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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 

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

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: 1960s
Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen Sofa Produced in Søborg Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa designed by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen. Produced in Søborg Møbler in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Børge Mogensen Sofa Model 2213 by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model 2213 designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Swedish Mid-Century Sofa with Structural Legs, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Scandinavian style has a long, well-established history, traditionally marked by simplicity, bright whites, natural wood tones, minimal folk style ornamentation, and colour washed fu...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern 4-Seat Rosewood & Leather Sofa Knut Saeter for Vatne Møbler
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous leather with rosewood sofa by Knut Saeter for Vatne Møbler. Four seat sofa, very roomy and comfortable. Condition of sofa is grea...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Arne Norell 3-Seat Sofa Model Kontiki, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Dark stained beech, floral fabric, 1960s. Excellent vintage condition, with signs of usage and patina. Global front door shipping, flat-p...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Two-Seat Sofa Upholstered with Black Leather and of Danish Design
Located in Lejre, DK
This sleek two-seater sofa, a testament to Danish design excellence, exudes sophistication and style. Upholstered in luxurious black leather, it offers both comfort and elegance in e...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather

Senator 3-Seat Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France and Son, Denmark
Located in Halle, DE
Scandinavian senator 3-seat sofa in teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark. Cushions have been reupholstered with fabrics by JAB Anstötz. Man...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Teak "JH 555" Sofa by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. 1950s.
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing sofa by Hans J. Wegner, model “JH 555”. Made from teak with linen upholstery. Clean lines with a striking silhouette and decorative wooden elements. Cas...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Linen

Arne Norell Two-Seater Sofa in Patinated Olive Green Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell, sofa, leather, wood, Sweden, circa 1964. This sofa is refined, modern and with a robust touch. A true Swedish and Norell design. It is made of leather with four cubic w...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Outstanding Rare and Important Daybed by Helge Vestergaard Jensen
Located in Munich, DE
model number 704. made in limited quantities by Jason Møbler.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

1960s Fredrik Kayser Rosewood Sofa and Lounge Chair by Vatne
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fredrik Kayser 3-seat rosewood sofa and lounge chair by Vatne This very elegant four-seat sofa set was designed by one of Norway's most iconic Designers, Fredrik A. Kayser f...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

Arne Norell Sofa Model Ilona Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
2-seat sofa model Ilona designed by Arne Norell. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass

Bruno Mathsson Sofa Model Karin Produced by DUX in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model Karin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by DUX in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Long Norwegian Modern Exposed Teak Sofa with Original Upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-Century Modern sofa with a continuous, exposed teak arm / back trim (Norway, ca. 1960s). Retains the original upholstery composed of a charcoal wool frame with a contrasting cush...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Esko Pajamies Three-Seat Cantilevered Sofa, Merva, Finland, 1960s
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...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Pair of Wood and Leather Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1960
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and leather Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1960.
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

1960s Danish Modern Wooden Sofa
Located in High Point, NC
This two-seat sofa was made in Denmark, circa 1960. The ivory white upholstered seats and backrests provide comfort and enhance the warm tones of the polished wood. The armrests and ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

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...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Gunnar Myrstrand Sofa Produced by Källemo in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa designed by Gunnar Myrstrand. Produced by Källemo in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Danish Midcentury Sofa in Mahogany and Patinated Leather by Rud Thygesen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant sofa with mahogany frame, French caning and seat cushion in patinated leather. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sorensen and Rud Thygesen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Mahogany

Three-Seat Sofa of Oak and Red Wool Fabric by Hans J. Wegner and GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
This three-seat sofa, a masterpiece of Danish design by the iconic Hans J. Wegner, epitomizes both elegance and comfort. Crafted from solid oak and upholstered in vibrant red wool fa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

Ole Wanscher Teak 'Senator' Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This teak high-back two-seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher as part of his 'Senator' line, circa 1960s. Please confirm item location (NY or NJ) with dealer.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Sofa in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian sofa in teak. Seats will be reupholtered with fabric of your choice between Step Melange fabric from Gabriel. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Maija Ruoslahti Sofa Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Maija Ruoslahti. Produced by Sopenkorpi in Finland.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Johannes Andersen Sofa Model Capri Produced by Trensum in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model Capri designed by Johannes Andersen. Produced by Trensum in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" sofa produced by O. H. Sjogren. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Birch, Fabric

Midcentury Sofa in Patinated Leather by Arne Norell, Made in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Two-seat sofa in beautiful patinated leather, wood frame and brass hardware. Model Ilona designed by Swedish architect Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB in the 1960s.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech

Fabricius and Kastholm Classics of Mid-Century Modernism Two-Seat Sofa.
Located in Antwerp, BE
To be the classics of Midcentury Modernism,Fabricius and Kastholm two-seat sofa, feature in exclusively steel frames with elephant grey leather loose cushions and cord-wrapped armres...
Category

