair
Widdicomb Chairs Pair
Danish Cabinetmaker Chairs Pair
Low Slung Chair
Knoll Barcelona Chair Used
Yellow Danish Chair
Danish Mid Century Hans Olsen
Danish Leather Chrome Lounge Chair
Chrome Ottoman X
Vintage Custom Vans
Pair Scarpa Chairs
Floating Walnut Frame