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.
Elegant Three-Seat Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
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.
Fabric, Wood
Wittorin sofa (2 modules), modular sofa in walnut and green upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed by Caisa Leifsdotter for ToneArt and based on historical designs by her architect father, the Wittorin Sofa is a modular sofa configuration. The design language of the seri...
Fabric, Walnut
Danish Modern Four Seat Teak "Senator" Sofa by Ole Wanscher for France and Son
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon four-seat sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son as part of his 'Senator' line (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of a dense slat-back teak frame, designed with a partia...
Upholstery, Teak
1970s De Sede Ds47 Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Turners Falls, MA
De Sede DS47 Black Leather Sofa. Sofa has an extendable seat for more sitting depth. De Sede is known for its high quality 5mm thick Buffalo Leather. Made in Switzerland.
Leather
Erik Jørgensen Two-Seat Sofa, model EJ315. New upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Oak
Kaare Klint Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 2 persons sofa with legs of mahogany. Seat, sides and back upholstered with wool. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Fabric, Mahogany
Unique 2-seater sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Probably unique 2-seat sofa handcrafted massive pine sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson and executed in Ågesta 1970s, Sweden. This sofa (and a 3-seater, also available) was specially made f...
Pine
Contemporary Large Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Pergamena 017, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Large 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 299 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. Upholstery: Dedar - Pergamena 017. Plinth: Low Plinth...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
1970s, Danish 3-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa, red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa. Original red furniture velour, ash wood legs, springs in the seat cushions. Double sided seat cushions. Original good condition: no sm...
Fabric, Velvet, Ash
2020 CH163 3 Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Smoked Oak & Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH163 Three-Seater Sofa designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid smoke oiled oak frame and red leather upholstery...
Leather, Oak
Sculptural Danish Cabinetmaker Sofa with Exotic Wood Frame, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The influence of the Art Deco movement was significant on early Scandinavian modernism, resulting in a unique aesthetic mixture based on traditional craftsmanship and quality. In thi...
Wood, Fabric
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original salmon pink furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original salmon pink furniture velour, springs in the seat, beech wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. ...
Velvet, Beech
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa Model 2213, Teak Legs, Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with jepard aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather
Off-White Alpaca Sofa with Wood Details, Denmark 1960s
Located in Chicago, IL
A curvy profile Danish Modern sofa from the 1960s. This stunning piece has been freshly upholstered in a soft, off-white alpaca fabric and features button tufts along the backrest. T...
Alpaca, Wood
Early produced Børge Mogensen "Tremme" Sofa Model 1789
Located in Handewitt, DE
Old „Tremme Sofa“, model 1789 by Børge Mogensen for Fritz Hansen 1945. Børge Mogensen designed this sofa 1945 and the start of producti...
Fabric, Beech
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original black leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa mo...
Rosewood, Leather
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Yang 95, HIgh Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat. Setup 4. Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 370 cm x D. 230.5 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. Upholstery:...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
$2,109Sale Price|33% Off
Wonderful Danish Sofa Attributed to Hans Wegner
Located in Munich, DE
Elegant oak base. Very light construction.
Oak
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...
Wool, Teak
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, blue furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original blue furniture velour, oak wood legs, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactu...
Velvet, Oak
$8,607 / item
Custom Made Love Seat Sofa by Alfred Christensen
Located in London, England
A custom-made new edition of this classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Christensen. This re-edition is produced under license in Sweden by Dagmar and av...
Sheepskin, Fabric, Mohair, Bouclé, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Danish Modern 4-Seat Teak Base Sofa, Original Fabric Presents Well
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Modern 4-Seat Teak Base Sofa, Original Fabric Presents Well Offered for sale is a mid-century Danish Modern sofa with a teak base. The sofa presents well and is in clean cond...
Fabric, Teak
Dark Rattan 3-Seater Sofa with Velour Cautions, 1980s
Located in Rīga, LV
Dark rattan 3-seater sofa with vermilion red-orange velour cautions. A 2-seater sofa, a lounge chair, and a coffee table from this set are available. H(total/frame) 84/77 cm, h(seat...
Fabric, Rattan
Curved Banana Sofa in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Örebro, SE
Cool banana shaped soffa, in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s. Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. The original fabric shows wear, this one is a great candidate for reuphols...
Wool, Beech
1970s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Arne Norell.
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Arne Norell. Original multicolor furniture fabric, furniture mesh, dark beech wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable cons...
Fabric, Rattan, Beech
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.
Pine
Swedish Three-Seater Conversation Sofa, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish three-seater sofa recalls the distinctive curves of the Art Deco period, while material and cabinetmaking-wise being a true Swedish Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this sofa is exceptionally cosy and elegant, a statement piece that is also referred to as a conversation sofa...
Wood, Fabric
Little Petra Sofa by Viggo Boesen in Sheepskin Moonlight & Oiled Oak, for &T
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Based on Viggo Boesen’s original drawings from the 1930s, Little Petra VB2 promises the same exceptional craftsmanship as the lounge chair – but with even more space for you to sink ...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Rattan sofa, attributed to Viggo Boesen, Denmark, 1960s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rattan and cane. Good vintage condition, with minor signs of usage and patina.
