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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
Børge Mogensen Sofa Model 2213 by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model 2213 designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Carl Mamsten Samsas Sofa, circa 1923
Located in London, GB
First designed in 1923 for the Stockholm Concert Hall. Produced by O.H. Sjogren, Sweden. Reupholstered in Melton wool fabric from Abraham Moon. Oiled beech legs.
Category

1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

Sofa by Hans J. Wegner.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
JH 555, sofa in patinated oak reupholstered in Savak 14240. Maker Johannes Hansen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa for Cado in Senator Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern sofa designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951 and manufactured by Cado (France & Son). Striking and comfortable seating addition to home or business setting. Please confi...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth Sofa by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model U56 / Elizabeth designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark. Queen Elizabeth II purchased a pair of easy chairs in 1958 and since th...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Sofa Model 480 by Alf. Juul Rasmussen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model 480 designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Produced by Alf. Juul Rasmussens polstermøbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Nanna Ditzel Freestanding Sofa by Knud Willadsen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Produced by Knud Willadsen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Handsome Nanna Ditzel Style Four-Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa, Midcentury Danish
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Nanna Ditzel style four-seat sculptural teak sofa. This sofa is very high quality and well crafted retaining it's original blue wool uphols...
Category

1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Arne Norell Safari Sofa Tropical Swedish 1960 Leather Bench
Located in Lyon, FR
Unique sofa of the 1960s of the designer Arne Norell in massive mahogany and black leather. New Tropical cotton fabric remakes.   
Category

1660s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly Reupholstered
Located in Lyon, FR
First edition for this sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. Scandinavian sofa Freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Linen, Mahogany

Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa or Bench by Næstved Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bench or sofa designed by Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Produced by Næstved Møbler in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

2-Seat Sofa by Unknown Architect
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered 2-seat sofa in new fabric (Colline 568) with legs of beech. Unknown maker.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Finn Juhl BO46 Sofa for Bovirke, 1946
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl two person BO46 sofa upholstered with off-white wool, tapering legs of stained beech. Designed by Finn Juhl, 1946 and manufactured by Bovirke,...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

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

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Two-Tone AP33 Sofa by Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Dorchester, MA
The strong, clean lines of the AP33 sofa, designed by Hans Wegner for A.P. Stolen in the mid-1950s, make it a perfect fit for a contemporary environment. Set on ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Beautiful Leather and Mahogany Sofa in the Style of Frits Henningsen
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful leather and mahogany sofa in the style of Frits Henningsen.
Category

1990s American Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood, Mahogany

Rare Jacob Kjaer Sofa with 8 Tapered Legs
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 Sofas

Materials

Wood, Alpaca

Finn Juhl Sofa Model BO55 by Bovirke in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model BO55 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Bovirke in Denmark.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Scandinavian Design Seating Set
Located in Praha, CZ
- Armchair and sofa - Well preserved - Original upholstery - Table not included - 1970s - Dimensions of armchair: W 65, H 78, D 80, SH 39 cm.
Category

1970s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Moduline Rosewood Sofa Love Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The iconic moduline sofa designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Son, Denmark, 1960. This sofa has a solid rosewood frame and flawless wool covered seats.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Norwegian Three-Seat Sofa from Soda Galvano, 1960
Located in Catonvielle, FR
This solid ash and leather three-seater sofa was produced in Norway by Soda Galvano during the 1960s. It features a solid ash frame and patinated leather upholstery. Comfortable and ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rare Ludvig Pontoppidan Sofa, Denmark 1940
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare, large sofa designed by Ludvig Pontoppidan, manufactured in Denmark around 1940 by himself. This eye-catching sofa has a wonderful warm brown wooden frame with spokes in the ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Nanna Ditzel Style Four Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa Mid-Century Danish Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Scandinavian modern four seat sofa with sculpted teak arms and substantial solid teak legs, made by Pi Langlos Fabrikker- often attributed to Nanna Ditzel. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Børge Mogensen Leather Sofa Coupe 2192 for Fredericia
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Børge Mogensen designed this leather Sofa Coupe model 2192 for Fredericia Stolefabrik. It´s a semianilne brown leather with walnut feet. A Danish masterpiece of upholstery design a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Additional Chairs by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of additional chairs by Mogens Koch. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Mahogany and black leather. The reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Four-Seat Sofa by Hans Olsen, White/ Ivory Leather with Rosewood Legs. Restored.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early Hans Olsen long four-seat sofa with Brazilian rosewood legs. This has undergone a complete restoration and upholstered in butter soft ivory leather. Comfortable and stunning.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Leather Webbing Sofa by Gustaf Hiort Af Ornäs
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa by Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, made from beech with sculptural details. The amazing leather webbing backrest makes this sofa a real room jewel. Pillows an...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Beech, Leather

Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
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 Sofas

