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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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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Number in Set: Single Piece
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Swedish milking stool in pine and teak by Andreas Zätterqvist
Located in Forserum, SE
A Swedish milking stool crafted from pine, with decorative teak inlays. Handcrafted by Andreas Zätterqvist in Sweden using traditional techniques and mainly local materials. Andreas ...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Pine
Scandinavian Danish Modern Rosewood Slatted Stool with Leather cushion
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Danish Modern Rosewood Slatted Stool with Black Leather cushion. Good vintage condition. Great little stool - Solid Rosewood. Made in Denmark.
(4) Matching Stools Avail...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and black-painted wood stool designed by Ilmari Tapivaara and produced by Laukaan Puu OY, Finland, c. 1950s.
Seat height: 13"
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Primitive Folkart Chair/Stool from Gräsmyran, Edsbyn cirka 1830s
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Primitive Folkart Chair/Stool from Gräsmyran, Edsbyn cirka 1830s
Owner marks and beautiful patina, wear consistent with age and use.
Made of Pi...
Category
Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch, Pine
Finnish Designer, Stool, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and fabric stool designed and produced in Finland, c. 1940s.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Swedish milking stool in pine and teak by Andreas Zätterqvist
Located in Forserum, SE
A Swedish milking stool crafted from pine, with decorative teak stripes. Handcrafted by Andreas Zätterqvist in Sweden using traditional techniques and mainly local materials. Andreas...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Pine
Olof Ottelin Attribution, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1960s
By Olof Ottelin
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
Ingvar Hildingsson stools, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stools produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed "IH". Designed 1970s.
Please note: Listed price is for a single stool.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish stool with eiffel base made from walnut and leather
Located in Forserum, SE
This unique Swedish stool features a solid walnut construction, complemented by red leather upholstery and distinctive rattan details around the legs. Notably, its characteristic Eif...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rattan, Walnut
'Elephant' Wooden Stool by Norr11, Natural Oak, Sheepskin
Located in Paris, IDF
Elephant stool
Signed by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl for Norr11
Model shown on the picture:
Wood: Natural Oak
Fabric: Sheepskin Espresso
Dimensions: H. 39 x 57 x 41 cm
...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Pine Stool by Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in Berlin, BE
Handmade pine stool from Sweden.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Prototype of a Mogens Lassen stool in lacquered metal, Denmark 1930’s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Prototype of a Mogens Lassen tractor seat stool in black lacquered metal made in Denmark in the 1930’s.
The stool is a prototype of the tractor seat stool that can be seen used ...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Uno and Östen Kristiansson stool for Luxus Vittsjo
Located in Skokie, IL
Uno and Östen Kristiansson stool for Luxus Vittsjo, Sweden
Dimensions: 17 1/4" h x 19 3/4" w x 14 1/4" d
Materials: oak, leather, brass
Condition: Excellent
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A small birch stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
seat height 8.25”.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool 60 In Birch and Red, Artek, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic red model 60 stool in birch and beautiful patina. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1940s, this design has definitely stood the test of time, as it is still in produ...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s.
Seat height 16”
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool. Wood, Jute Straps, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and jute strap stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Jute, Wood
Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak and Brass Bench Stool, Denmark 1960
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Teak bench stool Denmark 1960
solid and stable metal base.
brass details.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Brass
Papyri Stool in Cherry with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
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
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 legs ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta 75 by Poiat
Model shown: Lavitta 75 - Oak
The latest member of the Lavitta Collection, the Lavitta Counter Stool continues focusing on the sophisticated u...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
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
Rainer Daumiller stool
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rainer daumiller stool in lacquered pine.
Classic rainer daumiller seat and seating comfort.
daumiller design at its best. Soft, organic shapes.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Modern, Pine Stool, 1969
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid century, Scandinavian Jonte stool designed by Gilbert Marklund produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden The stool is made of pine in original condition. Other designers of the perio...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
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
Leather stool in the manner of Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn, 1940-50s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Leather and mahogany stool in the manner of Josef Frank. Made by unknown cabinetmaker. Curved legs made from solid mahogany. seat reupholstered with a cognac colored leather. Very go...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Stained Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, circa 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
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
Swedish Designer, 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
Olof Kettunen, Stool, Plywood, Metal, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded red-painted plywood and black-lacquered metal stool designed by Olof Kettunen and produced by J. Merivaara Oy, Finland, 1950s
Seat height 16”.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Vintage Swedish Pine Stool
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Swedish pinewood stool or side table. By unknown designer, c. 1960s-1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish 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
Papyri Stool in White Oak with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
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 whi...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Papercord, Wood
Danish Modern Low Stool in Red Stained Oak by Ejvind Johansson for FDB Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern low stool in oak by Ejvind Johansson for FDB Mobler (ca. 1960s, Denmark).
Originally available in different finishes, this example was stained red (original stain was m...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Vintage Industrial Bakelite Artist Workshop Stool after Prouve Olson Odelberg AB
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This stool design seems to be an exact replica of the one Jean Prouve did for Odelberg Olsen AB in 1930. However this stool has a Russian label with the logo of the Tsiolkovsky State...
Category
1940s Russian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
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
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Öresund Design by Børge Mogensen Stool
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern Öresund design by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner. The stool is from the 1960s and made in light oak. Good vintage condition consistent with age and use...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Oak
Papyri Stool in Blackened Ash with Handwoven Danish Cord
By Carter Ellis
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 ash.
The seat features a continuous...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Ash
Danish Cabinetmaker, Stool, Mahogany, Leather, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid mahogany and natural brown leather stool, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Fabric, Webbing, Sweden, C. 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood, fabric, and webbing stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Fabric
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
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
Poul Kjærholm PK33 Stool in Black Leather by E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
All original early production Poul Kjærholm by E. Kold Christensen PK33 stool.
Black leather seat pad and matte-chromed steel base with grey/green lacquered circular plywood seat sup...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Clarkester Counter Stool Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance.
The ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Pine, Sweden, 1961
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool produced in Sweden. Signed "Erik" and dated 1961.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Pair of stools in birch model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of stools model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek during the 1950s. Honey tone birch and black laminate seats. good vintage condition with age related patina and wea...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Bar Stool in Rosewood by Erik Buch
By Erik Buch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian bar stool in rosewood by Erik Buch. Measure: H seat 62 cm.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rosewood
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Rare Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60 in Original Formica, Artek 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and rarely seen example of the iconic Aalto stools with the original formica seating. These 3 legged stools have long been our customers favorites, especially in rare col...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Formica, Birch
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.