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.
Danish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Staining to fabric, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27...
Velvet, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Reupholstered at some point in history, stain to back as illustrated. Ove...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Mid Century Modern Sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkosen FD - 161
By France & Daverkosen, Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, stylish and rare Mid Century Danish Modern sofa by Arne Vodder for France and Daverkersen, model FD - 161 made in Denmark circa 1950's. This example is in very good, ...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid Century Scandinavian Leather Maroon sling sofa by Uu-Vee Kaluste Oy Finland
By Uu-Vee Kaluste Oy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Leather Maroon sling sofa by Uu-Vee Kaluste Oy - Made in Finland Circa 1970. Great 3 seat sling sofa with Maroon leather and a dark wood frame. Great Scandin...
Leather, Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Velvet, Oak
Flemming Lassen 1930s Danish Deco Curved Back Settee in Original Green Mohair
Located in Oakland, CA
1930s Danish Deco curved-back settee attributed to Flemming Lassen, retaining its original green mohair upholstery. Expertly handcrafted with a remarkably sturdy solid wood frame, th...
Mohair
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Dyrlund Scandinavian 3 seat Brown leather sofa with teak frame circa 1980
By Dyrlund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dyrlund Danish Post Modern Teak and Brown Leather 3 seat Sofa, Circa 1980'S leather upholstery and cushions with teak frame and Accents. Labeled underneath. Made in Denmark. Located ...
Leather, Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Leather Box Sofa after Fredrik Kayser
Located in New York, NY
Chic leather and wood box sofa, made in Denmark circa 1960/70's, in the style of Fredrik Kayser. The sofa features thick, plush leather loose back and se...
Leather, Wood
Johannes Andersen Curved Three-Seat Sofa in Royal Purple Upholstery and Oak
By Johannes Andersen, AB Trensums Fåtöljfabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Johannes Andersen for Trensums Fatöljfabrik, sofa, fabric, oak, Sweden, 1960s Swedish three-seat sofa designed by Johannes Andersen in the 1960s. The curved sofa features a striking...
Fabric, Oak
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Brown Faded Leather sofa with Patina
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Brown Faded worn Leather sofa. Great design and shape 3 seat sofa that sits on 4 Square teak wood legs. Good vintage condition ready for use. M...
Leather, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1960s. Overall Dimensions: 32.5“ H x 67.75“ W x 30.5“ D Seat Height (inches): 17.5” Arm Height (inches): 24.25" ...
Fabric, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Danish Modern Daybed in Teak and Rattan GE7 Made at GETAMA, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated teakwood frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden spa...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Teak
$10,602 / item
Verner Panton 'Easy' Sofa for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton 'Easy' sofa for Verpan. Designed in 1963. New, current production. With its round shapes and layered design, the Easy collection stands out as one of the most visually...
Fabric
$10,602 / item
Verner Panton 'Easy' Sofa for Verpan
Located in Tilburg, NL
Verner Panton 'Easy' sofa for Verpan. Designed in 1963. New, current production. With its round shapes and layered design, the Easy collection stands out as one of the most visually...
Fabric
1980s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Nisbo Horsens, furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1980s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Nisbo Horsens. Striped lig brown/ green furniture wool, beech wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Wool, Beech
1970s, Swedish drop arm sofa/daybed, furniture fabric, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Swedish drop arm sofa/daybed. Original light yellow furniture fabric, oak wood, springs in the cushion. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construct...
Fabric, Oak
$23,636 / item
'Studio' Sofa by Norr11, Modular Sofa, Setup 8, Beige
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) Measures: W. 406 cm / D. 400 cm / H. 70cm / seating H. 42cm Model shown: Barnum boucle 3 Modular sofa: assemble different modules to create your composition Wide range of fabrics and colors CAT 1: Fame CAT 2: Barnum, Breeze Fusion, Savoy CAT 3: Fiord, Hallingdal, Savanna, Zero*, Steelcut Trio, Moss, Safire CAT 4: Baru CAT 5: Dunes, Spectrum/Noir Introducing Studio, the newest sofa landscape in the NORR11 collection - a tribute to a timeless era of the 70s and its expressive aesthetics. Featuring a versatile but simple system of modules, appearing in limitless options to form numerous settings, shapes and styles to adhere to all types of environments. Whether for a small living setting or spacious public site. Studio is defined by its bold fluted upholstery characteristics inspired by late 1970s sofa styles...
Foam
Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 3-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, Made in 1970s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen, Mogens Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Mordern 3-seater sofa in brown leather, feets made in solid beech. Simple lines and a great comfort featured in this sofa. Designed by Stouby Møbelfabrik, Denmark. M...
Leather, Beech
Karl Erik Ekselius Sofa in Teak and Black Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Karl Erik Ekselius for JOC, sofa, leather, teak, Sweden, 1960s This Swedish sofa by Karl Erik Ekselius showcases the typical characteristics of Scandinavian Modern Design. The unit...
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish "Spanish" sofa, furniture velour, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Original cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood legs, spri...
Velvet, Ash
Esko Pajamies Three-Seat Cantilevered Sofa, Merva, Finland, 1960s
By Esko Pajamies, Merva Merivaara.
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare three-seat sofa was designed by Esko Pajamies and produced by the Finnish company Merva in the 1960s. The rectangular shape of the seat, armrests and backrest give the chai...
Steel, Chrome
1960s Vintage Scandinavian Red Velour Three-Seat Sofa With Beech Feet
Located in Elkton, MD
Three-seat sofa upholstered in red velour with corded trim, raised on beechwood feet. The sofa has a low, wide profile with rounded arms and a tufted backrest consistent with Scandin...
Upholstery
1970s, Danish by Kurt Østervig, 3-seater sofa, furniture velour, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish by Kurt Østervig. 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, teak wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construc...
Velvet, Teak
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, furniture velour, carved oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Furniture velour, carved oak wood, brass springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by...
Velvet, Oak
Clam Sofa by Arnold Madsen, 1944
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The very rare Clam sofa, designed by Arnold Madsen and produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944, is a distinguished example of mid-century Scandinavian furniture design t...
Fabric, Lacquer, Wood
Oak Sofa / Daybed, Model 4311/4312, by Børge Mogensen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare sofa and daybed, model 4311/4312, designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark during the 1950s, is a quintessential example of Danish moder...
Brass
Pair of Flemming Lassen Ingeborg Chairs in Original Condition, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Flemming Lassen
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of Ingeborg arm chairs by Danish architect Flemming Lassen in their absolute original condition with original green Fabric. The curvy armrests and a slightly round buttoned ba...
Wood, Fabric
$24,125Sale Price|20% Off
Pair Danish TV Bench Sofas Model 161 by Hans Olsen Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Pair of modular teak TV benches model 161 by Hans Olsen for Bramin, Denmark, ade in the 1960s. The set consists of two benches, four seating modules and two ta...
Teak, Wool, Rattan
1940’s Danish Curved Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s curved Danish sofa. Original upholstery. Birch legs.
Upholstery, Birch
$5,821 / item
Set of 2 Arne Norell "Ilona" sofas, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Ilona" designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s. Beautiful patinated leather and original fabric. Please note: 2 sofas available, listed price is for a single.
Brass
Sten Blomberg, Sofa, Elm, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An elm and red fabric sofa designed by Sten Blomberg and produced by Meeths, Göteborg, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally...
Fabric, Elm
$3,600
Carl Malmsten Sofa
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjogren. Birch wood frame with original upholstery. Made in Sweden. 1970's
Birch
Jorgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe Sofa in Red Patinated Leather
By Vitsoe, Jorgen Hoj
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jorgen Høj for Niels Vitsøe, settee, model '202', leather, aluminum, Denmark, circa 1960 Exclusive leather sofa designed by Jorgen Hoj who...
Aluminum
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen, 2-seater sofa, furniture velour.
By Alfred Christiansen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Alfred Christensen. 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construct...
Velvet, Beech
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, Hardwood Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery
Located in London, GB
1940s Kaare Klint Three Seater Sofa, with Mahogany Legs & Striped Wool Upholstery with Leather Trim. Usable condition. Bespoke quote ca...
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Sofa Model 'Trienna' by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very good original condition. Original green leather cushions, braided natural leather in the back.
