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.
Finn Juhl Attributed Danish Loveseat Model 188 by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, 1950s DN
By Finn Juhl, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl attributed sofa or settee made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark sometime in the 1940s as Model Number 188. The lines and proportions of this design are just...
Wool, Beech
Danish 1950s Settee or Loveseat in Green Wool in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on Cuban mahogany legs r...
Wool, Mahogany
$7,300 / item
Laurel Settee, Modern Walnut Windsor Style Bench
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A clean modernization of a Classic Windsor bench, this settee features sculpted legs and slats instead of dowels and spindles. Constructed from sustainable walnut, the settee is artisan crafted with traditional joinery and finished with an all-natural, 100% plant-based, hard-wax oil. "The Laurel Settee...
Wood, Walnut
$1,856Sale Price / item|25% Off
1960s Grete Jalke Sofas With Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
Four Available: 1960s Grete Jalke Freestanding Sofas With Stained Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery and made by Johannes Hansen. Require reupholstery. Wool with stains, wear and defe...
Fabric, Oak
Laurel Settee, Modern Windsor Style Bench in Blackened Ash
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A clean modernization of a Classic Windsor bench, this settee features sculpted legs and slats instead of dowels and spindles. Constructed from sustainable blackened ash, the settee is artisan crafted with traditional joinery and finished with an all-natural, 100% plant-based, hard-wax oil. "The Laurel Settee...
Wood, Ash
$2,680Sale Price|35% Off
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote can be...
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Danish Mid-Century Settee or Loveseat in the Style of Kurt Olsen Style, 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Lovely and charming settee or loveseat made in Denmark, circa 1950. The style is similar to Kurt Olsen but the Designer and maker of this settee is unknown. Light but still sturdy an...
Wool, Beech
Finn Juhl Style Danish Modern Settees - A Pair
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1940s in the style of Finn Juhl, these two elegant settees have high, angled backs with slight wingback tips that curve inward down into the arms. Subtle decorative featu...
Linen, Walnut
1940s Danish Modern Settee in the Style of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
This Finn Juhn-style settee was originally crafted in the 1940s. It has been newly reupholstered in gold-and-black chevron wool from Donghia with matching piping. While the upholster...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
Otto Schultz, Settee, Elm, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white fabric and elm settee designed by Otto Schultz and produced by Boet, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Elm
Scandinavian Modern Dutch Sofa Attr to Doublet Sofa by Rob Parry for Gelderland
By Rob Parry, Gelderland
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning vintage Scandinavian Modern Dutch midcentury sofa attributed to Doublet Sofa by Rob Parry for Gelderland. It is made in Holland and com...
Fabric, Rosewood
Scandinavian Modern Sofa or Settee in Red Leather and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, leather, wood, Scandinavia, 1950s A beautifully sculpted sofa in the style of Danish designer Arne Vodder. The high back is slightly curved and runs smoothly over in...
Leather, Wood
Børge Mogensen Model #2253 Three-Seat Sofa, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful three-seat sofa model no. 2253, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963 and produced by Frederica Stolefabrik, Denmark, in original salmon colored wool with leather straps on an...
Wool, Oak
Classic Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa
Located in Dronten, NL
Classic compact Danish 1940s sofa in original dark grey/brown upholstery. One-off piece made in the high end old school way with straps and horsehair interior that is made to last fo...
Fabric, Wood
Leather Settee Model ‘Ilona’ by Arne Norell, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful leather settee designed by Arne Norell in the early 1960s and produced by Aneby Møbler, Sweden, with thick, dark leather cushions on saddle leather sling supports with bras...
Brass
Børge Mogensen Daybed Model No. 190, 1963
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful daybed model no. 190, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963 and produced by Frederica Stolefabrik, Denmark, solid oak frame platform with tapered legs and a vertical slatted b...
Wool, Oak
"Minerva" sofa by France & Søn
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Brescia, IT
Danish 1960s sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn. Struttura in teak, giunzioni in acciaio, cuscini nuovi grigio ghiaccio sfoderabili. "Minerva" model design...
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø for A. Mikael Laursen & Søn Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Buffalo, NY
Illum Wikkelsø for A. Mikael Laursen & Søn Three-Seat Sofa,, made in Denmark,,1960. Re-upholsterd (long time ago) in a wonderful / colorful poppy flower fabric, Jack Lenor Larson St...
Fabric, Teak
Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm Two Seater Sofa 'FK 6720', 1960
By Preben Fabricius, Alfred Kill International, Jørgen Kastholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius for Kill International, two seater sofa model ‘FK 6720’, in original black leather and steel, designed in 1965.
