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.
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
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
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
Yngve Ekström for Swedese Single Sofa and Footstool, 1960s
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström
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
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
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
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
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
$4,249Sale 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 Height to arms 59.5cm Wi...
Steel
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
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Christianshavn Fabric Upholstery
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Christianshavn Fabric Upholstery. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timel...
Metal, Aluminum
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
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
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
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
$2,551Sale 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
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
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3)
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless c...
Metal, Aluminum
'Hippo' Upholstered Sofa by Norr11, Barnum Bouclé col.24
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, 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 avail...
Wool
Mid-Century Danish Sofa in Brown Upholstery, Denmark 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an example of Danish Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece to bring the coveted style into any inte...
Wood, Fabric
'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
Set of Two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany by CFC Silkeborg
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus easy chairs in mahogany The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and manufactored in the 1960 - 1970´s by CFC S...
Mahogany
Paire de canapés deux places en cuir par Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, édi
By Walter Knoll, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Mouscron, WHT
Paire de canapés deux places en cuir par Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, édition Walter Knoll.
Steel
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
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
'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
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
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
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
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 3)
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 3). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless cr...
Metal, Aluminum
Torbjørn Afdal — Model “Winston” Sofa
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
An exceptional and rare Winston sofa designed by Torbjorn Afdal for Bruksbo Tegnekontor and produced by Nesjestranda Møbelfabrik, Norway, circa 1960. Crafted in beautifully grained ...
Leather, Rosewood
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 2, Fox 02, Low Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 2 (Corner 2305 L + Open End 1910 L) Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 332.5 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti ...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Sofa in Wool and Teak by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, 1963
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Prisma sofa, designed by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen in 1963 and produced by the Danish cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan, is a rare and sculptural embodiment of Danish modern d...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
$23,308 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 8, White
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Studio sofa by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl for Nor11. Measures: Setup 8 modules : 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small, 2 curve, 1 corner, 1 ottoman, 2 armrest) W. 406 cm / D. 4...
Foam
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
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
Alvar Aalto Sofa 544 with Zebra upholstery
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 1)
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 1). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless cr...
Metal, Aluminum
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
Danish Modern Four Seat Long Sofa in Teak and Two-Tone Bouclé
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Luxurious Danish Modern long sofa upholstered in a two tone bouclé supported by six teak legs -- three front straight legs and three back slightly flared legs (ca. 1960s). Sturdy and...
Metal
Armchairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for OPE Möbler, 1960
By OPE Möbler, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful armchairs "Skrindan" by Kerstin Horlin-Holmqvist for OPE Mobler, 1963, with elaborately crafted walnut frame and loose, tufted, geometrically textured, sand colored cushion...
Upholstery, Walnut
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, Beech and Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of black pure full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
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
'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
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Hallingdal 116
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: Kvadrat Hallingdal black 116 Wood types ...
Wool, Oak
Danish Mid-Century Sofa by Jens Risom, Teak Base, Avocado Vinyl
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century sofa with avocado green vinyl upholstery with a single line of button tufted detail across the backrest, resting on a teak wood base with stretchers and tapered sq...
Teak
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
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
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
$7,744Sale 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
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2209, Denmark, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with canvas and tan aniline leather Legs of mahogany. Model 2209, made by Fredericia furniture.
Leather, Mahogany, Canvas
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
'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
1970s, Danish 2-seater "Spanish" drop arm sofa, furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater "Spanish" drop arm sofa. Original red furniture velour, springs in the double sided seat cushions, two hand woven pillows. Ash wood legs. Jacquard furniture fa...
Velvet, Ash
'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 '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
'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Light Smoked Oak, Barnum Bouclé 24
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 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, 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
'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