Leather, Walnut
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
Set of 2 Arne Norell sofas model Kontiki, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 2 Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original brown leather. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition. Please note: listed price is for a single sofa. ...
Leather
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 20 years ago. Very good condition: no smells, no st...
Velvet, Oak
Fritz Hansen 1669 Sheepskin Sofa c1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1669A Sofa, c1940s This iconic sofa from the 1669 series was produced by Danish master cabinetmakers Fritz Hansen in Denmark and has become one of the most soug...
Sheepskin, Beech
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A curved wood and red fabric sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 33.5” H x 73” W x 43” D All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for an...
Fabric, Wood
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Three-Seat Sofa, Teak Legs, Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather
1950s, 3-seater Danish sofa, green furniture velour, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, 3-seater Danish sofa. Striped green furniture velour, laqered teak wood, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-20 years ago. Very good condit...
Velvet, Teak
Mid Century Sofa by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Allerum, SE
Exceptional and rare 20th century three-part wall mounted sofa in brushed chrome plated steel, canvas and original patinated Niger leather upholstery...
Steel
1940’s Curved Danish Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s Danish Curved Sofa. Red velvet upholstery. Beech wood legs. Delivery to NYC area available for $425. Please inquire prior to purchase.
Velvet
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa in Light Fabric, 1950s
Located in Prague, New Town
Swedish Modern two-seater sofa, made by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. Legs in stained wood, recently reupholstered in light fabric. The sofa features a refined, sculptural for...
Fabric, Wood
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Da...
Velvet, Oak
Mogens Hansen, Mid-Century 3-Seater Sofa, Patinated Black Leather, 1970s
By Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik, Mogens Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Modern three-seater sofa upholstered in patinated black leather, resting on legs crafted from solid beech. With its clean lines, generous proportions, and inviting c...
Leather, Beech
$9,501 / item
Velvet Love Seat Sofa by Alfred Christensen c1950s
Located in London, England
Alfred Christensen - Tissø Love Seat Sofa The official re-edition of this classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Christensen which was originally produce...
Sheepskin, Oak, Fabric, Velvet, Walnut
Danish Four Seat Sofa in Teak and Olive Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Four seat sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Typical Scandinavian Modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The way the armrests bent outwards remind of the designed by Folke Ohls...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Modern, Three Seater Sofa in Pine & Lambswool, Late 20th Century, 1980s
By Rainer Daumiller, Sven Larsson
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful Danish three-seater sofa crafted in solid pine, produced during the 1980s. The sofa features a robust pine frame with generous seat, back, and side cushions upholstered in ...
Sheepskin, Wool, Pine
1970s, Norwegian vintage 3-seater sofa, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian vintage 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture fabric, teak wood legs and armrests. Springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no sta...
Fabric, Teak
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa, salmon pink velour, furniture mesh, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Salmon pink furniture velour, furniture mesh, dark beech wood, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constru...
Velvet, Rattan, Beech
Set of two sofas model Indra by Arne Norell in Stained Beech, Sweden, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Unusual pair of the Indra sofa designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Loose cushions upholstered in the original floral fabric with green leather supp...
Leather, Fabric, Beech
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Sofa in Oak and Blue Upholstery
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, three-seat sofa, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s. This sofa is characterized by a splendid design that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aestheti...
Fabric, Oak
Danish Sofa in Original Black Leather and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Three-seater sofa, leather, brass, oak, Denmark 1950s. Elegant three-seat sofa in original leather and decorated with brass nails. This sofa is designed in the style of Frits Henni...
Brass
Danish Sofa in Brown Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. T...
Leather, Mahogany
Fritz Hansen Model 1669 Three-Seat Sofa. Wool Bouclé Fabric. Circa 1940.
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Paris, FR
Rare and elegant three-seat sofa model 1669 manufactured by Fritz Hansen in Denmark, in the 1940s. Original piece from the 1940s newly re-upholstered in the traditional way by the b...
Leather, Sheepskin, Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Faux Fur
Brown Leather Danish Mid Century "V11" Three Seater Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and an iconic example of a Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original light brown and beautifully patinated leather with beautiful matching wooden...
Leather, Walnut