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
- 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.
432
102
6
to
44
540
257
540
450
488
1,787
1,498
540
207
145
97
57
44
39
30
26
21
20
19
15
13
6
3
2
7
423
108
1
350
55
1
25
40
95
134
41
5
5
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
402
199
119
119
95
98
88
94
85
92
83
91
471
130
115
110
106
526
365
184
148
87
52
38
24
17
16
Item Ships From: Europe
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Solid Pine Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Good vintage condition.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stools in Massive Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Goteborg, SE
Pair of high quality stools in solid pine, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Stool by Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, 1950
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian stool of Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, circa 1950. Red lacquered plywood seat. Black lacquered steel foot. Original paint. Has its labels.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Boucle Wool Vintage Rosewood Stools by Spottrup, Denmark, 1960s
Located in London, GB
Pair of vintage stools by Danish producer Spottrup Mobler. Seats have been reupholstered in luxurious bouclé wool fabric. Produced circa 1960. Frames made from solid rosewood.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Hardwood
Erik Ole Jørgensen Easy Chairs with Stools Produced by Selectform in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of easy chairs with stools designed by Erik Ole Jørgensen. Produced by Selectform in Denmark.
Dimensions easy chairs (W x D x H): 73 x 90 x 94 cm, SH: 39 cm
Dimensions st...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Ottoman Mini with White Lamb Fur
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mini stool gathers inspiration from Scandinavian design made incredibly confortable with the addition of soft upholstery. The top is upholstered in natural lamb leather and the legs ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Leather
Stool Ottoman Mini with Lamb Fur
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mini stool gathers inspiration from Scandinavian design made incredibly confortable with the addition of soft upholstery. The top is upholstered in natural sheep leather and the legs...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Lambskin
Bardot Met Stool, Design Black Metal Frame, Fabric Pink, Green, Leather Black
By EMILIO NANNI
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
The Bardot family expands and is enriched by a stool with 4-leg metal structure and footrests alongside an accommodating and round seat.
Perfect for use in both public environments ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Gösta Berg Easy Chair with Stool Model Måsen / Seagull by Fritz Hansen
By Gosta Berg
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare easy chair with stool model Måsen / Seagull designed by Gösta Berg. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Dimensions easy chair (W x D x H): 94 x 100 x 88.5 cm, SH 39 cm.
...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Gilbert Marklund Stools Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools designed by Gilbert Marklund. Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stools Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
G.A. Berg, Pair of Birch Stools, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Pair of stools designed by Swedish modernist G.A. (Gustaf Axel) Berg in the 1940s. They of course have some resemblance with the very famous Alvar Aalto stool, model 60. Berg actuall...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Rud Thygesen Stool for Magnus Olsen, Scandinavian
Located in Lyon, FR
Danish stool designed in 1971 by Rud Thygesen for Magnus Olsen.
Really nice patina.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Gilbert Marklund Stools Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools designed by Gilbert Marklund. Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Pair of Dot Stools Upholstered with Black Leather by Arne Jacobsen, 1971
Located in Lejre, DK
The pair of dot stools upholstered with black leather, designed by Arne Jacobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen in 1971, is a stylish and functional addition to any interior space....
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Illum Wikkelsø Stool Model 91 Produced by Michael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool model 91 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, `Pirkka` Stools 4 Pieces, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four stools, model Pirkka designed by Imari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1970s.
Dining set also available, 4 pieces. See last two pictures.
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Piet Hein Bar Stools by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
By Piet Hein
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 4 bar stools designed by Piet Hein. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pinewood. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed.
Excellent condition.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stool Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Stools Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of stools by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass, Steel
Stool Ottoman Mini with Goat Kidasia Fur
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mini stool gathers inspiration from Scandinavian design made incredibly comfortable with the addition of soft upholstery. The top is upholstered in natural goat leather and the legs ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Leather
Set of Five Scandinavian Stools, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Nordic stools in rich brown wood with four pegged legs. Very nice patina and good condition. Seat height 45 cm.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
FRAMA Scandinavian Design Adam Stool in Leather with Raw Steel Frame H76
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Adam Stool collection is inspired by industrial design, an artist's studio, and a workshop. The functionality and simplicity of the design, combined with strong materials, give t...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Birch Stool Signed by Ingvar Hildingsson, 'IH'
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern birch stool by Ingvar Hildingsson. Signed IH and produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Rockneby, Kalmar Län, Sweden. In mint condition.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Børge Mogensen Side Tables by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of side tables / benches designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Oak
Leo Thafvelin Bar Stools by Johanson Design in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of four bar stools designed by Leo Thafvelin. Produced by Johanson Design in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Bar Stools in Teak and Black Vinyl Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of three bar stools probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
FRAMA Contemporary Minimal Design Adam Stool in Oak with Black Steel Frame H50
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Adam Stool collection is inspired by Industrial Design, an artist's studio, and a workshop. The functionality and simplicity of the design, combined with strong materials, gives ...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Brown Teak Stool by Arne Hovmand-Olsen 1960s Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern three legged teak stool, which was made out of solid teak and designed by Arne Hovmand-Olsen 1960s, made in Denmark. Three splayed feet, which are connected, and ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian Pine Tabouret, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Berlin, DE
Stool or small side table, executed in northern European pinewood.
