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.
'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
$7,203Sale Price / set|65% Off
Hvidt and Molgaard Sofa and Armchair
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa and matching easy chair of rosewood. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with two different shades of green wool. Model 130...
Wool
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa, Mahogany Frame, Tan Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather. Frame of mahogany. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Mahogany
Rare Ib Kofod-Larsen Sofa, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare 4-seater Ib Kofod Larsen sofa in original black leather, very good condition. Produced by OPE in Sweden, 1960s.
Leather
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
$6,853 / 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
Eclectic Red Leather 'Ateljee' Sofa by Yrjo Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, 1963
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This 'Ateljee' sofa/daybed was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro in 1963 for Haimi Oy in Helsinki This design classic is one of the iconic pieces from Yrjo Kukkapuro and is an original v...
Brass, Steel, Nickel
1970s Three-Seat Sofa by Henning Kjærnulf in Light Green Wool
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Three seat sofa with light green wool fabric. Made by Hennign Kjærnulf Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with mid-century modernism. Made by EG Møbler in ...
Leather, Oak
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
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Three-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with cognac pure full grain anilin leather. Frame of beech. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Beech
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked 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: Light smoked oak Fabric: Sørensen Leather - Dunes Cognac 21000 Wo...
Leather, Oak
$6,853 / 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
$8,416 / item
'Riff' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Grey
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Riff sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11 Setup presented: ( 1 x right arm / 1 x center / 1 x chaise lounge): Dimensions : W. 290 cm / D. 152 cm / H. 70 cm / Seat...
Linen
Rare Danish sofa in patinated oak, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa attributed to Frits Henningsen in patinated oak new wool.
Oak
'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
$1,365Sale 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
AP18 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen 1950
Located in Handewitt, DE
Model AP18 3-seat heigh sides sofa by Hans J. Wegner for. AP. Stolen, Denmark. Designed 1950. At the momnet upholstered with 2 different fabrics in 3 different colors. later new fabr...
Oak
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
$24,200
Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in Pawtucket, RI
The perfect Finn Juhl settee manufactured by Bovirke in 1946. Reupholstered with new Hallingdal fabric. Iconic Danish design in perfect restored condition.
Wool
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Black 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: black oak Fabric: Dunes Anthrazite-21003 Wood types available: natural oak / light smoked oak / dark smoked oak / black oak Fabric: large variety available The Mammoth Chair...
Oak, Leather
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
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Pergamena 017, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat. Dimensions: small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkosk...
Foam, Plywood
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
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 1, Yang 95, Low 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: Chivasso - Yang 95 Plinth: Low Plinth...
Foam, Plywood
'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
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 1, Fox 02, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 1 (Corner 1620 L + Open End 1620 L) Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 264 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Ro...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
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
$1,095Sale Price|43% Off
1970s, Scandinavian 2 seater sofa, original condition, furniture leather, teak.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian 2 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Sofa was checked by craftsman. Original green furniture leather, solid t...
Leather, Teak
1970s, Scandinavian 3-seater sofa, furniture leather, teak wood legs, bent wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian 3-seater sofa. Brown furniture leather, teak wood legs, bent beech wood, furniture rattan mesh. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable cons...
Leather, Rattan, Beech, Teak, Bentwood
Gallant Sofa (3-seater) - solid oak wood base with boucle upholstery
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Gallant Sofa by Morten & Jonas for ToneArt is a modern interpretation of a chesterfield. Classic and graceful, it is a sofa concept with strong historic predilections, posses...
Bouclé, Oak
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Three-Seat Sofa, Oak Frame, Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with mokka full grain anilin leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa in Aniline Leather, Danish Design
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with mokka elegance aniline leather. Legs of oak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Model "416" sofa with ukola wood frame and washable ivory fabric upholstery
Located in Madrid, España
Model "416" sofa with ukola wood frame and washable ivory fabric upholstery - Designer Gregorio Vicente Cortés - c. 1967 - Spain Dimensions: 6...
