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.
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2292, new upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen new upholstered kupe sofa with black elegance leather. Legs of teak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2292, original upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen original upholstered kupe sofa with black leather. Legs of black stained oak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
$6,543Sale Price|20% Off
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa Model 137 in Teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s
Located in Hellouw, NL
Amazing Finn Juhl sofa Model 137 in teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s. This three-seater 'Japan' sofa has the elegance and round shapes that are so recognizable for Finn Juhl and ...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Three-seater Leather Sofa by Jørgen Gammelgaard, 1970s.
By Jørgen Gammelgaard, Erik Jørgensen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Three-seater Leather Sofa by Jørgen Gammelgaard, 1970s. Sculptural Danish Mid-Century Modern 3-seater black leather sofa Model EJ-20-3 designed by Danish architect Jørgen Gam...
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
1960s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Dux Sweden, furniture velour, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Dux Sweden. Red furniture velour, ash wood legs, springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 10-15 years ago. Very good condition: ...
Velvet, Ash
Scandinavian Four-Seater Green Sofa, Scandinavia Mid-20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Scandinavian four-seater sofa recalls the peak of Nordic mid-century modern design. Thanks to its geometric shape and slim, tapered legs, it is exceptionally cosy and ...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted Denmark Sofa
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner sofa model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The sofa is a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmark, 1914-200...
Fabric, Oak
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
Arne Norell curvy Soffa Produced by Westbergs Möbler, Sweden, circa 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
A rare curvy 3 seats Arne Norell soffa produced by Westbergs Möbler edition in 1950. The sofa is composed by stained beech feets and is reupholstered with a bouclette fabric in white...
Bouclé, Beech
Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
2-seat sofa model Ilona designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
Three-Seater Sofa with Tufted Buttons and Birch Legs, Scandinavia 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Sofas in general are considered statement pieces in any space. Scandinavian sofas, with their generous bodies, materials of the highest quality are the result of master cabinetmakers...
Fabric, Birch
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
'Hippo' sofa full upholstered. Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Fabric: Barnum Bouclé 24 Fabric: large variety available. ...
Wool
Illum Wikkelso model ML-90 three-seater sofa Laursen Denmark
By A. Mikael Laursen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A refined Illum Wikkelsø model ML-90 three-seater sofa, produced by Mikael Laursen, Denmark, circa 1960. This sculptural sofa features beautifully shaped solid wood legs with Wikkels...
Fabric, Teak
'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 3
By Rune Krøjgaard, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Mammoth sofa Signed by RUNE KRØJGAARD & KNUT BENDIK HUMLEVIK for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Wood: Light smoked oak Fabric: Barnum bouclé 3 Wood types available: na...
Wool, Oak
Black Leather Børge Mogensen 3-Seater Sofa Model 2213, Fredericia, Denmark 1968
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Dronten, NL
A vintage early example of this classic 3-seater sofa, Model 2213, designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Denmark and upholstered in luxurious all-black leather. This ico...
Leather, Beech
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original black furniture leather, teak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original black furniture leather, teak wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furn...
Leather, Teak
Swedish Pine Sofa by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare and beautiful pine sofa by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur, Sweden cirka 1940. This sofa is made of solid wood and a curved backre...
Pine
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Aniline Leather, Mahogany, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with indian red elegance aniline leather. Legs of mahogany. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
$1,770Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original condition, furniture leather, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Original brown furniture leather, solid teak wood legs. Manufactured by Dani...
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool, solid oak wood, springs in the cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manuf...
Wool, Oak
$5,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Walnut and Purple 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
$4,500Sale Price|33% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Rosewood and Black Leather Three Seat Sofa
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern 3-seater sofa in rosewood and leather circa 1960's, Denmark. This comfortable statement piece can be displayed from any angle and features sculptural curved armres...
Leather, Rosewood
Bruno Mathsson Sofa Model Karin Produced by DUX in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model Karin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by DUX in Sweden.
Steel
$1,486Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish design by Arne Vodder for Cado Denmark, 3 seater sofa.
By Arne Vodder, Cado
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Arne Vodder for Cado Denmark. 3 seater sofa, furniture wool, dark exotic/teak wood. Loose cushions. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains.
Wool, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sette for Carlo Garhn, Denmark
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ib Kofod Larsen design small sofa or settee for Carlo Garhn, Denmark. Rare design in very limited production for manufacturer Carlo Garhn. High lighting the sculpted lines and float...