Steel
Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Teak
1950's Oak and Teak Settee Model 117 by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare Danish settee by Famed Danish Design Duo,Tove & Edward Kindt-Larsen. Produced by France & Daverkosen, Denmark early 1950s. Tove Kindt-Larsen (1906-1994) was one of Denmark’s mos...
Wool, Oak, Teak
$3,995
1960s Danish Wooden Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
Light and elegant, this 1960s wooden sofa embodies the effortless simplicity of Danish Modern furniture. The silhouette is clean but graceful: slender spi...
Bouclé, Teak
Rare Scandinavian Modern Walnut Settee by Collection Emond
Located in Stamford, CT
At a Glance: We believe this is a one-of-a-kind Scandinavian Design as our research has not presented an identical match. This settee is a delight to view from every angle, making ...
Fabric, Bouclé, Faux Fur, Walnut
Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen Teak and Oak Settee, circa 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A Danish design teak and oak two person settee, Designed by Tove and Edvard Kindt-Larsen, circa 1950s, Model 117. Settee can be disassembled without the use of tools. Re-upholstered ...
Teak
800 Series Settee by Hans Olsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A series 800 settee by Hans Olsen. The settee has been recovered in a persimmon colored leather.
Leather, Wood
Danish Modern Finn Juhl NV-53 Settee
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A rare Finn Juhl designed settee produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder known as the NV53. Teak frame with upholstered seat. Frame stamped with Niels Vodder logo. Profession...
Upholstery, Teak
Søren Hansen, Rare Sofa / Bench Model 2240 for Fritz Hansen, 1939
Located in Paris, FR
Two-seat sofa, model 2240, made of Beech wood designed by Søren Hansen in 1939 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. A rare find and very collectable piece. As a sculptural piece, this ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech, Fabric
Flemming Lassen Settee in Beige Sheepskin, 1940s
By Flemming Lassen, Jacob Kjaer
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Flemming Lassen, settee for master cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer, Denmark. Tapering legs in mahogany and reupholstered in beige sheepskin. The model was presented at The Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition in 1940. A matching pair of Flemming Lassen chairs...
Sheepskin, Mahogany
Scandinavian Folke Ohlsson Teak Settee in Jack Lenor Larsen "Caravan" Velvet
By Folke Ohlsson, Fritz Hansen, Jack Lenor Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern settee by Swedish designer, Folke Ohlsson for Fritz Hansen upholstered in Jack Lenor Larsen "Caravan" cotton velvet fabric (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Delightful, dimi...
Upholstery, Teak
Borge Mogensen Settee Model 2208 in the Original Dark Brown Leather. Oak Legs
Located in Kansas City, MO
Mid Century Danish Modern Borge Mogensen Settee / Loveseat / two seater for Fredericia, Denmark, 1963. This example retains the original DARK BROWN leather in very good condition. ...
Leather, Oak
Cognac PK 31 /2 Sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Utrecht, NL
PK 31 /2 sofa settee by Poul Kjærholm, manufactured by first manufacturer Ejvindt Kold Christensen Denmark (marking on last photo). Sofa comes with original upholstered frame panels...
Steel, Chrome
Early Danish Settee in Leather and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Settee or sofa, stained wood, leather, fabric, brass, Denmark, 1920s. Exceptional example of early Danish design with robust, bulky aesthetics. The frame of the settee is made of st...
Brass
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
$5,774Sale Price|70% Off
Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Rosewood Frame
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa with Brazilian rosewood frame by Ole Wanscher. Seat, sides and back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Fair conditi...
Leather
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Two Seater Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, two seater sofa, teak, leather, Denmark, 1962 Modern and beautiful constructed sofa based on a tight and simple design. The teak...
Leather, Teak
Poul Kjaerholm PK 31/2 Settee
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Beautifully patinated brown two-seat PK 31 settee designed by Poul Kjaerholm and Manufactured by E. Kold Christensen. Stamped to frame.
Steel
Sofa by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A majestic sofa having a sculptured body resting on eight (8) tapered mahogany legs, retaining the original red, navy and beige striped wool fabric. Desi...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Vintage Cabinetmaker Settee from Denmark, circa 1960
Located in Ventura, CA
Introducing a stunning Vintage Cabinetmaker Settee from Denmark, circa 1960. This curved 3-seater settee is a prime example of mid-century design, ...
Sheepskin, Wood
1970s Set of Leather Cantilever Chairs with Footrest "Poäng by Noboru Nakamura
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1970s originally iconic set of vintage Ikea leather cantilever chairs with footrest ( Poäng by Noboru Nakamura ) in excellent conditions; these vintage it...
Leather, Bentwood
Danish Modern Hans Olsen Settee
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A Danish modern Hans Olsen designed petit settee. Original upholstered seat with solid rosewood legs. Inquire about new upholstery options. Professional, skilled furniture restorati...
