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.
1970s, Danish 3 seater curved sofa, original multicolor furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater curved sofa. Original multicolor furniture fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction....
Fabric, Beech
1970s, Danish 4-seater sofa, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 4-seater sofa. Original turquoise green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Wool, Oak
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
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
1950s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa, reupholstered, furniture wool, oak.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa. Reupholstered in quality furniture wool. Renewed oak, brass springs in the seat and back. Made by Swedish furniture manufacturer in about 1950-55. ...
Wool, Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, black Beech and Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in black lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of cognac pure full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
$1,506Sale Price|20% Off
1950-60s, Danish 3-seater sofa, original condition, cotton/wool, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Light green furniture cotton/wool fabric, brass springs in ...
Fabric, Beech
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, original green furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured...
Velvet, Oak
$2,003Sale Price|24% Off
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa, original condition, furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Brun/beige furniture fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Manufactured by Dani...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
$1,852Sale Price / item|25% Off
1960s Grete Jalke Sofas With Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery
By Johannes Hansen, Grete Jalk
Located in London, GB
Four Available: 1960s Grete Jalke Freestanding Sofas With Stained Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery and made by Johannes Hansen. Require reupholstery. Wool with stains, wear and defe...
Fabric, Oak
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Fox 02, 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: Larsen -...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
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
1970s, Danish daybed, furniture wool, solid teak wood, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish daybed. Original quality furniture wool, solid teak wood legs and sides. Original very good conditions: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Da...
Wool, Teak
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2323, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Legs of soap treated oak. Model 2323, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Frame of black painted beech. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Beech
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green/beige furniture wool fabric, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green and beige furniture wool fabric, oak wood, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constructio...
Wool, Oak
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa by Alfred Christensen, red furniture wool, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa by Alfred Christensen. Red furniture wool fabric, brass springs in the seat, brass plugs on beech wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains...
Wool, Beech
Set of Two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany by CFC Silkeborg
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus easy chairs in mahogany The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and manufactored in the 1960 - 1970´s by CFC S...
Mahogany
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 2, Yang 95, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' sofa by Poiat Setup 2 Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 332.5 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Chivasso - Yang 95 Plinth: Low Plinth...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
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
1960s Carl Malmsten "Lindegård” Sofa
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Modern birch framed sofa designed by Carl Malmsten. This sofa has curved sides and back. The exposed vertical stiles look great with or with out the shaped back cushions. A...
Fabric, Birch
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
Danish Cabinet Maker Sofa
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Danish Cabinet maker sofa. Carved oak frame. Nail head details. More recent micro suede upholstery. 1970’s, Denmark Delivery to NYC Area $55...
Upholstery, Oak
Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
3-seat sofa model Ilona designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
Børge Mogensen 1960s Two-Seat Sofa in Black Leather with Oak Legs
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa original upholstered with black leather. Legs of oak. Model 2322, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
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.
Wool, Mahogany
Three Seater Sofa, Model AP 18S, Designed by Hans J. Wegner, 1960s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
The three-seater sofa, Model AP 18S, upholstered in green wool fabric and with dark wood legs, was designed by the Danish architect Hans J. Wegner in 1960. Wegner, known for his uniq...
Wool, Wood
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 2, Yang 95, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 2 Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 332.5 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Chi...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Sofa by G.A. Berg, Sweden, 1950s
By G.A. Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish pine sofa produced by Gustav-Axel Berg, Sweden, 1950s. Newly upholstered.
Pine
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.
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Walnut
$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
V12 sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Wikkelsø, Holger Christiansen
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stunning example of mid-century Danish design, this rare V12 sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen dates from the 1960s and stands out as one of the finest pieces we’ve so...
Leather, Wood
Two-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950, New Upholstery Bouclé Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful two-seat curved sofa manufactured in the 1950s. Lovely shape and curves. Very comfortable seat with two feather cushions covered of blue Kvadrat velvet. Perfect condition,...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2209, Denmark, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstery with cognac vintage full grain aniline leather. Legs of oak. Model 2209, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Oak
Sculptural Ernst Kühn Sofa with Wing Shaped Back, Normina A/S, Denmark, 1930s
By Normina, Ernst Kühn
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare two seat sofa was designed by Ernst Kühn for the Wivex restaurant in Copenhagen in the early 1930s. The custom design was most likel...
