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 Cabinetmaker Curved Sofa Sheepskin c1940s
Located in London, England
This wonderfully curved sofa, produced by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1940s, has an inviting back and wrap around arms. It also features a curved seat and has been totally refurbish...
Sheepskin, Oak
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
Arne Norell Sofa in Brown Leather
By Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, sofa, brown leather, wood, Sweden, circa 1960s This sofa is refined, modern with a robust touch. A well-designed sofa by talented Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-197...
Leather, Wood
Børge Mogensen Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik. New Upholstery. 1958.
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Paris, FR
Elegant and refined three-seat sofa model 205 designed by Borge Mogensen in 1958 and manufactured in Denmark by Fredericia Stolefabrik. This important sofa shows an impressive desig...
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Oak
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original striped green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Man...
Velvet, Beech
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
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Sofa with Teak Legs and Aniline Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with Mokka elegance aniline leather. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
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
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian modern Brown leather 3 seat sofa style of Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern Brown leather 3 seat sofa style of Arne Norell Sweden. Brown leather upholstery and cushions with woven leather stitches. Beech Bentwood runner legs. Made in Swed...
Leather, Bentwood
$10,927 / item
Sheepskin Sofa by Alfred Christensen c1950s
Located in London, England
Alfred Christensen - Tisso 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
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Green furniture wool fabric, oak wood, brass springs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furni...
Wool, Oak
$5,949 / 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
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original salmon pink furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original salmon pink furniture velour, ash wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Velvet, Ash
Danish Modern Finn Juhl "46" Sofa, Dark Lavender Blue Velvet, Carl Brørup, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important Finn Juhl "46" sofa made in the 1940s at original manufacturer Carl Brørup. The sofa is upholstered in a beautiful dark blue velvet. The sofa is in very good orig...
Velvet
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 Three Seat Sofa in Red Brown Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, oak, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. A nice detail...
Leather, Oak
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
Wooden Swedish Sofa Designed by Carl Westman
By Carl Westman
Located in Madrid, ES
Stained wood sofa designed in 1899 by Carl Westman. Model "Arbetarmöbeln", which means "Workers' furniture". This settee features a warm wood finish, spindle backrest, and turned det...
Fabric, Wood
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, furniture wool, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original blue/green furniture wool, teak wood legs, springs in the seat cushions. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. ...
Wool, Teak
$6,400 / set
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-236/4, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Sofa in Leather and Rosewood by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare sofa, model V11, was designed by Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø and produced by Holger Christiansen in Denmark during the 1960s. The piece is distinguished by its soli...
Leather, Rosewood
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, furniture velour, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Green furniture velour, springs in the seat, beech wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by...
Velvet, Beech
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.0"H x 67.0"W x 35.0"D Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Arm Height (inches): 28....
Fabric, Wood
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
Classic Danish Teak & cane Modular Sofa/ Daybed with table by Hans Olsen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Early Production ! Retains original BRAMIN burn in label.. A verstile design by Hans Olsen, this highly functional sofa has a variety of uses. The table and two seats can be configu...
Fabric, Cane, Teak
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original green furniture velour. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and st...
Velvet, Beech
Sculptural Bertil Söderberg Sofa, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1940s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Bertil Söderberg 1
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...
Fabric, Upholstery, Beech
1960s, 3-seater Danish sofa, green furniture wool, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, 3-seater Danish sofa. Original green furniture wool, beech wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Brass springs in the seat. Ma...
Wool, Beech
Kaare Klint Sofa for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint 2 persons sofa with legs of mahogany. Seat, sides and back upholstered with wool. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen.
Fabric, Mahogany
1950s, 3-seater Danish sofa, original condition, furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, 3-seater Danish sofa. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Slightly signs of use. Original green cotton furniture velour, brass springs in th...
Velvet, Oak
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
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, striped red/multicolor furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original striped red/multicolor furniture wool, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constr...
Wool, Oak
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master-designer Carl Malmsten. It was originally produced by ...
Sheepskin, Beech
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
1960s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa, red furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa. Original striped red furniture velour, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constr...
Velvet, Oak
Curved 1950s Scandinavian Sofa or Loveseat, Model 185, Slagelse, Denmark, 1950s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Slagelse Møbelværk two seat love sofa new upholstered with Bottle Green Magrethe wool fabric, buttons and details from full grain aniline leather. Legs of stained wood. This sofa i...
