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Scandinavian Modern Stools

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
Color:  Brown
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Set of Three Metal Bar Stools with Red Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, set of three bar stools, metal, red fabric upholstery, Denmark, 1970s   Set of three bar stools designed by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen. These stools hold ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern Triangular Stools in Blue Floral Tapestry, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of triangular stools made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. The stools are made of an elegant curved wooden frame, that has been reupholster...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Tapestry, Oak

Bar Stools in Rosewood Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of bar stools produced in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Poul Kjærholm PK 33 Stool for E. Kold Christensen, Original Condition, 1959
Located in Houston, TX
Poul Kjærholm, original condition. PK 33 stool. E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1959. Matte, chrome-plate spring steel with patinated, laminated wood...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Model 80a Stool by Niels Otto Moller
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful and rare Niels O. Moller rosewood stool from the 1960s, model 80A for J.L. Moller, Denmark. Fantastic Danish modern design, great condi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cord, Rosewood

Set of Three Stools, Designed by Rud Thygesen, 1980
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of three stools in beech frame and wool. Designed by Danish architects Johnny Sørensen and Rud Thygesen.
Category

1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech, Fabric

Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Hans Wegner AP-30 Oak & Leather Piano Stool c1950s
Located in London, GB
Hans Wegner - AP-30 Piano Stool, 1957 Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark, this model was an evolution of the AP-29 Papa Bear ottoman. The rarely seen piano stool has an additional c...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Bernhard Petersen 1960s Rosewood Stool
Located in London, GB
Rosewood stool produced by Bernhard Petersen with newly woven papercord seat.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Rosewood

Antti Nurmesniemi, set of four Sauna dtools, designed for the Palace Hotel, 1970
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really nice set of the famous Horseshoe Sauna Stool Designed in 1952 for the interior of the Palace Hotel in Helsinki. This set has been produced in the late 80's in Laminated-birch ...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian Stools in Teak and Shearling Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottomans or stools, Scandinavia, teak, shearling upholstery, 1960s Exhibiting a timeless blend of simplicity and functionality, these stools epitomize the understated elegance chara...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Norwegian Stool Model 522 in Pine by Krogenaes Möbler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Norwegian solid pine stool model nr 522. It comes in a stable, three legged construction with patinated untreated surface. The stool is burn marked “Krogenæs Möbler” on t...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Walnut, Brown Velvet Modern Essex Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the colle...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Josef Frank stool model 972 by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Located in Forserum, SE
Stool model 972, a 1940 design by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features rich red leather upholstery and decorative brass rivets along the sides...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Josef Frank stool model 972 by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Located in Forserum, SE
Stool model 972, a 1940 design by Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from solid mahogany, it features rich red leather upholstery and decorative brass rivets along the sides...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Stool attributed to Josef Frank for Firma Svenskt Tenn, variation of stool 967
Located in Forserum, SE
Early version of Stool 967, originally designed by Josef Frank in 1938 for Firma Svenskt Tenn. Crafted from solid mahogany with a rattan seat, this model bears a striking resemblance...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Mahogany

Swedish milking stool in pine and teak by Andreas Zätterqvist
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish milking stool crafted from pine, seat with solid teak stripes. Handcrafted by Andreas Zätterqvist in Sweden using traditional techniques and mainl...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Pine

(4) Henry Rosengren Hansen for Brande Mobelfabrik Model 43 Teak Bar Stools
Located in Norwalk, CT
Welcome a fusion of craftsmanship and design elegance with this stunning set of Model 43 bar stools, masterfully conceived by Henry Rosengren Hansen for the celebrated Brande Mobelfa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Igvar Hildingsson Original Stool in Mix Wood Beech & Ash Wood
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare mix wood Ingvar Hildingsson stool made in Beech & ash wood during the last part of the XXème century. The stool is in verry good condition, it's mark and labeled by the artist. ...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash, Beech

Pair of Ingvar Hildingsson Stools, circa 1980, Sweden.
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Pair of Ingvar Hildingsson stool in different size and materials. 1. Hingvar Hildingsson stool made in birch circa 1980. Produced in Sweden, the stool is stamp and marked by the art...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash, Birch