Fabric, Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
Poul M Volther Daybed Sofa Model 981 DIVA by Frem Røjle, Teak 60ties green cord
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish Modern Mid Century Daybed Modell 981 DIVA by Poul Volther for Frem Røjle. 1st Edition by the 1st manufacturer. The frame is made of solid teak wood and the fabric is a green ...
Fabric, Teak, Cord, Beech
Outstanding Rare and Important Daybed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Munich, DE
model number 704. made in limited quantities by Jason Møbler.
Teak
Custom Made Love-Seat Sofa by Alfred Kristensen. Available in COM upholstery
Located in London, England
A custom-made new edition of this classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Kristensen. This re-edition is produced under license in Sweden by Dagmar and ava...
Bouclé, Beech, Wool, Sheepskin, Mohair, Oak, Walnut
Rare Illum Wikkelsø Sofa in Oak early 1950s.
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare oak sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Søren Willadsen’s Møbelfabrik, early 1950s. Dismountable frame with loose cushions. Conical shaped frame. All in original stand! It's described i...
Oak
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
Stunning model 550 designed by Fredrik Kayser of Norway, , Scandinavian Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning model 550 designed by Fredrik Kayser of Norway, , Scandinavian Design .. Simple elegance.. Sweeping curves. subtle joinery, and perfectly balanced frame creates a piece that...
Fabric, Teak
$2,259Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Caramel Brown Leather Two Seat Sofa
Located in Madrid, ES
Two-seater caramel brown leather sofa designed in Denmark and manufactured by Grant in circa 1970/80s. Mahogany wood base and leather upholstery with patina due to age and use. Seat ...
Leather, Wood
Gösta Jonsson Sofa Produced in Jönköping, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Gösta Jonsson. Produced in Jönköping, Sweden.
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
1960s, Danish 2-seater "Banan" sofa, black-white fabric, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater curved sofa. Quality furniture fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 10 years ago. Very good condition: no sm...
Fabric, Beech
1960s Hans J. Wegner Airport Sofa in Original Blue Kvadrat Fabric by A.P. Stolen
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Hans J. Wegner Airport Sofa in original blue fabric manufactored by A.P. Stolen This sofa, model AP35/3, is part of a series of armchair, lounge chair and sofa that Hans Wegne...
Steel
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
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa. Sides, seat and back upholstered with savak. Model 5011. Original condition. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen, Copenhagen. Reverse with paper lab...
Mahogany, Wool
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Sofa, Black Leather, Oak Frame, 1960s Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with black full grain anilin leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa For Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Genarp, SE
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with bouclè fabric
Oak
Danish Sofa in Cherry and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, cherry, Denmark, 1950s. This elegant, curved settee features a waved, butterfly back and four tapered wooden legs. The sofa is executed with high, sculpted armrests. T...
Fabric, Cherry
$1,336Sale Price|39% Off
1960s, Danish 3 seater sofa, original good condition, cotton-wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Slightly worn fabric surface on the front of the armrest. Sofa checked by craftsman...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Light green furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15 years ago. Very good condition: no...
Velvet, Beech
1970s, Danish armchair, furniture wool, solid oak wood, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish armchair. Original green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furniture m...
Wool, Oak
Sofa by Folke Ohlsson " Colorado" Made by Bodafors Teak Wood Sweden 1960 Signed
Located in Paris, IDF
Sofa by Folke Ohlsson " Colorado" made by Bodafors teak wood Sweden 1960 signed underneath the frame. Good vintage condition. Teak wood frame in good condition. With a timeless, teak-laden style—so emblematic of Scandinavian modernism—Swedish furniture designer Folke Ohlsson is perhaps best remembered for his outsized role in progressing the popularity of Scandinavian furniture...
Teak
Mid-Century Scandinavian Cabinetmaker Sofa, Scandinavia 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian two-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic Mid-Century Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape and slim, tapered legs, this two-seater is exceptionally ...
Fabric, Wood
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Aniline Leather, Mahogany, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather. Legs of mahogany. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa, Teak Frame, Tan Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish "Spanish" sofa, original condition, furniture velour, ash wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Original cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood legs, spri...
Fabric, Velvet, Ash
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Outstanding Leif Hansen Style Curved Danish Modern Sofa Mid-Century
By Leif Hansen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stylish and rare Danish Modern Leif Hansen style curved sofa with amazing walnut legs. This sofa will need to be reupholstered but the bones are fabulous! It measures 29"t x 103"l x ...
Upholstery, Walnut