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.
Curvy Danish modern black and white sofa with large seat cushion
By Hans Olsen
Located in DK
This sofa with a large seat cushion was designed in 1956 by Hans Olsen (1919-1992). The sofa is model number 187. It is upholstered with white and black Savak wool by Gabriel. Its le...
Wool, Wood
1950s, 2 seater Danish highback sofa, furniture velour, laqered teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, 2 seater Danish highback sofa. Green furniture velour, laqered teak wood, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 10-15 years ago. Good condition:...
Velvet, Teak
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
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Handsome Teak Grete Jalk 3 Seater Sofa for France and Son
By Grete Jalk
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A Grete Jalk's sculptural sofa for France & Son, this three-seater features sinuously contoured slats that create spectacular lines from all angles. The flared armrests, base and ori...
Upholstery, Teak
Öresund Sofa or Bench by Børge Mogensen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Öresund sofa or bench, designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Karl Andersson & Söner in Sweden, is a rare and elegant piece that exemplifies the essential values of Scand...
Fabric, Oak
Børge Mogensen Three-Seater Sofa, Model 2209, Original Upholstery c. 1970
Located in Andes, NY
Three-seater sofa designed by Børge Mogensen, model 2209, produced by Fredericia in Denmark. Upholstered in light linen with brown leather piping and walnut legs. Designed in 1963, r...
Leather, Linen
$5,246Sale Price / set|25% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Khaki Hopsacking 4 Piece Modular Sofa Made in Sweden
Located in Topeka, KS
Awesome vintage Scandinavian Modern khaki hopsacking fabric 4-piece modular sofa made in Sweden. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have si...
Fabric, Foam, Wood
Vintage Mid-Century Danish Modern Diva Daybed by Gubi Olsen for Gubi, 1984
By Gubi Olsen, Gubi
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
The iconic Diva Daybed sofa was designed by Gubi Olsen for the Danish manufacturer GUBI in 1982. Although the concept itself originated in the early 1980s, the first official product...
Chrome
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Rosy Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, wood, Denmark, 1960s This model reminds of Borge Mogensen's designs. The brown leather shows a light patina and is in great condition. The dawn-filled cushions with d...
Leather, Wood
‘Bonanza’ 2-Seater Sofa by Esko Pajamies for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Asko, Esko Pajamies
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
Designed in the 1960s by Finnish designer Esko Pajamies for the renowned furniture manufacturer Asko, it perfectly balances bold aesthetics and ergonomic comfort, making it a sought-...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé col.03
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 03 Fabric: large variety avail...
Wool
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. Seating group with 3 seater, 2 seater and side table...
Fabric, Cane, Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Sofa by Westnofa
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Danish modern sofa and By Westnofa out of Norway The frame is made of solid rosewood and has a beautiful woodgrain. Professionally refinished and reupholstered in tweed. Overall 75...
Rosewood
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 4)
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 4). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless c...
Metal, Aluminum
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green blue fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric in fair to distressed condition, reupholstery recommended. Overall Dimensions (inches): ...
Fabric, Wood
“Monterey” Sofa by Folke Ohlsson for Bodafors, 1962
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish oak sofa with removable cushions that have recently been reupholstered in a light-colored fabric. Original Bodafors brand. Folke Ohlsson, 1962. Designed by Folke Ohlsson, th...
Fabric, Oak
Sofa in Pine and White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Pine and Newly Reupholstered in White Bouclé Fabric by Carl Malmsten, 1936 Additional Information: Material: Pine and newly reupholstered in white Bouclé fabric Style: Mid c...
Pine, Fabric
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s Seat cushion has minor stains and fabric abrasion consistent with gentle use. Feet exhibit moderate ...
Fabric, Wood
1970s, 3-seater Danish curved sofa, pink furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, 3-seater Danish curved sofa. Original pink furniture velour, brass springs in the, beech wood legs with brass plugs. Wear consistent with age and use. Original very good condi...
Velvet, Beech
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
$4,064 / item
Arne Vodder two seat sofa, AV59
By Nielaus, Arne Vodder
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Vodder two seat sofa in original light beige leather. Legs of oak. Made by Nielaus, model AV59. Price per chair.
Leather, Oak
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
$6,968Sale Price|20% Off
Three-Seat Sofa in Pine and Cognac Leather by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, 1940s
By Göperts Möbler, Gunnar Göperts
Located in Karis, Nyland
A fine example of early Swedish craftsmanship by Göperts Möbler, this three-seat sofa combines solid pine construction with original cognac-brown leather upholstery and spring cushio...
Leather, Pine
Grete Jalk Three Seat Sofa, Teak and Hallingdal Wool from Kvadrat
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Grete Jalk three seat sofa. With frame of solid teak New upholstery of Hallingdal from Kvadrat. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Wool, Teak
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 67.0"W x 35.0"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Arm Height (inches): 28....
Fabric, Wood
Fabricius and Kastholm Classics of Mid-Century Modernism Two-Seat Sofa.
By Kill International, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Antwerp, BE
To be the classics of Midcentury Modernism,Fabricius and Kastholm two-seat sofa, features in exclusively steel frames with elephant grey leather loose cushions and cord-wrapped armre...
Steel
Banquette canapé 3 places scandinave vintage Arne Wahl Iversen pour Komfort teck
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Banquette canapé scandinave vintage des années 60, 3 places, très beau design du designer danois Arne Wahl Iversen pour Komfort, en teck, assises et dossiers constitués de coussins a...
