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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
1960s Danish Modern Wooden Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
This two-seat sofa was made in Denmark, circa 1960. The ivory white upholstered seats and backrests provide comfort and enhance the warm tones of the polished wood. The armrests and ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Hans J. Wegner Two-Seat Sofa in Oak and Fabric for AP Stolen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner two-seat sofa in oak and fabric. Executed by AP Stolen, Denmark.  
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Arne Norell 3-Seat Sofa Model Kontiki, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Dark stained beech, floral fabric, 1960s. Excellent vintage condition, with signs of usage and patina. Global front door shipping, flat-p...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Danish Midcentury Sofa in Mahogany and Patinated Leather by Rud Thygesen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant sofa with mahogany frame, French caning and seat cushion in patinated leather. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sorensen and Rud Thygesen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Poul Volther Diva Daybed Sofa Gemla, Denmark, 1959
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice sophisticated daybed sofa Model 981 designed by Poul M Volther and manufactured by Gemla, Denmark, 1959. This sofa is called 'Diva' and has a solid oak structure which can ...
Category

1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Pair of Modular Seats by France and Son / John Stuart / Poul Cadovius Attributed
Located in New York, NY
Very nice pair of armless bench form chairs, or sofas, having hidden storage under the seat cushions. The seating units have black finished frames with n...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wood, Upholstery

Gunnar Myrstrand Sofa Produced by Källemo in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa designed by Gunnar Myrstrand. Produced by Källemo in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Nanna Ditzel Freestanding Sofa by Knud Willadsen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare freestanding desk designed by Nanna Ditzel. Produced by Knud Willadsen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Svante Skogh Four-Seat Bodö Sofa by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden, 1960s
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Swedish Modern Oversized Sofa, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant, oversized Swedish Modern sofa, in a U-formed design, slightly shorter on one end. Mahogany veneer encircles the sides and inside. Upholst...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Arne Vodder 2-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark, 1950s. Beech, teak and fabric. 2 adjustable positions.  
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Beech

Arne Hovmand-Olsen Sofa Model 480 by Alf. Juul Rasmussen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model 480 designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Produced by Alf. Juul Rasmussens polstermøbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Kengu Sofa in Brown Leather by Solheim for Rykken, Norway
Located in Halle, DE
Scandinavian 3-seat Kengu Sofa by Elsa and Nordahl Solheim. Manufactured by Rybo Rykken & Co. Norway, 1970s. Upholstered in original brown or caramel leather. Cantilevered constructi...
Category

1970s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Three-Seat Sofa of Oak and Red Wool Fabric by Hans J. Wegner and GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
This three-seat sofa, a masterpiece of Danish design by the iconic Hans J. Wegner, epitomizes both elegance and comfort. Crafted from solid oak and upholstered in vibrant red wool fa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

1960s Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany and White Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and produced by CFC Silkeborg in Denmark. The armchairs are in good condition and features a frame in Mahoga...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mahogany

Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen Settee. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Curved Danish Sheepskin Sofa, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful sofa produced in Denmark, 1940s, designer unknown. Professionally reupholstered in high quality sheepskin.  
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Sheepskin

FRAMA Contemporary Wooden Minimal Design Atelier Couch with Linen Cushion
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Inspired by traditional, box-formed seating silhouettes, the Atelier Couch was created to inspire spatial serenity through the use of simple geometries a...
Category

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Spruce, Linen

Sofa Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and curved sofa by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Beech

Midcentury Sofa in Patinated Leather by Arne Norell, Made in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Two-seat sofa in beautiful patinated leather, wood frame and brass hardware. Model Ilona designed by Swedish architect Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB in the 1960s.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

3-Seat Sofa by Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Reupholstered 3-seat sofa in Sunniva 2 (col. 152) with frame of patinated oak. Maker Søren Willadsen.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian sofa in teak. Seats will be reupholtered with fabric of your choice between Step Melange fabric from Gabriel. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Maija Ruoslahti Sofa Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Maija Ruoslahti. Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Johannes Andersen Sofa Model Capri Produced by Trensum in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model Capri designed by Johannes Andersen. Produced by Trensum in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Sofa by Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking two-seat sofa in beech and leather back and seat with comfortable woven cushions, designed by Arne Norell for Aneby. Made in Sweden in the ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech, Fabric

