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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
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
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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
Period: 1940s
Finnish Cabinetmaker 1940s Boucle Sofa
Located in London, GB
Finnish Cabinetmaker
Curved sofa, 1940s.
Curved sofa produced in Finland in the 1940s. The sofa has carved, stained elm wood legs and has be...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Elm
Swedish Cabinetmaker Settee / Sofa in Pinewood and White Vägen Linen, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and stunning Scandinavian Modern sofa settee attributed to Philip Arctander and made in the 1940s by a Swedish Cabinetmaker. It is made from solid Scandinavian pinewood...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wool, Pine
Sculptural Bertil Söderberg Sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This sculptural sofa was designed by Bertil Söderberg and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in the 1940s. The rare design is marked by the curv...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
Danish Modern Two-Seater Sofa with an Accent Pillow, Denmark ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
While Danish design was also influenced by international exchanges and therefore trends, its modern qualities are timeless virtues originating from national traditions of simple func...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Three-Seater Sofa with Twisted Cord Trimming, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Danish Modern” is a recognized term around the world standing for the characteristic style of Danish design created during the 20th century. As this elegant three-seater sofa shows, the style is characterized by clarity in design and extremely high quality in craftsmanship and choice of materials.
Thanks to its subtle but pronounced curves, this sofa is inherently elegant while also keeping the warmth and cosiness that is often associated with mid-century Danish design. The standout visual element is the scalloped back that echoes the legacy of Art Deco that had a lasting influence on the Nordic countries as well. Many of the well-known Danish architects felt the urge to try their hands at “Nordic Art...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Three-Seater Conversation Sofa, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish three-seater sofa recalls the distinctive curves of the Art Deco period, while material and cabinetmaking-wise being a true Swedish Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this sofa is exceptionally cosy and elegant, a statement piece that is also referred to as a conversation sofa...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Important Otto Schulz Curved Four-Seat Sofa for Boet, Sweden, Mid-1940s
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in The Hague, NL
This important curved sofa was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by his company Boet in Gothenburg. The generously sized sofa can comfortably sit four people. The sofa has been ne...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Elm, Pine, Fabric, Bouclé, Chenille, Upholstery
Danish Two Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a three seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish two seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Danish Cabinetmaker Two-Seater Sofa with Striped Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish two-seater sofa is an early example of what became known as Danish Mid-Century Modern design. With a classic mid-century look, this model is the perfect piece t...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Reupholstered Danish Sofa with Sculptural Frame and White Upholstery
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
In the manner of Viggo Boesen, sofa, fabric Gabriel 'Savak', stained beech, Denmark, 1940s
This charming sofa is designed in the manner of Danish designer Viggo Boesen (1907-1985),...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Beech
Danish Sofa in Soft Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, upholstery, Denmark, 1940s
This Danish sofa catches the eye due to the exquisitely shaped armrests. From the high backrest the armrests float downwards in three curves. ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Jacob Kjaer Sofa in Patinated Reddish Brown Leather and Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Jacob Kjaer, Sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
This sofa is attributed to the Danish cabinetmaker Jacob Kjaer. The design truly intensifies the experience of sitting by means of the impressive construction featuring delicate lines and curved shapes. The backrest develops gracefully into the armrests in a curvaceous movement, which contributes to the sofa’s solid and stabile appearance. Kjaer decided to stay modest with decoration by implementing tufted buttons on the seat, which add a grandiose touch to the sofa. The patinated leather radiates a vibrant reddish brown...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Three Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a two seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish three seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
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
Fabric, Mahogany
Carl Malmsten 1940s Vintage Boucle Sofa
Located in London, GB
This exceptional piece of Swedish furniture was designed in the 1940s by master cabinetmaker and designer Carl Malmsten. It was produced at his own workshop near Stockholm in Sweden....
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Danish Cabinetmaker Three-Seater Banana Sofa, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish three-seater sofa recalls the Art Deco style of the 1930s with the recognizable touch of Danish Modernism. Thanks to its elegantly curved shape, this type of so...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
Located in London, GB
Oak framed Classic sofa designed by Kaare Klint and made by Mastercabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. Beautiful crisscross frame-work. Original upholstery which will make a statement in any...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Viggo Boesen, "Attribution" Settee, Bamboo, Cane, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen, E.V.A. Nissen & Co. 1
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of lounge chairs. Design attributed to Viggo Boesen. Presumably produced by E. V. A. Nissen & Co., Denmark. c. 1940s-1950s.
In moulded bamboo with rattan / cane details.