1960s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Rare Scandinavian Modern Sofa Model 168/4 by France & Son
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model 168/4 sofa designed in 1962 by Charles ‘Fearnley’ France, the boss of France & Son. Produced from solid teak with black leather upholstery, this sofa i...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Teak

2-Seat Sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Extremly rare and comfortable 2-seat sofa by Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese, 1960 Sweden. Produced during the late 1960s. Brand's mark underneath the sofa graved in the pine wood. With co...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Pine

Pine Sofa by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench by Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden, 1960s. Very good condition, solid and stable.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

Bernt Petersen Sofa Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Bernt Petersen. Produced by Wørts Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark. Easy chair is also available.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Cane, Oak

Illum Wikkelsø Sofa Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Åke Nilsson 'Roma' sofa by DUX, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning walnut sofa model 'Roma' by Swedish designer Åke Nilsson. Produced by DUX, Sweden, 1960s. Very high quality and lovely grain.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Walnut

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Sofa Model Moduline by France & Søn in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare 4-seat sofa model Moduline designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind. Produced by France & Søn in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Handsome Nanna Ditzel Style Four-Seat Sculptural Teak Sofa, Midcentury Danish
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Handsome Nanna Ditzel style four-seat sculptural teak sofa. This sofa is very high quality and well crafted retaining it's original blue wool uphols...
Category

1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Poul Volther Sofa or Daybed Model Diva / 981 by Gemla in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa or daybed model Diva / 981 designed by Poul Volther. Produced by Gemla in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Pine sofa design David Rosén model "Berga", Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pine sofa or bench produced in Sweden by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s. Good condition, solid and stable.  
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Pine

Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Grete Jalk designed teak slat top bench with tapered dowel legs. Working at a time when women were a rarity in the design world, Grete Juel Jalk completed her education at the D...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak

Moduline Rosewood Sofa Love Seat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The iconic moduline sofa designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Son, Denmark, 1960. This sofa has a solid rosewood frame and flawless wool covered seats.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Eclectic Red Leather 'Ateljee' Sofa by Yrjo Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, 1963
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This 'Ateljee' sofa/daybed was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro in 1963 for Haimi Oy in Helsinki This design classic is one of the iconic pieces from Yrjo Kukkapuro and is an original v...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Brass, Steel, Nickel

Four-Seat Sofa by Hans Olsen, White/ Ivory Leather with Rosewood Legs. Restored.
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early Hans Olsen long four-seat sofa with Brazilian rosewood legs. This has undergone a complete restoration and upholstered in butter soft ivory leather. Comfortable and stunning.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Hans Wegner GE-671 Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner GE-671 sofa designed in 1967 and produced by Getama. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Norwegian Three-Seat Sofa from Soda Galvano, 1960
Located in Catonvielle, FR
This solid ash and leather three-seater sofa was produced in Norway by Soda Galvano during the 1960s. It features a solid ash frame and patinated leather upholstery. Comfortable and ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Wood

Roll Arm Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A straight-back roll arm sofa retaining its original brown wool strie´ upholstery, the seating element having a comfortable pitch and elevated by solid squared teak legs.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Simple Sled Sofa by Kho Liang Ie
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple sofa on a chromed steel sled base in the original upholstery.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Steel

Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa original upholstered with red/brown leather. Legs of oak. Model 2322, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Oak

Danish Børge Mogensen Style Sofa in White wool
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Børge Mogensen style sofa in light colored solid and striped fabric. The design stems from the 1960's but this sofa is probably made around 1975-85. We are not sure of the de...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Beech

1970s, Danish velour 2 seater drop arm sofa, cherry-red velour, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish "Spanish" drop arm sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Cherry red furniture velour, ash wood legs. Double-sided seat cushions with springs in...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Ash

1970s, Danish velour 2 seater drop arm sofa, velour, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish "Spanish" drop arm sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Cherry red furniture velour, ash wood legs. Double-sided...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Ash

1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa, original condition, furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Light blue furniture velour, beech wood legs with brass ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

1970s, Danish 3-seater "Banana" sofa, original green velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater "Banana" sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Light green velour, beech wood legs. Springs in the seat. Manufactured by Danish furnit...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Velvet, Beech

Fredrik Kayser, Two-Seater Teak Sofa/Loveseat, Model 711, Norwegian circa 1960
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Beautiful Norwegian two-seater sofa or loveseat, model 711, designed by Fredrik A Kayser in 1960 and made by Vatne Lenestolfabrikk. The teak frame has a lovely patina and features r...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa, original condition, wool, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture wool fabric, teak wood legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture manufacturer in about 19...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Teak

Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original patinated leather upholstery. Legs of teak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Teak, Leather

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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