Orange Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Birte Iversen Living Room Set Sofa and Two Easy Chairs In wool in deep green
Located in Kastrup, DK
A living room set including a three-seat freestanding sofa and two easy chairs. Designed by Birte Iversen, Denmark, circa 1940-1950. Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen, Denmark. Newly uphols...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool

Børge Mogensen 2214 Sofa
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Ultra elegant sofa model 2214 designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, 1946. This example with beautifully patinated original black leather, oak legs and original accompanying pillows. Outstanding quality and super comfortable sofa.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Arne Jabobsen Airport Sofa for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1957
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Airport sofa designed by Arne Jacobson in 1957 for the SAS Royal Terminal. This model was manufactured in 1989 and is in very good condition. Plea...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Fabricius and Kastholm Classics of Mid-Century Modernism Two-Seat Sofa.
Located in Antwerp, BE
To be the classics of Midcentury Modernism,Fabricius and Kastholm two-seat sofa, feature in exclusively steel frames with elephant grey leather loose cushions and cord-wrapped armres...
Category

1960s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch, Fabric

2-Seat Sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Extremly rare and comfortable 2-seat sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden. Produced during the late 1960s. Brand's mark underneath the sofa graved in the pine wood. With co...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist Paradise Sofa Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning paradise sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1958. This sofa has very nice typical for that time organic shapes, and curved organic legs...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

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.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Oak

Midcentury Sofa in Bamboo, Made in Denmark, 1950
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking bamboo sofa. Designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Bamboo

1950s AP32-S Danish Upholstered Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for A. P. Stolen
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

Wonderful Settee with Amazing Shape
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

Finn Juhl BO46 Sofa for Bovirke, 1946
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl two person BO46 sofa upholstered with off-white wool, tapering legs of stained beech. Designed by Finn Juhl, 1946 and manufactured by Bovirke,...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Design Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

1960s Danish Sculpted Sofa by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A majestic sofa having a sculptured body resting on eight (8) tapered mahogany legs, retaining the original red, navy and beige striped wool fabric. Desi...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Pine Sofa by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s. Very good condition, solid and stable.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

Blue Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
Designer's great comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid highest quality wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive spac, specialized in designing, manufacturing and exporting solid wood furniture...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

1960s Hans J. Wegner Airport Sofa in Original Blue Fabric by A.P. Stolen
Located in Knebel, DK
This sofa, model AP35/3, is part of a series of armchair, lounge chair and sofa that Hans Wegner designed for A.P. Stolen in 1957 named the "Airport series". Although not designed specifically for airports this series got it's name after Copenhagen's "Kastrup Airport" which is still today furnished with similar lounge chairs, armchairs and sofas. With their tubular-steel legs and minimalistic design Wegner proved that upholstered chairs and sofas...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Rosewood Sven Ivar Dysthe Reupholstered 3-Seat Sofa & a Lounge Chair, 1950s
Located in Paris, France
Very elegant and chic, reupholstered 3-seater sofa and a lounge chair, 1950s, composed of solid rosewood in a wool blue navy stripe, attributed to Sven Ivar Dysthe. Sven Ivar Dysthe ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Nordic Style Sofa and Bookshelf Room Divider in Walnut or Oak
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. a sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Pillows easily come off. ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Sofa Model Moduline by France & Søn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare 4-seat sofa model Moduline designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind. Produced by France & Søn in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

BM 2212 by Børge Mogensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BM 2212 - Reupholstered 2-seat sofa in black pleasure with legs in walnut. Maker Fredericia Furniture.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Designer's Leather Sofa Bookshelf Room Divider
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful comfortable sofa with surrounding wooden frame in solid wood. A sofa, a bookshelf and also a divider, perfect for an exclusive space. Solid and best quality in w...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Oak, Walnut

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.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery

Handsome Nanna Ditzel Style Four-Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa, Midcentury Danish
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...
Category

1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling sofa produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Rolf Rastad & Adolf Relling. Produced by Arnestad Bruk in Norway.
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Pine sofa design David Rosén model "Berga", Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s. Good condition, solid and stable.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

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.

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