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.
Black Danish Mid Century V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø in Leather & Rosewood, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century "V11" sofa in dark patinated and original leather with sculptural rosewood wooden legs by Illum Wikkelsø produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark, 1960s. I...
Leather, Rosewood
$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, 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
Danish Three-Seat Sofa in Teak and Greenish Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Scandinavian modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The way the armrests bent outwards remind of the designs by Folke Ohlsson. Looking at the...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Two Seater Sofa in Grey Buffalo Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, buffalo leather, metal, Denmark, 1960s. This sofa originates from Denmark and is characterized by a cubic shaped construction fully executed in buffalo leather with...
Metal
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
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained birch and floral printed fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 30.5” H x 70” W x 34” D Seat Height (...
Fabric, Birch
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufacture...
Velvet, Beech
Danish Four Seat Sofa in Teak and Moss Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Typical Scandinavian Modern sofa with modest yet striking lines. The triangular silhouette of the armrests underlines the modern dimensions of thi...
Fabric, Teak
Danish FDB Møbler Three-Seat Sofa in Solid Oak and Beige Soft Upholstery
By FDB Møbler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
FDB Møbler, sofa, solid oak, fabric, Denmark, 1940s Crafted by the Danish furniture company FDB Møbler, this sofa reminds of the Shaker-line by Børge Mogensen. FDB and Mogensen aime...
Fabric, Oak
$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
Danish Modern 4-Seat Teak Base Sofa, Original Fabric Presents Well
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Modern 4-Seat Teak Base Sofa, Original Fabric Presents Well Offered for sale is a mid-century Danish Modern sofa with a teak base. The sofa presents well and is in clean cond...
Fabric, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Sofa, Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern sofa, manufactured by Hämeen Kalustaja, Finland, 1970s. Pine frame, original leather upholstery. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Leather, Pine
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2292, original upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen original upholstered kupe sofa with cognac leather. Legs of teak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
$24,058 / 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
$4,280Sale Price|20% Off
Johannes Andersen Danish Mid Century Modern Rosewood Sofa in Bordeaux leather
Located in Dronten, NL
Magnificent 3-seater sofa designed by Johannes Andersen in solid rosewood with a concealed steel frame. The advanced design of this rare sofa makes it appear very light and transpar...
Leather, Rosewood
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manuf...
Velvet, Beech
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
Stouby Møbelfabrik, Mid Century 3-Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, Made in 1970s
By Mogens Hansen, Børge Mogensen, Stouby Polster Møbelfabrik
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
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Birch, Fabric, Cane, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch, cane and fabric sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Fabric, wood frame, and cane are vintage worn, with fabric in fair to distressed condition. Patina on nailh...
Fabric, Cane
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
Bertil Söderberg, Sofa, Fabric, Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By Bertil Söderberg 1, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in High Point, NC
A stained beech and green fabric two-seater sofa or settee, designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (in...
Fabric, Beech
Danish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white bouclé fabric and dark-stained wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s. Seat height: 14”
Fabric, Wood
Model "Euroform" Sofa, Maija Ruoslahti, Sopenkorpi, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model "Euroform" sofa, design Maija Ruoslahti, manufactured by Sopenkorpi, Finland, 1960s. Teak frame, brass details, beautiful original velvet -like fabric upholstery. Good original...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained wood and beige orange velvet sofa designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. 18.5” seat height
Fabric, Wood
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
$6,400 / set
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4, 1950
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish four-seater sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with a solid oak frame and original spring loaded cushions with original beige/grey stri...
Wool, Oak
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
Danish 1950s Sofa in Oak and Seagrass, Attributed to Frits Schlegel
Located in Lejre, DK
A beautifully crafted Danish Modern sofa from the 1950s, attributed to Frits Schlegel, executed in solid oak with a handwoven seagrass seat and backrest. The sofa displays the refine...
Cane, Oak
$24,556Sale 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
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool, ash wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactu...
