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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
‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957
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

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

Pair of Wood and Leather Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1960
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and leather Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1960.
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

2021 KK48650 Addition Sofa by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Walnut w/ Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK48650 Addition Sofa designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid walnut legs and full grain grey seat/back. The sof...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Walnut

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

Two-Seat Leather Sofa by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, Walter Knoll, Pair
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of two-seat leather sofa by Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, Walter Knoll edition. Two sofas available.
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

2020 CH163 3 Seater Sofa by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen in Smoked Oak & Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a CH163 Three-Seater Sofa designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid smoke oiled oak frame and red leather upholstery...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

2020 KK48650 Addition Sofa by Kaare Klint for Carl Hansen in Oak & Black Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a KK48650 Addition Sofa designed by Kaare Klint and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The sofa is made with a solid oak frame and Thor black leather seat/b...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Empire Sofa
Located in New York, NY
The Empire Sofa, part of the Empire collection, is designed with a minimalist approach that brings a fresh, innovative sense of soothe to any contemporary living space. Its bentwood ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Empire Sofa
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Empire Sofa
$4,216 Sale Price / item
20% Off
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

1940s Danish Mohair Sofa with Channel Back and Curved Silhouette
Located in Oakland, CA
Elegant 1940s Danish sofa features a gracefully curved form with vertical channel-back tufting, offering both sculptural presence and structured comfort. Built with exceptional craft...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Mohair

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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