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Scandinavian Modern Sofas

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
  • Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
  • Open, airy spaces
  • Promotion of functionality
  • Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
  • Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
  • A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods

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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Scandinavian Designer Black Yellow Sofa
Scandinavian Designer Black Yellow Sofa

Scandinavian Designer Black Yellow Sofa

Located in Paris, FR

This piece embodies feeling warm, comfortable, and safe. This sofa has an asymmetrical and eye catching design with clean and crisp lines. The wood contrasts give it a dynamic twist...

Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Birch

Olof Ottelin "Duetto" Sofa for Kervo Snickerifabrik Stockmann, Finland, 1950s
Olof Ottelin "Duetto" Sofa for Kervo Snickerifabrik Stockmann, Finland, 1950s

Olof Ottelin "Duetto" Sofa for Kervo Snickerifabrik Stockmann, Finland, 1950s

By Olof Ottelin

Located in Utrecht, NL

This lovely “Duetto” loveseat was designed back in the 1950s to bring the sitters closer together. This intention is clearly traceable in Ottelin’s drawings, where the back was drawn as hands embracing the users. A loveseat derives its name from holding two people close to one another. First invented in the 17th century, this two-person chair was originally intended for women wearing large dresses with hoops to sit comfortably. In the Nordic countries, loveseats, such as this model, were typically made of quality woods with fully upholstered bodies to enhance the cosiness. This rare “Duetto” is unquestionably Ottelin’s most distinctive sofa model. This is primarily due to the peculiar back that has a heart shape and envelopes towards the front to form the arms as well. At the top, the edge curves outward creating a welcoming and open look. The homely curviness and precision clearly show the influence of Werner West, Ottelin’s teacher. The body, upholstered in honey-coloured sheepskin, is paired with tapered, lacquered wood legs. This combination is a true Nordic characteristic, keeping the tradition of using organic materials at its core. As this “Duetto” sofa shows, the shapes and forms of Nordic minimalism of the mid-century are infinitely interesting. Additionally, the stylish look is always paired with the highest quality craftsmanship, here provided by the Finnish furniture company, Kervo Snickerifabrik, Oy Stockmann. The Kerava cabinetmaking company was founded on February 1, 1862 and Ottelin served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. This sofa has been reupholstered recently in premium sheepskin. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 60.23 in W x 29.52 in D x 34.25 in H; Seat height 17.32 in 153 cm W x 75 cm D x 87 cm H; Seat height 44 cm About the designer: Karl Olof Ottelin (Helsinki, 3 May 1917 - Helsinki, 9 February 1971) was a Finnish interior designer and furniture designer who, in the 1950s, was the director and chief designer of Stockmann's furniture department. Ottelin began his studies at the Central School of Art and Design in 1939, but had to suspend his studies for 1941–1944 due to conscription. He graduated as an interior designer in 1946 and started at Stockmann's drawing office in 1948. He served as director of the company's furniture department from 1953 to 1954 and as artistic director of interior design from 1955 until his death in 1971. Ottelin's best-known products are modern wooden chairs, but he also designed cabinet and shelving systems and extensive interior design for a variety of properties. In 1952, Olof Ottelin designed the furniture for the Swedish School of Economics in Helsinki together with Lisa Johansson-Pape (lamps), Yki Nummi (coloring) and Dora Jung...

Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin, Wood

Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A sculptural, tailored and fully upholstered (and very comfortable) sofa floating on well-scaled turned oak dowel legs and retaining its original cream strie´ wool fabric.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Swedish Cabinetmaker Sofa and Armchairs, Sweden, 1950s
Swedish Cabinetmaker Sofa and Armchairs, Sweden, 1950s

Swedish Cabinetmaker Sofa and Armchairs, Sweden, 1950s

Located in Utrecht, NL

Svensk design, “Swedish design”, is unquestionably a conventional and popular branding device, with many companies explicitly promoting their products as examples of god design, “good design”. But svensk design does not simply represent “good” design made in Sweden, it also projects a powerful, concrete rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa and armchairs. Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design of this set. The aesthetic recalls classic English upholstered furniture...

Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

“Paradise” Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958
“Paradise” Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958

“Paradise” Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958

By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist

Located in Utrecht, NL

Renowned for her curvaceous chair and sofa designs that utilize wood and the then pioneering use of polystyrene, Swedish modernist architect and furniture designer Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist hails from a robust early-century generation of Scandinavian female furniture designers...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Swedish Grace Sofa Love Seat in Cream Boucle, Mid Century Design 1940's
Swedish Grace Sofa Love Seat in Cream Boucle, Mid Century Design 1940's

Swedish Grace Sofa Love Seat in Cream Boucle, Mid Century Design 1940's

Located in London, GB

This elegant 1940’s sofa is a beautiful example of Swedish Grace design, blending simplicity with refined craftsmanship. Its unique silhouette features elongated, slightly angled elm...

Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bouclé, Birch

Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk
Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk

Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk

By Grete Jalk

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A Grete Jalk designed teak slat top bench with tapered dowel legs. Working at a time when women were a rarity in the design world, Grete Juel Jalk completed her education at the D...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Roll Arm Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen
Roll Arm Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen

Roll Arm Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen

By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A straight-back roll arm sofa retaining its original brown wool strie´ upholstery, the seating element having a comfortable pitch and elevated by solid squared teak legs.

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen

By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A tailored and fully upholstered sofa floating on well-scaled turned oak dowel legs. Model AP32-S by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen in original upholstery.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Wool, Oak

2021 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH402 Kastrup Sofa in Sif Leather
2021 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH402 Kastrup Sofa in Sif Leather

2021 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen CH402 Kastrup Sofa in Sif Leather

By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Listed for sale is a CH402 Two-Seater Kastrup sofa without arms. The sofa is made with a stainless steel frame and natural color leather. Designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair Hi Lo AV54 Modular Sofa, Kvadrat/Gentle 0733 Fabric by Anderssen & Voll-&T
Pair Hi Lo AV54 Modular Sofa, Kvadrat/Gentle 0733 Fabric by Anderssen & Voll-&T

Pair Hi Lo AV54 Modular Sofa, Kvadrat/Gentle 0733 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...

Category

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Wood

2020 CH402 Kastrup Two Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Red Leather
2020 CH402 Kastrup Two Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Red Leather

2020 CH402 Kastrup Two Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Red Leather

By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn

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 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Stainless Steel

Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen

Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen

By Ole Wanscher, A. J. Iversen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original tan leather upholstery, on rosewood legs.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957
‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957

‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957

By Folke Jansson

Located in Rotterdam, ZH

Rare 'Facet' sofa by Folke Jansson for S.M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri AB, Skövde Sweden 1957. Very rare model of which only eight copies where produced as a jubileum model. This one of...

Category

20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen
High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen

High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen

By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen

Located in Sagaponack, NY

An early Grete Jalk designed settee featuring a high back on squared legs with a tight and tailored pale brick upholstery. Crafted by Johannes Hansen in Denmark, circa 1950s. Work...

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Walnut and Green Velvet Modern Empire Sofa in Scandinavian Design
Walnut and Green Velvet Modern Empire Sofa in Scandinavian Design

Walnut and Green Velvet Modern Empire Sofa in Scandinavian Design

Located in New York, NY

The Empire collection introduces a plush, modern interpretation of comfort and sophistication, seamlessly combining minimalist design with rich, luxurious textures. Upholstered in su...

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape
Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape

Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape

$7,137Sale Price|20% Off

Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape

By Finn Juhl

Located in Munich, DE

This settee comes from an important Danish household with many items by Finn Juhl, Poul Kjaerholm and Jorgen Hoj. It was purchased in Copenhagen circa 1950 on an cabinetmakers furnit...

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric

Scandinavian 3 Seats with Chaise Lounge Landform Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Scandinavian 3 Seats with Chaise Lounge Landform Sofa Made with Wood and Textile

Scandinavian 3 Seats with Chaise Lounge Landform Sofa Made with Wood and Textile

Located in Seroa, PT

Measurement Units Terminal Armrest - D 100 x W 110 x H 80 cm Corner Element - D 100 x W 130 x H 80 cm Central Element - D 100 x W 100 x H 80 cm Element Pouf - D 100 x W 100 ...

Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Textile, Wood

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa

By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist

Located in Dallas, TX

Experience timeless elegance with the Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist "Paradise" Sofa, an iconic piece designed in 1958 and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet. This beautifully crafted sofa has...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Sofa in Teak and Grey Fabric Produced in Denmark
Sofa in Teak and Grey Fabric Produced in Denmark

Sofa in Teak and Grey Fabric Produced in Denmark

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare sofa by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.

Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Danish 3-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.
Danish 3-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.

Danish 3-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.

By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard

Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR

Superb Scandinavian sofa composed of two movable armchairs, each with an armrest and a chaise longue in the middle. With its understated and elegant design, this set can be combined ...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Beech, Mahogany

Curvy Danish modern black and white sofa with large seat cushion
Curvy Danish modern black and white sofa with large seat cushion

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Wood

Scandinavian Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern sofas for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sofas created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern sofas made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sofas, popular names associated with this style include Børge Mogensen, Hans J. Wegner, Arne Norell, and Fredericia. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sofas differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $550 and tops out at $106,195 while the average work can sell for $6,409.