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.
"Susanna" Sofa by Aake Antilla for Lahden Lepokalusto, Finland 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This wonderful commemoration of Finnish mid-century design is the Susanna sofa created by Lahti Lepokaulusto and designed in the 1950s by Aake Anttila. Famous for its suspension and ...
Fabric
Tobia Scarpa Sofa Model Bastiano Produced by Haimi in Finland
By Tobia Scarpa
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Bastiano designed by Tobia Scarpa. Produced by Haimi in Finland.
Leather, Wood, Lacquer
$7,579
Sofa by Birte Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa with new wool by Birte Iversen / A. J Iversen
Teak
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
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Walnut, Cane and Original Leather by Bernt Petersen, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Walnut, cane and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Wø...
Walnut, Leather, Cane
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Ehapa Møbler, original condition, wool fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Ehapa Møbler. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Original light green/yellow furniture wool fabric, oak wood legs a...
Wool, Oak
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
Maija Ruoslahti Sofa Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Maija Ruoslahti. Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland.
Leather, Rosewood
$14,380 / 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 Midcentury Rosewood Sofa "Monte Carlo", 1965
By Futura Möbler, Ingvar Stockum
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
$1,486Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 2-seater classic sofa, original brown leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Brown leather with nice patina. Beech wood legs. Manufactured by ...
Leather, Beech
Pair Hi Lo AV54 Modular Sofa, Kvadrat/Mylla 0971 Fabric by Anderssen & Voll-&T
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Reflecting a duality between high comfort and low form, the generous proportions and prioritization of cushioning and figure-hugging upholstery in the Hi Lo modules make for a modula...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
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...
Leather, Walnut
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa, Teak Frame, Tan Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
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
$1,629Sale Price|20% Off
1950s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original very good condition, ash wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Red furniture fabric, dark lacquered ash wood legs and armrests. Brass springs in the seat. New ...
Wool, Cotton, Ash
Børge Mogensen Model 2208 Two-Seat Sofa in Teak & Aniline Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstery with black elegance aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2208, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Teak
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Sofa with Teak Legs and Cognac Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac aniline leather and canvas. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Canvas
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
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Aniline Leather, Mahogany, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with mokka elegance aniline leather. Legs of mahogany. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Velvet, Oak
Kaare Klint Three-Seat Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint freestanding three-seat sofa on eight-legged, profiled mahogany cross-frame. Sides, seat and back upholstered with patinated red leather. Model 4118. Executed by Rud. Ras...
Leather, Mahogany
$1,409Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original very good condition, furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture wool fabric, removable cushions, brown plastic legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture ...
Fabric, Wool
Erik Jørgensen Two-Seat Sofa, model EJ315. Wool, cherry and leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with green wool and leather buttons. Frame of cherry. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Wool, Leather, Cherry
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
Midcentury Sofa by Otto Schulz
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sofa by Otto Schulz, in a curved form with decorative piping. Made from elm with elegant woodgrain and upholstered with pistachio green velvet.
Wood
Three-Seater Sofa in Blue Mohair Upholstery by Jørgen Christensen, Denmark 1930s
Located in Utrecht, NL
It was in Denmark that Modernism reigned between the 1920s and 1960s and produced the most iconic pieces of furniture. The Danish modernist movement was shaped by two influences. The...
Mohair, Wood
Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece t...
Fabric, Wood
$1,744Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 3-seater classic sofa, original brown leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Brown leather with nice patina. Beech wood legs. Manufactured by Danis...
Leather, Beech
Expertly Restored - Fredrik Kayser Model-934 Rosewood & Leather Sofa
By Fredrik A. Kayser, Vatne Møbler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Leather, Rosewood, Feathers
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
Sofa in Laminated Birch and Original Leather Webbing by Bruno Mathsson, 1968
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Laminated Birch and Original Leather Webbing by Bruno Mathsson, 1968 Additional Information: Material: Laminated birch and original leather webbing Style: Mid century, Scand...
Birch
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.
Leather, Teak
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa in Sheepskin, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
By the middle of the 20th century, design and handicrafts from Sweden had caught the eye of the outside world. Since the 1910s, the modern movement had worked for a modern and functi...
Sheepskin, Wood
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
Paper Knife Sofa by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1956
By Kai Kristiansen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two seater Paper Knife sofa designed in 1956 by Kai Kristiansen for Magnus Olesen, Denmark. Teak frame upholstered with new wool fabr...
Fabric, Teak
GE-236/3 Sofa in Teak by Hans J. Wegner 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-236 / 3 sofa in solid teak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama in 1960s. Original cushions in creme / green stripes wool fabric,
Teak
Danish Two-Seater Sofa in Yellowish Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, stained wood, Denmark, 1940s. This Danish sofa shows elegant curves and beautiful lines, especially on the folded armrests. The tufted back with buttons contributes to...