Cane, Rattan
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2209, Denmark, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstery with walnut elegance aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2209, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Teak
1960s, Danish velour 2 seater drop arm sofa, velour, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish "Spanish" drop arm sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Cherry red furniture velour, ash wood legs. Double-sided se...
Velvet, Ash
1950s, Danish 2-seater drop arm/back sofa, cherry-red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater drop arm/back sofa. Cherry-red furniture velour, beech wood legs with brass wheels, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 20 yea...
Brass
Carl Malmsten Oak "Visingsö" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The famous “Visingsö” series demonstrates Carl Malmsten’s fine sense of proportion, line tension and balance between the surfaces, and how skilfully he carried in the heritage of tra...
Bouclé, Oak
Nanna Ditzel Freestanding Sofa by Knud Willadsen in Denmark
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Produced by Knud Willadsen in Denmark.
Fabric, Oak
$5,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Customizable Walnut Leather Essex Sofa in Scandinavian Modern Design
Located in New York, NY
Part of the Essex collection, this sofa brings a refined, architectural touch to modern interiors. Upholstered in premium leather, it offers a luxurious seating experience while main...
Leather, Wood, Walnut
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2209, Denmark, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstery with black elegance aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2209, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Teak
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Pergamena 017, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Dimensions: small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkosk...
Foam, Plywood
Hans J. Wegner GE-300/4 Sofa Getama Denmark 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-300 / 4 sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960s for Getama Denmark. Legs in solid oak and original blue Kvadrat wool fabric. Needs a new upholstery/fabric. Ask for price (if int...
Oak
Swedish Wooden "Skoga" Sofa in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth Produced by NK, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Swedish wooden sofa in pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s. In good original condition signed and numbered by NK. Dimensions: H: 85 cm / 33.45...
Pine
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-20 years ago. Very good condition: n...
Velvet, Oak
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, brown/beige furniture fabric, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Brown/beige furniture fabric, ash wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15 years ago. Very good condition: no s...
Velvet, Ash
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, striped red/multicolor furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original striped red/multicolor furniture wool, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constr...
Wool, Oak
Børge Mogensen Sofa Model 211 New Upholstered
Located in Handewitt, DE
Sofa, model 211 by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik 1956. Early production 1950s. Made in solid oak. We cleaned the sofa to preserve its old patina and got new straps, new c...
Wool, Velvet, Oak
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original brown leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Very rar...
Rosewood, Leather
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood legs, brass springs in the seat. The sofa was reupholstered about 10 years ago by craftsman. Very good condition: n...
Velvet, Ash
Four-Seat Sofa by Hans Olsen, White/ Ivory Leather with Rosewood Legs. Restored.
By Hans Olsen
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.
Leather, Rosewood
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2293, original upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen original upholstered kupe sofa with red leather. Legs of teak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Swedish Mid-Century Sofa with Structural Legs, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Scandinavian style has a long, well-established history, traditionally marked by simplicity, bright whites, natural wood tones, minimal folk style ornamentation, and colour washed fu...
Fabric, Wood
$7,077Sale Price / set|65% Off
Hvidt and Molgaard Sofa and Armchair
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa and matching easy chair of rosewood. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with two different shades of green wool. Model 130...
Wool
Danish Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom, Teak Base, Avocado Vinyl
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century sofa with avocado green vinyl upholstery with a single line of button tufted detail across the backrest, resting on a teak wood base with stretchers and tapered sq...
Teak
$11,319 / item
Custom Made Sheepskin Karu Sofa by Dagmar
Located in London, England
The Karu Sofa is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finland by the Haimi Oy company in the 1940s. The inviting curved arms and subtle winged back are the epi...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
1970s, 2-seater Swedish sofa, pink furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, 2-seater Swedish sofa. Original pink furniture velour, beech wood, springs in the seat cushion. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufact...
Velvet, Beech
Arne Norell Safari Sofa Tropical Swedish 1960 Leather Bench
By Arne Norell
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Unique sofa of the 1960s of the designer Arne Norell in massive mahogany and black leather. New Tropical cotton fabric remakes.
Leather, Mahogany
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original condition, furniture wool, bentwood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Original brown/beige furniture wool, bent wood, beech wood. Manufactured by Danish...
Wool, Beech, Bentwood
Sofa in Pine and Bouclé Attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Pine and Bouclé Attributed to Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s Additional Information: Material: Pine and bouclé Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Sofa Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet...
Bouclé, Pine
Contemporary Large Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Yang 95, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Large 'Aqueduct' by Poiat Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 299 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Chivasso - Yang 95 Plinth: Low Plinth...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
$14,050 / item
Set of 2 Ib Kofod-Larsen sofas model "President", 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-seater Ib Kofod Larsen sofa in original black leather, very good condition. Produced by OPE in Sweden, 1960s. Please note: matching 4-seater so...
Leather
Scandinavian Rosewood and Black Leather Seating Group "Monte Carlo", 1965
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Top-quality sofas designed by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler in 1965. This group includes two 2-seaters and one 3-seater. The "Monte Carlo" sofa was only in production for two yea...
Leather, Rosewood
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa with original patinated black leather upholstery. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green striped furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Man...
Velvet, Beech