Materials

Wool

Scandinavian Spokeback Sofa, 1940s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A beautiful sofa, manufactured in Scandinavia in the 1940s. The elegant shape of the backrest is what makes this sofa stand out. Made of high quality lacquered wood and with spoke...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Hans J. Wegner Two-Seat Sofa in Oak and Fabric for AP Stolen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner two-seat sofa in oak and wool upholstery, model AP20. Executed by AP Stolen, Denmark.    
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Wool

Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant, feminine three-seat sofa from the “Paradis” series by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for NK (Nordiska Kompaniet). Reupholstered with an off-white wool Hallingdal fabric.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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 Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Roll Arm Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A straight-back roll arm sofa retaining its original brown wool strie´ upholstery, the seating element having a comfortable pitch and elevated by solid squared teak legs.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

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 Sofas

Materials

Steel

High-Backed Sofa by Hvidt and Molgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored and sculptural high-backed button-tufted sofa, the upholstered body resting on substantial turned teak dowel legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, 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 Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sculptural, tailored and fully upholstered (and very comfortable) sofa floating on well-scaled turned oak dowel legs and retaining its original cream strie´ wool fabric.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Simple Sled Sofa by Kho Liang Ie
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple sofa on a chromed steel sled base in the original upholstery.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Danish Modern Sofa in White Oak, Attributed to Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Norwalk, CT
Capture the spirit of the 1970's with this fabulous sofa attributed to Henning Kjærnulf. Crafted from quarter-sawn white oak, the frame features a slatted wingback and sculpted handr...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

KK 4118 3-Seat Sofa in Niger Leather by Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 4118, 3-seat sofa with solid mahogany crossed legs and new niger leather. Designed in 1929. Maker Rud. Rasmussen.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Modern sofa with corduroy upholstery 1940’s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare cabinet maker sofa made in Sweden in the 1940’s by a very skilled Swedish craftsman, the sofa is a very good example of the quality of the period both in Swedish modern but also...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Danish 3 seater sofa, Rosewood and Leather by Grete Jalk for Poul Jepessen 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa. Frame entirely in solid Rosewood, seat structure in redone rubber tape. Very elegant design, very good manufacturing quality. The seat and back cushions can...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

“Model 214” Two-Seater Sofa by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Møbelværk, Denmark 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Model 214” sofa was designed by Danish designer and architect Kurt Olsen during the 1960s and unifies some of the best characteristics of the Danish Mid-Century Modern movement’...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Wood

Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish two-seater sofa is an early example of Nordic mid-century modern design and of outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their us...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Sofa by Arne Vodder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa in walnut and beech with new cushions upholstered in Hallingdal 407. Arne Vodder / Bovirke.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Walnut

Sofa in Patinated Leather and Boucle, Designed by Otto Schulz
Located in Lejre, DK
Sofa in leather and boucle. Designed by Otto Schulz and made by Boet AB. Great condition.  
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Danish Midcentury Sofa in Wool Leather by Børge Mogensen, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Sofa in original wool designed by MAA. Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Møbelfabrik. Outstanding quality and very comfortable. Great original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Sofa Loveseat Adrian Pearsall Style Scandinavian
Located in Basel, BS
Solid Teak frame Original Danish Mid Century Modern very long Gondola Sofa. This design is pleasing to the eye and versatile in a Mid Century, Post Modern, as well as Modern decor. ...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

2 Seater by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 2212 - 2 seater sofa in patinated brown leather on teak legs. Børge Mogensen / Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Scandinavian Modern Muslinge or Clam Sofa
Located in Kramfors, SE
Muslinge sofa or Clam sofa designed in 1944 likely by Philip Arctander. The sofa is manufactured by Sune Johanssons Möbelfabrik in Nässjö, Sweden. The sofa i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood

Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
Located in London, GB
A vintage model 6092 three to four seat sofa designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940. The settee stands on eight tapered solid mahogany legs which give the design gracefulness and lightness despite its size. The sofa is upholstered in its original 'Greek Fabric...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Sofa by Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl BO 46 - Organic shaped sofa with newer upholstery in light and dark green wool and beech legs. Designed and made in the 1940s. Maker Bov...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Danish Upholstered Two-Seater Sofa with Beech Legs, Denmark ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This Danish-made freestanding sofa is characterized by the best qualities of Danish mid-century design; from the restrained aesthetic to the elegant pairing of materials, this two-se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Linen, Wood

Teak and Cane Sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Very elegant and high end Danish Mid-century three-seat sofa by Hans Olsen for Juul Kristensen from the 1950s. This eyecatcher is from the same period and series as the modular TV Bench...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Teak

Rare and Gorgeous Pair of Danish Curved Sofas from the 1940s
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional pair of beautiful three-seat curved sofas from the 1940s. Designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940s. Perfect condition, fully restored and newly upholstered in th...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Upholstery, Oak, Fabric

KK 6092 Sofa by Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 6092 two-seat sofa. Two pieces in stock. Maker Rud. Rasmussen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

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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