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Scandinavian Modern Settees

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
Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee. Nice Classic Design. Mahogany Legs. Unmarked
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee. Nice Classic Design. Mahogany Frame. Unmarked
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Danish Midcentury Bench in Teak, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in solid teak, designed and made in Denmark 1960s. Original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Teak

Finn Juhl Attributed Danish Loveseat Model 188 by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, 1950s
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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Beech

1950's Oak and Teak Settee Model 117 by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen
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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak, Teak

Jorgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe Sofa in Red Patinated Leather
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 worked in the same atelier together with P...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Aluminum

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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Wood

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...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Unique Danish Cabinetmaker Settee 1930s
Located in Portland, OR
Unique form. Elegantly-curved settee was just redone in linen canvas with vegetable-tanned leather trim and buttons. Legs are solid stained beech. Reminiscent of designs by Nanna Dit...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Linen, Beech

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Two Seater Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Teak

MCM Danish Modern Love Seat / Settee with Teak Frame
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM Danish modern love seat / settee with teak frame, circa 1970s. Great lines and simple design on this elegant piece with red chenille fabric...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Chenille, Teak

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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Bouclé, Teak

Danish Settee in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, fabric, stained beech, walnut, Denmark, 1940s. This settee owes its elegancy to the way the corpus is built: a thin frame that rests on beautifully sculpted legs t...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Walnut

Danish Modern Sofa in Mahogany and Patinated Leather by Rud Thygesen, 1980s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant sofa with mahogany frame and French caning in seat and back. Seat cushion in patinated leather. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sørensen and Rud Thygesen.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Kaare Klint Sofa Model 6092 with Savak Wool
Located in London, GB
Three-seater sofa with eight tapering mahogany legs. Sides, seat and back upholstered with striped savak wool presumably in the last 10-20 years with natura...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool

Vintage Cane Back Teak Settee by Hans Olsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful danish teak settee by Hans Olsen. New teal wool upholstery. the seat cords have been replaced. newly woven cane seat back done by a profes...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Cane, Teak

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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Sofa in Teak and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, teak, Scandinavia, 1950s This understated sofa is an iconic example of Scandinavian design from the 1950s. Organic and sculptural, this sofa is anything but minimalist...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Arne Vodder Sofa in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Ivan Schlechter, sofa, patinated leather, teak, Denmark, design 1953, manufactured late 1950s-1960s. Elegant two-seat settee in admirable cognac leather and teak b...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Sofa in Soft Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, upholstery, Denmark, 1940s This Danish sofa catches the eye due to the exquisitely shaped armrests. From the high backrest the armrests float downwards in three curves. ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut

Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Black Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Cherry

Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
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.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Laurel Settee, Modern Walnut Windsor Style Bench
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Seldom Seen Danish Sofa Designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Danish modern sofa (frame) designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold. In original estate condition. Retain original finish, patina showing just the right amount of cosmetic...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Oak, Teak

Sofa in Patinated Leather by Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
Sofa in patinated green leather and solid wood frame. designed by Arne Norell for Norell Møbel AB in the mid-1960s. A Very comfortable sofa in timeless design and quality. Made in Sw...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Beech

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...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Teak and Rope Settee
Located in Buffalo, NY
Teak and rope settee. Superior quality and construction. Extremely comfortable. Hand delivery avail to New York City or anywhere en route from Buffalo NY.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Teak, Rope

Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape
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...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric

Laurel Settee, Modern Windsor Style Bench in Blackened Ash
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...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wood, Ash

Swedish Grace Club Chair, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful curved Swedish modern club chair, 1940s, in original chartreuse velvet with dark stained beech legs and nailed trims, some wear, staining and fading to the fabric.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Leather Settee Model ‘Ilona’ by Arne Norell, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning leather settee designed by Arne Norell in the early 1960s and produced by Aneby Møbler, Sweden, with thick, cognac colored leather cushions on saddle leather sling supports ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Model #2253 Three-Seat Sofa, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 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 ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak

Flemming Lassen Settee in Beige Sheepskin, 1940s
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 Cabin...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Sheepskin, Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee. Nice Classic Design. Mahogany Legs. Unmarked
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee. Nice Classic Design. Mahogany Frame. Unmarked
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

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. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Modern Teak Settee by Arne Vodder
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This petite settee teak settee is made from old growth teak wood finished in oil. Cushions are a vintage textured wool with a variegated tonal stripe, in excellent functional condit...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Teak

Danish Modern Settee, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish modern settee from the 1940s, dark stained beech legs with a multicolored, floral themed upholstered and tufted body.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen settee. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

Børge Mogensen Model #2223 Three-Seat Sofa, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 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 on...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, 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...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Brass

Otto Schultz, Settee, Elm, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
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”.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Vintage Cabinetmaker Settee from Denmark, circa 1960
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Introducing a stunning Vintage Cabinetmaker Settee from Denmark, circa 1960. This curved 3-seater settee is a prime example of mid-century design, ...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut

Danish Modern Settee by Jacob Kjaer, 1940
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish modern settee designed by Jacob Kjaer, 1940s, dark stained beech legs with a newly upholstered linen fabric.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Walnut

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Ash

Børge Mogensen Daybed Model No. 190, 1963
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Oak

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 ...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Beech, Fabric

Danish Modern Sofa, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful Danish Modern sofa attributed to Svend Skipper, 1950, with earthy multicolor striped upholstery on teak legs and with sculptural teak hand rests.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Settees, available individually
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of really nice looking Danish modern settees in teak with cushions upholstered in a clean neutral woven fabric. The backs of the settees have a decorative wooden panel. These ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Scandinavian Modern settees for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern settees 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 settees created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern settees 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 settees, popular names associated with this style include Finn Juhl, Frits Henningsen, Kaare Klint, and Børge Mogensen. 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 settees differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $910 and tops out at $65,000 while the average work can sell for $5,900.

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