Alvar Aalto Y61 Stool
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to create the unique Y-leg. This vintage example was sold in the US by ICF and has a rich patina attesting to y...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Canvas, Birch

1960's Three Teak and Chrome Swivel Bar Stools by Börje Johanson from Sweden
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very beautiful set of three slim teak swivel bar stools by Börje Johanson for Johanson Design Sweden in allover very good condition. All three ar...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Hans Wegner Ap-29 Papa Bear Ottoman in Oak and Boucle
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner AP-29 Papa Bear Ottoman, 1953 The Papa Bear chair is one of Danish master Hans J. Wegner's most iconic designs and is perfectly complimetned by the matching AP-29 ottoman. Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark this piece features beautifully aged and patinated oak handles and legs that have been sensitively restored. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious Dedar Karakorum...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Bouclé, Oak

Danish Cabinetmaker Rosewood & Papercord Stool 1950s
Located in London, GB
Danish Cabinetmaker - Rosewood Stool, c1960 Rosewood frame stool produced in Denmark, c1950s. The seat has a new, woven papercord seat. W: 49cm / H: 48cm / D: 37cm
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Rosewood

Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s, s the epitome of minimalistic furniture, versatile enough to serve as a seat, a table, a storage unit, or even a display surface. Thi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Curva Solid Walnut Barstools by Newel Modern
Located in New York, NY
6 "Curva" barstools constructed of solid FSC-Certified walnut responsibly sourced in the USA featuring Danish inspired contours and curves. (PRICED EACH)
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Swedish Mid Century Tripod Wooden Stool in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century tripod wooden stool in solid pine produced in Sweden during 1970s. In good original condition. Stamped "S.G" under neath the seat. Dimensions: Height: 35 ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Pine Stools in the manner of Krogenæs Møbler, Scandinavia ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
What makes wood so appealing besides its natural beauty is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. These mid-century stools, r...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Minimalist Tripod Pine Stool, Mid-Century Modern Design, Sweden
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A beautiful, minimalistic tripod stool in stained solid pine, mid-century modern design, Sweden. In the manner of the more famous Ingvar Hildingsson stools from the 1970s. A beauti...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Wooden Low Mid Century Stool in Ash by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and beautiful mid century low stool in solid ash by Ingvar Hildingsson produced by himself in Sweden early 1970s. In good vintage and original condition with minimal signs of ag...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Ikea Alvar Aalto stools
Located in Montecchio Precalcino, VI
This Is a rare set of 5 Alvar Aalto stools made from Ikea in 1990. This stool was called "frosta" and was the piece of dispute between Artek and Ikea. Ikea has to delete It to his ca...
Category

1990s Italian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Plywood

Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and rosewood frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Adjustable Artist Stool in Oak and Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Artist stool in oak and patinated leather, designed and made in Denmark. Original condition.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Poul Hundevad Guldhoj Oak Folding Stool, 1948
Located in London, GB
Poul Hundevad - Guldhoj Folding Stool, 1948 The iconic model 41 folding stool in beautifully aged Danish oak with original, patinated cognac brown saddle leather seat. The Guldhoj s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Stacking Stool End Table
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage round stool or end table circa 1960s. Features a curved teak tabletop and a three legged base. Price is for each stool, one left.    Seat 12.13"...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Modern Birch and Rattan Stools by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful birch and rattan stools by Bernt Petersen. Beautiful, slender design with sculpted legs and seats that are subtly concave.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Birch

Danish Modern Bernt Petersen Caned Stool
Located in Minneapolis, MN
An elegantly designed teak and cane stool by Bernt Petersen for Worts Mobler. Some loss to the caning. Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Teak

Danish Modern Rosewood and Vinyl Bar Stools by Johannes Andersen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern bar stools by Johannes Andersen for BRDR Andersen Vejen feature rosewood frames with black vinyl seats that are 13 inch i...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Rosewood

