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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
Creator: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist 'Holmqvist' Paradiset Sofa, Sweden, 1964
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kerstin Horlin Holmquist is a Swedish designer. This sofa was made for Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1950's. This was part of her Paradise design. This is the larger version. It features...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Lambskin, Teak

Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Paradise Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist design sofa for her Paradise collection by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden. Elegant lines combined with high quality construction make for a pretty and comfortabl...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Armchairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler, 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful armchairs "Skrindan" by Kerstin Horlin-Holmqvist for OPE Mobler, 1963, with elaborately crafted walnut frame and loose, tufted, geometrically textured, sand colored cushion...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Paradise Sofa by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in San Francisco, CA
A tufted sofa from the Paradise collection by Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet with beech legs and upholstered in a brown sateen velvet with a twisted cord trim detail...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa
Located in Dallas, TX
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" sofa designed in 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. Newly upholstered in a plush boucle' in gray with white buttons for accent.
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Paradiset Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for NK
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This Paradiset sofa from the Triva collection was designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in Sweden. The characteristic Hörlin-Holmqv...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Scandinavian Modern sofa Skrindan by Kerstin Hörling Holmqvist, Material: Walnut
Located in Skå, SE
Enhance your living space with the exquisite Skrindan sofa, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned designer Kerstin Hörlin Holmqvist. With its impeccable style and exceptional comfort...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Walnut

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Curved Sofa for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Paradiset" sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet for the Triva collection. Triva was developed by Elias Svedberg and hi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech

Swedish Modern "Paradise" Sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Located in New York, NY
A modern Swedish "Paradise" Sofa by designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist (1925-1997) for Nordiska Kompaniet. Started in 1890, Nordiska Kompaniet is a manufacturing company that has coll...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

“Paradise” Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958
Located in Utrecht, NL
Renowned for her curvaceous chair and sofa designs that utilize wood and the then pioneering use of polystyrene, Swedish modernist architect and furniture designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist hails from a robust early-century generation of Scandinavian female furniture designers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Skrindan Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler Jönköping, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Skrindan” sofa model was designed in 1967 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her unco...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradiset" Sofa by NK, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist sofa model Paradiset. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, 1960s. Beech legs and velvet fabric.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

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

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 Sofas

Materials

Birch, Fabric

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

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 another Sofa Waiting to be Reupholstered. Send Us Your Fabric. Store fo...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Fabric

Related Items
"Stora Kraal" Easy Chair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The "Stora Kraal" easy chair was originally designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1952, and was quickly incorporated into Nordiska Kompaniet’s famous Tri...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Metal

"Skrindan" Armchairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and thanks to her uncompromising attitude, she created some of the most famous Swedish models of the era. The unique stained beech frames are a visual delight, with subtle decorative elements that distinguish this pair from other models of the era. Without worrying about short-lived trends and what other people thought, Hörlin-Holmquist created her models with such precision and creativity that still makes them collectible pieces. Thanks to her unique vision, these chairs have unmistakeable backs and sides comprised of symmetrically arranged spindles. As the backs and armrests sit relatively low, the chairs have an open look. The original upholstered, dark green-coloured loose back and seat cushions elevate the visual comfort. The subtle elements of decoration include the tufted buttons on the cushions, the upholstered armrests, and the tapered legs. OPE Möbler, Jönköping produced the furniture designs of some of Scandinavia’s most renowned designers, such as Ib Kofod-Larsen, Ingemar Thillmark, and of course, Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist. These Skrindan armchairs are exemplary of Swedish mid-century quality and design to their cores, uniting functionality with an understated, yet interesting and elegant design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The wood has some scratches and marks. The chairs have their original velvet upholstery. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 28.93 in W x 33.07 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 16.92 in; Arm height 23.22 in 73.5 cm W x 84 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 43 cm; Arm height 59 cm About the Designer: Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist was born on May 30, 1925 in Arvika, Sweden. She was a Swedish modernist architect and designer. Hörlin-Holmquist graduated from Stockholm’s Konstfack in 1952, and before that she studied and worked in England. She often worked with her husband Erik Holmquist, and together they modelled and created the pieces together. A key aspect for the couple was always to test their designs in their own home before completing a project. "I think both furniture and textiles, wherever they end up, must be kind, gentle and courteous, but without losing their character. They should have human qualities, not be pompous and only stand alone, but be able to adapt to the environment they end up in..." Hörlin-Holmquist worked and studied in England from 1946-1947 immediately after the war, where she also studied art history and became fascinated with the classic English upholstered furniture...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

