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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 

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

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
1960s Finnish Pair of Crinolette Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of black painted birch 'Crinolette' lounge chairs with bent wood spokes tenon-joined to the solid bent back rest, maintaining original 'Asko Export' stickers.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch

1950s Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early "Egg" chair with vintage upholstery.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool

Birch Wingback Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and sculptural wingback lounge chair having a cantilevered laminated birch frame and retaining its original handstitched textured linen upholstery.
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Upholstery

1970s Danish Shaker Rocking Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Shaker Style Scandinavian Modern rocking chair designed by Hans Wegner in beech wood with a woven paper cord seat. Made in Denmark by FDB, circa 1970s.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Papercord, Beech

1950s Racquet Chair by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare easy chair designed by the architect Helge Vestergaard Jensen and executed by the cabinet-maker Peder Pedersen for the exhibition in 1955. The Racquet chair...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Oxhide Teak Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A very rare teak armchair / lounge chair retaining the original oxhide black leather seat and back upholstery. Designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by Johannes Hansen circa 1950s i...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ax Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen designed Scandinavian Modern lounge chair in a sculptural and innovative armless design. Made of laminated teak and beech, the chair features a ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Beech, 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

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

Harp Chair by Jorgen Hovelskov Christensen and Larsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherrywood lounge chair designed by Jorgen Hovelskovs with woven hawser string for upholstery. Produced by Christensen and Larsen in Denmark in the 1960s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wood, String

1960s Mahogany & Cane Lounge Chair by Bernt Petersen for Worts Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany lounge chair with traditional hand-caned back and side panels, with newly upholstered dark grey Savak wool seat and back cushions.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Cane, Mahogany

Swiveling Lounge Chair by H.W. Klein
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant high back swiveling armchair having a sculptural seat with button tufted burgundy leather upholstery floating on a brushe...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

1950s Danish High Back Lounge Chair by Erik Kolling Andersen for Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back lounge chair in original black leather upholstery with rosewood frame.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Caned Lounge Chair by Bernt Petersen for Worts Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A mahogany lounge chair with traditional hand-caned back and side panels with newly upholstered black Savak wool, seat and back cushions. Designed by Bernt Petersen and crafted by Worts Mobelsnedkeri...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Pair of Mahogany Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pair of mahogany lounge chairs newly upholstered in dark grey wool savak.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

1950s Danish Pair of Armchairs Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of lounge chairs, newly upholstered in a dark blue, cotton and linen weave, on top of tapered wood legs. Designed by Hans Wegner, made by AP Stolen ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Wood

Danish Velvet Slipper Chair
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An exceptional slipper chair with a gently curved back and a generous seat upholstered in a light brown velvet.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Velvet

Shell Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated orange lacquered "shell" lounge chair with upholstered seat and back.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Lounge Chair by Edward and Tove Kindt-Larsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak framed armchair with a dramatically angled triangular back and arms, retaining its original burnt orange wool upholstery. Measures: 22" a...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

1960s Unattributed Danish Wingback Chair
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A highly expressive and well scaled upholstered wingback chair having sculpted knuckled arms and an exposed oak wood frame.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Oak Reading Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare oak "Bukkestolen" (reading chair) with exposed frame and upholstered seat and back retaining the original yellow wool upholstery.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak

Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood armchair or lounge chair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Cuban Mahogany Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. This chair features an architectural exposed Cuban mahogany frame with shaped an...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Wingback Armchair by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A wingback lounge armchair with a teak frame, retaining the original grey wool upholstery.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

PK20 Easy Chair by Poul Kjaerholm
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern PK20 lounge chair designed by Poul Kjærholm. This early PK20 lounge chair features a high-back scoop seat with perfectly patinated channeled leather up...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Steel