Wool, Ash
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
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
Danish Three Seat Sofa in Umber Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This model evokes the timeless elegance of Borge Mogensen's designs. With three spacious seats, it provides ample room for relaxation. The we...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Modern TV Bench Sofa Model 161 by Hans Olsen Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Modular teak TV bench model 161 by Hans Olsen for Bramin, Denmark. The set consists of a bench, two seating modules and a table. Four cushions are included. We...
Teak
Contemporary 'Fave Sofa' by Norr11, Chrome Frame, Mumble col.025
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Fave Sofa Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11. Model shown on the main picture: Frame: Chrome Steel Fabric: Mumble col.025 Dimension : W 132 cm D 92 cm...
Steel, Chrome
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Salmon pink furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-20 years ago. Very good condition: n...
Velvet, Oak
Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen 2 seat Sofa in cognac patinated Leather, Denmark, 1960’s
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Loveseat by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen in Cognac Leather and Solid Teak, 1960's A rare and characterful loveseat by Danish designer Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen, upholstered in its original cogna...
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture wool, oak wood, springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufa...
Wool, Oak
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa, furniture velour, carved oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original honey yellow furniture velour, carved oak wood, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction...
Velvet, Oak
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
$6,162Sale Price|20% Off
Curved Danish Modern Sofa in Original Brown Wool Upholstery, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully sculpted example of Danish mid-century design, this curved sofa from the 1940s captures the refined elegance and organic lines characteristic of Scandinavian modernism....
Wool, Wood
$9,520
Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Long Island City, NY
Unlike many of the great Danish designers, Frits Henningsen also ran his own cabinet-making shop. He cared deeply about quality of materials, and was uncompromising in the constructi...
Linen, Upholstery, Mahogany
1970s, Danish 2-seater curved sofa, blue furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater curved sofa. Blue furniture velour, beech wood legs with brass plugs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable const...
Velvet, Beech
$9,518 / 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
1950s Scandinavian Modern Sofa in Muted Green Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wool, beech, Scandinavia, 1950s This Scandinavian-modern sofa from the 1950s embodies a quiet elegance rooted in the design language of mid-century Northern Europe. The sofa’s...
Wool, Beech
Uno and Östen Kristiansson 1970's Pine Sofa
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Pine sofa by Uno and Osten Kristiansson produced by Luxus, Vittsjo. Rustic and modern with sculpted detail. Sweden, 1970’s.
Pine
1950s Danish Sheepskin Sofa by Alfred Christensen
Located in London, England
This classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Christensen was designed and produced in the 1950s at his own company: Slagelse Mobelvaerk in Denmark. The sof...
Sheepskin
1940’s Curved Danish Sofa
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940’s Curved Danish Sofa. Classic elegant form with colorful velvet upholstery. Birch legs.
Velvet
Arne Norell Sofa Kontiki by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-Seater sofa model Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original green leather and black frame. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Very good condition.
Leather
1950s Swedish Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden's...
Beech, Sheepskin
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, honey yellow furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original honey yellow furniture velour, beech wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Velvet, Beech
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
$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
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Cognac Brown Leather 3 seat sofa by Søda Galvano Norway
By Soda Galvano
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern Tan Leather 3 seat sofa by Søda Galvano Norway for Lied Mobler. Beech frame with dark stain with beautiful cognac brown leather upholstery. Made in Norw...
Leather, Birch
1950s, Danish 2-seater drop arm/back sofa, cherry-red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater drop arm/back sofa. Cherry-red furniture velour, beech wood legs with brass wheels, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 20 yea...
Brass
Sofa 'Värend' by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Sofa designed by Carl Malmsten in Sweden during the 1940s. Model 'Värend' with an elegant design made in elm.
Fabric, Elm
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari 3 seat sofa by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo, Percival Lafer, Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari lounge 3 seat sofa by Bruksbo Norwegian Furniture Maker. Designed by Ivar Opsvik “Tunis” Safari leather sofa. A very rare safari...
Leather, Hardwood
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
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