Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
Danish Modern Four Seat Teak "Senator" Sofa by Ole Wanscher for France and Son
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon four-seat sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son as part of his 'Senator' line (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of a dense slat-back teak frame, designed with a partia...
Upholstery, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Sette for Carlo Garhn, Denmark
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ib Kofod Larsen design small sofa or settee for Carlo Garhn, Denmark. Rare design in very limited production for manufacturer Carlo Garhn. High lighting the sculpted lines and float...
Wool, Teak
$1,438Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa, original good condition, velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater sofa in original good condition. Original light blue velour fabric, dark oak wood base. Removable seat cushions. Manufactured by Danish furniture manufacturer ...
Velvet, Oak
Danish Modern Loveseat Sofa by Rud Thygesen, 1980s
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant bench with frame in beech and fabric seat. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sørensen and Rud Thygesen.
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Børge Mogensen Two-Seater "Model 211" Oak Sofa for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 1956
Located in Odense, DK
Rare vintage sofa in oak and teakwood by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik in 1956. This model was made in different sizes and is very rarely...
Wool, Oak, Teak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, Beech and Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of mokka full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
$6,378 / item
Midcentury Swedish Sofa "Ilona" by Arne Norell
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Karlstad, SE
This striking "Ilona" sofa was designed by renowned Swedish designer Arne Norell and produced during the 1970s. Constructed from stained beech wood, the frame features Norell’s hallm...
Leather, Beech
Two-Seat Sofa, Denmark, 1950, New Upholstery Bouclé Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful two-seat curved sofa manufactured in the 1950s. Lovely shape and curves. Very comfortable seat with two feather cushions covered of blue Kvadrat velvet. Perfect condition,...
Fabric, Wool, Bouclé, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
$11,140 / item
Custom Made Sheepskin Karu Sofa by Dagmar
Located in London, England
The Karu Sofa is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finland by the Haimi Oy company in the 1940s. The inviting curved arms and subtle winged back are the epi...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
Danish Three Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a two seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish three seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Fabric, Wood
Mid Century Modern Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted Denmark Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner sofa model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The sofa is a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmark, 1914-200...
Fabric, Oak
1970s De Sede Ds47 Leather Sofa
By De Sede
Located in Turners Falls, MA
De Sede DS47 Black Leather Sofa. Sofa has an extendable seat for more sitting depth. De Sede is known for its high quality 5mm thick Buffalo Leather. Made in Switzerland.
Leather
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original black furniture leather, teak wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original black furniture leather, teak wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furn...
Leather, Teak
Elegant Three-Seat Sofa by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1958
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant, feminine three-seat sofa from the “Paradis” series by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for NK (Nordiska Kompaniet). Reupholstered with an off-white wool Hallingdal fabric.
Fabric, Wood
1960s, Danish 3-seater curved sofa, red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater curved sofa. Red furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 15 years ago. Manufactured by Danish furnitu...
Velvet, Beech
Unique 2-seater sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Probably unique 2-seat sofa handcrafted massive pine sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson and executed in Ågesta 1970s, Sweden. This sofa (and a 3-seater, also available) was specially made f...
Pine
1960s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Dux Sweden, furniture velour, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Swedish 2-seater sofa by Dux Sweden. Red furniture velour, ash wood legs, springs in the seat. Sofa was reupholstered by craftsman about 10-15 years ago. Very good condition: ...
Velvet, Ash
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, black Beech and Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in black lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of cognac vintage full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Fox 02, 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: Larsen -...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
Swedish Mid Century Modern Curved Sofa in Dark Green Velvet Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare two seater Swedish mid century modern curved sofa in style of Otto Schultz. The dark green velvet upholstery appear to be original ...
Velvet, Beech
Swedish Modern Sofa with Stained Oak Frame and in White Upholstery, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The mid-20th century marked a transformative period in interior design and architecture, with the rise of movements such as Scandinavian modernism forever influencing design history....
