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
Børge Mogensen Wingback Easy Chair Model 2204 with Stool Model 2202
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wingback easy chair model 2204 and stool model 2202 designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Armchairs, circa 1940
Located in London, GB
Frits Henningsen
Pair of cane back armchairs, circa 1940s
This pair of Cuban mahogany armchairs designed and built by master Danish cabinet maker Frits Henningsen. The chairs f...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Mahogany, Leather
Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquard for Nelo, Sling Chair, Swedish Danish Modern
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquard for Nelo, sling chair, Swedish Danish modern
O&M design. Since establishment of their design office in 1973 Okamura & Marquard- have been working for a number of Danish, Swedish, Italian, and Japanese manufacturers. Their main field is furniture design. They co-operation with Skipper Furniture in 1981 resulting in a large number of chair and sofa models for both private and public use.
Takashi Okamura, born 1949, graduated from Kuwasawa Design Institute, Tokyo, in 1971 and from the School of Applied Art, Copenhagen, in 1974.
Erik Marquardsen, born 1949, graduated from the School of Applied Art, Copenhagen, in 1974.
Takashi Okamura and Erik Marquardsen FOR Nelo
Swedish Danish Mid-Century Modern Nelo swivel sling chair...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Boomerang Chair, circa 1959
Located in London, GB
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen
Boomerang Chair, 1954
Teak lounge chair produced by France & Son, Denmark with patinated brass plated legs. New cushions covered in Kvadrat ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Teak
Pair of Mid Century Danish Lounge Chairs by in Mahogany and Patinated Leather
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of elegant lounge chairs and one stool with mahogany frame and French caning in seat and back. Seat cushion in patinated leather. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sørensen a...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Mahogany, Leather, Cane
Ole Wanscher Senator Lounge Chair
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher
Senator lounge chair, circa 1960
Limited edition rosewood version of this iconic design, produced by France & Son, Denmark. Includes maker's badge. New cushions co...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool
Alf Svensson Easy Chairs Model Domus by DUX, 1960s
By Alf Svensson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Domus 1" designed by Alf Svensson. Produced by DUX in Sweden, 1960s.
Original cushions and fabric with signs of usage and patina.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech
Henry Walter Klein Danish Modern Pair of Teak Easy Chair for Bramin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern armchair by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin.
The frame is made of solid teak wood with some nice details.
The cushions are renewed some years ago in velour fabric paste...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Ole Wanscher Senator Lounge Chair
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher
Senator lounge chair, circa 1960
Limited edition version produced by France & Son, Denmark. Includes maker's badge. New cushions covered in Kvadrat Hallingdal #103 woo...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Lounge Chair, White Fabric, Beech, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and beech lounge chair, design attributed to Viggo Boesen and production attributed to A.J. Iversen, Denmark, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Ole Wanscher Senator Lounge Chairs, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Limited edition version produced by France & Son, Denmark in Brazilian rosewood. Includes maker's badge. New cushions covered in Kvadrat Hallingdal wool fabric.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
Original 1970 Jorgen Hovelskov Harp Chair Made in Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Jorgen Hovelskov harp chair form 1970. This example retains its original ebonized ash finish and retains its original rope, flag halyard. Classic Mid-Ce...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Rope, Ash
Hans Olsen Easy Chairs Model 9015 by Gärsnäs in Sweden
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model 9015 designed by Hans Olsen. Produced by Gärsnäs in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Suede, Oak, Teak
Hans Olsen Easy Chairs Model 9015 by Gärsnäs in Sweden
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs model 9015 designed by Hans Olsen. Produced by Gärsnäs in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Suede, Oak, Teak
Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs. Expertly Restored to Like New.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of fully upholstered Danish modern lounge chairs in a neutral cream fabric. Very comfortable.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Pantonova Chaise or Chair and Ottoman by Verner Panton, Fine and Rare Example
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pantonova chaise or chair and ottoman. Designed by Verner Panton and made by Fritz Hansen, Denmark, circa 1970. Original chromed steel frame and original deep red / berry color fabri...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Carl Malmsten Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Pair of Hans Wegner AP 62 Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans Wegner AP 62 lounge chairs designed in 1960 and produced by A. P. Stolen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Nanna Ditzel AP-26 Lounge Chair
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nanna Ditzel AP-26 lounge chair designed in 1953 and produced by A P Stolen.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Oak, Fabric
Pair of Scandinavian Sheepskin Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Scandinavian sheepskin lounge chairs.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Sheepskin
Finland Leather Armchair, Mid-Century Modern OY BJ. Dahlqvist AB, High Back
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a high back Mid-Century Danish modern armchair made in Finland. No original label present.
