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Scandinavian Modern Sofas

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:  Brown
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Long Norwegian Modern Exposed Teak Sofa with Original Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern sofa with a continuous, exposed teak arm / back trim (Norway, ca. 1960s). Retains the original upholstery composed of a charcoal wool frame with a contrasting cush...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Märta Blomstedt Sofa, Finland, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Märta Blomstedt and produced in Finland in the 1940s. The sofa has been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a w...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch, Bouclé

Otto Schulz Curved Swedish Sofa, circa 1940
Located in London, GB
Sweeping curved sofa by Swedish master Otto Schulz designed and produced in the early 1940s. The legs are stained elm wood and the sofa has been reupholstered in soft wool fabric fro...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Elm

Pair of Wood and Leather Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1960
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and leather Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1960.
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Arne Jacobsen Sofa Produced by Cabinetmaker Otto Meyer in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Unique freestanding sofa designed by Arne Jacobsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Otto Meyer in Denmark. Provenance: Publisher Fergo, hence by descent in th...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

BO 563 Three Seat Sofa by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BO 563 - 3-seater sofa with frame of matt chromed steel and cushions of brown leather. Maker Bo-Ex.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Lovely Sofa and Daybed of White Wool by Ire Möbler, 1950s, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
This unique and lovely vintage sofa and bed sofa was produced by IRE Möbler (still active today) in the 1950s, Sweden. The back is removable in which makes this a perfect extra bed a...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wool, Birch

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Sofa by France & Daverkosen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa/daybed model Minerva designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen Sofa Produced in Søborg Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen. Produced in Søborg Møbler in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Sofa Model Trienna Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model Trienna designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs. Produced in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wool, Walnut

Folke Ohlsson Sofa Model Colorado Produced by Bodafors in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Colorado designed by Folke Ohlsson. Produced by Bodafors in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Fabric

Designer's Leather Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Solid and best quality in w...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Svante Skogh Four-Seat Bodö Sofa by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Svante Skogh four-seat Bodö sofa by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s This rare four-seat Bodö sofa was designed by Svante Skogh and produced in Sweden ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Sofa Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and curved sofa by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Beech

Børge Mogensen Sofa / Daybed Model 4311/4312 by Fredericia in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa / daybed model 4311/4312 designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia stolefabrik in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Sofa Model Trienna Designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Walnut and leather. Excellent vintage condition with signs of usage and patina.  
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Swedish Modern Oversized Sofa, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant, oversized Swedish Modern sofa, in a U-formed design, slightly shorter on one end. Mahogany veneer encircles the sides and inside. Upholst...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Scandinavian Kengu Sofa in Brown Leather by Solheim for Rykken, Norway
Located in Halle, DE
Scandinavian 3-seat Kengu Sofa by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim. Manufactured by Rybo Rykken & Co. Norway, 1970s. Upholstered in original brown or caramel leather. Cantilevered constructi...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian sofa in teak. Seats will be reupholtered with fabric of your choice between Step Melange fabric from Gabriel. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa on eight-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated red leather. Model 4118. Executed by Rud. Ras...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Maija Ruoslahti Sofa Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Maija Ruoslahti. Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Finn Juhl Sofa Model BO55 by Bovirke in Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rare sofa model BO55 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Bovirke in Denmark. Legs of teak, upholstery of Hallingdal by Kvadrat.  
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Midcentury "Coupe" Sofa in Leather Designed by Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Model 2292 sofa in patinated leather, designed by Børge Mogensen and made by Fredericia furniture. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Sofa by Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking two-seat sofa in beech and leather back and seat with comfortable woven cushions, designed by Arne Norell for Aneby. Made in Sweden in the ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech, Fabric

Big and Curved 1930s Sofa Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and big curved sofa by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Rosewood Sven Ivar Dysthe Reupholstered 3-Seat Sofa & a Lounge Chair, 1950s
Located in Paris, France
Very elegant and chic, reupholstered 3-seater sofa and a lounge chair, 1950s, composed of solid rosewood in a wool blue navy stripe, attributed to Sven Ivar Dysthe. Sven Ivar Dysthe ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Arne Norell Leather Sofa, Model Indra, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Arne Norell Aneby Möbler, Sweden, 1960s. Rusty brown original leather. Good condition and signs of usage. Small damage on one of the leather straps on the back, see pict...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