Wood
Bruno Mathsson 4 Seater Eva Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A rare Eva Sofa by Bruno Mathsson for Edvard Wilberg Møbelfabrikk Sweden, c. 1970 canvas, steam bent beech 33 h × 79 w × 24 d in (84 × 201 × 61 cm)
Canvas, Bentwood
1970s, 2-seater Swedish sofa, brown leather with patina, dark beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, 2-seater Swedish sofa. Original brown furniture leather with patina, dark beech wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured ...
Leather, Beech
Scandinavian solid oak sofa from the 1950s/60s
Located in Brescia, IT
Divano scandinavo vintage a tre posti in rovere massello, con cuscini rifatti e sfoderabili. Elegant Scandinavian three-seater sofa, made of solid oak in the late 1950s and early 19...
Fabric, Oak
$2,800 / item
Beaumont Bouclé Settee
Located in New York, NY
New traditionalism. Minimalist rigor meets cocoon-y comfort. Our Beaumont collection's architectural yet airy bases are juxtaposed with silhouettes softened by sculptural flair. Bala...
Brass
1970s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool, solid oak wood, springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construc...
Wool, Oak
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, furniture fabric, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Red furniture fabric, teak wood legs and armrests. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Slightly faded fabric from the ...
Wool, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø 1960s Three-Seat Sofa in Tan Leather with Oak Legs
By Illum Wikkelsø, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Illum Wikkelsø three seat sofa, new upholstered with tan full grain aniline leather. Tapered solid oak legs.
Leather, Oak
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
$6,938Sale Price|24% Off
Svante Skogh Four-Seat Bodö Sofa by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s
By Svante Skogh, Seffle Möbelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Svante Skogh four-seat Bodö sofa by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s This rare four-seat Bodö sofa was designed by Svante Skogh and produced in Sweden ...
Leather, Oak
2 seats sofa in brown leather, Illum Wikkelso for Holger Christiansen
Located in Paris, FR
Rare 2 seats sofa in very good condition. The leather has a very beautiful patina and remains very sick. Very nice proportions. One of the most iconic danish design from 1960's.
Leather, Wood
Elegant Three-Seat Oak Sofa, Denmark. 1960. New Upholstery Bouclé Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant Three-Seat Oak Sofa, Denmark. 1960. New Upholstery Bouclé Fabric. This sofa in excellent condition is ideal for a centerpiece in a living room or a bedroom. The combination ...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Green Leather Borge Mogensen Style Sofa
Located in Montreal, QC
Green Leather Borge Mogensen Style Sofa
Leather
Handsome Nanna Ditzel Style Four-Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa, Midcentury Danish
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Nanna Ditzel style four-seat sculptural teak sofa. This sofa is very high quality and well crafted retaining it's original blue wool uphols...
Upholstery, Teak
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Three-Seat Sofa, Vintage Tan Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with vintage tan anilin leather. Frame of black lacquered wood. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather
Carl Cederholm Sofa for Firma Stil & Form Stockholm, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the realm of mid-20th century Swedish furniture design, Carl Cederholm is known as a furniture designer who favoured the classic elegance of Swedish furniture design and combined ...
Fabric, Wood
Dark Rattan 3-Seater Sofa with Velour Cautions, 1980s
Located in Rīga, LV
Dark rattan 3-seater sofa with vermilion red-orange velour cautions. A 2-seater sofa, a lounge chair, and a coffee table from this set are available. H(total/frame) 84/77 cm, h(seat...
Fabric, Rattan
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
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, brown/beige furniture fabric, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Brown/beige furniture fabric, ash wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15 years ago. Very good condition: no s...
Velvet, Ash
$1,206Sale Price|19% Off
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original brown leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains. Classic 70s Danish design, a combination of modernity with Danish vint...
Leather, Beech
$1,240Sale 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
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
Outstanding Rare and Important Daybed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Munich, DE
model number 704. made in limited quantities by Jason Møbler.
Teak
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
$28,521
KK 5313 Sofa by Kaare Klint
By Kaare Klint
Located in Copenhagen, DK
KK 5313 - 3-seater sofa in black Niger leather and legs in mahogany. Design 1935. Maker Rud. Rasmussen.
Leather
$5,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Walnut and Green 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
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, red furniture fabric, beech wood legs and armrests.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original red furniture fabric. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction, springs in the seat, beech wood legs and armrests. ...
Wool, Beech