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.
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 2)
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Swan' Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Fabric Upholstery (Cat. 2). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless cr...
Metal, Aluminum
Göperts möbler, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine "Åre" sofa or settee designed and produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 15” Arm Height (inches): 23.5" All upholstered furniture can be reuph...
Fabric, Pine
Ib Kofod-Larsen Elizabeth Sofa by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model U56 / Elizabeth designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Christensen & Larsen in Denmark. Queen Elizabeth II purchased a pair of easy chairs in 1958 and since th...
Leather, Rosewood
$31,313
"Capri" Sofa DENMARK - 1958
Located in Forest, BE
Designed in 1958 by Danish designer Johannes Andersen, the Capri model embodies the essence of post-war Scandinavian modernism. Its fluid, sculptural lines are balanced by the lightn...
Velvet
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Three-Seat Sofa, Leather, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage full grain aniline leather. Legs of nut. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Sofa Produced by Cabinetmaker Otto Meyer in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Unique freestanding sofa designed by Arne Jacobsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Otto Meyer in Denmark. Provenance: Publisher Fergo, hence by descent in th...
Brass
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Walnut and Pink Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa, walnut, pink fabric, Denmark, 1930s This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. The basic design i...
Fabric, Walnut
Viggo Boesen Attribution, Sofa, Bamboo, Rattan, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded bamboo, rattan and floral-printed fabric sofa or settee attributed to Viggo Boesen and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches):...
Fabric, Bamboo, Rattan
$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
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
Børge Mogensen Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik. New Upholstery. 1958.
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
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
Swedish Modern Sofa with Cherry Wood Legs, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed in the early phase of what we know today as mid-century modern, this charming sofa is a unique evidence of how traditional Swedish craftsmanship was brought into modernism. ...
Wood, Fabric
$3,418Sale Price / item|66% Off
1970s Fred Lowen for Tessa Black Leather & Teak T4 Sofa
By TESSA Furniture Co, Fred Lowen, Percival Lafer, Florence Knoll
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
Rare Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen freestanding spoke back sofa, 1947
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen, Willy Beck
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A very rare Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen freestanding spoke back sofa in mahogany and rosewood shoes with original woven cane seat and loose fabric cushions. Designed 1947 fo...
Fabric, Cane, Mahogany
Danish Midcentury 3-Seater Sofa in Solid Oak, Henry Kjærnulf, 1970s
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and sought after sofa attributed to Danish Designer, Henning Kjaernulf made from quarter-sawn white oak, Hand carved in brutalist style seeking inspiration from art & crafts and...
Wool, Oak
$2,600Sale Price|35% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Black Leather 3 Seat Sofa birch Legs Cane sides
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful Black Long leather 3 seat sofa Birch legs and cane sides. Style of Arne Norell. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but ...
Leather, Birch, Cane
Sofa in Rosewood and Reupholstered in Burgundy Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Reupholstered in Burgundy Leather by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1956 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and newly reupholstered in burgundy leather Style: Mid cen...
Rosewood, Leather
Alvar Aalto Paimio Sofa for Finmar Finland ca 1932
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Danville, CA
Rare original Alvar Aalto Paimio sofa design circuit 1932 by Finmar, Finland. Spectacular bent plywood frame, recent neutral green micro chenille upholste...
Bentwood
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren Sofa in Red Patinated Leather and Mahogany
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iverseren, sofa, leather, mahogany, Denmark, 1950s/1960s Beautiful sofa in an outstanding natural color designed by Ole Wanscher during the mid-century period....
Leather, Mahogany
Yrjö Kukka a Rosewood Sofa Model Ateljee for Haimi Finland, 1960
Located in Paris, IDF
Sofa Ateljee designed in 1959 and produced in 1964 by finish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi in Finland. Leather cushions, oak frame, metal details. Good vintage condition, Beautiful patina on the leather cushions. The sofa has an ergonomic design which is a key element in all of Yrjö Kukkapuro -designs. The Ateljee sofa...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Modern Finn Juhl Sheepskin BO46 sofa, 1946
By Finn Juhl
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa model BO46 by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, made in Denmark in 1946. Round beech legs. Reupholstered in sheepkin. Leather buttons. Excellent vintage condition. Early and important Finn...
Sheepskin, Beech
Swedish Modern Sofa, Rosewood Frame, Wool Upholstery, 1930s Design
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant Swedish Modern sofa, with a compact wooden frame along the back and sides, made from rosewood with lighter wooden stripes around the top and bottom. Re-upholstered in a ...
Wood
1960s, Danish "Banana" 2-seater sofa, green furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish "Banana" 2-seater sofa. Green furniture velour, brass springs in the seat, oak wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Velvet, Oak
Arne Norell Safari Sofa Tropical Swedish 1960 Leather Bench
By Arne Norell
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Unique sofa of the 1960s of the designer Arne Norell in massive mahogany and black leather. New Tropical cotton fabric remakes.
Leather, Mahogany
Swedish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A red fabric and birch sofa designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Seat Height (inches): 16.5” Arm Height (inches): 25" All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Fabric, Birch
Swedish Modern Two-Seater Sofa in Oak and Light Fabric, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Elegant Swedish Modern two-seater sofa, made by a Swedish cabinetmaker in the 1940s. Made from oak, details in iron, carved elements, newly reupholstered in light fabric. Crafted by...
