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
Svante Skogh Swedish model "Bodö" Oak 3, 5 Seater Sofa for Säffle Möbler, 1950
By Svante Skogh
Located in The Hague, NL
Rare vintage Swedish design 3.5 seater oak sofa, model Bodö. Designed by Svante Skogh for Säffle Möbler in the 1950s/60s. This iconic design piece has six loose cushions, which are e...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Oak
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". Striped fabric upholstery and pillows with age-related wear and minor sta...
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Sofa Model Minerva by France & Daverkosen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Minerva designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark. Seating group with 3 seater, 2 seater and side table...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Cane, Teak
Danish Sofa in Brown Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, brown leather, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1960s
This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the d...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Scandinavian Modern sofa Skrindan by Kerstin Hörling Holmqvist, Material: Walnut
Located in Skå, SE
Enhance your living space with the exquisite Skrindan sofa, a masterpiece crafted by the renowned designer Kerstin Hörlin Holmqvist. With its impeccable style and exceptional comfort...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Walnut
PK 31/2 Sofa in Black Patinated Leather
Located in Copenhagen, DK
PK 31/2 - 2-seater sofa in original patinated black leather on matt chromed steel frame. Poul Kjærholm / E. Kold Christensen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Steel
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Frame Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant and rare 3-seat neoclassical sofa designed and manufactured by Frits Henningsen for cabinet maker Rud Rasmussen. High quality and sculptural example constructed from solid ma...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Mahogany
Braided Rattan and Teak Wooden Sofa
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant rattan sofa with wooden structure and handmade braided ratta combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The armrests height is 60c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Rattan, Teak
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2209, Denmark, New Upholstered
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstery with black elegance aniline leather.
Legs of teak.
Model 2209, made by Fredericia furniture.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Teak
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.
Please note: 2 sofas available, listed price...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
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
Scandinavian Angular Sofa in Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, fabric, oak, Scandinavia, 1960s
Elegant and spacious four seat sofa made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. The design of this sofa is angular and sharp in its execution. It is very...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Oak
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
Mid-Century Modern Four-Seat Sofa by Folke Ohlsson & Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960
Located in Deland, FL
Attention designers and creatives! This exceptional Danish sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson & Fritz Hansen is need of new upholstery and we want to leave it up to you to choose the fab...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Maple
Yrjö Kukka a Rosewood Sofa Model Ateljee for Haimi Finland, 1960
Located in Paris, FR
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 Original Cognac Leather for Rud Rasmussen Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Three-seater sofa model 5011 in original leather and eight-legged ash base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather.
Shown at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition in 1935.
Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations.
Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol.2, pg 94.
Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments.
Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory.
Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Ash
Folke Ohlsson Ascot Teak Frame Sofa in Black
Located in Oakland, CA
Sofa designed by Folke Ohlsson, 1965, Sweden. The sofa is crafted of sculpted teak frame with original black vinyl upholstered seats and backs. Rare model. Perfect for residential or...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Teak
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
Carl Malmsten "Berlin" Three-Seater Sofa, Sweden 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Berlin” three-seater sofa is “Malmstenesque” to its core. Designed in 1960, this sofa shows the designer’s predilection for traditional Swedish craftsmanship. Rejecting strict f...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Union Sofa
By Autoban
Located in Kemankeş, 34
Launched at Maison et Objet Paris in 2015, Union Collection is a series of furniture that includes a sofa and a bed, with side tables, consoles and a lighting fixture coming soon. Wh...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Fabric, Ash, Chestnut, Oak, Walnut
Leather Sofa by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original tan leather upholstery, on rosewood legs.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Børge Mogensen 3 Seater Sofa 2213 in Original Black Leather
Located in Herlev, 84
Børge Mogensen 3 seater sofa model 2213 from the 80's, with the original black leather. The sofa appears in good condition with patina.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Teak
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...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Walnut, Faux Leather
Two-Seater Sofa by Otto Schulz 'Attr.' for Boet, Sweden, 1940s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Utrecht, NL
This spectacular two-seater sofa by Swedish designer, Otto Schulz, is a beautiful example of the furniture designer’s repertoire of cleverly constructed pieces. With a creative and m...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
Located in Hellouw, NL
Stunning ‘minerva’ sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn from the 1960s. Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen have played a significant role in the internatio...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Merkur" by Arne Norell
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sofa model "Merkur" by Arne Norell, 1960s.