Fabric, Wood
“Model V11” Three-Seater Leather Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Utrecht, NL
This free-standing sofa, better known as “Model V11” is considered among the masterpiece designs of Illum Wikkelsø. The Danish designer created the “V11” series in 1965 whilst workin...
Leather, Wood
Yngve Ekström for Swedese Single Sofa and Footstool, 1960s
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Rochester, England
Yngve Ekström was one of the most important figures in the evolution of the Scandinavian Modernism movement and co-founder of the furniture design company Swedese. This living room ...
Fabric, Pine
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa For Getama
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Genarp, SE
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa new upholstered with bouclè fabric
Oak
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition l: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manuf...
Velvet, Oak
1970s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa, green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa. Original green furniture velour, teak wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Man...
Velvet, Teak
$4,601Sale Price|40% Off
Very Rare Bruno Mathsson Sofa in Perfect Condition
Located in Munich, DE
No.T201 sofa designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1936 and made by Karl Mathsson. Re-upholstered to perfect condition. Vintage nos fabric. One from the first year...
Fabric, Wood
$5,177Sale Price / set|20% Off
GE280 Modular Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getama, 1980s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Rare modular sofa designed by of of the best mid century designers Hans J Wegner for Getama. Model GE 280. The modular sofa consists of a beautifully bentwo...
Fabric, Oak
$3,638Sale Price|23% Off
Mayor Sofa Model AJ5 By Arne Jacobsen & Flemming Lassen From 1990s
By Arne Jacobsen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Lejre, DK
The Mayor sofa, model AJ5, is a beautiful and iconic piece of furniture designed by Arne Jacobsen and Flemming Lassen in 1939. The sofa is known for its ele...
Wool, Oak
Stylish Scandinavian Modern Sofa in the Style of Kaj Gottlob
By Kaj Gottlob
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa in the style of Kaj Gottlob, Denmark. A Sleek design with winged arm rests and three overstuffed removable cushions. This comfortable mid-century modern green sofa ma...
Upholstery
Hi Lo AV54 Single Module, Kvadrat/Cifrado 0121 Fabric by Anderssen & Voll-for &T
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Reflecting a duality between high comfort and low form, the generous proportions and prioritization of cushioning and figure-hugging upholstery in the Hi Lo modules make for a modula...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Ole Wanscher Sofa Model 116 / Senator Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model 116 / Senator designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Leather, Teak
$1,869Sale Price|20% Off
Danish 2 seater sofa, original good condition, furniture wool, oak.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish two seater sofa. Original good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture olive green wool fabric, dark oak wood legs. Springs in the seat. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Wool, Oak
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Son 1960's
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in LYON, FR
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Danish sofa, Minerva model produced by France and Son. Sofa designed in the 1960s by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard. It is a classic Dan...
Cotton, Teak
'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 24
By Norr11, Rune Krøjgaard
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 24 Wood types available: natural oak / light smoked oak / dark smoked oak / black oak Fabric: large variety available The Mammoth Chair...
Wool, Oak
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Cane, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch, cane and fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Fabric, wood frame, and cane are vintage worn, with fabric in fair to distressed condition. Patina on nailh...
Fabric, Cane
Poul Volther Sofa / Daybed in Oak and Pierre Frey Fabric, Gemla, Sweden, 1955
By Gemla, Poul Volther, La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare daybed / sofa was designed by Poul Volther and produced by Gemla Fabrikers AB in Sweden, 1955. This particular model was named Diva and numbered 981. The base is in solid oak wood and can be folded down to create a (day)bed. The cushions have been completely renewed and are upholstered in a striking pink and white jacquard fabric...
Fabric, Wool, Cotton, Jacquard, Wood, Oak
Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa in Senator Oak, Scandinavian Modern Design
By Ole Wanscher
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 c...
Oak, Upholstery
1970s, Scandinavian 2 seater sofa, original very good condition, bamboo, leather
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian 2 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Bamboo construction, camel brown furniture leather. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker...
Leather, Canvas, Bamboo
Midcentury Danish Modern Three-Seat Sofa by Dunflex
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian style midcentury three-seat sofa by Dunflex, Denmark. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Upholstery
Nanna Ditzel Style Four Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa Mid-Century Danish Modern
By Nanna Ditzel
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. ...
Teak, Upholstery
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa, original condition, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Sofa checked by craftsman. Green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Springs in th...
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Danish Three-Seater Sofa in Beech and Original Fabric, ca. 1950s
Located in Rødding, DK
A sculptural solid beech three-seater sofa in the Danish Organic Modern tradition, produced by an accomplished Danish cabinetmaker workshop in the 1950s and upholstered in a richly c...
Fabric, Beech
Lovely leather 2209 sofa designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark 1963
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Three-seater sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, 1963. Model 2209, executed in its original black leather upholstery, which has acquired a rich and nuanced patina through...
Leather