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
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Maple Navy
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, 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
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay 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, 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
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Gray
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 Hairpin Counter Stool Walnut Yellow
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
Madison Bar Stool Walnut Pink
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
Ingvar Hildingsson, Stool, Solid Oak, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A sculptural solid oak stool designed Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp, Sweden, 1960s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Rose Copper
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, Wood, Fabric, Webbing, Sweden, C. 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, fabric, and webbing stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Turned Pine, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool
Located in New York, NY
Pine stool by Ingvar Hildingsson stool
Made in Sweden.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1983
Located in High Point, NC
A solid turned pine stool produced in Sweden, 1983. Signed and dated to underside.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine Wood, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Madison Bar Stool Maple Green
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
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Pink
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
Stool by Bertel Gardberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare pine stool designed by Bertel Gardberg ( 1916-2007) Finland for Villa Joukhi.
Stamped Finnmade Gardberg. Circa 1960th.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Maker, Stool, Solid Blue Painted Wood, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A simple and modernist stool. Produced in Sweden, dated 1971. In solid painted wood.
Other designers of the period include Axel Einar Hjorth, Charlotte Perriand, Pierre Jeanneret,...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut 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
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Maple Blood Red
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
Pair of Scandinavian Tripod Stools, 1950's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian (possibly French) 'Seat' tripod stools, 1950's
Oak, fine construction details
Measures: H: 16 D seat: 10 W seat: 13, legs at base are apart 15.5-18 in.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Swedish Designer, Stools, Solid Turned Pine, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of solid pine stools, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Maple 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
Madison Bar Stool Walnut Blood Red
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
Roberts Bar Stool Walnut 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
Roberts Bar Stool Maple Mustard
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 Bar Stool with Inlay Maple Rose Copper
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 Bar Stool Walnut Red
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 stunn...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Blood Red
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
Stacking Stools by Arne Jacobson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These are great stacking stools by Arne Jacobson. These stools have been professionally painted black. We have 8 in stock. Price is per stool.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Small Stool By Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in New York, NY
Stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson for I.H. Slöjd
Sweden, 1970's.
Birch.
Marked: IH.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Danish Modern Teak & Paper Cord Stool / Bench
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile Danish modern stool / bench with hand woven paper cord seat, circa 1970s. The piece has a solid teak frame with stretchers and is quite solid and sturdy. The bases measures...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Papercord
Danish Designer, Stool, Carved Oak, Black Lacquer, Denmark, c. 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A finely carved and turned oak stool with black-lacquered seat. Produced in Denmark, c. 1950s.
Other designers of the period include Mogens Lassen, Josef Frank, Arne Jacobsen, Fin...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Pair of Stools by Gilbert Marklund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gilbert Marklund, a pair of 'Jonte' stools, designed 1969. Produced by Furusnickarn AB, Sweden.
Lacquered pine.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Danish Modern Teak Footrest Barstool
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak footrest barstool, circa 1970s. The stool is in very good original condition and measures 20"D at base, seat 12.25"D x 25.75"H. The piece is quite sturdy and has a...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Stool / Ottoman
Located in Denton, TX
Solid thick teak wood with dovetailed corners can be also used for a side table.
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak
Dune Modern Cube Shaped Table in Bone with Grey and Red Resin Inlay
Located in New York City, NY
The white Dune cube table is made of hundreds of triangular camel bone chips tessellated over wood. The playful patterns made with grey and red resin are unique on each surface are p...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Bone, Epoxy Resin, Wood
David Rosén, "Futura" Stool, Fabric, Wood, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and beige fabric "Futura" foldable stool designed by David Rosén and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Swedish Designer, Stools, Oak, Green Painted Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and green-painted metal stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
White Painted Stool, Josef Frank Upholstery
By Josef Frank
Located in New York, NY
White painted stool with upholstery by Josef Frank, Svensk Tenn length 44, width 36, height 44 cm. Cording is loose but we can replace cording i...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Wood, Paint
Dune Modern Cube Shaped Table in Bone with Grey and Red Resin Inlay
Located in New York City, NY
Inspired by a 3D puzzle, the white Dune cube table is made of hundreds of triangular camel bone chips onlayed over wood. The playful patterns made with resin are unique on each surfa...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Bone, Epoxy Resin, Wood
Gärsnäs, Foldable Stool, Solid Oak, Natural Leather, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid oak and natural leather, foldable stool designed and produced by Gärsnäs, Sweden, 1950s. Labeled.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Faux Leather, Oak, Fabric
1960s Barstool by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern pedestal style barstool with satin chromed steel bars - slightly arched to support a foot rest - and upholstered seat in dark blue leather. Designed by Piet Hei...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Stools by Folke Ohlsson for DUX
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of elegant modern stools designed by Folke Ohlsson for DUX of Sweden in Sweden circa 1950s. This stylish pair of stools are made of solid walnut wood with brass sabots in all ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
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
Scandinavian Modern Stool / Ottoman / Bench
Located in San Diego, CA
Versatile Scandinavian modern stool / ottoman / bench with floating butterscotch colored naugahyde cushion, circa 1950s. The piece has a solid teak frame with brass capped legs and i...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Naugahyde, Teak
Swedish Designer, Sauna Stool, Carved Oak, Sweden, Early 20th Century
Located in High Point, NC
A carved oak sauna stool designed and produced in Sweden, early 1900s.
Category
1910s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
1950s Danish Oak Music Bench by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high stool/piano bench in oak with new leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
1950s PK33 Stool by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early 'PK-33' stool, with a round black leather cushion on three satin-chromed flat bar legs. Maker's mark on underside.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Verner Panton Cone Bar Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton cone bar stool designed in 1958 and produced by Plus-Linje. Note: We have several more stools. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DOD...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Krogenæs Møbler, Three Legged Stool, Sculpted Pine, Norway, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sculpted pine stool designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1950s.
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Poul Kjaerholm PK91 Folding Stool by E. Kold Christensen
Located in Highland, IN
Kjaerholm's 1961 masterpiece, the PK91 stool made by E. Kold Christensen is the perfect distillation of his aesthetic. A minimalist form combining matte ch...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Scandinavian Modern "Juuso" Stools Stained Pine Tervasaaren Puutyötehdas Finland
Located in New York, NY
A pair of "Juuso" stained pine Scandinavian Modern handcrafted midcentury stools with rounded rectangular seat and splayed legs. Made in Finland, circe 1960, "Juuso" by Tervasaaren...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wool, Pine
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
Leather Folding Stool by Poul Hundevad
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak folding stool with a black leather sling seat. Famed copy of oldest existing piece of furniture in Scandinavia.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
Pair Of Borge Jensen Danish Ottomans in Brown and White Cowhide
Located in New York, NY
A pair of midcentury Danish teak wood rectangular ottomans or stools with newly upholstered light whiskey and cream loose cushions designed by Borge Jensen & Sonner for Bersnstorffsm...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Swivelling Bar Stool
By Arne Vodder
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak barstool with a leather swivel seat.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
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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