This sofa has a timeless classic design, with very high quality. It is upholstered in cognac colored buffalo leather with a beautiful natu...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
3 Seater by Maija Ruoslahti for Sopenkorpi, 1960
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Extremely rare 3 seater by Maija Ruoslahti for Sopenkorpi 1960.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Upholstered Danish Cabinetmaker Banana Sofa, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish modern style – it is uncomplicated, sophisticated, playful, and timeless. Form follows function, and high-quality, natural materials bring lightness and warmth. These are the basic principles of the era’s furniture design, and therefore of this three-seater sofa as well.
This Danish banana sofa wraps...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Merkur" by Arne Norell
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sofa model "Merkur" by Arne Norell, 1960s.
This sofa has a timeless classic design, with very high quality. It is upholstered in cognac colored buffalo leather with a beautiful natural patina...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Sofa by Arne Norell
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking two-seat sofa in beech and leather back and seat with comfortable woven cushions, designed by Arne Norell for Aneby. Made in Sweden in the ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Beech, Fabric
Elegant Danish Sofa in Light Blue Patterned Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, wood, fabric by Evolution21 "Capri", Denmark, 1950s
This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa, Model 2213
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather.
Legs of teak.
Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
1950s, Danish Vintage 2 Seater Sofa, Original Very Good Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish design, 2 seater lounge sofa in dark red-cherry velour with fringes. Teak wood. Original very good condition. No smells, no stains. Legs of...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Beech
Göran Malmvall, Three Seater Sofa in Pine & Bouclé, Swedish Modern, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant pine sofa with soft curves. Reupholstered and freshly made cushion in luxurious Bouclé, Storr 1501 (Eggshell) from BUTE fabric. Made by Swedish Designer Göran Malmvall in the 1950s. Beautiful wood grains that complement this sculptural sofa. A rare object...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Pine
Scandinanvian Modern Cocktail Sofa in Boucle, Denmark 1960's
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Scandinavian Modern sofa, re-upholstered in beige boucle fabric and teak legs. In the style of Nanna Ditzel.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Teak
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, Cado
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather.
Made of solid teak.
Model senator, made by Cado.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Teak
De Sede DS101 Two Seater Leather and Gognac Color, 1970
By De Sede
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Robust patinated leather De Sede DS-101 two-seater sofa. Excellent comfort with an extendable seat for much more lounge comfort and high-quality neck leather. The frame is made of be...
Category
1770s Swiss Antique Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Rare Fredrik Schriever-Abeln Sofa in Pine and Dark Green Bouclé, Sweden, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare sofa was designed by Fredrik Schriever-Abeln in the 1960s. This particular model named 'Condor' was produced in Sweden. Schriever Abeln's Condor range consisted of the...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Pine, Bouclé, Upholstery
Hurup Møbelfabrik, Mid Century Three Seater Sofa in Brown Leather, Made in 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A classic Danish Mordern 3-seater sofa in brown leather, feets made in solid beech. Simple lines and a great comfort featured in this sofa. Designed by Hurup Møbelfabrik, Denmark. Made in 1970s.
This beautiful sofa will complement many interior styles. A Modern, Scandinavian, Classic or an Antique home decor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Beech
Carl Malmsten 1950s Sofa in Boucle Fabric
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten - Sofa, c1950s.
Small sofa designed in the 1950s by Swedish master-designer Carl Malmsten and produced by his own company in Sweden. The sofa has been restored and r...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Bouclé, Elm
Scandinavian 3 Seats with Chaise Lounge Landform Sofa Made with Wood and Textile
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units
Terminal Armrest - D 100 x W 110 x H 80 cm
Corner Element - D 100 x W 130 x H 80 cm
Central Element - D 100 x W 100 x H 80 cm
Element Pouf - D 100 x W 100 ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Textile, Wood
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Model 2208
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstery with black elegance aniline leather.
Legs of teak.