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Pair of Leather Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen
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Scandinaviaan Brown Leather Swan Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Denmark
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Beautiful brown leather swan lounge chairs model 3320, designed by Arne Jacobsen 1958 for the SAS Royal Copenhagen Hotel which opened in 1960. This o...
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Keyhole" rocking chair, Hans J Wegner, Denmark, 1960s.
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Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
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Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
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H 29.5 in W 26.5 in D 26.5 in
Hans Wegner High Back Lounge Chair, Model GE-375
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Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 In Birch, 1950s Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
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Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 In Birch, 1950s  Artek
Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 In Birch, 1950s  Artek
Free Shipping
H 17.33 in Dm 13.59 in
1 Fritz Hansen Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair
Located in Pasadena, TX
1 Arne Jacobsen swan chair. Design Arne Jacobsen, 1958. Designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, for which designer Arne Jacobsen was the architect, the Swan Chair (1958) permitted guests to spin on its swivel base, thus becoming active participants in the busy hotel atmosphere. Now made of polyurethane foam, it’s marked by its flowing organic shape. A single upholsterer hand-sews the fabric onto the frame. Original design and licensed manufacture by Republic of Fritz Hansen...
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Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

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Rocking Chair in Oak by Hans Wegner, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Rocking chair in oak and fabric, designed by Hans Wegner and made by Mikael Laursen. Great condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Rocking Chair in Oak by Hans Wegner, 1950s
Rocking Chair in Oak by Hans Wegner, 1950s
H 32.29 in W 24.02 in D 30.71 in
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
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1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

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Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
Coconut Chair by George Nelson for Vitra, 1950s
H 33.08 in W 40.95 in D 32.68 in
Hans Wegner J16 Beech Rocking Chair, circa 1950
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Hans Wegner for FDB Mobler spindle back rocker, 1944 designed. Featuring Beech framework with 3 ply Hemp cord seat. Comfortable. Danish Modern. Classic. Additional shipping methods m...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

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Papercord, Beech

Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair for Artek
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. As voluminous as it is comfortable, Armchair 400 was created by Alva...
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21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

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Previously Available Items
1950s Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early "Egg" chair with the original leather upholstery.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather

1930s Swedish Upholstered Chaise Lounge by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated steam-bent beech chaise with vintage patterned upholstery in orange and pink with webbing and neck pillow. Priced as-is.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Beech, Upholstery

1960s Finnish Pair of Crinolette Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of black painted birch 'Crinolette' lounge chairs with bent wood spokes tenon-joined to the solid bent back rest, maintaining original 'Asko Export'...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch

1950s Danish Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A vintage teddy 'Papa' Bear wingback chair and ottoman with cantilevered arms and tapered dowel legs, having exposed teak paws and teak legs. Newly uph...
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1650s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

1950s Danish Bukkestolen Oak Reading Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
The 'Bukkestolen' (reading chair) with exposed solid oak frame and new internal upholstery and fabric. Priced per chair.
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1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

1960s Danish Lounge Chair by Ole Gjerlov Knudsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A lounge chair with leather upholstery on an exposed teak frame with buckle straps and a matching loose bottom cushion.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

High Back Lounge Chair by Hans Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back lounge chair retaining the original blue wool upholstery, and turned dowel legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

High Back Lounge Chair by Hans Wegner
High Back Lounge Chair by Hans Wegner
H 40.5 in W 28.5 in D 30.5 in
Oak Reading Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare oak "Bukkestolen" (reading chair) with exposed frame and upholstered seat and back in natural leather.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather

Armchair by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant, graceful and finely proportioned arm chair having leather wrapped seat and arms, floating on solid teak dowel form legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Side Chair
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and well proportioned armless upholstered side chair having a curved back, floating on substantial squared walnut legs.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Danish Side Chair
Danish Side Chair
H 29.5 in W 22 in D 22.5 in
Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A button tufted lounge chair in the original leather upholstery with rosewood legs.
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1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Leather Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 30 in
Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and sculptural lounge arm chair having a tight upholstered back and loose seat cushion that sits on solid oak tapered dowel legs.
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner
Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner
H 31.5 in W 21 in D 28 in

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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