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.
$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
Mid Century Scandinavia low long sling Safari sofa by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo
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 called the “Safari” leather sofa. A very rare s...
Brass
Vintage "Ingeborg" sofa by Flemming Lassen, Denmark, 1940s
By Asko, Flemming Lassen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “Ingeborg” sofa by Flemming Lassen, with curvesome forms. Designed in 1940 and named after his mother, the artist Ingeborg Winding. Upholstered with caramel colored sheepsk...
Lambskin, Birch
Bed Made In Veneered Rosewood, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bed of veneered rosewood of Danish design from around the 1960s. Is in very good condition. Measurements in cm: H:74.5 W:200 D:98 - 2 pcs in stock.
Rosewood
Arne Norell Sofa Model Indra Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Indra designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.
Brass
$10,689 / item
Sheepskin 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
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
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
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
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2292, original upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen original upholstered kupe sofa with black leather. Legs of black stained oak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather Model 2213 by Børge Mogensen, 1963
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Teak and Original Leather by Børge Mogensen, 1963 Additional Information: Material: Teak and original leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Sofa model 2213 Produced by Fr...
Teak, Leather
1960s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa, furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2-seater "Banana" sofa. Original green furniture velour, beech wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constructi...
Wool, Beech
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Two Seater Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, two seater sofa, teak, leather, Denmark, 1962 Modern and beautiful constructed sofa based on a tight and simple design. The teak...
Leather, Teak
Antique Stained Wood Sofa by Carl Westman, Swedish Design, Circa 1900
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
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
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa, beige/ brown furniture fabric, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Beige/ brown furniture fabric, oak wood legs, brass springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered about 20 years ago by craftsman. Good condition: no smell...
Fabric, Oak
Sofa in Wool and Teak by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen, 1963
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Prisma sofa, designed by Tove & Edvard Kindt-Larsen in 1963 and produced by the Danish cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan, is a rare and sculptural embodiment of Danish modern d...
Fabric, Teak, Wool
Folke Jansson 'Tellus' Sofa in Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Folke Jansson, sofa model 'Tellus', fabric, wood, brass, Sweden, 1956. Exquisite sofa designed by the Swedish designer Folke Jansson, featuring graceful lines that captivate the eye...
Brass
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...
Bouclé, Birch
Elegant Danish Modern 1950s Sofa in Light Green Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric, Denmark, 1950s This classic Danish sofa showcases clean, understated lines that highlight the clarity and craftsmanship of its design. It rests on a gracefully p...
Fabric, Wood
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
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Yang 95, HIgh Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat. Setup 4. Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 370 cm x D. 230.5 cm (SH 40 cm). Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski. Upholstery:...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
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
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood and Original Black Leather by Ole Wanscher, 1951 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original black leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa mo...
Rosewood, Leather
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-290/3, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish three-seat sofa, model GE290/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with a clean solid oak frame and original spring loaded cushions with a later date dark r...
Wool, Oak
Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten, 1956
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' sofa This iconic piece of Swedish furniture was designed in 1956 by master cabinetmaker Carl Malmsten. It was produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden. Thi...
Sheepskin, Beech
Senator sofa by Ole Wanscher by P. Jeppesen Møbelfabrik, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Ranst, VAN
Danish vintage sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen Møbelfabrik and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The frame of the sofa is in solid teak and the cushions are still have the ...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
$1,484Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa, original very good condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Original vintage green furniture velour. Can be pu...
Velvet, Teak
1960s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, 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...
Velvet, Beech
Carl Malmsten Vintage Samspel Sofa in Mohair Velvet 1950s
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten - Samspel Sofa, 1956 The Samspel sofa was designed in 1956 and first produced by AB Record in Bollnäs, Sweden. It is one of the finest pieces to be designed by Malmste...
Mohair, Velvet, Beech
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, blue furniture velour, oak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original blue furniture velour, oak wood legs, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactu...