Teak
Rare Fredrik Schriever-Abeln Sofa in Pine and Dark Green Bouclé, Sweden, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare sofa was designed by Fredrik Schriever-Abeln in the 1960s. This particular model named 'Condor' was produced in Sweden. Schriever Abeln's Condor range consisted of the...
Bouclé, Upholstery, Pine
2020 CH402 Kastrup Two Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Red Leather
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a two-seater Kastrup sofa model CH402 with arms, designed by Hans Wegner , produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a stainless steel frame ...
Stainless Steel
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Three-Seat Sofa, Oak Frame, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with bottle green Magrethe wool and buttons of smooth full grain aniline leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Wool, Oak
Hannes Wettstein three seat sofa in black leather and steel. Model Delphi
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hannes Wettstein three seat sofa new upholstered with black elegance full grain aniline leather. Base of brushed steel. Model Delphi, made by Erik Jørgensen
Stainless Steel
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Son 1960's
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 2-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craf...
Steel
Hans J. Wegner three seat sofa of teak, model GE280.
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner three seat sofa with frame of oiled teak. New upholstered with yellow Hallingdal wool from Kvadrat. Model GE280, Made by Getama
Wool, Teak
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
Little Petra Sofa in Sheepskin Moonlight & Walnut, by Viggo Boesen 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
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Fox 02, Low 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: Lar...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Børge Mogensen, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and off-white fabric sofa designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik, Denmark, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 41” H x 80.3 x 32” D Seat Height: 16” H
Fabric, Oak
Mid Century Modern Three-Seat Sofa, Rosewood & Black Leather, 1960s
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
$4,459Sale 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
$2,601Sale Price|30% Off
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa, furniture wool, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa. Partly new reupholstered by craftsman in quality furniture wool (charcoal grey back/side). Rest in red furniture wool, original very good condit...
Wool, Beech
'Hippo' Sofa Wood by Norr11, Dark Smoked Oak, Baru col.0390
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
'Hippo' Sofa Wood Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Dark smoked oak, Baru col.0390 Customers can choose from : - Frame : N...
Leather, Fabric, Pine, Plywood
Danish Two Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a three seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish two seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Fabric, Wood
Alvar Aalto Sofa 544 with Zebra upholstery
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Sofa model 544, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek. The sofa has been made of birch, and it has famous Artek's Zebra fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Birch
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 5)
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 5). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless c...
Metal, Aluminum
Sculptural Ernst Kühn Sofa with Wing Shaped Back, Normina A/S, Denmark, 1930s
By Ernst Kühn, Normina
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
Vintage FK 6720 Sofa by Fabricius & Kastholm for Kill International, 1960s
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century minimalist design two seater sofa designed by Fabricius & Kastholm for Kill International. Chromed steel frame with wicker armrests and brown leather upholstery. Th...
Chrome
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
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Aura Leather Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsma...
Steel
Olof Ottelin 'Duetto' Sofa, Keravan Puusepäntehdas Stockmann, Finland, 1950s
By Oy Stockmann AB, Olof Ottelin
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Olof Ottelin and produced by Keravan Puusepäntehdas for the Stockmann company in Finland in the 1950s. This distinctive two-seat model was named 'Duett...
Fabric, Beech
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Three-Seat Sofa, Black Leather, 2011
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa with original cognac leather upholstery. Legs of oak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture. Matching two seater
Leather, Oak
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Elm, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A small two-seat elm and beige brown velvet sofa designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Seat height 17” All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Velvet, Elm
Pair Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa's kupe 2292, original leather upholstery
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Buffalo, NY
*** NOTE*** PRICED PER SOFA Pair Borge Mogensen Sofas. Kupe (COUPE') sofas Model 2292 ,made by Fredericia Furniture. Retain they're original crimson color leather. beach or oak legs....
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen: 1930s 3-seat sofa upholstered with red velour
Located in London, GB
Does not require reupholstery. The velvet is in good condition without stains. The sprung base is supple and supportive. There is some wear to the edge braid on the left side but thi...
Velvet
$1,215Sale Price / item|50% Off
1966 Vilhelm Wohlert, Unique Sofa in Solid Elm, Upholstered with Green Fabric
By Arne Poulsen Cabinetmaker Denmark, Vilhelm Wohlert
Located in London, GB
Unique Vilhelm Wohlert sofa of solid elm. Upholstered with green fabric. Made 1966 by cabinetmaker Arne Poulsen. H. 120 cm. L. 160 cm. D. 77 cm. Three available. Purchased from the c...
Fabric, Elm
Danish Modern Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Eran, 1960s.
By Eran
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Leather and Rosewood Sofa by Eran, 1960s. Fantastic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern large three-seater sofa designed and manufactured by Erhardsen & Andersen (Eran)...
Leather
Mid-Century Modern Danish 3 Seats Teak Sofa by Nitex Mobler Denmark, C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish 3 Seats Teak Sofa by Nitex Mobler Denmark. circa 1980s Features a quintessential midcentury Scandinavian Sleek Design, with a solid teak frame with...
Upholstery, Teak
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa, original red/beige furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original red/beige furniture wool and beige furniture velour. Beech wood legs with brass details, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no ...
Wool, Velvet, Beech
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
Hi Lo AV55 Corner Module, Kvadrat/Cifrado 0121 Fabric by Anderssen & Voll-for &T
By &Tradition
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
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