Set of Four Mid Century Danish Modern Bart Stools or Counter in Teak Wood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek modern set of four stools made in Denmark circa 1970's. These feature solid teak framing with padded seats. Fabric is original and could use updating but these are perfectly ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Pair of Danish stools, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stools in mahogny and cane, Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

Oak Folding Stool Model 203 Uno and Östen Kristiansson - Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oak Folding Stool Model 203 Uno and Östen Kristiansson - Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden Swedish ‘model 203’ oak foldable stool from the 1950s, designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson and prod...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Montrose Stool with back in painted Poplar
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool with a Back has all the cool joinery details of the original Montrose Stool but with a back. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed ...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Poplar

Scandinavian mid-century stool / piano stool in the style of Josef Frank, 1950s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Mid-century stool or piano stool with oak legs and new gray velvet upholstery. Most likely Swedish. Decorated with brass nails on the seat beside the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stool for Laukaan Puu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957, stamped. Three available sold separately.  
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Ingvar Hildingsson stools, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sheepskin stools produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed "IH". Designed 1970s. Set of 4 available. Please note: Listed price is for a single stool.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Elm

Poul Hundevad Guldhoj Rosewood Folding Stool, 1948
Located in London, GB
Poul Hundevad - Guldhoj Folding Stool, 1948 The iconic model 41 folding stool in beautiful rosewood with original, patinated cognac brown saddle leather seat. The Guldhoj stool was ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Fernando Biomorphic Barstools by Newel Modern
Located in New York, NY
4 Congtemporary "Fernando" barstools constructed of solid FSC-Certified walnut responsibly sourced in the USA featuring a Danish-inspired contours and curves. (PRICED EACH) (BY NEWEL...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Carl Malmsten Stool
Located in San Francisco, CA
Carl Malmsten stool simple but elegant hand made craftsmanship with signature leg construction, Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

"Braga" Contemporary / Modern Ebonized Wood and Polished Bronze Stools
Located in New York, NY
8 Contemporary / Modern "Braga" bar stools with shaped ebonized wooden seats, supported by a metal frame with polished bronze footrests and accents. (PRICED EACH) (Available with nat...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Bronze

"Braga" Contemporary / Modern Natural Wood and Bronze Stools
Located in New York, NY
4 Contemporary / Modern "Braga" counter stools with shaped natural finish wooden seats, supported by a metal frame with polished bronze footrests and accents. (PRICED EACH) (Availabl...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Modern Three Legged Handmade Pine Stool by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden, 1970's
Located in Berlin, BE
Handmade pine stool from Sweden.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Woven Cane Rattan and Teak Wooden Set of Six Bar Stools
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant set of six rattan bar stools with teak feet and a cane rattan seat combining quality, robustness and class. They will be perfect on your terrace, in your veranda, your winter...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Teak

Scandinavian Modern Footstool in Teak
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very nice Scandinavian stool, very good condition frame and a freshly reupholstered biomorphic shaped cushion.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Studio Apotroes Contemporary Scandinavian Luna Tabouret Wood and Stone
Located in San Antonio, TX
Inspired by the beauty of the moon and a found piece of granite, this tabouret (or stool) is a minimalist dream (especially for Scandinavian and Danish design lovers). Simple, yet el...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Granite

Handcrafted French Design Wooden and Rattan Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant rattan bar stool with a wooden structure combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The armrests height is 82cm and the seat heigh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Erik Buck OD61 Walnut Counter Stools
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted stools of walnut wood, seats upholstered in black leather, model OD 61. Designed by Erik Buch in the 1960s for by O.D. Møbler in Denmark. Dimensions: 3...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Wooden Teak and Rattan Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant rattan bar stool with a structure in teak wooden and handbraided rattan wicker cane combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Sigvard Nilsson Bar Stools in Poplar Produced by Söwe in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 4 bar stools designed by Sigvard Nilsson. Produced by Söwe in Sweden.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Poplar

Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern stools 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 stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern stools 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 stools, popular names associated with this style include Alvar Aalto, Artek, Ingvar Hildingsson, and Fritz Hansen. 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 stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $52,616 while the average work can sell for $1,856.

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