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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Number in Set: Single Piece
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
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
Bar Stoll Nhino in Beechwood Frame and Padded Seat for Bar, Restaurant or Home
By EMILIO NANNI
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
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
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
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
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
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
Børge Mogensen Stool for Fredericia Furniture
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Børge Mogensen. An oak stool with top of woven cane. Manufactured by Fredericia Furniture.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Oak
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
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed "IH". Designed 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Elm
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
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
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
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
Bardot Stool Design Black Metal Frame, Fabric Pink, Black by Emilio Nanni
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
Pouf / Stool Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large pouf / stool by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
Swedish Midcentury Stool in Mahogany and Beech
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stool or pedestal in mahogany and beech, possibly designed by G-A Berg, Sweden.
Condition: Very good original condition.
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech, Mahogany
Poul Hundevad Folding Stool Produced by Poul Hundevad in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare folding stool model Guldhøj / PH 43 designed by Poul Hundevad. Produced by Poul Hundevad in Vamdrup, Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Wenge
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
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
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
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen, Propellar Stool
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen. Propellar stool. With tray. Original canvas.
Frame in solid ash.
Model Propellar 8783, made by Rud R...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Ash
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
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 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
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
Erik Höglund Stool Produced by Boda Trä in Sweden
By Erik Höglund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool designed by Erik Höglund. Produced by Boda Trä in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Hemp, Beech
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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