Oak, Fabric
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen, 3-seater sofa, leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen. 3-seater sofa. Original black furniture leather, teak wood legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker Eran Møbler in about 1965-70s. Origi...
Leather, Teak
"Tellus" Sofa by Folke Jansson for SM Wincrantz, Sweden 1950s
By Folke Jansson, SM Wincrantz 1
Located in Utrecht, NL
Sweden contributed to the progression of form and function in its own way based on long-standing traditions, natural resources, and the critical, yet often coincidental, availability...
Fabric, Wood
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.
Pine
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/3 Sofa, Black Leather, Oak Frame, 1960s Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen three-seat new upholstered with black full grain anilin leather. Frame of oak. Model EJ 315/3, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather
1960s Oak Scandinavian 3-Seater Sofa in Fine Leather Upholstery
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition with minor signs of use
Leather
$1,438Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish 2-seater classic sofa, original brown leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Brown leather with nice patina. Beech wood legs. Manufactured by ...
Leather, Beech
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Aniline Leather, Mahogany, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather. Legs of mahogany. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish armchair, furniture wool, solid oak wood, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish armchair. Original green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furniture m...
Wool, Oak
$1,815Sale Price / item|25% Off
1960s Grete Jalke Sofas With Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
Four Available: 1960s Grete Jalke Freestanding Sofas With Stained Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery and made by Johannes Hansen. Require reupholstery. Wool with stains, wear and defe...
Fabric, Oak
Three Seater Sofa in Velvet with Rosewood by Lennart Bender, 1970’s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Three Seater Sofa in Velvet with Newly Reupholstered in Velvet Fabric by Lennart Bender, 1970’s Additional Information: Material: Solid rosewood and newly reupholstered in velvet fa...
Rosewood, Velvet
Curved Banana Sofa in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Örebro, SE
Cool banana shaped soffa, in Two-Tone Fabric, Denmark, 1940s. Condition: Wear consistent with age and use. The original fabric shows wear, this one is a great candidate for reuphols...
Wool, Beech
Arne Jacobsen Swan Sofa in Grace Walnut Leather for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1958
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic design from 1958 by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen Denmark (known now as the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel). This (re-)edition of the Swan Sofa (Model 3321) wa...
Aluminum
Dark Rattan 3-Seater Sofa with Velour Cautions, 1980s
Located in Rīga, LV
Dark rattan 3-seater sofa with vermilion red-orange velour cautions. A 2-seater sofa, a lounge chair, and a coffee table from this set are available. H(total/frame) 84/77 cm, h(seat...
Fabric, Rattan
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa, original green furniture velour, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Original green furniture velour, oak wood, brass springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured...
Velvet, Oak
Sofa in Beech and Fabric by Arne Vodder, 1950s
By Arne Vodder
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The sofa model FD-161, designed by Arne Vodder and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark in the 1950s, exemplifies key elements of Scandinavian modern design through its use...
Fabric, Beech, Wool, Teak
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 4, Fox 02, Low 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: Lar...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
$3,896Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Two Seat Beech Sofa Model 2240 by Fritz Hansen
Located in Madrid, ES
Stained beech two seat sofa, model 2240, designed by Søren Hansen in 1939. Manufactured by Fritz Hansen. Veneered molded 'floating' back and seat reupholstered with beige and white v...
Textile, Beech
Erik Jørgensen EJ 315/2 Two-Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather, Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erik Jørgensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather. Frame of black painted beech. Model EJ 315/2, made by Erik Jørgensen.
Leather, Beech
Danish Two Seater Sofa Upholstered in 'Casentino' Tuscan Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a three seater sofa and a large stool, this beautiful and stylish two seater sofa has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940...
Fabric, Wood
'Aqueduct' Contemporary Sofa by Poiat, Setup 3, Fox 02, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
'Aqueduct' Sofa by Poiat Setup 3 Dimensions : H. 77 cm x W. 347 cm x D. 162 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: Larsen - Fo...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original salmon pink furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original salmon pink furniture velour, springs in the seat, beech wood legs. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. ...