Iron
Swedish Modern Sofa in the Style of Carl Malmsten
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in the 1950s in the style of Swedish designer Carl Malmsten, this tailored sofa is characterized by smooth lines and rounded shapes. Like in Malmsten's designs, simple forms ...
Wool, Upholstery, Wood
Folke Ohlsson for Dux ‘Passadena’ Sofa in Grey Upholstery and Walnut
By Folke Jansson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Folke Ohlsson for Dux, sofa model ‘Passadena’, walnut, fabric, Denmark, 1960s This sofa is characterized by a splendid design that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aest...
Fabric, Walnut
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
By Carl Malmsten, O.H. Sjögren
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Samsas” is for many the most associated series with Carl Malmsten. The designer devoted his life to the renewal of traditional Swedish craftsmanship, inspired by Swedish country man...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model “Tema 1” Beechwood Sofa for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Beechwood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam, New Rubber Pirelli Straps ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Beech
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, Danish 2-seater sofa, original striped green furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original striped green furniture wool, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. M...
Wool, Oak
$2,400Sale Price|40% Off
Mid century Scandinavian modern black leather sofa 3 seat Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern black leather sofa designed by Hans Olsen. All original soft black leather down filled cushions. Sofa is in good vintage condition all straps are good w...
Leather, Birch
Finnish Designer, Sofa, Wood, Velvet, Finland, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted wood and pink velvet sofa designed and produced in Finland, c. 1920s. Seat Height: 16" All upholstered furniture can be reupholstered upon request for an additional...
Velvet, Wood
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
Sofa / Daybed in Oak, Brass and Original Fabric by Børge Mogensen, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa / Daybed in Oak, Brass and Original Fabric by Børge Mogensen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Oak, brass and original fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Rare sofa ...
Brass
Fabricius and Kastholm Four Seater Sofa in Cognac Leather with Steel Frame
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius for Kill International, four-seater sofa, patinated leather, steel, Denmark, 1960s. The sofa embodies a solid construction that is established by ...
Leather
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufacture...
Wool, Beech
Black Leather Danish Mid Century "V11" Three Seater Sofa by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and iconic Danish mid century three seater sofa model "V11" in original black leather and rosewood feet with natural and decorative patina designed by Illum Wikkelsø and ...
Leather, Walnut
Zebra Patterned Upholstered Sofa, Model Miles
By Dusty Deco
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Miles Sofa Zebra is a 3-seater sofa with a frame made of solid spruce, plywood, and a filling of duck down, silicone marbles, and foam. The sofa is upholste...
Spruce, Plywood
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
Arne Norell 'Divina' Two Seat Sofa, Westbergs Möbler AB, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare two seat sofa was designed by Arne Norell in the late 1950s. The model is called 'Divina' and it was produced by Westbergs Möbler AB in Tranås, Swe...
Fabric, Cotton, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Finnish Modern Wood Panel and Leather Two-Seat Sofa, Attr: Artek, Finland, 1970s
By Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A two-seat sofa in warm stained wood and brown leather, produced in Finland in the 1970s and attributed to Artek. The arms are constructed as large solid box panels in stained hardwo...
Steel
Midcentury Danish Modern Banana Sofa in the Style of Viggo Boesen
By Viggo Boesen
Located in New York, NY
Made in the 1950s, this Danish Modern sofa is upholstered in a rich coral pink mohair. Its elegant design features a curved "banana" shape and a channeled back with decorative rope p...
Mohair, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Sofa after Grete Jalk
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Scandinavian modern teak sofa after Grete Jalk features stylish Mid-Century Modern design, iconic sculpted seat back, and rich vintage teak finish. Vintage upholstered cushions ...
Teak
Eva and Nils Koppel Three-Seater Sofa "Koppel", Denmark, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This three-seater sofa has the best characteristics of Danish mid-century modern design. Its comfort and delicate design elements make this three-seater the most coveted work of Eva and Nils Koppel...
Bouclé, Wood
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
Swedish Modern Sofa by Erik Chambert, Chamberts, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sofa by Erik Chambert, with clean modernist lines. Generous size with curved armrests that envelope the sides. Dusty red, original velvet upholstery. Stained wood legs.
Wood
Carl-Johan Boman, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and wood sofa designed by Carl-Johan Boman and produced by Oy Boman Ab, Finland, c. 1940s. Loss of some tufted buttons and some distress to fabric consistent with age...
Fabric, Wood
Beautiful Leather and Mahogany Sofa in the Style of Frits Henningsen
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful leather and mahogany sofa in the style of Frits Henningsen.
Leather, Wood, Mahogany
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
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
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
Karin Mobring “Småland” Sofa for IKEA, Sweden, 1970s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Karin Mobring for IKEA in the 1970s, the Småland sofa represents a refined expression of Swedish rustic modernism. Constructed with a solid wood frame finished in white ...
Upholstery, Wood
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
$2,226Sale 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
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
Poul Kjærholm PK-31/3 Sofa Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model PK-31/3 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Steel
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original striped green furniture wool, solid oak wood, springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constr...
Wool, Oak
$2,230Sale Price|20% Off
Sven Ellekaer leather sofa produced by Coja, 1960 - 1970
By Sven Ellekaer , Coja Culemborg
Located in Bern, CH
Sven Ellekaer 2 seater leather sofa, produced by Coja. Natural nubuck leather with solid oak frame. Design: Sven Ellekaer Produced: Coja 1960 - 1970 Measurements: Height: 73 cm Widt...
Leather, Oak