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.
to
35
551
256
637
158
17
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
636
292
186
185
146
148
134
138
134
139
131
137
3,299
3,109
812
365
340
131
109
96
72
66
60
54
53
48
42
40
29
17
4
7
626
175
5
484
111
1
1
2
37
68
129
175
90
8
4
715
189
189
175
168
730
550
256
254
114
812
673
750
57
53
28
19
16
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Marke Niskala-Luostarinen Dismantable Birch Stool, Oy Stockmann Ab, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A truly brilliant Finnish designed stool with no screws, bolts or nails. The stool is only made up of three pieces that simply slide into place to create a stool.
The stool is in f...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Danish Modern Stool / Sidetable in Teakwood and Black Leather, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Cool little stool or side table made in Denmark in the 1960s. The stool is made from solid Bangkok teakwood with an amazing grain. It featur...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Massif Counter Stool, AV39, Ember Color by Anderssen & Voll for &Tradition
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
A graphically striking design with an anchoring sense of stability, Anderssen & Voll’s new Massif bar and counter stools denote a totemic silhouette in a compact form. Rich in materi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Black Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat
Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski
Lavitta 2020
Model shown: Black oak
Dimensions: H. 75 x 50 x 44 cm
The latest member of the ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3)
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3).
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 in Rosewood Designed by Svend Ellekær, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool with rosewood frame- Designed by Svend Ellekær and made by Christian Linnebjerg Denmark in the 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rosewood, Faux Leather
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
Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Very rare pair of model ‘X602’ stools designed by Alvar Aalto around 1954. Made of a birch tripod base with exceptional wood detailing and the original black leather seats. In great ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski for Poiat
Dimensions:
44 x 50 x 65 cm
Model shown on main picture:
- Wood: Oak
- Height: 65 cm
-----
The lates...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Stool Ottoman Mini with Lamb Fur
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mini stool gathers inspiration from Scandinavian design made incredibly confortable with the addition of soft upholstery. The top is upholstered in natural sheep leather and the legs...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Lambskin, Wood
Alvar Aalto Stool Y61 by Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek Y61 stool, birch with black quilted leather upholstery. Designed by Alvar Aalto. In good used condition. There are old joints in the wooden frame. The stool is approximately fr...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Verner Panton Low Cone Stool
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton Low Cone Stool Designed in 1958 and Produced by Plus-linje. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheet Metal
Mid-Century modern SJ.08 stool by Erik Buck. New edition
By Erik Buch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
The SJ.08 Stool: Timeless Simplicity, Crafted to Perfection
The Stool SJ.08 by Erik Buck is a beautifully understated yet meticulously crafted piece of furniture. Its design is as g...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Wire Stool VP11, Mirror Polished Steel/Hallingdal 944, by Verner Panton for &T
Located in Dubai, AE
What makes the Wire Stool indicatively Verner Panton is the use of stainless-steel wire to create a simple geometric shape with repeated patterns, in a stackable stool that doubles a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Stainless Steel
Antti Nurmesniemi 'Sauna' Stools Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 ‘Sauna’ stools designed by Antti Nurmesniemi. Produced in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Pair Danish Walnut Colored Teak Upholstered Counter Height Barstools with Backs
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Pair of restored Danish teak counter height barstools in new taupe upholstery. These stools date from 1980s. They were originally purchased fr...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Bar Stool
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the sleek architecture of New York City, the Essex bar stool seamlessly blends rich walnut wood with plush velvet upholstery, creating a stateme...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
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
Stool by Axel Larsson for Bodafors, Sweden
By Bodafors, Axel Larsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
This Swedish modern stool designed by Axel Larsson for Bodafors in the 1930s offers a distinctive blend of craftsmanship and historical allur...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Seagrass, Birch
Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and rosewood frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
A danish stool form the mid century.
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
An elegant Danish stool, teak frame with a corded seat. The stool's supports are adorned with pyramidal motifs, exquisite patina, and in very good condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rope, Teak
Pair Contemporary Classic Counter Bar Stool Navy Blue Leather Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Set of 3 Contemporary Counter Bar Stool, Cognac Leather, Black Rubber Metal
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The “Repose” contemporary counter stool belongs to a collection that revisit the director chair collection, serene pieces where exclusivity and precision are shown in small details s...
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Stool of Oak & full grain leather Model PH 43 by Poul Hundevad
Located in Lejre, DK
The stool named "The Golden High Chair" made of oak with a seat of stretched black grain leather. Made by Poul Hundevad, Vamdrup, Model PH 43. The stool is actually a copy of the old...
Category
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Danish Modern Beech & Vinyl Footstool
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Beech & vinyl footstool, circa 1960's. Original brown vinyl and solid beech wood legs. Compact design can be used with virtually any seating type.