BM 2213 by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 2213, reupholstered 3-seat sofa in elegance Indian red leather. Maker Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Sofa Model Moduline by France & Søn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare 4-seat sofa model Moduline designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind. Produced by France & Søn in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark, 1950s. Beech, teak and fabric. 2 adjustable positions.  
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Johannes Andersen Sofa Model Capri Produced by Trensum in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model Capri designed by Johannes Andersen. Produced by Trensum in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Model V11 Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model V11 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Pine Sofa by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s. Very good condition, solid and stable.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Sofa in Patinated Leather by Arne Norell, Made in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Two-seat sofa in beautiful patinated leather, wood frame and brass hardware. Model Ilona designed by Swedish architect Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB in the 1960s.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

1950s AP32-S Danish Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A. P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored and fully upholstered sofa floating on well-scaled turned oak dowel legs. Model AP32-S by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen in original upholstery.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wool, Oak

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist Paradise Sofa Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning paradise sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1958. This sofa has very nice typical for that time organic shapes, and curved organic legs...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Slagelse Mobelvaerk Model 188 Loveseat, Denmark 1950s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Great form and quality construction in this curvy, modern loveseat. Note kidney shaped seat. Newly upholstered in a stripy cut-velvet in mossy green. Tight back and seat. A nice exam...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

2-Seat Sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Extremly rare and comfortable 2-seat sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden. Produced during the late 1960s. Brand's mark underneath the sofa graved in the pine wood. With co...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Rare Scandinavian Modern Sofa Model 168/4 by France & Son
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 168/4 sofa designed in 1962 by Charles ‘Fearnley’ France, the boss of France & Son. Produced from solid teak with black leather upholstery, this sofa i...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Danish Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, wood, Denmark, 1960s This well-executed sofa convinces visually through the well-balanced appearance and the stabile construction. The corpus is based on understated s...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Bernt Petersen Sofa Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark. Easy chair is also available.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Oak

Pine sofa design David Rosén model "Berga", Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s. Good condition, solid and stable.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Poul Volther Sofa or Daybed Model Diva / 981 by Gemla in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa or daybed model Diva / 981 designed by Poul Volther. Produced by Gemla in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Scandinavian Sofa Modell 807 by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Lenestolfabrikk A/S
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sofa model 807 by Fredrik Kayser for Vatne Lenestolfabrikk A/S, Norway. This high-quality sofa with timeless design is upholstered in cognac colo...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960s Fredrik Kayser Rosewood Sofa and Lounge Chair by Vatne
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fredrik Kayser 3-seat rosewood sofa and lounge chair by Vatne This very elegant four-seat sofa set was designed by one of Norway's most iconic Designers, Fredrik A. Kayser f...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Midcentury Rare Carl Malmsten Velvet "Samsas" Sofa Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This midcentury icon sofa was designed by Carl Malmsten and this one was produced by O.H Sjögren. The sofa has a rare fabric in shifting red/pink velvet. ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet

Midcentury Sofa module set Saga with table by Gunnar Sørlie 1958, Norway
Located in Stockholm, SE
Special and rare midcentury sofa set named Saga- including a teaktable that can be removed and placed where you wish. New upholstery in beige soft fabric. Leather piping around the seatedges. Teaklegs and trunk. This set is designed by Gunnar Sørlie...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Teak

Slatted Bench 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 Sofas

Materials

Teak

3-Seat Sofa by Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered 3-seat sofa in Sunniva 2 (col. 152) with frame of patinated oak. Maker Søren Willadsen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

BM 2212 by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 2212 - Reupholstered 2-seat sofa in black pleasure with legs in walnut. Maker Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling sofa produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling. Produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway.
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Åke Nilsson 'Roma' sofa by DUX, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning walnut sofa model 'Roma' by Swedish designer Åke Nilsson. Produced by DUX, Sweden, 1960s. Very high quality and lovely grain.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Sofa by Thorald Madsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa in beige Hallingdal wool with legs in stained beech. Maker Thorald Madsen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Scandinavian Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern sofas 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 sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern sofas 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 sofas, popular names associated with this style include Børge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, Arne Norell, and Fredericia. 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 sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $550 and tops out at $106,195 while the average work can sell for $6,409.

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