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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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Number in Set: Single Piece
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto for Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab from the 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian Designer Stool Bar Chair
Located in Paris, FR
This bar chair is following the design of our dinning chairs. Its minimalistic crisp lines and functional form are inspired by the new Nordic design. This chair is made of sustainab...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Wool

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

Storia Counter Height 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

Walnut, Green Velvet Modern Essex Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Bar Stool combines the natural elegance of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of velvet upholstery, creating a seating piece that adds b...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Suede, Wood, Walnut

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 eboni...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Ilmari Tapiovaara Tale Stool with Form-Pressed Plywood Seat, Asko 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stuningly beautiful stool with a very aerodynamic look that it gives a flying seat illusion. As is the case with most of Tapiovaara's stools, this one is also 3-legged as it is nev...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Plywood

ORIENT Stool / Coffee Table, Cedar, Round, Block Wood
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
-With its cedar body, it can be used as a bed side, side table, coffee table, or stool in your bedroom and spaces. -It is produced by hand from cedar wood using the turning method. W...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cedar

Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Chairs, 1955
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful side chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955 in dark stained pinewood and black lacquered dowel legs, marked. Priced individually.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

Olof Ottelin, Finland, Pine Stool, Circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A Finnish pine Modernist stool, Circa 1970s, by Olof Ottelin, the top with four rectangular blocks joined by extended dowels raised on straight legs.
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 5)
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 5). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timele...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal, Aluminum

Stool ‘The Unrockable’ designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen for Werner, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool ‘The Unrockable’ designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen for Werner, Denmark, 2010s. Ash. Stamped.
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Extremely Rare Perttu Mentula Sauna / Sports Pine Stool for Artek, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and exceedingly rare stool from the mid 1960s by Finnish designer Perttu Mentula for Artek. This "active man stool" as it was called was onl...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

1930's, Pair of Footstools by Otto Schultz
Located in New York, NY
1930's Swedish modern foot stools by Otto Schulz for Boet. Designed with the typical soft and elegant curves of Otto Schulz these stools are a great example of the Swedish Modern era...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather

Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Beige Linoleum, Artek 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An Artek stool in birch and beige linoleum designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always b...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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

Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pirrka Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered pine "Pirrka" stool designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. dimensions: 16.625” H x 17.125” W x 14” D
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Incredibly Rare Tall Stool by Nanna Ditzel
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A very uncommon tall stool by Nanna Ditzel for Domus Danica, circa 1969. These examples were made for a very short time and in very small numbers. This piece in a bright yello...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Yareta Orange Stool with Sculptural Rubber Feet – Modern Stackable Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Yareta Aluminum Stool in Orange with Blue rubber feet, designed by Erik Olovsson, is a vibrant fusion of sculptural playfulness and industrial precision. The stool features a sol...
Category

2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 in Black Leather and Birch, Artek, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model X601 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. This item has light birch legs and a black leather surface. Some signs of wear and use on the surface...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Ingvar Hildingsson, Large Stool, Pine, Sweden, Signed and Labeled, 1970's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and sculptural stool, designed and produced in the studio of Ingvar Hildingsson, Kalmar Läns Slöjdare IH Slöjd Rugstorp. Signed and labeled. In lightly treated pine. Swede...
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

Mid-century modernist birch wood stool, Nannylund, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish mid-century stool with an organic shape, skillfully crafted from solid birch at the workshops of the Nannylund vocational school for students with intellectual disabilities. ...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Seat height: 10.25”
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Tony Paul Attribution, Stool, Wood, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and rattan stool attributed to Tony Paul, USA, c. 1950s. seat height 11.25.
Category

1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's Additional Information: Material: Jatoba wood Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden Dimen...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

2021 BA004F Preludia Bar Stool by Brad Ascalon for Carl Hansen in Fabric w/Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a BA004F Preludia Bar Stool, designed by Brad Ascalon and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The stool is made with a white powder-coated steel frame and a gray Fjord ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Göperts, Stool, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained birch and beige velvet fabric stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Seat height 20”
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Birch

Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 Stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Birch with rare wine color vinyl. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. A...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Krogenæs Møbler, Stool, Pine, Norway, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1960s.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

A Stool by Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Long Island City, NY
The stool, design by Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Patinated oak stool with semi-circular seat, three round tapered legs. Denmark, circa 1960th
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

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

Swedish Designer, Stool, Shearling, Oak, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A beige shearling and oak stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 19.5” H x 23” W x 15” D
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Danish Designer, Stool, Oak, Denmark, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained oak stool designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1920s.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool X602 with Fan Leg and Black Leather, Artek 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto stool model X602, manufactured in Finland by Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab back in the 1950s. A rare model, the X-leg stool is one of the simplest yet most brillia...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Danish Stool in Teak and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool, teak, leatherette, Denmark, 1960s A sleek stool made in Denmark in the 1960s. This midcentury modern design is a wonderful addition to any interior, due to its minimalist aes...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Faux Leather

Alvar Aalto Stool in Birch "Model 60" Produced by Artek, Finland ca 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early stool "model 60" designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Finland in the 1940s. In good vintage and original condition with signs from age and use. Stable. D...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. seat height: 13.4"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Storia 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

Swedish Mid Century Wooden Low Tripod Stool in Ash by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish wooden mid century tripod low stool in ash by Ingvar Hildingsson produced in Sweden, 1970s. In good original condition. Signed I.H. Dimensions: H: 33 cm / 13" Diameter...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash

Alvar Aalto "Double-Decker" Stool 60 in Birch and Artek Zebra Fabric, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Aalto famous 3-legged stool model 60. This one is upholstered with original Artek zebra motif fabric. Aalto stools are quite desired in our opinion for their fu...
Category

1940s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Stool in Oak and Cane by Ølholm Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950s, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful vintage Danish modern "Ølholm" stool with floating seat in woven cane. An iconic and rare piece of Danish design from the 1950s. Great condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Oak

Midcentury Modern Stool with green leather, Axel Larsson, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cool stool by Axel Larsson, in a clean design. Made from birch with slightly tapering legs, seat dressed with dark green leather.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1960s
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto. In good used condition, and beautiful patina of age. The stool is from 1960s. It has finger-joints and slotted screws. The Artek Stool 60, d...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Krogenæs Møbler, Stool, Pine, Norway, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1960s. Seat height: 14.25" H
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Modern Solid Pine Stools, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Solid pine stools / side tables manufactured in the 1970s. In the style of Roland Wilhelmsson, Gilbert Marklund, Yngve Ekström, Axel Einar Hjorth etc. Two stools available.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height: 14.5" H
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 16.5” H x 19.5” W x 10” D
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish Designer, Stool, Wood, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and white fabric stool designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mogens Koch MK-30 Folding Stool for Interna
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Koch 1898-1992. A foldable stool, model No. MK-30, by Danish architect and designer Mogens Koch. Made of Palisander frame with black leather seating. Manufactured by Inte...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Palisander

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

Apila stool by Rauni Peippo for Oy Stockmann AB, Kervo Snickerifabrik, 1960s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Stool, model Apila, designed by Finish designer Rauni Peippo for Stockmann Orno in the 1950s. This model was for a very long time attributed to world famous Finnish lighting designer...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool attributed to Lisa Johansson-Pape, Finland, c. 1950s. Seat height: 15.75”
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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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