Please inquire for remote and int...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Sigvard Nilsson Bar Stools in Poplar Produced by Söwe in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 4 bar stools designed by Sigvard Nilsson. Produced by Söwe in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Poplar
Pair of Danish stools, 1940s
By Kaare Klint
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stools in mahogny and cane, Denmark, 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Unique Scandinavian Design Hand-crafted Stool, Nature Pine, 1950s, Norway
Located in Skien, NO
**ONE OF A KIND! – Unique Norwegian Vintage Handcrafted Small Bench / Stool**
Add rustic charm to your home with this exceptional Norwegian vintage bench / seat / stool, handcraft...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine, Wood
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
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
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
Vintage Danish Teak & Papercord Stool, C. 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Iconic vintage Danish stool, its legs are made of teak and the seat is paper-cord. This stool is original from the 1950’s. The condition is absolutely great. Very sturdy and strong ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Teak
Contemporary Bar Stool w. Backrest Aged Brass Metal and Black Leather
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
The Hug contemporary barstool with backrest is designed and conceived with a light aesthetic, the slight oscillation of the steel rod of 12 mm is complemented by the flexibility of t...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Counter Stool Walnut 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
1940s Danish modern stool of beech wood with hand carved seat and tapering legs.
Located in København K, 84
This 1940s Danish cabinet maker's stool is a fine example of mid-20th century Scandinavian craftsmanship, characterized by its meticulous constru...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Otto Schulz Scandinavian Modern Footstool Mohair Upholstery Nickel Nail Heads
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in New York, NY
Scandinavian Modern footstool by Otto Schulz for Boet with scrolled design. Newly upholstered with gray mohair upholstery and detailed with nickel nail heads. Measures: Length 25.5",...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Nickel
Scandinavian Stool in Teak and Shearling Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottoman or stool, Scandinavia, teak, shearling upholstery, 1960s
Exhibiting a timeless blend of simplicity and functionality, this ottoman or stool epitomizes the understated elegan...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Black leather Ottoman or stool
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern Black leather Ottoman or stool. Black leather upholstery and cushion with 4 tapered teak legs. Good vintage condition. Use as a stool, bench or...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Midcentury Scandinavian Stool in Pine, 1970s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in solid pine. Designed and made in Sweden, 1970s. Great original condition.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Barstool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup barstool, teak, metal, Denmark, 1960s
Bar stool designed by Hugo Frandsen in the 1960s. The frame of this stool, excluding the metal ring that connects th...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
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
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Seat height 15.25”
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Rare Stool ‘Palle’ in Pine, 1970's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Stool ‘Palle’ in Pine, 1970's
Additional Information:
Material: Pine
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Produced by K. J. Pettersson & Söner in Sweden
Dimensions (W x D x H): 60 ...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Vintage Stool by Arne Hovmand Olsens Denmark, 1950’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 39cm W, 25,5cm D, 48,5cm H.
Condition: Good.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Vintage Set of Three Danish Teak & Papercord Stools 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Iconic set of three Danish stools, there legs are made of teak and the seats are paper-cord. These stools are original from the 1950’s. The condition is absolutely great. Very sturd...
Category
15th Century and Earlier Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Papercord, Teak
Norwegian Hand-Crafted Stool Model 522 in Pine by Krogenaes Möbler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Norwegian solid pine stool model nr 522.
It comes in a stable, three legged construction with patinated untreated surface. The stool is burn marked “Krogenæs Möbler” on ...
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
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
Walnut, Brown 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 both style and comfort to any sp...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
1930s Stool with stained beech frame reupholstered with brown Niger leather.
Located in København K, 84
This 1930s stool, crafted by a Danish cabinetmaker, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and timeless design principles of early 20th-century Danish furniture.
The frame, construc...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Beech
3 Bar Stools by Lars Werner, Form & Refine - Denmark 2000s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Bar Stools - Lars Werner - Form&Refine - 2000s
Wear Consistent with age and use : See Photos
3 Bar Stools by Lars Werner, Form & Refine - Denmark 2000s
Measures : 59cmx50cm H:77cm
M...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Swedish Stool in Pine by Torsten Claeson, 1930s
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare stool in pine by Torsten Claeson, Sweden.
This stool was presented in 1939 at the Röhsska Museum as "sports cottage furniture"; a type of furniture that became popular at the...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Stool in Oak, Made in Denmark 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated oak, designed made by a danish cabinetmaker.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Jørgen Rohweder for Falsteds Møbelstelfabrik Stools in Wood and Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jørgen Rohweder for Falsteds Møbelstelfabrik stools, beech, leather, Denmark, 1950s
Crafted in the 1950s by Jørgen Rohweder for Falsteds Møbelstelfabrik, this pair of stools exempli...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Beech
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
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
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
Leather Folding Stool by Poul Hundevad
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak folding stool with a black leather sling seat. Famed copy of oldest existing piece of furniture in Scandinavia.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
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.