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.
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Item Ships From: USA
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Teak, Shearling, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and shearling stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak
Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
eatures a distinctive five-section fan of bent birchwood, whose joins cascade down the legs, and the original leather-wrapped top with a beautiful patina. The piece can serve as a si...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch, Leather
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Mid Century Tripod Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare tripod stool in stained pine. Produced in Sweden by an unknown designer. Stamped "Gröning Design - Bergsjö Sweden."
In the manner of the more f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Olof Ottelin, Finland, Pine Stool, Circa 1970s
By Olof Ottelin
Located in New York, NY
A Finnish pine Modernist stool, Circa 1970s, by Olof Ottelin, the top with four rectangular blocks joined by extended dowels raised on straight legs.
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Montrose Stool in Walnut, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Walnut
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Dark-Stained Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Montrose Stool, Black on Red Milkpaint, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Poplar
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Montrose Stool in Ash, Exposed Joinery with a Hand Carved Seat
Located in Southampton, MA
The Montrose Stool, a sharp, bold, angular form. Made from solid hardwoods with a carved seat for comfort. Constructed with lots of exposed joinery and interesting details. The top o...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Ash
Stool or Ottoman by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper
By Nienkamper
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
The Moment Stool or Ottoman designed by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper is a modern and versatile piece of furniture that combines comfort, functionality, and style. Its innovative design reflects the contemporary aesthetic while offering a practical seating solution.
The stool or ottoman features a sleek and streamlined silhouette that seamlessly blends into any living space or commercial environment. Its clean lines and minimalist form exude a sense of sophistication and modernity. The designers' attention to detail is evident in the carefully selected materials and impeccable craftsmanship.
The seat is designed to provide optimal comfort, whether used as a footrest, additional seating, or as a standalone piece. The cushioning is plush and supportive, upholstered in high-quality Knoll fabric, ensuring a luxurious feel and durability.
The Moment Stool by Busk+Hertzog for Nienkamper embodies the essence of contemporary design, seamlessly blending form and function. Its versatility makes it a perfect addition to any space, from residential homes to modern offices or commercial lounges. Whether used as a standalone piece or paired with other furniture, this stool or ottoman adds a touch of modern sophistication and comfort to any interior.
Moment is an ottoman, stool, bench depending on the configuration and perception. Purchase one, two or all three. Bottom of tapered diameter measures 20.25" and top 17". Photographed with Herman Miller DCM chair and Macbook Pro...
Category
2010s Canadian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Foam
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sheepskin, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and sheepskin stool designed and produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Oxbend Stool, Bar or Counter Seat in Black Charcoal Ashwood
Located in Bend, OR
This bar stool, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair. The Oxbend collection was born from a desire to create seating that is comfortable, organic, and elegant in its simplicity. This Oxbend stool...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Ash
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Papyri Stool in White Oak with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested whi...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Papercord, Wood
Poul Kjaerholm, Stool, Steel, Leather, E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A chrome-plated steel and leather foldable stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and produced by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1961.
Makers mark impressed to frame.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Borje Johanson Teak & Chrome Swivel Bar Stools for Johanson Design
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions:
31in H x 22in W x 22in D.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ta...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Pine Stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner
Located in Long Island City, NY
Pine stool by K. J. Pettersson & Söner, Sweden, Circa 1970s.
Solid, glued pine.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Ingvar Hildingsson, Large Stool, Pine, Sweden, Signed and Labeled, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and sculptural stool, designed and produced in the studio of Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp. Signed and labeled. In lightly treated pine.
Swede...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Stool, Ingvar Hildingsson, Pine, 1970s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Classic sculptural milking stool, designed and produced in the studio of Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp. Signed and labeled. Solid Pine
Sweden, 1970's
E...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
1970s, Swedish Pine Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming Swedish Pine stool from 1970 with great patina. Spade shaped seat that makes it the perfect small side table or foot stool. Good vintage condition with age appropriate wear,...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Brassy Gold
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Papyri Stool in Blackened Ash with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested ash.
The seat features a continuous...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Ash
Josef Frank, Stool or Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany stool or bench designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Designer, Stool, Plywood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood stool designed and produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Roberts Bar Stool Maple White
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Birch and Upholstered Stool, Ca 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish polished birchwood stool, circa 1940s, with a rectangular glazed linen seat raised on turned and tapered legs.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Madison Bar Stool Walnut Orange
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Danish Modern Teak Stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and Storage, Circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1970s Danish Modern teak stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and under seat storage. Vinyl seat upholstery in great condition.
Measures 17.25" W x 15...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Iron
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Walnut Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Norwegian Pine Stool, Krogenæs Møbler, Ca 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A carved solid pine three leg stool by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, Circa 1950s-60, with a carved tractor form seat raised on three rectangular legs joine...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Maple Prairie Green
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Papyri Stool in Cherry with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a mortice and tenon frame and handwoven seat, the Papyri Stool is artisan-crafted from recyclable paper cord, and sustainably harvested cherry.
The seat features a continu...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Cherry
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Pine, Sweden, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool produced in Sweden. Signed "Erik" and dated 1961.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Madison Bar Stool Maple Gray
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Navy
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Turned Pine, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
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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