The design is simplistic, in the style of Axel Einar Hjorth, nice patina to the wood.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Contemporary Bar Stool w. Backrest Aged Brass Metal and Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Pair of Midcentury Bar Stools in Oak Made by Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of great looking bar stools in solid oak and patinated leather. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1950s.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Poul Kjærholm PK-91 Stool by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare foldable stool model PK-91 designed by Poul Kjærholm. Produced by E. Kold Christensen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
FRAMA Contemporary Minimal design Adam Stool in Oak with Black Steel Frame H65
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Adam stool collection is inspired by industrial design, an artist's studio, and a workshop. The functionality and simplicity of the design, combined with strong materials, gives ...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Lith Lith Lundin Stool / Side Table Produced in Sweden
By Lith Lith Lundin
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool / side table designed by Lith Lith Lundin. Produced in Sweden.
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stool, “Sauna”, Designed by Bertel Gardberg for Villa Jouhki, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool, “Sauna”, designed by Bertel Gardberg for Villa Jouhki,
Finland, 1950's.
Apachi wood.
Measurements:
H: 42 cm/ 1' 5"
Very rare, custom order apachi stool. Originally designed...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Uno & Östen Kristiansson Stool Produced by Luxus in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced by Luxus in Vittsjö, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Folding Stool by Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare folding stool designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Midcentury Stool with Cane Seat, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in beech with seat in cane. Designed and med in Denmark, 1950s.
Category
1950s Austrian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Beech
Early Propeller Stool by Kjærholm
Located in Lejre, DK
Early produced propeller stool in chromed metal and canvas designed by MAA. Poul Kjærholm for EKC Made in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Swedish Studio Crafted Pine Stool or Corner Table by Stig Sandqvist, 1940s
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stool made by Swedish wood worker Stig Sandqvist. This stool could also be used as a side table, perfect fitting in a corner. The stool is made of solid pine and shows a beautiful pa...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Contemporary Handmade Scandinavian Side Table or Stool "Objects of Use" #3
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Objects of use is the result of two worlds meeting. Two professions intertwining. Two people crossing, clashing and correlating. Objects of use is the fusion of the mind of an archit...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Erik Buck Chr. Christensens Mobelfabrik I/S Vamdrup Design Rosewood Bar Stool
Located in London, GB
Erik Buck, a very rare rosewood bar stool. Signed with stamped manufacturer's mark to underside: Made in Denmark Chr. Christensens MobelFabrik I/S Vamdrup Design: Erik Buck.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rosewood
Mogens Lassen Stool in Elm for K. Thomsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Lassen stool in Elm. Executed by K. Thomsen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Reverse with paper label.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Elm
Modern Stool or Seat Handcrafted in all Wengé Hardwood by DUVALD
By Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
This small stool in all wengé hardwood gets it’s character from a playful geometry and unconventional joinery. Handcrafted and assembled in 34 joints results in a light but strong fu...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wenge
Svante Skogh Chair with Stool for Asko Finland, Design 1954
By Svante Skogh, Asko
Located in Skanninge, SE
A wonderful set of an easy chair with stool. By Swedish designer Svante Skogh for Finnish maker Asko. This is model no 2418. Recently restored and newly upholstered in a light green ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet, Birch
Contemporary Organic Kitchen Counter Bar Stool Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary counter stool is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of the double...
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Olof Kettunen Stools by J. Merivaara in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of stools designed by Olof Kettunen. Produced by J. Merivaara in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Stool in Pine by Torsten Claeson, 1930s
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare stool in pine by Torsten Claeson, Sweden.
This stool was presented in 1939 at the Röhsska Museum as "sports cottage furniture"; a type of furniture that became popular at the...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stool in Teak and Cane Attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Teak
Larsen & Madsen Solid Mahogany Leather Stool from Willy Beck, 1950
Located in Munich, DE
Ejner Larsen (1917-1987),
Aksel Bender Madsen (1916-2000).
Solid mahogany side chair-height stool built by Danish master cabinetmaker Willy Beck. Original black leather is in fin...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Stools, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of stools in beech, made in Sweden, mid-1900s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Pair of Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Footrests
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of teak footrests with original black butt leather.
Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen 1959 and made by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark.
Well made...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Contemporary Scandinavian Design "Objects of Use" Multi-function Object #4
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Objects of use is the result of two worlds meeting. Two professions intertwining. Two people crossing, clashing and correlating. Objects of use is the f...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Norwegian Stool by Krogenæs Møbler circa 1970
Located in Farsta, SE
Stool by Krogenæs Møbler circa 1970
The patina and wear on this one is really appealing and shows the craftsmanship and its historical inspiration on the Norwegian "fjøsekrakk" that...
Category
Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
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.
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Corbusier Bar Stool
Octagonal Stool
Parsons Stool
Primitive Small Stool
Resin Bar Stool
Retro Step Stool
Rope Bar Stools
Round Elm Stool
Saddle Stool Used
Senufo Wood Stool
Shell Barstool
Step Stool Retro
Stool By Ingvar Hildingsson
Stool With Fringe
Stools Antique Scandinavian
Una Stool
Vintage Chinese Garden Stool
Vintage Stool On Casters