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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Illum Wikkelsø
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model 451 by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 451 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø 'Apollo' Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for Ryesberg Møbler, lounge chair with ottoman, model 'Apollo', leather, lacquered wood, Denmark, 1970s
This distinctive lounge set is of high-quality both in terms o...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair In Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, Denmark 1950s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and rare easy chair in oak and teak for Soren Willladsen from the 1950's. Curved armrests in teak sweeping around the sides and back of the chair. Legs and frame made from so...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Teak
Rosewood & Black Leather 'Capella' Arm Chair by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
Arm chair model 4 from the Capella Series designed in 1958 by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø executed in beautiful Rosewood with black leather loose cushions. Made by Danish manufact...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
1960s Set of Two Illum Vikkelso Plexus Easy Chairs in Rosewood by CFC Silkeborg
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Set of Two Illum Vikkelso Plexus Easy Chairs in Rosewood by CFC Silkeborg
The plexus chair series consisting of a lounge chair, sofa, coffee table and sidetable was designed b...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Pair of Easy Chairs in Black Upholstery and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, pair of lounge chairs, leatherette, teak, Denmark 1960s.
Well-designed pair of easy chairs in black leatherette upholstery by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. This 'O...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Ringstol Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in San Diego, CA
This Ringstol Lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø is a perfect expression of Danish Modernism and and an architectural and visual delight. It features a mind-blowing steam bent circle mad...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cord, Beech
Illum Wikkelso for Mikael Laursen Danish Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in Oakland, CA
Illum Wikkelsø Danish lounge chair and ottoman, produced by A. Mikael Laursen, circa 1959, Denmark. Model ML91. Reupholstered in aubergine and off-white wool, and supported by aged o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Oak
Danish Modern Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø made at Søren Willadsen, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare pair of early Danish Modern lounge chairs "model 10" from the 1950s by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark. Handmade at cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen in the most amazing solid Bangkok Teakwo...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Teak
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Red Brown and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chairs model ‘Ox’, leatherette, wood, Denmark, 1960s
Due to the prominent horizontal headrest this lounge chair by Illum Wikkelsø is nicknamed ‘Ox’. In a way,...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Set of Easy Chairs and Ottoman with Canvas Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø for C.F. Christiansen, pair of easy chairs and ottoman model 272, teak, off-white canvas, leather, Denmark, 1963
Very rare easy chairs and ottoman by Danish designer ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Danish modern, Illum Wikkelsø for Mikael Laursen Swivel 'ML214' Lounge Chair
Located in København K, DK
Organic shaped easy chair in patinated black leather with a beautiful contrast of materials leather and steel. Designed in the early 1960s by Illum Wikkelsø. Manufactued by A. Mikael...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chair in Black Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, black leatherette, teak, Denmark 1960s.
Well-designed easy chair in black leatherette upholstery by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. This 'Ox Chair...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chairs for Arflex, Italy, 1960
By Illum Wikkelsø, Arflex
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of lounge chairs designed in 1960 by Illum Wikkelsø for Arflex, Italy. Wikkelsø's model 451 redesign in 1960 for Arflex, Italy with metal or wood base. This pair are with a blac...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
Classic pair Illum Wikkelsø Ringstol Lounge Chairs Scandinavian Modern Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning matched pair Ringstol Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, woven wicker seats and backs ..All original and untouched.wonderful original pat...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wicker, Wood
Illum Wikkelsøe Capella Series Armchairs, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Remarkable pair of easy chairs from the Capella series, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, produced by Niels Eilersen in Denmark, designed in 1959, solid teak wood frames with loose cushion...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Plexus Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg 1970s, Set of 2
Located in Asaa, DK
Plexus Easy Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg 1970s, Set of 2.
Pair of Danish Mid-century modern lounge chairs designed by Illum Wikkelsø for CFC Silkeborg, Denmark. Elegan...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Beech
“Ringstol” by Illum Wiikkelsø for Niels Eilersen in Beechwood and Cord, 1950s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An ingenious, ambitious concept, executed with expert technical prowess—here we have an all original vintage condition “Ringstol” by Illum Wiikkelsø for Niels Eilersen in Beechwood a...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cord, Beech
1960s Rare Danish Wenge Easychairs, Mod. 451 by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Very rare pair of Illum Wikkelsø easychairs, model 451 in solid wenge wood! Original green wool fabric. Manufactured by Aarhus Møbelfabrik / Illums Bolighus 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wenge
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Armchairs, Model Capella, Designed by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of armchairs, model Capella, in rosewood and black elegance leather designed by Illum Wikkelsø from the 1960s. The pair is in great vintage condition.
