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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
Number in Set: Set of 3
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

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

Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end ...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

Mid Century Scandinavian Pine Minimalist Architect Stool 1/6
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Stool comes from Denmark. It has a minimalistic and architectural design. Puristic and beautiful. Made of solid scandinavian pine wood. We have 6 stools in Stock.
Category

1970s Danish 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

Erik Buch Bar Stools Model Od-61 by Oddense Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 3 bar stools model OD-61 designed by Erik Buch. Produced by Oddense Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

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

Papyri Stool in Cherry with Handwoven Danish Cord
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

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

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

Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, from the furniture line “Pirkka”. Cool, rounded design with pine seats and black lacquered legs.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Inside / Outside Jää Cube Side Table / Seat - Recycled Plastic - Pair Available
Located in Leicester, GB
The Jää cube is a multifunctional side table. The Jää cube has a sculptural design with a beautiful tactile surface and small, satin polished aluminium spacers...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

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

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

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

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

Walnut, Dark Green 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 collection. The p...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

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

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 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

Interstice Stool
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Changes of shape such as tapered legs and curved back of a chair were the starting point of this project. Research in craftsmanship and the possibilities of woodworking machines resu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

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

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

FRAMA Contemporary Small Stool Solid Oiled Pine AML
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The AML Stool is a petite furniture object for everyday interiors. Suitable for use as a side table or bedside stool, the multifunctional stool takes its cue...
Category

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Ingvar Hildingsson Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stained pinewood. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed. Designed 1970s. Very good condition.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cherry

Perch High Bar Stool in Oak by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Perch High was created after its little brother Perch stool, to be used around bar height tables. The Perch bar stool got its inspiration from a ve...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Contemporary pi3 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
This longer bench works well at the end of a bed, in an entry corridor or as a pair on either side of a dining table. Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the modern craft movement. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed to manufacture in small batches from sustainably sourced oak, ensuring the best attention to detail and quality. The Danish cord seats...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

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 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 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 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

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

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

Walnut, Blue 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 collection. The p...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

Erik Buch Bar Stools Model OD-61 by Odense Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of four bar stools model OD-61 designed by Erik Buch. Produced by Odense Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Inside / Outside Jää Cube Side Table / Seat - Recycled Plastic - Pair Available
Located in Leicester, GB
Our latest addition to the Jää series: the Jää cube is a multifunctional side table. The Jää cube has a sculptural design with a beautiful tactile surface and small, satin polished a...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Contemporary pi Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Black Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics....
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

Mary Stool Velvet
Located in Lisbon, PT
Playing with dichotomies between rough materials and soft textures, cold and hot materials, round and straight shapes is what Mary stool is all about. A great accent piece that can b...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Contemporary pi3 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
This longer bench works well at the end of a bed, in an entry corridor or as a pair on either side of a dining table. Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the modern craft movement. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed to manufacture in small batches from sustainably sourced oak, ensuring the best attention to detail and quality. The Danish cord seats...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Oak, Papercord

Contemporary Pi2 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Black Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws it's inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the modern craft movement. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed to manufacture in small batches from sustainably sourced oak, ensuring the best attention to detail and quality. The Danish cord seats...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

Contemporary lo-pi Bar Stool, Oak with Danish Cord Seat & Brass Foot Rails
Located in Norwich, GB
Our low-pi bar stool at 61cm (24") tall has satin brass foot rails and is available in the following finishes: matt clear oak, limed oak, fumed oak or ebonised oak Our iconic pi sto...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Bar Stoll Nhino in Beechwood Frame and Seat Black for Bar, Restaurant or Home
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Asymmetrical in design, the Nhino stool seems almost to dance, to move, inviting users to socialize and share. Nhino is available in three different heights, 77, 67 and 47 cm, and is perfect for breakfast in the kitchen, for dinner in the dining room, or for afternoon tea and coffee in the living room. This versatile seat is also suitable for public areas, especially in casual venues such as lounge bars...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Storia Bar Stool in Oak by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The four-legged stool is designed for both contract environment and domestic use with durable joints, comfortable seat and three different heights. Its Nordic craftsmanship soul can ...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Stella Stool
Located in Lisbon, PT
This elegant stool named Stella is unique in its conception. Format enhanced by the piping details, where different textures are coordinated. The top offers a perfect surface for cre...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Nano Stool Ottoman
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nano 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

Leather, Beech

Contemporary pi2 Stool, Fumed Oak Frame, Split Willow Skein Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Willow, Oak

Contemporary pi Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Black Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. ...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Contemporary Sculptural Bar Stool, Aged Brass Metal & Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool 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 3.5 ...
Category

2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Contemporary pi2 Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Oak Slats Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

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

Bar Stoll Nhino in Beechwood Frame and Padded Seat for Bar, Restaurant or Home
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Asymmetrical in design, the Nhino stool seems almost to dance, to move, inviting users to socialize and share. Nhino is available in three different heights, 77, 67 and 47 cm, and is perfect for breakfast in the kitchen, for dinner in the dining room, or for afternoon tea and coffee in the living room. This versatile seat is also suitable for public areas, especially in casual venues such as lounge bars...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

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

Piet Hein Bar Stools by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
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

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

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

Wood, Epoxy Resin, Bone

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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