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.
Small Danish Slipper Chairs in Oak by Slagelse ca. 1950
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the sit...
Teak
Pair of Danish Midcentury Cocktail Lounge Chairs, ca. 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. Strong...
Wool, Beech
Danish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Mohair, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green mohair and beech lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed and produced by an unknown cabinetmaker, Denmark, c. 1940s. Seat height: 15"
Mohair, Beech
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Westnofa Scandinavian Rosewood Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Ingmar Relling
Located in Pasadena, TX
Westnofa Scandinavian rosewood lounge chair & ottoman by Ingmar Relling A Mid-Century Modern lounge chair and ottoman made in Nor...
Leather, Rosewood
Swedish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of stained oak and white bouclé fabric slipper lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Oak
Gilbert Rohde, Slipper Chair, Fabric, Wood, USA, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and stained wood slipper chair designed by Gilbert rohde and produced by Haywood Wakefield, USA, 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Organic Modern Leather Strap Chair Attr. to Borge Mogensen
Located in New York, NY
An Elegant, Scandinavian Mid-century Organic Modern Design Bentwood and Leather lounge / club / slipper chair attributed to Borge Mogensen. The piece has a sensuous line and form and...
Leather, Bentwood
Vintage Congo Chair by Theo Ruth for Artifort, in new tan tweed upholstery
Designed by Theo Ruth, this Congo Chair was produced for Artifort furniture in the 1950s. This single chair has been reupholstered in a period-appropriate box-weave wool tweed. Pleas...
Upholstery, Wood, Hardwood
Little Petra Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Sheepskin with oiled Walnut Frame
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibits in New York and Berlin. I...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Little Petra Lounge Chair in Sheepskin with Oak Frame by & Tradition
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibi...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Midcentury Danish Modern IB Kofod Larsen Selig Penguin Chairs
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a set of 2 original 'Penguin' chairs designed by IB Kofod Larsen for Selig. These chairs were designed in 1953 and had a limited production through the 1960s....
Metal
Petite Danish Teak Slipper Chair by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for Søborg -3 Available
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Small-scale/low profile teak easy / slipper chair model 501/ 'Japan' designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen for Søborg Møbler (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Three available - sold individually. Com...
Teak
Matched Pair PK22 Lounge Chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Buffalo, NY
Matched pair early PK22 lounge chairs by Poul Kjærholm for E Kold Christensen.. retain original black naugahyde, one chair top corners in need or repair (see photo), E. Kold Christe...
Stainless Steel
$1,037Sale Price|40% Off
80s, Danish Adjustable Lounge Chair, Hs Design, Nubuck Leather, Solid Teak Wood
By Dhs Designs
Located in Tarm, 82
Danish adjustable lounge chair. Made in about 1980 by HS Design. Refreshed by furniture craftsman at Retro Møbler Galleri. Original upholstery. Brown natural...
Brass
$14,500 / set
Pair of 1940s Otto Schulz Easy Chairs
By Otto Schulz
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of luxurious "Schulz" easy chairs by Otto Schultz for Jio Möbler, Sweden. Very early edition featuring large and curved back rests professionally re-upholstered in a grey velvet...
Velvet, Wood
Carl-Johan Boman Rare Pair of Ivory Velvet Tufted Easy Chairs, Finland, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
Carl-Johan Boman for Oy Boman AB rare pair of ivory velvet easy, lounge or slipper chairs with elegantly curved tufted backs and tapering stained maple legs, ...
Velvet, Maple
$16,100 / set
Erik Chambert Pair of Slipper Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Erik Chambert (1902–1988) was an influential Swedish interior architect, artist, and furniture designer. He began his career as an apprentice cabinetmaker, before graduating from Kon...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Teak Wook Slipper Chair in Rich Bouclé Misia Paris Fabric, Scandinavian 1960s
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
This chair features a refined Scandinavian design aesthetic, characterized by its clean lines, minimal silhouette, and warm natural materials. The frame is crafted from solid wood wi...
Fabric, Teak
Little Petra Lounge Chair in Sheepskin with Oak Frame by & Tradition
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibi...
Sheepskin, Oak
Danish Pair of Midcentury Slipper or Cocktail Lounge Chairs, 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool matching pair of Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require ex...