This product will be i...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair Model 'ML91' 1950s / New Upholstered!
Located in Handewitt, DE
Illum Wikkelsø for A. Mikael Laursen, Danish organic shaped lounge chair with ottoman. Model ML91. Legs / base in solid oak wood. New upholstered with grey Kvadrat Hallingdal by AP P...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø, Pair of Danish Armchairs, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Pair of Danish armchairs model N°450 designed by Illum Wikkelsø in 1958 and produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik, Denmark.
Excellent condition.
Original pieces from t...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Illum Wikkelsø Wikkelsoe Leather Teak Armchair Chair Ocher Niels Eilersen
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with thick
ocher aniline leather.
Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen.
Great comfort with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Easychair ML 91 by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Copenhagen, DK
ML 91 - Reupholstered easy chair in new textile (Elle from Kvadrat, code 0220 and 0280 respectively) with legs in patinated oak. Illum Wikkelsø / Mikael Laursen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Oak
Rosewood and Leather Armchair by Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilerson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rectilinear Scandinavian Modern armchair designed by Illum Wikkelso featuring an exposed solid rosewood frame, wide flattened arms, and loose natural leather cushions with a beauti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Scandinavian Midcentury Dark Wood Capella Armchairs 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Couple of scandinavian midcentury modern design original armchairs model Capella designed by Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Niels Eilersen with structure in solid dark wood and new g...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Pair of Lounge Chairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, pair of lounge chairs, fabric upholstery, wood, Denmark, 1950s
Lovely and comfortable pair of lounge chairs by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Lounge Chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful pair of danish lounge chairs by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen. Teak wood frame with upholstered cushions. The cushions ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
1960s Vintage Leather Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in ŚWINOUJŚCIE, 32
"Capella" series lounge chairs designed by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen.
The unique armrest inlay is a highlight of the design.
Original brown leather cushions.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Red Upholstery and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chair, leather,ette mahogany, Denmark 1960s.
Well-designed easy chair in red leatherette upholstery by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. This 'Ox Chair' sh...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Faux Leather
Nanna Ditzel & Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chairs by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare pair of easy chairs designed by Nanna Ditzel & Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark. Matching sofa is also available.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chair, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1950s
Comfortable lounge chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair is characterized by the high backrest t...
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair ‘ML91’ in Soft Green Velour Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø A. Mikael Laursen, lounge chair model ML91, original fabric, wood, Denmark, 1950s
Comfortable lounge chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. Currently upholstered in...
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, lounge chair, fabric upholstery, teak Denmark, 1950s
Comfortable lounge chair by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair is characterized by the high ...
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, armchair, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s
This well-designed armchair shows an unusual elegance and great eye for detail, combined with outstanding craftsmanship, which ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Ox Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelso
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Danish teak and vinyl 'Ox' lounge chair.
Measure: Seat depth 20".
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, blue fabric and oak lounge chair, Denmark, 1960s.
This lounge chair was designed by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Mikael Laursen in Denmark in the 1960s. This l...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Pair of Lounge Chairs in Teak and Grey Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, pair of lounge chairs, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1950s
Comfortable lounge chairs by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. The shape of the chair is characterized by the high ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Danish Modern Black Lacquered Beech and Lounge Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important 1950s lounge chair in lacquered beech and paper cord by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø. This stunning chair was manufactured at the cabinetmaker N. Eilersen in the...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Papercord, Beech
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model ML-91 with Stool Produced by Michael Laursen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model ML-91 with stool designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair Model 451 by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 451 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Aarhus Polstrermøbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Illum Wikkelsø Leather Armchair Chair Brown Niels Eilersen
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with brown aniline leather.
Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen.
Great comfort with the org...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chairs Model 10 by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare pair of easy chairs model 10 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Dimensions lowback (W x D x H): 80 x 78 x 80 cm, SH 38 cm.
Di...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Easy Chair by Michael Laursen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Easy Chair and Ottoman Model 272 Designed by Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very rare easy chair and ottoman model 272 in rosewood and leather designed by Illum Wikkelsø.
Beautifully designed chair in rosewood and black saddle leather. The solid rosewood le...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Illum Wikkelsø Wikkelsoe Leather Armchair Chair black Niels Eilersen Set of 2
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern teak chair with thick black aniline leather.
Design by Illum Wikkelsø and manufactured by Niels Eilersen.
Great comfort with o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
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.
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