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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: Single Piece
Swedish Designer, Small Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Metal and Teak Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s stool. Consists of a tubular metal support frame and an upholstered seat made of teak wood veneer.A retro-looking piece of furniture to be used either as a seat o...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern stool on medar by Erik Höglund of beech
Located in Skå, SE
Embrace the captivating world of Scandinavian Modern design with the Erik Höglund Stool on Medar Model Gungfly, a true masterpiece of artistry and functionality. Crafted with precisi...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Pavilion AV9 Bar Stool in Black Steel/Black Oak by Anderssen&Voll for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
The Pavilion bar chair has an airy feeling, with fluid curves for the wood veneer seat and back which continue as lyrical lines in the steel tubes of the legs. The result is a silh...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. Pinewood. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Marked on the bottom. Iconic I...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Studio Apotroes Contemporary Scandinavian Luna Tabouret Wood and Stone
Located in San Antonio, TX
Inspired by the beauty of the moon and a found piece of granite, this tabouret (or stool) is a minimalist dream (especially for Scandinavian and Danish design lovers). Simple, yet el...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Granite

GM4107 Tiger Barstool, Walnut, Naver Select Leather - Design by Henrik Lehm
Located in Juelsminde, DK
With a slim and high format, the Tiger barstool invites to conversations and coziness for hours. The Tiger barstool allows you to decorate the kitchen-dining room with the same elegance and seating comfort that is known from the dining table chair of the same name. The iconic back spines and the soft leather seat from the Tiger dining chair...
Category

Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Wooden Teak and Rattan Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Elegant rattan bar stool with a structure in teak wooden and handbraided rattan wicker cane combining quality, robustness and class. Comfortable and ergonomic, aerial and poetic. The...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Vintage Stool with Teak Seat
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s stool of Swedish origin. Consists of a tubular metal frame forming the three legs and a teak veneered seat. For use both as a seat and as a side table or riser for a plant...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Pedrita Stool in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Curitiba, PR
This stool is thought and made to please the eyes. It's design and craftsmanship combined create a unique piece of furniture with a strong statement. The charming protagonist in Its ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Santos Rosewood Stool by Hugo Frandsen for Spottrup
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a very nice example, all original except for the fresh white boucle fabric upholstery. Made from Santos Rosewood or Machaerium Scleroxylon which is a sustainable species and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Hardwood

Tall Stool in Oak, Reupholstered in Lambswool, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tall stool in oak with curly legs, reupholstered seat in long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in circa 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian int...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Oak

Rustic Danish Milking Stool, 1950s
Located in Valby, 84
Rustic wabi Sabi style of milking stool in solid dark stained beechwood made in Denmark in the 1950s. The stool is in good condition with a beautiful and signs of use which adds c...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Alvar Aalto, Stool X601 for Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This stool was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. We have noticed through the years that this stool has been often used as a bed side table. It can also be us...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

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

Børge Mogensen "J27" Beech Stool for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed by Børge Mogensen in 1955, the “J27” stool remains a solid and practical piece. With a multitude of purposes, form and function remain at the forefront of this design. Almos...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Wishbone Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this rarely seen ottoman to accompany his Wishbone seating for Carl Hansen. The original tapered oak frame features a papercord seat, newly wrapped. Manufactu...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Yellow Stool by Nanna Ditzel, 1969
Located in London, GB
A vibrant yellow fibreglass stool designed by Nanna Ditzel for Domus Danica in 1969, after her move to London in 1968. In every aspect the stool is h...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Authentic Round Wabi Sabi Stool in Burl Wood & Hessian, Danish Modern, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Such an intriguing and inspiring small art deco / wabi sabi stool made in burl wood and the original hessian underclothing. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1930s. This authentic vintage stool will fit in many interior styles. A modern, Scandinavian, Art Deco interior or a Classic home...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Burl

3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960's Rare three leg beechwood and leather stool designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced by Luxus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Leather Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage 1960s footstool. Consists of oak wood base and round black leather seat. A modern piece of furniture ideal either as a seat for a table, dressing table or as a pouf footrest for the sofa...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH 539 Cane Stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A seldom seen model JH 539 footstol, designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen. Elegantly crafted teak frame, with woven cane seat. A fantastic companion to our Papa Bear Chair. De...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Studio Apotroes Contemporary Scandinavian Luna Tabouret Wood and Stone
Located in San Antonio, TX
Inspired by the beauty of the moon and a found piece of granite, this tabouret (or stool) is a minimalist dream (especially for Scandinavian and Danish design lovers). Simple, yet el...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Granite

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

1950s Fully Restored Danish Stool
Located in Knebel, DK
1950s Fully restored danish stool. The stool feature a simple and elegant design with it's curved upholstered seat on top of it's four fluted chair leg...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Erik Buck OD61 Bar Stools
Located in Vienna, AT
Erik Buck. Bar stool with solid hardwood frame with footrest, seat upholstered in black leather. Designed in 1965. Seat height 77cm. Manufactured by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri A / S, model OD 61...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Mid-Century Danish Tripod Stool in Beech, Reupholstered in Lambswool, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tripod stool in solid beech, reupholstered seat long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1960s. A great object for the Scandinavian interior home...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Lambskin, Sheepskin, Beech

Oxbend Stool, Bar, or Counter Seat in Walnut
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

Walnut

Midcentury Stool in Beech, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in beech with fabric seat. Designed and med in Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech, Fabric

