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
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
Børge Mogensen Leather Coupé Sofa Model 2192
Located in New York, NY
This semi-aniline brown leather coupé sofa was designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia in the 1960s. Structurally, the sofa has a high, cushioned back, reminiscent of a wingback ar...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Walnut
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
Jacob Kjaer Sofa in Patinated Reddish Brown Leather and Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Jacob Kjaer, Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
This sofa is attributed to the Danish cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer. The design truly intensifies the experience of sitting by means of the impressive construction featuring delicate lines and curved shapes. The backrest develops gracefully into the armrests in a curvaceous movement, which contributes to the sofa’s solid and stabile appearance. Kjaer decided to stay modest with decoration by implementing tufted buttons on the seat, which add a grandiose touch to the sofa. The patinated leather radiates a vibrant reddish brown...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage Cane Back Teak Settee by Hans Olsen
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 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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Mahogany Frame
By Ole Wanscher
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
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Wood, Ash
Viggo Boesen, "Attribution" Settee, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By E.V.A. Nissen & Co. 1, Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of lounge chairs. Design attributed to Viggo Boesen. Presumably produced by E. V. A. Nissen & Co., Denmark. c. 1940s-1950s.
In moulded bamboo with rattan / cane details.
Sea...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Fabric
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
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Rosewood, Upholstery
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
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
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...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Steel, Chrome
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
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.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
1960s GE671 Settee by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA in Laminated Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Rope, Oak
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Birch, Fabric
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...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric
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
1960s Danish Sculpted Sofa by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
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...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen settee from the 1940s. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
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
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 ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Teak
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
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.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Steel
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...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Teak
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" sofa designed in 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. Note: We have a matching sofa that needs to be reupholstered. Send us your fabric. St...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Birch, Fabric
Rare Jacob Kjaer Sofa with 8 Tapered Legs
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant Jacob Kjaer sofa with 8 legs, tight seat and back restored in a luxurious pale rose Prima Alpaca Fabric from Sandra Jordan.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Wood, Alpaca
Kaare Klint Model 4118 Two-Seat Box Sofa by Rud Rasmussen
Located in London, GB
A two-seat 4118 settee designed by Kaare Klint and made by a master cabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, circa 1940. The exquisitely sharp yet flowing lines of the sofa make the h...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Linen, Mahogany
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
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Oak
Hans Wegner GE-671 Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-671 sofa designed in 1967 and produced by Getama. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Wool
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...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Børge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa
By Borje Skohg
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
High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen
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...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Classic Midcentury Danish Frits Henningsen Settee, ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish settee by the Master himself, Frits Henningsen. Very elegant and stylish yet simple and refined. Comfortable and supportive. Solid and sturdy design.
Upholstered at a...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Wool, Beech
Finn Juhl Rare Settee / Couch c 1947
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare sofa, similar to the Poet Sofa, designed for a "Bachelor's Apartment" for the "Tidens Møbler 1947" exhibition, Copenhagen by Finn Juhl. During this...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Sculptural Danish Beach and Teak Settee b Jens Hjorth, Randers Stolefabrik 1950s
Located in Buffalo, NY
Sculptural Danish beach and teak settee designed by Jens Hjorth, Randers Stolefabrik 1950s Professionally restored reupholstered. Superior quality and cons...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Teak
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" sofa designed in 1955 and produced by O.H. Sjogren.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Kaare Klint Settee
By Kaare Klint
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kaare Klint settee designed in 1935 and produced by Rud Rasmussen. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Fabric, Leather, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samspel" sofa designed in 1955 and produced
by OH Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Frits Henningsen settee of oak and its original ivory leather upholstery with nailhead trim. Features a high wingback and half moon armrests. Designed in Denmark, circa 1940.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Oak
Borge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Borge Mogensen Model #2208 Two-Seat Sofa Designed in 1963 and Produced By Fredericia
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Borge Mogensen Leather Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Borge Mogensen Brown Leather Settee Produced By Fredericia Stolefabrik. Original Leather. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Settees
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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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