Teak
$2,246Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian Modern Scissor Lounge Chair by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic Scandinavian Modern Scissor lounge chair designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX. It is in wonderful vintage condition. The wood frame has been restored; however, there may still be small signs of age. We did have to fill some rather deep flaws in the wood. The straps have been replaced with appropriate new straps. And the foam cushions are new and newly upholstered. Please see photos, circa 1950s. Now you can get all your DUX in a row!! Sorry, I couldn’t resist. This is the iconic and beautiful Scissor Lounge Chair. It was designed by Folke Ohlsson for his company DUX, Inc. purportedly in 1949. It is so incredible in its simplicity and when viewed from the side you can see immediately where it got its name. We are very excited about this wonderful chair here at our shop. Its walnut frame has been completely restored and we have replaced all the straps, which were beyond repair, with proper strapping. Plus, we have made new foam cushions and upholstered them in a fabulous black and taupe horizontal stripe fabric. Folke Ohlsson is a Scandinavian Modern Swedish furniture...
Fabric, Walnut
Aarne Ervi Attribution, Slipper Chair, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A slipper lounge chair attributed to Aarne Ervi, Finland, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 31.25” H x 20” W x 27” D Seat height: 16.25”
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Stained Beech, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of stained beech, rattan and orange fabric slipper chairs designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 15.88" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina
Fabric, Rattan, Beech
Danish Cabinetmaker, Slipper Chair, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige bouclé fabric and wood slipper lounge chair, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. 17.5” seat height
Fabric, Bouclé, Wood
Swedish Lounge Chairs by Hans-Harald Molander for Nordiska Kompaniet, NK
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Hans Harald Molander
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Rare lounge chairs designed by Hans-Harald Molander. Manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from black lacquered steel base with upholstered seats. ...
Steel
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chairs, Beech, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green velvet fabric and beech slipper lounge chairs attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat height 17”.
Fabric, Beech
PK20 Easy Chair by Poul Kjaerholm
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern PK20 lounge chair designed by Poul Kjærholm. This early PK20 lounge chair features a high-back scoop seat with perfectly patinated channeled leather up...
Steel
Little Petra Lounge Chair & Ottoman in Sheepskin with oiled Oak Frame
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibits in New York and Berlin. I...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Teak Slipper Chair Ottoman Set By Gerhard Berg
By P.I. Langlos Fabrikker AS Stranda
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This striking Scandinavian Modern teak lounge chair and ottoman set was designed in 1959 by Norwegian furniture designer and architect Gerhard Berg. This model was designed for the "...
Fabric, Teak
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 17.5 in D 23 in
3 Mid-Century Modern Neoclassical Slipper / Lounge Chairs, Pierre Lottier, 1940
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Slipper, Fireplace or Lounge Chairs in dark green leather by French / Spanish designer, Pierre Lottier.The chairs are in a neoclasslical X frame form in wood with leather cov...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Slender Italian Stitched Leather Lounge Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of slender Italian stitched leather lounge chairs. Two more available, so four total for $3,600.
Chrome
$2,300 / set
H 38.19 in W 25.6 in D 35.44 in
Norwegian "Siesta" Lounge Chair and Ottoman Designed by Ingmar Relling
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Genuine black leather and bentwood that gives an aesthetic definition with the typical Scandinavian narrative. Both pieces are in excellent condition, having been used very little an...
Leather, Wood, Bentwood
$3,962 / set
H 27.56 in W 22.05 in D 27.56 in
Set of 2 Model 141 Lounge Chairs by Joseph Andre Motte for Artifort, 1950's
By Artifort, Joseph-André Motte
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This rare model 141 lounge chair was designed by Joseph-André Motte for Steiner (in France) in the 1950's. It was produced, under licence, by Dutch furniture manufacturer Artifort fr...
Metal
Needlepoint Upholstered Slipper Chair
Located in Kittery Point, ME
Of typical form, raised on legs ending in casters.
Wood, Fabric
$1,057
H 38.59 in W 24.02 in D 33.08 in
1970’s, Norwegian design, "Siesta" lounge chair by Ingmar Relling, black leather
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Norwegian design, relax chair model 'Siesta' by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa. Original good condition with nice patina. No smells and no stains. Black leather, canvas, and bent...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
$5,450 / set
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 27.56 in
Jens Risom Pair of 'Vostra' Lounge Chairs with Ottoman in Canvas Webbing
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Risom for Walter Knoll, pair of 'Vostra' chairs with ottoman, beech, canvas, brass, United States, design 1941, production 1950s An elegant lounge chair with ottoman featuring ...
Brass
$6,625 / item
H 30 in W 32 in D 26 in
Little Petra Lounge Chair in Sheepskin with Oak Frame by & Tradition
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibi...
Sheepskin, Oak
$2,250 / set
H 30.5 in W 22 in D 27 in
1980s Slipper Lounge Chairs in Original Checkered Fabric Mid Century Modern
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Slipper Lounge Chairs, American, circa 1980s. They retain their original checkered fabric in burgundy and tan colors, which looks to be inspired by a pair of Vans skating...