Rosewood, Upholstery
1940s Danish Modern Leather Settee by Georg Kofoed
By Georg Kofoed
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1940s, this black leather settee was designed and produced by the Danish cabinetmaker Georg Kofoed. Minimalist in design, the settee offers some subtle drama with its slo...
Leather, Beech
Two Seater Sofa by Wojtek D Carstens for Stouby Mobler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish modern two seater sofa 'Maria', designed by Wojtek Depka Carstens for Stouby Mobler, with solid soap-treated beech wood frame and upholstered with tufted beige/camel...
Suede, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Loveseat by Nitex Mobler Denmark, C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Loveseat / Settee by Nitex Mobler Denmark. C 1980s Features a quintessential Mid Century Scandinavian Slee...
Upholstery, Teak
Pine sofa by Harry Moen for "Briksbo"
By Harry Moen, Bruksbo
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian pine sofa by Harry Moen for "Bruksbo," with slatted back and original striped wool cushions. Two-seater pine sofa designed by Harry Moen for "Bruksbo," 1960s-70s. The f...
Fabric, Pine
Børge Mogensen Model #2223 Three-Seat Sofa, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful three-seat sofa model no. 2223, designed by Børge Mogensen in 1963 and produced by Frederica Stolefabrik, Denmark, in original mustard green wool with white/beige stripes o...
Wool, Wood
$1,237Sale Price / item|50% Off
1966 Vilhelm Wohlert, Unique Sofa in Solid Elm, Upholstered with Green Fabric
By Vilhelm Wohlert, Arne Poulsen Cabinetmaker Denmark
Located in London, GB
Unique Vilhelm Wohlert sofa of solid elm. Upholstered with green fabric. Made 1966 by cabinetmaker Arne Poulsen. H. 120 cm. L. 160 cm. D. 77 cm. Three available. Purchased from the c...
Elm, Fabric
Hans J. Wegner "JH 555" Pair of Oak Settees for Johannes Hansen, Denmark 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of settees by designer Hans J. Wegner for cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. Model no. "JH555". Early examples in quarter sewn oak, possibly the first production. They have been r...
Upholstery, Oak
$7,121Sale Price / set|65% Off
Hvidt and Molgaard Sofa and Armchair
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa and matching easy chair of rosewood. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with two different shades of green wool. Model 130...
Wool
Danish Two Seater Sofa in Grey Buffalo Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, buffalo leather, metal, Denmark, 1960s. This sofa originates from Denmark and is characterized by a cubic shaped construction fully executed in buffalo leather with...
Metal
Jorgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe Sofa in Red Patinated Leather
By Jorgen Hoj, Vitsoe
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jorgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe, settee, model '202', leather, aluminum, Denmark, circa 1960 Exclusive leather sofa designed by Jorgen Hoj who...
Aluminum
Danish Sofa in Cherry and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, cherry, Denmark, 1950s. This elegant, curved settee features a waved, butterfly back and four tapered wooden legs. The sofa is executed with high, sculpted armrests. T...
Fabric, Cherry
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Agner Christoffersen Settee in Kelly Wearstler Upholstery
Located in Dallas, TX
We have reupholstered this beautiful high quality settee designed by Agner Christoffersen in a rich textured Kelly Wearstler fabric.
Upholstery, Wood
$24,200
Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in Pawtucket, RI
The perfect Finn Juhl settee manufactured by Bovirke in 1946. Reupholstered with new Hallingdal fabric. Iconic Danish design in perfect restored condition.
Wool
High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Grete Jalk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early Grete Jalk designed settee featuring a high back on squared legs with a tight and tailored pale brick upholstery. Crafted by Johannes Hansen in Denmark, circa 1950s. Work...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,057Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Design Oak Bench, circa 1950
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Danish design bench in oak, seat with three blades of wood and trapezium shape feet, in teak. Denmark, circa 1950.
Oak
Kaare Klint Model 5313 Two-Seat Leather Settee by Rud Rasmussen, 1935
Located in London, GB
A two-seat model 5313 settee designed by Kaare Klint in 1935 and made by master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, between 1935-1945. The economy of line in this design is su...
Leather, Mahogany
Settee by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced settee finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery and leather welting.
Mahogany
Settee by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1967
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated oak settee with flag halyard back supports and upholstered seat and back cushions. From the GE671 collection designed for GETAMA in 1967.
Upholstery, Rope, Oak
Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Grete Jalk designed teak slat top bench with tapered dowel legs. Working at a time when women were a rarity in the design world, Grete Juel Jalk completed her education at the D...
Teak
$7,210Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape
By Finn Juhl
Located in Munich, DE
This settee comes from an important Danish household with many items by Finn Juhl, Poul Kjaerholm and Jorgen Hoj. It was purchased in Copenhagen circa 1950 on an cabinetmakers furnit...
Fabric