Velvet, Beech
Set of Little Petra Sofa & Lounge Chair in Sheepskin Moonlight & Walnut, for &T
Located in Dubai, AE
Little Petra Lounge Chair Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibit...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Vintage Danish Modern Bright Red leather sofa Loveseat by Erik Jørgensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern Bright Red leather sofa with Patina by Erik Jørgensen. Two seat sofa upholstered in Bright Red leather with wear and patina on cylindrical brushed Steel legs. Has origi...
Leather, Birch, Wood
1960s, Danish design by Slagelse Møbelværk, sofa, model 185, reupholstered.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Slagelse Møbelværk, sofa model 185. Reupholstered in quality grey furniture velour. Buttons in black artificial leather. Beechwood legs, brass springs in the ...
Velvet, Beech
Hans J. Wegner GE-300/4 Sofa Getama Denmark 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-300 / 4 sofa, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960s for Getama Denmark. Legs in solid oak and original blue Kvadrat wool fabric. Needs a new upholstery/fabric. Ask for price (if int...
Oak
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
1960s, Danish 3-seater "Banana" sofa by Edmund Jørgensen, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Edmund Jørgensen. 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Furniture wool/cotton fabric, beech wood legs, brass springs in the ...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Tremmesofa Model 1789, black Beech and Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa in black lacquered beech and new upholstered cushions of mokka full grain aniline leather. Model tremmesofa (1789), made by Fritz Hansen.
Leather, Beech
$3,057Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vintage Scandinavian Modern 2-Seater Brown Fabric & Oak Sofa Grace by Ikea
By IKEA
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This rare two-seater Grace sofa was produced by the Swedish company IKEA in 1961. The softly rounded shape of the frame, where the backrest smoothly turns i...
Fabric, Oak
Danish Mid Century Wooden & Wool Sofa attributed to Kaare Klint, 1950s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Danish mid century three seater sculptural sofa with a stained pine wooden base and light green wool fabric upholstery and cushions attributed to Kaare Klint produced in Denmark...
Wool, Pine
Danish Cabinet Maker Sofa
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Danish Cabinet maker sofa. Carved oak frame. Nail head details. More recent micro suede upholstery. 1970’s, Denmark Delivery to NYC Area $55...
Upholstery, Oak
Danish 3-seater sofa in Rosewood and new fabric by Grete Jalk for Poul Jepessen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa. Frame entirely in solid Rosewood, robust structure. Very elegant design, very good manufacturing quality. The seat cushions and backrests have been redone...
Fabric, Rosewood
Kaare Klint Large Striped Sofa
Located in London, GB
Oak framed Classic sofa designed by Kaare Klint and made by Mastercabinetmakers Rud Rasmussen. Beautiful crisscross frame-work. Original upholstery which will make a statement in any...
Upholstery, Mahogany
GE-236/3 Sofa in Teak by Hans J. Wegner 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
GE-236 / 3 sofa in solid teak, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1955. Manufactured by Getama in 1960s. Original cushions in creme / green stripes wool fabric,
Teak
Swedish Mid-Century Cabinetmaker Sofa, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Svensk design, “Swedish design”, is unquestionably a conventional and popular branding device, with many companies explicitly promoting their products as examples of god design, “good design”. But svensk design does not simply represent “good” design made in Sweden, it also projects a powerful, concrete rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa. Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design of this model. The aesthetic recalls classic English upholstered furniture...
Fabric, Wood
Contemporary Small Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Fox 02, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 255.5 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery: La...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
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...
Fabric, Wood
Ole Wanscher Senator Sofa by Cado, Teak Frame & Aniline Leather
By Cado, Ole Wanscher
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Leather, Teak
Danish Modern LIght Walnut Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverckosen
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. This example is completely original, clean and ready to use. Truly an iconic example from the Golden Age of Modern Dani...
Walnut