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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
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

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

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

Stool Probably Produced by Bodafors in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool by unknown designer. Probably produced by Bodafors in Sweden.
Category

1940s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

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

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

Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and solid stained oak frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

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

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

Ingvar Hildingsson Stool
Located in New York, NY
Pine stool by Ingvar Hildingsson stool Made in Sweden.   
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

Pine Stools with Linen Fabric Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 stools by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Linen, Pine

1960s Danish Teak Black Vinyl Teak Flip-Top Stool or Table Mid-Century Modern
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Designed in 1957 by Erik Buch. A wonderful reversible vanity or artist stool, then cocktail side table made in Odense, Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

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

Gustav Axel Berg Stool Produced by Gustav Axel Berg 'GA Berg' in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool by Gustav Axel Berg. Produced by Gustav Axel Berg (GA Berg) in Sweden.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Danish Designer, Stool, Carved Oak, Black Lacquer, Denmark, c. 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A finely carved and turned oak stool with black-lacquered seat. Produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Other designers of the period include Mogens Lassen, Josef Frank, Arne Jacobsen, Fin...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

White Painted Stool, Josef Frank Upholstery
Located in New York, NY
White painted stool with upholstery by Josef Frank, Svensk Tenn length 44, width 36, height 44 cm. Cording is loose but we can replace cording i...
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Upholstery, Wood, Paint

Axel Einar Hjorth, Utö Tabouret in Pine, Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1932
Located in Berlin, DE
Axel Einar Hjorth, stool, model 'Utö'. Solid acid stained Nordic pine. Executed by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Designed in 1932. Iconic design from the 'sports cabin' series na...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Stool by Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, 1950
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian stool of Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, circa 1950. Red lacquered plywood seat. Black lacquered steel foot. Original paint. Has its labels.
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Plywood

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

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

Small Stool By Ingvar Hildingsson
Located in New York, NY
Stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson for I.H. Slöjd Sweden, 1970's. Birch. Marked: IH.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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

Swedish Modern Pine Stool, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Minimalism may be currently in fashion, but there is one iteration of clean design that will never go out of style which is Scandinavian Modernism. It is no small achievement to be a...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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

Trip Trap Cutter Stool of Oak Designed by Niels Hvass
Located in Lejre, DK
Trip trap cutter stool of oak designed by Niels Hvass. The item is in great used condition. We have more in stock.  
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

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

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

Midcentury Stool in Patinated Leather and Oak, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and solid oak frame, designed made by a danish cabinetmaker.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Leather

Stool in Oak with Original Fabric by Åke Fribyter, Sweden
Located in Goteborg, SE
This stool was designed by Swedish designer Åke Fribyter and made in solid oak at Nybrofabriken, Fröseke. The details in the woodwork are in high quality. The pad has got the origina...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Fabric

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

Pair of Bertel Gardberg "Sauna" Stools in Pine, Finland, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and excellent pair of "sauna" stools by Bertel Gardberg in solid pine. Both stools are in nice condition and showing beautiful patina from use.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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

Stool by Bertel Gardberg
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare pine stool designed by Bertel Gardberg ( 1916-2007) Finland for Villa Joukhi. Stamped Finnmade Gardberg. Circa 1960th.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish Modern Teak Stool / Ottoman
Located in Denton, TX
Solid thick teak wood with dovetailed corners can be also used for a side table.
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

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

Scandinavian Modern Vintage Sculptural Organic Brown Birch Stool, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage sculptural and organic tree legged stool from birch veneer and plywood 1950s. The tree legged stool with shellac polished surface by hand demonstrates a ...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Plywood

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

Midcentury Stool in Patinated Oak and Cane by Bernt, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated oak and cane, designed by Benrt Petersen, made by Wørts' Møbelsnedker. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, 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

Scandinavian Stool in Pine
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare stool in the manner of Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930s, most likely manufactured in Sweden, 1930s This stool is made of acid-stained pine, upholstered with original red fabric. Co...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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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