1960s Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist Skrindan Armchair
Located in Nantwich, GB
1960s Skrindan armchair designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Sweden. Refurbished walnut frame and upholstered in Harlequin floral velvet fabric. Note: When buying or deliver...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Curved Sofa for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Paradiset" sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet for the Triva collection. Triva was developed by Elias Svedberg and hi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech

High Back Chair by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in San Francisco, CA
A tufted high back Adam lounge chair from the Paradise collection by Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet with beech legs and upholstered in a brown fabric and twisted cord trim detail along the seat and back edges. A matching sofa and low back Eve chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

"Skrindan" Armchair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Skrindan” armchair model was designed in 1963 by iconic Swedish designer, Kerstin Hörlin-Homquist. Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist had a unique and humanistic design vision, and tha...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Wood

Midcentury Modern Sofa "Skrindan" by Kerstin Horlin-Holmqvist, Sweden, 1967
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Rare three seat sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Homqvist during the 1967 in Sweden and produced at OPE (Olof Persson Fåtöljindustri) high quality furniture’s. Green original lacquer ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

“Paradise” Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958
Located in Utrecht, NL
Renowned for her curvaceous chair and sofa designs that utilize wood and the then pioneering use of polystyrene, Swedish modernist architect and furniture designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist hails from a robust early-century generation of Scandinavian female furniture designers...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Stora Eva" Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Stora Eva" chair designed in the 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch, Fabric

"Lilla Eva" Chair by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This “Lilla Eva” model is from the timeless and iconic Paradise Collection, which was created by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordiska Kompaniet. The nam...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradiset" Sofa by NK, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist sofa model Paradiset. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, 1960s. Beech legs and velvet fabric.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Chaise
Located in Chicago, IL
Made by: Nordiska Kompaniets Verkstäder, Sweden. Material: upholstery, beech. Size: 67 W × 30 D × 38.5 H in seat height 15 inches.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Chaise
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Chaise
H 38.5 in W 67 in D 30 in
Previously Available Items
Kerstin Horlin Holmquist Paradiset Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kerstin Horlin Holmquist design Paridiset sofa, newer dark teal mohair upholstery, very comfy and ready to install.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa
Located in San Francisco, CA
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist design petite sofa for her "Paradise" collection made by Nordiska Kompaniet. Sculpted horn shape birch legs with newer felt u...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Sheepskin 3-Seat Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist, Model "Paradiset"
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stunning 3-seat sofa model Paradiset by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist, Sweden. The organic shapes are significant for this (female) designer's designs during this era. This model was des...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin

"Paradiset" Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden 1950s
Located in New York, NY
"Paradiset" three-seat sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompagniet, NK, Sweden boasts an elegant and organic line, a strong feature of Swedish modern design. Wh...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Sofa by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist for Nordiska Komaniet
Located in San Francisco, CA
Sofa by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist for Nordiska Komaniet . An extremely rare sofa designed by Kerstin Horlin Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet. The sofa was designed for the "Triva" se...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Alpaca, Birch

"Paradiset" Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
"Paradiset" three-seat sofa designed by Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompagniet, NK, Sweden boasts an elegant and organic line, a strong feature of Swedish modern design. Wh...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradiset" Sofa by Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Utrecht, NL
'Paradiset' (Paradise) sofa by Swedish designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in all original condition, upholstered in a red wool fabric with black thread. Pa...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Fabric

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Curved Sofa for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Paradiset" sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet for the Triva collection. Triva was developed by Elias Svedberg and hi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Beech

Kerstin Horlin-Holmqvist, Sofa "Skrindan"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning leather sofa "Skrindan" by Kerstin Horlin-Holmqvist for OPE Mobler, 1963, with elaborately crafted walnut frame and loose, tufted, camel colored thick leather cush...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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 r...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Paradise Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Paradise sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, upholstered button tufted tight back with exposed Beech wood legs. Signed with applied foil manufacturer's lab...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech, Fabric

Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Located in Stockholm, SE
Extremely rare three-seat “Stora Familjen” (“Big Family”) sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for NK (Nordiska Kompaniet). Beech legs and original linen upholstery in very good condition.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Linen, Beech

Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist
H 24.41 in W 77.17 in D 31.11 in

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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