Upholstery, Wood
$6,200
H 31.38 in W 30 in D 30 in
Pierre Chapo Inspired Slipper Chair Upholstered and in Walnut by Boyd & Allister
Located in Santa Fe, NM
This Pierre Chapo inspired slipper chair in walnut is inspired by one of my favorite mid century designers and his Lo9 slipper chair. I was drawn to the low profile and pleasing prop...
Linen, Walnut
$8,200
H 31 in W 45 in D 36 in
Adrian Pearsall Channeled Post Modern Slipper Chair in Ivory White Bouclé
By Comfort Designs, Inc., Adrian Pearsall
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Channeled and plush post modern chair designed by Adrian Pearsall for Comfort Designs, Inc. If you're seeking a chair to wind down and relax in - the sort you can sit in for hours and enjoy - this is it. Every inch of this slipper chair is soft, upholstered and well cushioned. A modern space odyssey look with a channeled seat...
Upholstery, Bouclé
Gilbert Rohde Side Chair
Located in New York, NY
Linen blend upholstery with wood legs.
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 27.56 in D 24.02 in
Pair of Model FD 137/1 ‘Japan’ Lounge Chairs by Finn Juhl, 1960s
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
An exceptional pair of Model FD 137/1 ‘Japan’ lounge chairs by Finn Juhl, produced by France & Søn. A refined embodiment of Danish modernism, where craftsmanship, comfort, and cu...
Fabric, Wool, Linen, Teak
Sold
H 28.5 in W 27 in D 25 in
Danish Midcentury Slipper or Cocktail Lounge Chair Floral Fabric , 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very charming Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from ca. 1950. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. W...
Teak
Sold
H 31.11 in W 24.02 in D 27.56 in
Rare Swedish Modern Lounge Chairs by Hans-Harald Molander for Nordiska Kompaniet
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Hans Harald Molander
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Rare lounge chairs designed by Hans-Harald Molander. Manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden during the 1950s. Made from black lacquered steel base with upholstered seats. ...
Steel
Jørgen Bækmark, Slipper Chair, Oak, Shearling, Denmark, 1960s
By FDB Møbler
Located in High Point, NC
An oak, brass and beige shearling slipper lounge chair designed by Jørgen Bækmark and produced by FDB Møbler, Denmark, c. 1960s. Reupholstered in brand new authentic shearling. Dim...
Sheepskin, Oak
Paul Laszlo Attribution, Slipper Chairs, Oak, Velvet, USA, 1940s
By Paul Laszlo
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brown velvet and stained oak slipper chairs or lounge chairs attributed to Paul Laszlo, USA, c. 1940s. Sourced from estate along with other documented Laszlo works. Dimen...
Velvet, Oak
Erik Karlén Attribution, Slipper Chair, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1950s
By Eric Karlén
Located in High Point, NC
A white bouclé fabric and birch slipper lounge chair attributed to Erik Karlén for Firma Rumsinteriör, Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat Height: 16.75"
Fabric, Birch
Danish Midcentury Cocktail Lounge Chair, 1950's
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A very cool Danish slipper or cocktail chairs from the 1950s. Very comfortable and light weight and thus easy to move around when the situation and guests require extra seating. Wel...
Wool, Beech
Sold
H 28 in W 27 in D 26 in
John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder, Slipper Chair, Walnut, Cane, Fabric, USA, 1950s
By John Lubberts and Lambert Mulder, Tomlinson
Located in High Point, NC
A walnut, cane and white fabric slipper chair designed by John Lubberts & Lambert Mulder and produced by Tomlinson, USA, 1950s. Seat height 17”.
Fabric, Cane, Walnut
Finnish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of light beige fabric and wood slipper lounge chairs designed and produced in Finland, 1940s. Seat height 15”.
Fabric, Wood
Sven Staaf, Lounge Chair, Shearling, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Sven Staaf
Located in High Point, NC
A beige shearling, wood and brass lounge chair designed and produced by Sven Staaf, Sweden, 1940s. seat height 16.5”.
Sheepskin, Wood
Finnish Designer, Slipper Chairs, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of white bouclé fabric and birch slipper lounge chairs designed and produced in Finland, 1940s. Seat height 16”.
Fabric, Birch
Sold
H 28 in W 24 in D 29 in
Mid century Scandinavian Modern teak frame slipper lounge chair shearling
By John Stuart Inc., France & Søn
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Beautiful minimalist Scandinavian Modern slipper lounge Chair by France & Son - Made in Denmark. Solid geometric teak frame with high quality joints with brand new Holly Hunt shearli...
Wool, Teak