Fabric, Beech, Leather
$1,790Sale Price|30% Off
1960s, Danish 3-seater curved sofa, blue furniture velour, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater curved sofa. Blue furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered about 10 years ago by craftsman. Manufactured by Danish ...
Velvet, Beech
$1,194Sale Price|47% Off
1950s, Danish 3 seater sofa, original condition, furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3 seater sofa. Original good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Original red furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. The sofa i...
Velvet, Beech
Danish Cabinetmaker Scallop Sofa Sheepskin c1940s
Located in London, England
This uniquely shaped curved sofa sofa was produced by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1940s. It has an inviting scallop-shaped back and wrap around arms. It also features a gently curve...
Sheepskin, Teak
Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Danish Teak & Leather Three Seat Sofa Ca. 1960s
By Svend Åge Eriksen, Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Peabody, MA
A Danish teak three seat sofa in original soft leather upholstery, designed by Svend Aage Eriksen for Glostrup Mobelfabrik, in the manner of Grete Jalk, who also designed for Glostru...
Leather, Teak
1960s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original condition, green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Light green furniture velour, ash wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Ma...
Velvet, Ash
Danish Mid Century V11 Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø in Olive Brown Leather, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and perfect example of an iconic Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in thick original olive brown leather with beautiful matching wooden legs by Illum Wikke...
Leather, Walnut
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, beech wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat, wheels on the front legs. Extra covers for armrests. Original good condition: no s...
Velvet, Beech
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model “Tema 1” Beechwood Sofa for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed in Oak and Rattan "GE7" Made at GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden space fo...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Oak
Swedish Modern Oversized Sofa, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant, oversized Swedish Modern sofa, in a U-formed design, slightly shorter on one end. Mahogany veneer encircles the sides and inside. Upholst...
Velvet, Mahogany
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
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Frame of black painted beech. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Beech
1960s, Danish 2-seater curved sofa, original red furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater curved sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Original red furniture fabric, be...
Fabric, Beech
Folke Ohlsson for DUX Four-Seat Mid-Century Sofa in Original Wool Fabric 1960's
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Scandinavian modern sofa made and marked by Dux of Sweden made sometime in the 1960's designed by Folke Ohlsson. Handsome build with profound design lines that bring elegance and style to any space. A splendid, long modern sofa...
Wool, Teak
$3,507Sale Price / item|66% Off
1970s Fred Lowen for Tessa Black Leather & Teak T4 Sofa
By Florence Knoll, Percival Lafer, Fred Lowen, TESSA Furniture Co
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Low profile meets high comfort without compromise with this T4 Sofa. This particular piece is an early 70s release, and is designed by Fred Lowen for Tessa Fu...
Leather, Teak
1960s, Danish drop arm sofa, furniture wool, oak wood, orginal condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater drop arm sofa in original very good condition. No smells, no stains, stable construction. Sofa was checked by craftsman. Furnit...
Wool, Oak
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
$2,284Sale Price|20% Off
1960s, Danish design, Aage Christiansen for Erhardsen & Andersen, 2 seater sofa.
By Aage Christiansen, Erhardsen & Andersen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christiansen for Erhardsen & Andersen, Nykøbing Mors. 2 seater sofa model "Matador" in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Quality bla...
Leather, Teak
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
1960s, Danish curved 2-seater sofa, red/beige furniture wool fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish curved 2-seater sofa. Original red and beige furniture wool fabric, brass springs in the seat, beech wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable...
Wool, Beech
Illum Wikkelso 'Capella' Three Seat Sofa in Oak and Forest Green Cushions
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelso for Niels Eilersen, 'Capella' three seat sofa, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s Timeless and elegant Illum Wikkelsø 'Capella' three-seat sofa. Crafted in the 1950s, this e...
Fabric, Oak
Borge Mogensen 211 Sofa in Oak and Teak by Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1950s
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Troy, MI
Børge Mogensen 211 Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark circa 1957 Solid oak and teak frame with finger joint detail and exposed webbing Loose seat cushions in a period striped c...
Teak, Fabric, Oak
Børge Mogensen "Spoke-back" Sofa by Fritz Hansen, 1963, Danish Modern
By Fritz Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Odense, DK
Early production "Spoke-Back" sofa by Børge Mogensen. This example manufactured in 1963, the first year of production, by Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen. Beautifully patinated beechwood an...
Beech
$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