Sea...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan, Fabric
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
Mogens Lassen Rare Organic Sofa in Ivory Bouclé, Denmark, 1930s
Located in New York, NY
Mogens Lassen rare beautiful Scandinavian Modern sofa in ivory bouclé with slightly curved and tufted wingback and curved armrests on bowed stained beechwood legs. This iconic 1940s ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Wood, Beech
Frits Henningsen Three-Seat Sofa in Pastel Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, three-seat sofa, fabric and oak, Denmark, 1940s.
This elegant three-seat sofa is made by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. This refined sofa is a classic piec...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Gösta Jonsson Sofa Produced in Jönköping, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Gösta Jonsson. Produced in Jönköping, Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
Kaare Klint, Settee, Black-Dyed Nigerian Leather, Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An early all-original settee / two-seat sofa. Designed by Kaare Klint, produced by cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Model 5011, designed in 1935.
Legs in mahogany.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Märta Blomstedt Sofa, Finland, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Märta Blomstedt and produced in Finland in the 1940s. The sofa has been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a w...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Birch, Bouclé
Otto Schulz Curved Swedish Sofa, circa 1940
By Otto Schulz
Located in London, GB
Sweeping curved sofa by Swedish master Otto Schulz designed and produced in the early 1940s. The legs are stained elm wood and the sofa has been reupholstered in soft wool fabric fro...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Elm
Curved Danish Sheepskin Sofa, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
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
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
Ludvig Pontoppidan Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ludvig Pontoppidan sofa from the 1940s. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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
Pair of Viggo Boesen Sofas, Denmark, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by E.V.A. Nissen & Co. in Denmark. Rattan and cane.
Measures: W 172 cm
D 78 cm
H 80 cm
SH 38 cm
Good vintage condition, with signs of usage and patina.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Cane, Rattan
Rare Ludvig Pontoppidan Sofa, Denmark 1940
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A rare, large sofa designed by Ludvig Pontoppidan, manufactured in Denmark around 1940 by himself.
This eye-catching sofa has a wonderful warm brown wooden frame with spokes in the ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in Pawtucket, RI
The perfect Finn Juhl settee manufactured by Bovirke in 1946. Reupholstered with new Hallingdal fabric. Iconic Danish design in perfect restored condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool
Stylish Scandinavian Modern Sofa in the Style of Kaj Gottlob
By Kaj Gottlob
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three-seat sofa in the style of Kaj Gottlob, Denmark. A Sleek design with winged arm rests and three overstuffed removable cushions. This comfortable mid-century modern green sofa ma...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery
Swedish Modern sofa with corduroy upholstery 1940’s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare cabinet maker sofa made in Sweden in the 1940’s by a very skilled Swedish craftsman, the sofa is a very good example of the quality of the period both in Swedish modern but also...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish two-seater sofa is an early example of Nordic mid-century modern design and of outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and their us...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Sofa in Patinated Leather and Boucle, Designed by Otto Schulz
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Lejre, DK
Sofa in leather and boucle. Designed by Otto Schulz and made by Boet AB. Great condition.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
Kaare Klint Model 6092 Sofa
Located in London, GB
A vintage model 6092 three to four seat sofa designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, 1940.
The settee stands on eight tapered solid mahogany legs which give the design gracefulness and lightness despite its size.
The sofa is upholstered in its original 'Greek Fabric...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Mahogany
Rare and Gorgeous Pair of Danish Curved Sofas from the 1940s
Located in Paris, FR
Exceptional pair of beautiful three-seat curved sofas from the 1940s.
Designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940s.
Perfect condition, fully restored and newly upholstered in th...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Upholstery, Oak, Fabric
Flemming Lassen Style 1940s Sheepskin Armchair
Located in London, GB
Compact vintage armchair in the manner of Flemming Lassen, produced in Denmark sometime between 1940-1960. The legs are stained beech wood and the chair has been completely reconditi...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Finn Juhl Style Sofa, circa 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
Danish cabinetmaker made sofa in the manner of Finn Juhl, produced in Denmark, circa 1940s.
The sofa has been completely reconditioned by our in-house team of upholsterers at our ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Beech
1940s Boucle Wool Danish Loveseat
Located in London, GB
Danish cabinetmaker made loveseat, circa 1940s.
Produced in Denmark in the 1940s with stained beech legs and new bouclé wool fabric. The sofa has been c...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
Flemming Lassen Sofa, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
Flemming Lassen (attributed)
Sofa, circa 1940s
Small sofa attributed to Flemming Lassen, Denmark. Stained beech legs with new pale wool fabric upholstery from Chaise Erwin.
...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Beech, Wool
Frits Henningsen Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen sofa. This is the first time I have seen one of these sofas with
an original finished back.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Ludvig Pontoppidan Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ludvig Pontoppidan sofa from the 1940s. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Beech, Fabric
Slat-Back Sofa by Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A slat-backed Cuban mahogany sofa with a tight seat and loose back cushions.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
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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