Maker: BD Furniture. Hounekalutehdas-mobelfabrik. OY BJ. Dahlqvi...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Leather
Scandinavian Sheepskin Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Oak, Sheepskin
Hans Wegner GE-290 High Back Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-290 high back armchair designed in 1953 and produced by GETAMA.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Scandinavian Sheepskin Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Sheepskin
Frits Henningsen High Back Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen high back lounge chair.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Scandinavian Sheepskin Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Sheepskin
Kaare Klint Wingback Chair and Stool
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint wingback chair designed in 1941 and produced by Rud Rasmussen.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Rare Single Lounge Chair by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful single sculptural lounge chair by Swedish master Carl Malmsten.
Carl Malmsten (1888-1972).
Carl Malmsten Studio.
Sweden, circa 1950.
New Upholstery.
Measures: 37.5” H x 27...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Upholstery
Verner Panton "Easy Chair G"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton "Easy Chair G" designed in 1973 and produced by Fritz Hansen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Sheepskin Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scandinavian sheepskin lounge chair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Sheepskin
Carl Malmsten Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten lounge chair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Kaare Klint Wingback Chair
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint wingback chair Designed in 1941 and Produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Hans Wegner CH-22 Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner CH-22 lounge chair designed in 1951 and produced by Carl Hansen & Son. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Børge Mogensen "Spanish" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen "Spanish" chair designed in 1958 and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen was inspired by a Spanish military commander's chair.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. We can reupholster. Send us your fabric. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" lounge chair with original upholstery. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Hans Wegner GE290 High Back Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE290 high back armchair designed in 1953 and produced by GETAMA. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Borge Mogensen Model #2207 Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Borge Mogensen model #2207 leather lounge chairs designed in 1963 and produced by Fredericia. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" chairs produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Nanna Ditzel "Oda" Lounge Chair
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nanna Ditzel "Oda" lounge chair designed in 1953 and produced by Poul Kolds Savvaerk. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Hans Wegner GE-671 Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans Wegner GE-671 lounge chairs designed in 1967 and produced by GETAMA. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cord, Leather, Oak
Pair of Frits Henningsen Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Frits Henningsen lounge chairs. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Carl Malmsten "Samsas" chairs produced by O. H. Sjogren.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Hans Wegner GE-240 "Cigar" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-240 "cigar" chair designed in 1955 and produced by GETAMA. We have more that we can reupholster for you. Send us your fabric. Store forme...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Oak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "AX" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "AX" chair designed in 1950 and produced by Fritz Hansen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Leather, Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl "Japan" Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Finn Juhl "Japan" chairs designed in 1958 and produced by France and Son. I have more that needs reupholstering. Send us your fabric. Store ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Brass
Hans Wegner AP 39 Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner lounge chairs designed in 1959 and produced by AP Stolen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Carl Malmsten Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten armchair. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Ole Wanscher Colonial Armchair
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher Colonial Armchair Designed in 1949 and Produced by Poul Jeppesen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
Very Rare Bjorn Tragardh or Uno Ahren Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very rare Bjorn Tragardh or Uno Ahren Armchair Circa 1930 Produced by Svenskt Tenn. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Ole Wanscher "Colonial " arm chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher "Colonial" arm chair designed in 1949 produced by P. Jeppesen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cane, Leather, Mahogany
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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