Velvet, Oak
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
Danish Midcentury Sofa with Teak Legs in Wool and Leather by Bent Møller Jepsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Bent Møller Jepsen's iconic loveseat chair originally named the "TV" sofa, the series also included chairs and other living room furniture, was designed in the 1950s and produced b...
Wool, Teak, Leather
H. W. Klein Lounge Chair mode 207 in orignal leather and tilt function
Located in Esbjerg, DK
H. W. Klein lounge chair in original black leather Teak base in tilt function. Model 207, made by Bramin
Leather, Teak
$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
1960s, Danish velour 2 seater drop arm sofa, wool, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish drop arm "Spanish" sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Green furniture wool fabric, springs in the cushions, beech wood le...
Wool, Beech
Mid Century Scandinavia low long sling Safari 2 seat sofa by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari lounge 2 seat loveseat sofa by Bruksbo Norwegian Furniture Maker. Designed by Ivar Opsvik called the “Safari” leather sofa loves...
Brass
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
Finn Juhl Model 137 Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark 1950s
Located in Hellouw, NL
A beautifully resolved design by one of Denmark’s leading modernists, this Model 137 sofa by Finn Juhl was produced in the 1950s by France & Søn. It reflects Juhl’s sculptural approa...
Fabric, Teak
Swedish Pine Sofa by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare and beautiful pine sofa by Göran Malmvall for Svensk Fur, Sweden cirka 1940. This sofa is made of solid wood and a curved backre...
Pine
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed / Sofa Produced by France & Son
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare minerva daybed / sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Cane, Teak
Danish Sofa in Dark Grey Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, wood, Denmark, 1960s This well-executed sofa convinces visually through the well-balanced appearance and the stabile construction. The corpus is based on understated s...
Fabric, Wood
Søren Hansen, Rare Sofa / Bench Model 2240 for Fritz Hansen, 1939
Located in Paris, FR
Two-seat sofa, model 2240, made of Beech wood designed by Søren Hansen in 1939 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. A rare find and very collectable piece. As a sculptural piece, this ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech, Fabric
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Leather & Teak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original black leather upholstery. Legs of teak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
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, Danish 3-seater sofa, green furniture velour, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, ash wood legs and armrests, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construc...
Velvet, Ash
Erik Jørgensen Model 220 Three-Seat Sofa, Black Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat original upholstered with black leather Legs of aluminium. Model 220, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Aluminum
Arne Norell "Ilona" Sofa, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model "Ilona" two-seat designed by Arne Norell, Sweden, 1970s. Beautiful patinated leather and original fabric, very good condition.
Brass
Danish 1940s Sheepskin Love Seat Sofa
Located in London, England
Danish Cabinetmaker Love Seat Scallop Sofa, c1940s A uniquely shaped love-seat sofa designed and made in Denmark in the 1940s. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious choco...
Sheepskin, Beech
$19,135 / item
Sofa in Cane and Teak by Hans Olsen, 1957
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of model 161 sofas, designed by Hans Olsen and produced by Bramin Møbler in Denmark in 1957, represents an exceptional synthesis of mid-century Scandinavian desig...
Cane, Teak
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
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original condition, green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Light green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Manufact...
Velvet, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Sofa in Walnut and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leatherette, walnut, Scandinavia, 1960s This Scandinavian Modern sofa is characterized by a simplistic, natural and timeless aesthetics. The design features a solid constructi...
Walnut, Faux Leather
Model 2213 Leather sofa by Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Furniture, Denmark.
Located in København K, DK
Excellent 3 seat sofa in original leather and cushions by Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Furniture, Denmark. Model 2213.
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained mahogany and yellow horsehair fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 18” Arm Height (inches): 25.25" All ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craf...
Steel
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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-century Modern Hans Wegner "Cigar" Oak Sofa by GETAMA circa 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Mid-century Hans Wegner GETAMA Oak Cigar Sofa 1950s Offered for sale is a Danish mid-century modern Hans Wegner "Cigar" oak sofa with loose seat cushions and original upholst...
Metal
Børge Mogensen Model 2213 Sofa in light Aniline Leather, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with black elegance aniline leather. Legs of oak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather