Scandinavian Modern Stools
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
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
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Brassy Gold
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
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
Stool by Uno & Osten Kristiansson
Located in Uccle, BE
Swedish designers and brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson, known for their lighting and mirror designs, were particularly active from ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Faux Leather
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
FRAMA Contemporary Small Stool Solid Oiled Pine AML
By Frama
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The AML Stool is a petite furniture object for everyday interiors. Suitable for use as a side table or bedside stool, the multifunctional stool takes its cue...
Category
2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Josef Frank, Stool or Bench, Mahogany, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A mahogany stool or bench designed by Josef Frank and produced by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Mahogany
Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Birch Stool by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1970s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Rare Scandinavian birch stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson for I H Slöjd in Sweden, 1970s.
This beloved stool features three club-shaped legs and a round seat. The stool is made e...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Hans Wegner AP-30 Teak Piano Stool c1950s
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner
AP-30 Piano Stool, 1957
Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark, this model is based on the AP-29 Papa Bear ottoman. The rarely seen piano stool has an additional cro...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Plywood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A plywood stool designed and produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Black Lacquered Gallery Stool by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen, 1998 for Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
The Gallery stool was a major design breakthrough when it was launched in 1998. With striking simplicity, the properties of moulded plywood are pushed to the maximum limit to form a ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
Stool with Sheepskin, Made in Denmark 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Beech
Roberts Bar Stool Maple 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
Bent Møller Jepsen Stool Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare 3 legged stool designed by Bent Møller Jepsen. Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak, Leather
Stool
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool by unknown designer.
Category
1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rattan, Beech
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 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
Madison Bar Stool Walnut 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
Perch Stool in Oak by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Perch bar stool got its inspiration from a very round, solid wooden doorknob in Helsinki. The young designers participated in the Finnish Design Sh...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Danish Modern Teak Stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and Storage, Circa 1970s
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1970s Danish Modern teak stool with Fluted Tapered Legs and under seat storage. Vinyl seat upholstery in great condition.
Measures 17.25" W x 15...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Iron
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
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Walnut Black
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
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
Danish Large Stool Upholstered in 'Casentino' Woollen Fabric, Denmark 1940s
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
Part of a living room set comprehensive of a two and three seater sofas, this beautiful, stylish and comfortable stool has been designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1940s.
I...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Norwegian Pine Stool, Krogenæs Møbler, Ca 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A carved solid pine three leg stool by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, Circa 1950s-60, with a carved tractor form seat raised on three rectangular legs joine...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Swedish Birch and Upholstered Stool, Ca 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish polished birchwood stool, circa 1940s, with a rectangular glazed linen seat raised on turned and tapered legs.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Ebonised 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
Papercord, Wood, Oak
Walnut, Green 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 pieces are designed to fit ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Suede
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
Set of Coffee Table and 3 Stools by Sven Ellekaer for Christian Linneberg
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very original set consisting one glass top coffee table and three matching stools by Sven Ellekaer for Christian Linneberg.
Hopefully you can see on one of the photos there are a ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Glass, Teak
Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, from the furniture line “Pirkka”. Cool, rounded design with pine seats and black lacquered legs.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Vintage 1960s Danish Rosewood Ottomans
Located in London, GB
Pair of vintage ottomans by Danish producer Spottrup Mobler made from exotic rosewood. The seats have been reupholstered in luxurious pure-woo...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wool, Rosewood
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
Mid Century Scandinavian Pine Minimalist Architect Stool 1/6
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This Stool comes from Denmark.
It has a minimalistic and architectural design.
Puristic and beautiful.
Made of solid scandinavian pine wood.
We have 6 stools in Stock.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Maple 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
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
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
Contemporary pi2 Stool, Ebonised Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord 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 ...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Wood, Oak
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 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
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
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Black
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
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed "IH". Designed 1970s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Elm
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
Madison Bar Stool Maple Gray
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
Pair of Large ‘Tale’ Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Rare early pair of 'Tale' stools by by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland circa 1953. Exceptional (and surprisingly) large stools in a fantastic 'freeform'. The stools are made of a...
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut Yellow
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 Maple Navy
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
Stools Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of stools by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1930s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Turned Pine, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Yellow
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
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
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Maple Yellow
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
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
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 Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Gray
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
Erik Buch Bar Stools Model Od-61 by Oddense Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Erik Buch
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 3 bar stools model OD-61 designed by Erik Buch. Produced by Oddense Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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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