Model 2208, made by Fredericia furniture.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Bed in Veneered Rosewood of Danish Design, 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.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Rosewood
Børge Mogensen 2.Pers Sofa 2212 in Patinated Natural Leather
Located in Herlev, 84
Børge Mogensen two-seater sofa model 2212, from around the year 2000. The Sofa appears with patina, though in good condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Hans J. Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The perfect New York sofa and guest bed, and one of the finest daybed designs of the era. The model GE6 Daybed designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA. This brillia...
Category
1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Teak
Ge 671/3 Sofa by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GE 671/3 - 3 seater sofa in bent oak and cushions in green wool. Designed in 1967. Hans J. Wegner / GETAMA.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Oak
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Black Oak, Hallingdal 220
By Rune Krøjgaard, Norr11
Located in Paris, FR
Mammoth Sofa
Signed by Rune Krøjgaard & Knut Bendik Humlevik for Norr11.
Model shown on the picture:
Wood: Black oak
Fabric: Hallingdal 220
Wood types available: natural oa...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Oak, Wool
Contemporary 'Mammoth' Sofa by Norr11, Natural Oak, Dunes Leather
By Rune Krøjgaard, Norr11
Located in Paris, FR
Mammoth sofa
Signed by Rune Krøjgaard & Knut Bendik Humlevik for Norr11.
Model shown on the picture:
Wood: Natural oak
Fabric: Sørensen Leather - Dunes Brown 21001
Wood typ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Oak
Carl Malmsten "Samsas" Sofa for O.H. Sjögren, Sweden 1960s
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...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Arne Norell Sofa Model Merkur, 1960s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Arne Norell and produced by Arne Norell Möbel AB, Sweden, 1960s.
All original, dark stained beech legs and brown buffalo leather. Great vintage condition with small sign...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather
Danish Settee in Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa or settee, fabric, stained beech, walnut, Denmark, 1940s.
This settee owes its elegancy to the way the corpus is built: a thin frame that rests on beautifully sculpted legs t...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Walnut
Kaare Klint Sofa Model 5011 in Original Cognac Leather Rud Rasmussen, Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Two-seater sofa model 5011 in original cognac leather and six-legged mahogany base. Produced by Rud. Rasmussen Cabinetmakers, Denmark. Minor marks on the frame, patina to the leather. Back covered in original canvas.
Shown at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibition in 1935. Signed with decal manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier).
Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations.
Literature: Gorm Harkær, Klintiana: “Kaare Klint”, vol.2, pg 94.
Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments.
Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory.
Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale chair...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Curved Sofa for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1958
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Paradiset" sofa designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist in 1958 and manufactured by Nordiska Kompaniet for the Triva collection.
Triva was developed by Elias Svedberg and hi...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Beech
Arne Norell 'Mexico' Sofa in Moss Green Leather, 3 Seats, Denmark 1960s
Located in Bochum, NRW
Arne Norell, 'Mexico' sofa, leather and teak, Sweden, 1960s.
This comfortable three seats sofa is designed by Arne Norell and holds a robust, sturdy character. The base is made of...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Wood
Yngve Ekstrom Oak Three Seat Sofa
By Swedese, Yngve Ekström
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A hard to find three seat sofa designed by one of Sweden’s most well known designers, Yngve Ekstrom. Patinated oak frame and newly upholstered in Pollack Textiles ” West Coast” Troll...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Danish 3 Seats Teak Sofa by Nitex Mobler Denmark, C 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish 3 Seats Teak Sofa by Nitex Mobler Denmark. circa 1980s
Features a quintessential midcentury Scandinavian Sleek Design, with a solid teak frame with...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Rare Kaare Klint Box sofas in Mahogany & Niger Leather, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Kaare Klint & Rud Rasmussen snedkerier.
A stunning pair of rare Kaare Klint Model no. 4118S two-seater box-shaped sofas with profiled cross legged mahogany frame. (Also called X-Bas...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Mid-Century Curved Loveseat or Settee Around 1950
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish curved two-seat sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. Probably manufactured around 1950 even if the original design came out of the late art deco e...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Materials
Wool, Beech
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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