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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
Color:  Black
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

Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Rosewood Frame
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...
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

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

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

Scandinavian Designer Black pouf
Located in Paris, FR
An Iconic Design that express the talented Nordic Design using Green Technology. The unique arms of the chair embrace the whole piece, The minimalistic creased lines and the functional form are inspired by the New Nordic design in a culmination of comfort and timelessness. This designers lounge chair is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste efficiency technology. Using the highest quality woods with natural non-toxic glues and premium eco-friendly fabrics. Finish: Dark grey tainted & Natural , Matte This piece is assembled and finished by professional craftsmen. Fabric high end 100 % New Wool It comes with two pillows and one or two different color tones of fabric as you can choose. W 74 cm 29” D 99 cm 39” H 70 cm 28” We offer free shipping to Europe...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wool, Birch

Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Mahogany Frame
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa with mahogany frame designed by Ole Wanscher. Sides, seat and back upholstered with black leather. This example made...
Category

Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

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

Leather, Mahogany

Kaare Klint, Settee, Black-Dyed Nigerian Leather, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An early all-original settee / two-seat sofa. Designed by Kaare Klint, produced by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Model 5011, designed in 1935. Legs in mahogany.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Børge Mogensen Model #2212 Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen model #2212 dark brown leather two-seat sofa designed in 1960 and produced by Fredericia.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

1940s Danish Black Horsehair Settee by Ole Wanscher for 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.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Mahogany

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

Børge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen model no. 2208 two-seat sofa designed in 1963 and produced by Fredericia.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Hans Wegner Settee Model JH 555
Located in San Francisco, CA
Beautiful and rare example by Hans Wegner, Model JH 555 for Johannes Hansen, Denmark, circa 1950. Very good original condition oak frame and original fabric, b...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Oak

Børge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Børge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa Designed in 1963 and Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Mahogany, Teak

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Rustic Modern Bench in Tanned Oak by Martin & Brockett
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Fully Restored Hand Dyed Whiskey Brown Leather Two Seater Sofa '1/2'
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We are delighted to present this Gorgeous Art Deco Style fully restored whiskey brown hand-dyed leather sofa. Condition the sofa has been fully restored, it has been washed back and...
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Carlotta Armchair + Footstool Designed by Antonio Citterio for Flexform
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Theatrical "Egyptian" Living-Room Set, France, circa 1940s
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Laurel Settee, Modern Windsor Style Bench in Blackened Ash
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Category

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Marta Black Settee/Bench in Walnut/Oak with Leather/Cowhide Seat by Mandy Graham
Located in Torrance, CA
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MARTA Blonde Oak Settee/Bench with Natural Leather/Cowhide Seat by Mandy Graham
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Previously Available Items
Space Copenhagen for Stellar Works Rén Black Leather and Oak 2 Seater Sofa
Located in London, GB
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Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Oak

Arne Jacobsen Model 3303 "SAS" Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen Model 3303 "SAS" settee. Designed in 1958. Produced by Fritz Hansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Chrome

Børge Mogensen 2209 Sofa
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Beautiful example of Børge Mogensen’s classic sofa model 2209 for Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark. Designed in 1965, this original sofa is in wonderful condition with soft, thick and...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Børge Mogensen 2209 Sofa
Børge Mogensen 2209 Sofa
H 31.11 in W 31.11 in D 72.84 in
Danish Midcentury Leather Sofa, Okamura & Marquardsen
Located in London, GB
Beautiful burgundy Admiral leather 2 seater sofa by Takashi Okamura & Erik Marquardsen for Skipper Mobler, Denmark. Circa 1970’s.
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather

Preben Fabricius Three-Seat Leather Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Preben Fabricius for Walter Knoll, three-seat sofa, black leather and steel, 1970s. This very beautiful black sofa with four square steel base's is very comfortable. The soft blac...
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1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

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Steel

Preben Fabricius Three-Seat Leather Sofa
Preben Fabricius Three-Seat Leather Sofa
H 29.34 in W 82.29 in D 29.93 in
Karl-Erik Ekselius Black Leather and Rosewood Sofa
By JOC Möbler, Karl-Erik Ekselius
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Karl-Erik Ekselius for JOC, sofa, leather and rosewood, Sweden, 1960s. This sofa features a rosewood frame with slatted back and an angular, geometric frame. It features a tufted ...
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1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

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Leather, Rosewood

Stouby Black Leather Settees in the Style of Børge Mogensen, Set of Three
Located in New York, NY
These three settees are in the style of Børge Mogensen and were manufactured by Stouby. Their design is one of clean lines and soft, rounded edges. The upholstery is a well-aged blac...
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20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

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Leather, Beech

Illum Wikkelso Sofa
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Rare and wonderful sofa designed by Illum Wikkelso for Mikael Laursen and Son, Denmark 1960. One of the best Danish sofas of the period with fantastic dark oak legs, this example ful...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

Illum Wikkelso Sofa
Illum Wikkelso Sofa
H 28.35 in W 81.89 in D 31.5 in
Børge Mogensen Style Black Scandinavian Danish Modern Leather Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Hudson, NY
Two-seat black leather sofa from Denmark in the manner of Børge Mogensen. Beautiful patinated black leather with solid beech wood legs. Stunning Danish design.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Leather, Beech

Midcentury Loveseat Attributed to Jens Risom
Located in Houston, TX
Midcentury loveseat attributed to Jens Risom, circa 1960. Newly upholstered.
Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees

Materials

Wood

Midcentury Loveseat Attributed to Jens Risom
Midcentury Loveseat Attributed to Jens Risom
H 29.5 in W 54.5 in D 23.25 in
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 Two-Seat Settee by Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjaerholm PK31 two-seat sofa designed in 1958 and produced by Fritz Hansen in 2007.
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21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

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Stainless Steel

Danish Modern Leather Settee
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This lovely little piece retains its original espresso brown leather which retains its suppleness while showing a lovely patina that leather only acquires with good age. Professio...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees

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Leather

Danish Modern Leather Settee
Danish Modern Leather Settee
H 31 in W 60 in D 31.5 in

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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