Ilmari Tapiovaara Model Lukki Stool for Artek Celebration Model, 2015
Located in Helsinki, FI
Ilmari Tapiovaara model Lukki stool for Artek, celebration model. Birch, beech and steel. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Ilmari Tapiovaara design...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

John Mortensen Swivel Bar Stool "Fountain" For Dyrlund
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful cone shaped bar stools. Aluminum base with hardwood and leater seat. Designed by John Mortensen for Dyrlund in the 1970s. Up to four avai...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Stool in Oak, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in solid oak and fabric, designed made in Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Modern Swivel Working Stool in Steel & Leather by KEVI, Denmark
By Kevi
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage swivel office stool in steel and leather manufactured by KEVI, Denmark in the 1960s. The chair can be height adjusted. This model was produced in limited numbers and is a rar...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Handcrafted Braided Wicker and Wooden Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Handcrafted curved and braided wicker cane with wooden base bar stool.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Pine

Mid-Century Teak Stool by Niels Moller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This refinished teak Moller 80A stool with black Danish cord is a stunning example of Scandinavian design at its finest. The teak wood has been expert...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Teak

Verner Panton Cone Bar Stools
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton cone bar stools designed in 1958 and produced by Plus-Linje.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto, Stool Model X602, O.Y. Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyöt
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare, X602 manufacture for O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyöt, the original manufacturer of Alvar Aalto furniture (pre Artek) Leather and Birch.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Modern Rectangular Stool in Solid Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking stool was produced in Sweden in the early 1950s. The design is marked by the rectangular and slightly curved shaped of the seat and the sturdy, tapered legs placed at a...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Stool, Erik Hoglund, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Erik Höglund, pall, ”Grisen”, (the pig), made by Boda Trä (Boda Wood). 1950s Frame of beech and leather, with seat of green hemp. Branded Boda Trä Measures: Length 60, depth 30...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Josef Frank, Stool, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
A mahogany and leather upholstered stool, model 967, Svenskt Tenn. Brass nails, Length 44 cm, seat height ca 41 cm. This model was designed in 1938 and is here quoted as being...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Rey Bar Stool in Deep Black Design by Bruno Rey for Dietiker with Hay
Located in Dubai, AE
Based on the original Rey Collection designed by Swiss designer Bruno Rey in 1971, HAY has teamed up with Dietiker to present the Rey Bar Stool. It retai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Leo Thafvelin Bar Stools Produced by Johanson Design in Markaryd
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 9 bar stools designed by Leo Thafvelin. Produced by Johanson Design in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Margaret T. Nordman, 1930s Taburette Designed for the New York World Fair, 1939
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Margaret N. Nordman designed this stool/taburette in 1939 for the New York World Fair. The elegant stool has detailed legs and a nice curved seat.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Papyri Stool in Walnut 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 walnut. The seat features a continu...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Walnut

Børge Mogensen Model 2220 Stool in Oak and Canvas, 1960s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Danish stool in oak, model 2220, designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark, 1960s. The model 2220 stool was designed by the renowned Danish designer Børge Mog...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Swedish Designer, Small Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Vintage Designer Danish Woven Stool, 1960s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
This is a beautiful vintage stool from Denmark, produced in the 1960s. The frame is made of sturdy teak and the seat is made of woven sea grass. This is slightly thinner than cane and gives the stool a subtle and simple look. This handmade stool...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Seagrass, Teak

Midcentury Finn Juhl Ottoman or Stool
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this bwana teak wood stool or ottoman by Finn Juhl for France and Son. Has been recovered and ready for use. Measures: 25 inches wide by 17 1/2 inches ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, stool with leather and rosewood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kai Kristiansen ottoman with new upholstered seat in cognac aniline leather. Made of solid rosewood. Made by Aksel Kjersgaard 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Iconic Pk 91 Folding Stool by Poul Kjærholm for by E. Kold Christensen, DK 1961
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic PK 91 folding stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This stool is from an early production and has a matt chromed plated steel...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Alvar Aalto, "X600" Stool, Artek, 1960s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Alvar Aalto, 1960s 'X600' stool for Artek. Fan-shaped birch legs, upholstered black leather seat. Measure: height 45 cm. Manufacturer's stamp.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Scandinavian Vintage Stools
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of 4 Edsby Verken stools. Simple and lightweight stool model produced by the Swedish company Edsby Verken in the 1960s. High-quality material and f...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Swedish Desk and Stool by Göran Malmvall 1940s/'50s
Located in Brescia, IT
Pine wood table and stool set designed by G.Malmvall for The Swedish Fur company. Two pieces of furniture of Scandinavian origin, evident in the type of wood used and the rustic b...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

1960s Fully Restored and Reupholstered Danish Footstool
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fully restored and reupholstered danish footstool. The footstool feature a simple and elegant design with it's thick upholstered seat on top of 4 lim tanned beech legs with ...
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Stools from the Mid 20th Century in Natural Wood
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Wood stools from the Mid-20th Century in natural wood Perfect stools for indoors or outdoors Very solid and ergonomic shape. There are 3 and they are sold individually They are p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat The latest member of the Lavitta Collection, the Lavitta Counter Stool continues focusing on the sophisticated union of traditional wooden furnit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Olof Ottelin Attribution, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool; design and production attributed to Olof Ottelin, Finland, 1960s.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Handmade Iroko Low Stool
Located in Norwich, GB
This handcrafted stool made from a richly-grained Iroko was designed and made by Quanström Studio in collaboration with par-avion co. in their shared Norwich, UK workshop. The simple...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Ash, Oak

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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