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.
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
Curved Danish Sheepskin Sofa, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful sofa produced in Denmark, 1940s, designer unknown. Professionally reupholstered in high quality sheepskin.
Sheepskin
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 4)
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
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
Contemporary Large Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Pergamena 017, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary large 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Measures: small version : H. 77 cm x W. 299 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. ...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Black Oak, Hallingdal 220
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: Black oak Fabric: Hallingdal 220 Wood types available: natural oa...
Oak, Wool
Sofa Model FD 130/3 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1960
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater sofa model FD 130/3 designed in 1960 by danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. Early edition in hardwood with new upholst...
Fabric, Hardwood
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
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
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Natural Oak, Dunes Leather
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: Natural oak Fabric: Sørensen Leather - Dunes Brown 21001 Wood typ...
Leather, Oak
$4,341Sale Price|30% Off
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa with Mahogany Frame, Denmark 1950's
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Ole Wanscher Mid-Century Three Seat Mahogany Frame Sofa In Original Upholstery by Poul Jeppesens, Made in Denmark Makers Labels To Underneath of Sofa Frame Vintage Three Seat Sofa...
Steel
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 mokka full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Pergamena 017, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Measures: small version: H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. Upholstery: Dedar - Pergamena 017 Plinth: low plinth...
Foam, Plywood
Sculptural Ernst Kühn Two Seater Sofa, 1930's
By Ernst Kühn
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ernst Kühn, 1890-1948 Architectural and sculptural sofa designed by Ernst Kühn, presumably made for the Wivex restaurant in Copenhagen in the early 1930s and most likely produced by ...
Fabric, Mahogany
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 2, Fox 02, 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: Lar...
Linen, Foam, 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
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
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 3, Fox 02, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 3 ( Corner 1620 R + Center 830 Table + Open End 1620 R) Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 347 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mik...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Sofa, Mahogany Frame, Vintage Tan Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with vintage tan anilin leather. Frame of mahogany. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa, Black Leather, Danish Design
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with black pure aniline leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Oak
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa, red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-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...
Velvet, Ash
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Yang 95, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Measures: small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. upholstery: Chivasso - Yang 95. Plinth: low plinth...
Foam, Plywood
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 1, Fox 02, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 1 Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 264 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Larse...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Yang 95, 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: C...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
‘Eva’ 3-Seater Sofa by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, Sweden 1960s
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
Bruno Mathsson’s “Eva” sofa, designed in the 1940s, is an exemplary piece that showcases his mastery of form, function, and material innovation. This iconic sofa is characterized by ...
Leather, Beech
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, black Beech and Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in black lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of black pure full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
1970s, 3-seater Danish sofa, orange/red furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, 3-seater Danish sofa. Original orange/red furniture velour, oak wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish or Swe...
Velvet, Oak
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Dark Smoked Oak, Hallingdal 180
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: Dark smoked oak Fabric: Kvadrat Hallingdal black 180 Wood types available: natural oak / light smoked oak / dark smoked oak / black oak Fabric: large variety available The Mammoth Chair...
Wool, Oak
$1,214Sale Price / set|20% Off
Scandinavian Design Seating Set
Located in Praha, CZ
- Armchair and sofa - Well preserved - Original upholstery - Table not included - 1970s - Dimensions of armchair: W 65, H 78, D 80, SH 39 cm.
Upholstery, Wood
'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 3
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 3 Wood types available: na...
Wool, Oak
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 3, Yang 95, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat. Setup 3 Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 347 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. Upholstery: Ch...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Fox 02, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Larsen - Fox 02 Plinth: Low...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
$6,707 / item
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Zero, Black
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
'Hippo' Sofa full upholstered Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Fabric: Sahco Zero 10 Fabric: large variety available Sof...
Wool
'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
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Yang 95, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholster...
Foam, Plywood
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Natural Oak, Dunes Leather
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: Natural oak Fabric: Sørensen Leather - ...
Leather, Oak
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 1, Yang 95, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' sofa by Poiat. Setup 1. Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 264 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. upholstery: Ch...
Foam, Plywood
Contemporary Large Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Fox 02, 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: Larsen - Fox 02 Plinth: Low...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé col.03
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
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
$6,707 / item
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Zero, Cream
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
'Hippo' Sofa full upholstered Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the picture: Fabric: Sahco Zero col 12 Fabric: large variety avai...
Wool
Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling sofa produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway
By Adolf Relling and Rolf Rastad
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling. Produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway.
Wool, Teak
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
8 Ft. Long Four Seat Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Sons in Teak, c. 1960s
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and exceptional is this sculptural sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son. This four-seat sofa features contoured slats that create a spectacular line from the back and side angles...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian PJ112 Sofa 3 Seats by Ole Wanscher
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian PJ112 sofa 3 seats by Ole Wanscher. Newly upholstered in Gabriel Step Melange fabric #68162.
Velvet, Mahogany
Modern Three-Seat Wood Frame Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful Mid-Century style sofa makes a stylish addition to any interior and offers seating for three with sculpted hardwood frames. Two tone upholstery includes black vinyl ac...
Upholstery
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
Three-Seater Sofa in Brown Mohair, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Though the advent of new materials like plastic, foam, and fibreglass revolutionized the production process, Scandinavian designers still valued craft over industrialization. This sc...
Fabric, Wood, Mohair
Hans J. Wegner Four-Seat Sofa For Getama. model 236/4 Made in Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Hans J. Wegner four-seat sofa . retains original spring seat cushions. in need of reupholstering,, original ink stamp GETAMA ,hans wegner Classic Modernist Design,, Frame in solid...
Fabric, Teak
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
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, beige furniture wool fabric, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Beige furniture wool fabric, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Manu...
Wool, Beech
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Furniture wool, solid oak wood, springs in the cushions. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Wool, Oak
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
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa in Mokka Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with mokka aniline leather. Frame of black painted beech. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Beech
$8,001Sale Price|20% Off
Johannes Andersen Sofa Excellent, AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, KVADRAT Reupholstery
By AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This sofa was produced by AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik from Sweden around 1950s/1960s. Like most furniture from Scandinavia, it was also made with great care and accuracy, which we could...
Textile, Teak
Danish Modern Sofa with Leather Upholstery and Oak Frame, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
It was in Denmark that Modernism reigned between the 1920s and 1960s and produced some of the most iconic pieces of furniture to this day. The Danish modernist movement was shaped by...
Leather, Oak
$2,626Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish Design by Børge Mogensen, Sofa Model 2252, Oak, Furniture Wool
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish design by Børge Mogensen, completely renovated 2-person sofa, model 2252. Brand new cushions and elastic bottom in the sofa. Quality gray furniture...
Wool, Oak
$1,459Sale 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
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
Bernt Petersen Sofa Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark. Easy chair is also available.
Leather, Cane, Oak
Ole Wanscher Black Leather Sofa with Rosewood Frame
By Ole Wanscher
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa with Brazilian rosewood frame by Ole Wanscher. Seat, sides and back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Fair conditi...
Leather
Grete Jalk for France & Son Teak Leather Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Grete Jalk sofa in teak and original brown leather, designed by Grete Jalk and produced by France & Son / Daverkosen, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant Danish modern design featuring a solid ...
Leather, Teak
Cognac PK 31 /2 Sofa by Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Utrecht, NL
PK 31 /2 sofa settee by Poul Kjærholm, manufactured by first manufacturer Ejvindt Kold Christensen Denmark (marking on last photo). Sofa comes with original upholstered frame panels...
Steel, Chrome