Wool, Teak
Scandinavian Midcentury Rosewood Sofa "Monte Carlo", 1965
By Ingvar Stockum, Futura Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Top-quality lounge sofa designed by Ingvar Stockum for Futura Möbler in 1965. The "Monte Carlo" series was only in production for two years because production costs were too high. ...
Rosewood, Fabric
Børge Mogensen Model 2208 Two-Seat Sofa, Aniline Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstery with indian red elegance aniline leather. Legs of mahogany. Model 2208, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Mahogany
Svend Age Eriksen three-seat sofa in teak Glostrup Denmark 1960
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Svend Åge Eriksen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This elegant three-seat sofa was designed by Svend Åge Eriksen and produced by Glostrup Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted from solid teak, the frame showcases soft, sc...
Teak
Three Seater Sofa in Velvet with Rosewood by Lennart Bender, 1970’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Three Seater Sofa in Velvet with Newly Reupholstered in Velvet Fabric by Lennart Bender, 1970’s Additional Information: Material: Solid rosewood and newly reupholstered in velvet fa...
Rosewood, Velvet
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
Grey Velvet Button Tufted Sofa by Levy Carlson’s Mobelafarr
By Levy Carlsson
Located in Madrid, ES
Two-seat button tufted sofa by Levy Carlson’s Möbelafärr from circa 1952. Reupholstered in slightly shiny light beige/grey velvet. Lightly curved back. Legs made of stained beech.
Velvet, Beech
Three-seater Danish Sofa from 1960's
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three-seater Danish sofa from 1960's. Walnut wood structure and original fabric upholstery. Handcrafted woodwork with a rich grain. Available pair of matching individual armchairs li...
Fabric, Walnut
Erik Jørgensen Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat original upholstered with black leather Legs of aluminium. Made by Erik Jørgensen.
Aluminum
800 Series Settee by Hans Olsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A series 800 settee by Hans Olsen. The settee has been recovered in a persimmon colored leather.
Leather, Wood
Sofa in Ash Legs with Original Velvet Mohair Fabric by Flemming Lassen, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Ash Legs with Original Velvet Mohair Fabric by Flemming Lassen, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Ash legs with original velvet mohair fabric Style: Mid century, Scan...
Ash, Velvet
Danish Mid Century "V11" Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø in Light Brown Leather, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and an iconic example of a Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original light brown and beautifully patinated leather with beautiful matching wooden...
Leather, Walnut
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist Paradise Sofa
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
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...
Upholstery, Birch
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture velour, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. ...
Velvet, 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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Sofa Model Minerva by France & Daverkosen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Minerva designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark.
Steel
Carl Malmsten Samspel Sofa in Wool Velvet 1950s
By Dagmar, Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Wool, Oak
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 ...
Wool, Rosewood
Danish Banana Sofa in Cognac Brown Faux Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Banana sofa, faux leather, stained wood, brass, Denmark, 1950s This voluptuous sofa is based on a solid construction of round shapes and curvaceous lines. The seating area and the b...
Brass
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.
Steel
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved red fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Fabric distressed; reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31.0"H x 100.0"W x 48.0"D Se...
Fabric, Wood
$862Sale Price|20% Off
1950s, Danish Vintage 2 Seater Sofa, Original Very Good Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish design, 2 seater lounge sofa in dark red-cherry velour with fringes. Teak wood. Original very good condition. No smells, no stains. Legs of...
Velvet, Beech
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...
Leather, Teak
Mid 20th Century Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Teak Sofa circa 1960s. Measurements: 98" wide, 29" deep, 29" high with an arm height of 21", seat height of 16.75", seat width of...
Fabric, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Steel
Rare Midcentury Sofa by Tove & Edvard Kindt Larsen, 1950s
By Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, Thorald Madsens Snedkeri
Located in Lejre, DK
Sofa designed by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen for cabinetmaker Thorald Madsen. Made in Denmark, Great condition. Presented at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition at Design ...
Fabric, Oak
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
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
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
1960s Hans J. Wegner Airport Sofa in Original Blue Kvadrat Fabric by A.P. Stolen
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
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
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen, 2-seater sofa, furniture velour.
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christiansen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen. 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construct...
Velvet, Beech
$11,422
Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
AP 20S - sofa in oak and new textile in Vidar 3 (colour 323 and cushion in colour 333). Hans J. Wegner / AP Stolen.
Oak
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, original, brown furniture wool, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original brown furniture wool in stripes. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Brass springs in the seat, dark bee...
Wool, Beech
Sofa Probably Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa by unknown designer. Probably produced in Finland.
Wool, Mahogany
Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery, Teak