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.
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Lounge, Setup 3, Customizable
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Lounge version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 2 x Half Circle + 12 x Double Corner Fabric: Barnum Bouclé col.24 Available as both a lounge and dining sofa...
Foam
Finnish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Finland, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 30” H x 67” W x 40” D Seat Height (inches): 14.75" Arm Height (inches): 22.63" All items shi...
Fabric, Wood
Basil Corner Sofa with ottoman, linen & cotton woven fabric, oak feet
Located in SWARZĘDZ, PL
This sofa brings together thoughtful detailing, high-quality materials, and genuine comfort. The side cushions are finished with decorative double stitching, a subtle accent that und...
Cotton, Linen, Foam, Oak
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Norr11, Setup 4, Alpaca, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Tommy Hyldahl & Kristian Sofus Hansen for Norr11 Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main...
Foam
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Grace Beige (Setup 3)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Norr11, Setup 3, Alpaca, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Tommy Hyldahl & Kristian Sofus Hansen for Norr11 Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main...
Foam
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Norr11, Setup 2, Alpaca, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Tommy Hyldahl & Kristian Sofus Hansen for Norr11 Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main...
Foam
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System Corner Sofa in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Jørgen Frydendal for Modul Bygge System, corner sofa, solid pine, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Hans Jørgen Frydendal created a sofa that directs all focus towards the inherent qualit...
Fabric, Pine
Danish Designer, Corner Sofa, Elm, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An elm and light-grey fabric corner sofa or bench designed and produced by an unknown Danish cabinetmaker, c. 1940s. Light discoloration present throughout wooden frame. Reupholst...
Fabric, Wood, Elm
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Lounge, Setup 1, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Lounge version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 6 x Soft Curve + 5 x Corner Fabric: Barnum Bouclé col.24 Available as both a lounge and dining sofa...
Foam
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Dining, Setup 1, Customizable
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Dining version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 16 x Single + 16 x Curve Fabric: Barnum Bouclé col.24 Available as both a lounge and dining sofa...
Foam
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Norr11, Setup 1, Alpaca, Customizable
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary 'Reposé' Sofa by Tommy Hyldahl & Kristian Sofus Hansen for Norr11 Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main...
Foam
Hans Hopfer for Neue Wiener Werkstätte Modular 'Castell' Sofa with Side Tables
By Hans Hopfer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Hopfer for Wiener Werkstätte 'Castell' modular sofa and tables, glass, metal, fabric, ash, Austria, design 1972, later production Stunning and sizable modular sofa designed by ...
Fabric
$3,687Sale Price|23% Off
Mayor Sofa Model AJ5 By Arne Jacobsen & Flemming Lassen From 1990s
By Arne Jacobsen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Lejre, DK
The Mayor sofa, model AJ5, is a beautiful and iconic piece of furniture designed by Arne Jacobsen and Flemming Lassen in 1939. The sofa is known for its ele...
Wool, Oak
Swiss Grand Modular Sofa in Brown Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sofa, fabric, wood, Switzerland, 1960s This generous modular sofa from 1960s Switzerland is composed of eleven individual elements, allowing for versatile configurations to ...
Fabric
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi 'Ateljee' Sectional Sofa in Black Leather
By Yrjö Kukkapuro, Haimi
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, modular sofa, leather, metal, wood, Finland, 1963 This streamlined sectional sofa is characterized by a simplistic, natural and modernist aesthetic...
Metal
Swedish Modern Oversized Sofa, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant, oversized Swedish Modern sofa, in a U-formed design, slightly shorter on one end. Mahogany veneer encircles the sides and inside. Upholst...
Velvet, Mahogany
$18,219 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 9, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: setup 9 modules : 1X LOUNGE LARGE ARMREST SHORT LEFT, 1x CORNER, 1x SMALL, 1x MEDIUM, 1x OTTOMAN, 1x ARMREST Measures: D 96/130 CM / H 70 CM / SH 47 CM Model shown: Cat 2. Barnum boucle 24 (White) Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Grain, Fame, Megan CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire, Ultra CAT 4: Baru, Envy CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum, Terra Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 70s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Foam
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Ritz-5647 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Grace Mole (Setup 4)
By Monica Förster, FOGIA
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Dining, Setup 3, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Dining version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 1 x Half circle + 1 x Single + 8 x...
Foam
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Safire-0001 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Ritz-Trend-3701 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary 'Retreat' Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Ecriture-0240 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Dining, Setup 2, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Dining version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 1 x Half circle + 1 x Double + 11 x Double Corner Fabric: Barnum Bouclé col.24 Available as both a lounge and dining sofa...
Foam
Ole Gjerlov-Knudsen & Torben Lind 'Moduline' Leather Seating Set, 1962
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful sofa set 'Moduline' designed by Ole Gjerlov Knudsen & Torben Lind, manufactured by France & Son, Denmark 1962. This modular set contains four seating elements, (two of whic...
Leather, Rosewood
Contemporary Lounge Sofa 'Retreat', Monica Förster X Fogia, Ritz-4700 (Setup 5)
By Monica Förster, FOGIA
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary 'Jagger' Sofa by Norr11, Lounge, Setup 2, Customizable
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
JAGGER Sofa, Lounge version Modular sofa: create your own configuration using all available modules. Configuration shown on main image: Modules: 1 x Half Circle + 3 x Double Corner + 4 x Double + 6 x Corner Fabric: Barnum Bouclé col.24 Available as both a lounge and dining sofa...
Foam
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Barnum-2 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Vidar-0472 (Setup 1)
By Monica Förster, FOGIA
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Sofa by Peter Opsvik, Norway
By Peter Opsvik
Located in Long Island City, NY
A "Globe" Sofa designed by Peter Opsvik,( b.1939.) for Stokke Møbler, 1986-1988. Norway. Three-seat sofa with black-varnished wood frame. Cushions upholstered in colored leather. Rem...
Leather
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Khaki Hopsacking 4 Piece Modular Sofa Made in Sweden
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Scandinavian Modern khaki hopsacking fabric 4-piece modular sofa made in Sweden. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have si...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
$12,510 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 12, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
STUDIO sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Measures: setup 12 modules : 1x lounge large armrest short right, 1x large, 1x ottoman, 1x armrest Measures: D 96/130 CM / H 70 CM / SH 47 CM / W 353 cm Model shown: Cat 2. Barnum boucle 24 (White) Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Grain, Fame, Megan CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire, Ultra CAT 4: Baru, Envy CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum, Terra Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 70s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Foam
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Karakorum-001 (Setup 1)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa 'Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Grace Beige (Setup 4)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Contemporary Sofa Retreat' by Monica Förster X Fogia, Grace Beige (Setup 2)
By FOGIA, Monica Förster
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary "Retreat" Sofa designed by Monica Förster for Fogia. Materials : - Frame : Solid wood - Legs : Solid oak and Nozag springs - Seat : Wood board & foam - Backrest : ...
Leather, Fabric, Oak
Scandinavian Designer Ottoman
Located in Paris, FR
This ottoman is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste efficiency technology. We are using the highest quality woods with natural non-toxic glues and premium eco-friendly fabrics. This piece is assembled and finished by professional craftsmen. It comes with one removable pillow with customizable color options. And it can be beautifully added to the sofa we present as well. Materials Wood: Birch Plywood I Finish: Dark grey tainted & Natural, Matte Fabric: Wool I Kvadrat Fabrics - Divina Melange 3 Colors We offer free shipping to Europe...
Birch