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
255
637
157
17
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
635
291
185
184
145
147
133
137
133
138
130
136
3,299
3,109
811
365
340
131
109
96
72
66
60
54
53
48
43
40
29
17
4
7
626
174
5
484
111
1
1
2
37
68
129
175
90
8
4
714
189
189
175
168
729
550
256
254
113
811
673
749
56
52
28
19
16
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Danish Patinated Oak Tripod Stool, Denmark, ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this oak stool. In earlier days, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Poul Kjærholm PK 33 Stool for E. Kold Christensen, Original Condition, 1959
Located in Amarillo, TX
Poul Kjærholm, original condition.
PK 33 stool.
E. Kold Christensen,
Denmark, 1959.
Matte, chrome-plate spring steel with patinated, laminated wood...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Sportstuge Stool in Solid Pine Made in Norway by Norsk Husflid, circa 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Three legged pine stole made in Norway by Norsk Husflid, circa 1950s. Made from solid pine with a nicely hand shaped seat. Good vintage condition with patina and wear consistent with...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool, birch. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed.
Set of 2 available. Excellent condition.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
A pair of mid century finnish free form stools/ sidetable in birch. Finland 1960
Located in København K, 84
This unique pair of midcentury Finnish stools or side tables represents a harmonious blend of nature-inspired design and meticulous craftsmanship. Crafte...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Swedish Designer, Stool, Solid Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Set of sculptural pine stools by Rainer Daumiller, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Set of foce pine stools designed by Rainer Daumiller and produced by Hirtshals Savvaerk during the 1970s.
Sculptural design in solid pine.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Vintage stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Retro 1960s pouf with upholstered seat.
This small vintage stool stands out for its retro design and combination of fine materials. The generous padded seat is upholstered in soft cr...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Uno & Östen Kristiansson Pair of Stools in Leather and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Uno & Östen Kristiansson for Luxus of Sweden, pair of stools. leather, teak, France, 1950s
Elegant in line and practical to use, these stools by Uno & Östen Kristiansson are exempla...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Lou Stool: Round Form, Oak Essence
Located in Baguim Do Monte, PT
The Lou Stool exudes simplicity and sophistication with its clean lines and organic form. Crafted from solid wood, it offers both stability and style, with subtle curves that reflect...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Danish Wooden Tripod Milking Stool, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Functional design is the evident guiding principle of many Scandinavian pieces from the early mid-century, and there is hardly a better example than this milking stool. In earlier da...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Stool in Teak and Cane Attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool attributed to Aksel Bender Madsen & Ejnar Larsen. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cane, Teak
Swivel Stool with Patinated Leather, 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Swivel chair with adjustable height in patinated leather and stained beech. Designed and made in Denmark 1940s
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Beech
Swedish Midcentury Stool in Mahogany and Beech
Located in Karlstad, SE
Stool or pedestal in mahogany and beech, possibly designed by G-A Berg, Sweden.
Condition: Very good original condition.
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech, Mahogany
Swedish Stools in Pine
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare stools manufactured in Sweden, ca 1970.
Extremely well made stools that consist of a round seat with four legs that are beautifully connected with visible joinery.
Conditio...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Yellow Stool by Nanna Ditzel, 1969
Located in London, GB
A vibrant yellow fibreglass stool designed by Nanna Ditzel for Domus Danica in 1969, after her move to London in 1968. In every aspect the stool is h...
Category
1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Fiberglass
Woven Seagrass and Painted Wood Stool by Axel Larsson for Gemla, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Karis, Nyland
A stool by Axel Larsson. Made of painted wood with woven seagrass seat. All original.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Seagrass, Wood, Paint
Hunting Stools Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of hunting stools by unknown designer. Produced in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Beech
Early PK 33 Stool by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early 'PK-33' stool, with a round black leather cushion on three satin-chromed flat bar legs. Maker's mark on underside.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Chrome
Pair of Scandinavian modern pine stools, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Påarp, SE
Pair of solid pine stools. Unknown designer, produced in Sweden in the 1970s. Perfect as stools or side tables.
Scratches and marks due to age and usage.
Category
1970s European 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
Midcentury Stool Designed by Illum Wikkelsø, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with sheepskin. Designed by Danish architect Illum Wikkelsø. Great condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Sheepskin, Oak
Vintage stools
Located in Brescia, IT
This pair of vintage wooden stools cleverly combines modernity and rusticity.
The soft, curvy lines of the seats lend a welcoming and harmonious aesthetic, while the natural wood su...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian 1960s teak stool - Faux leather seat
Located in Brescia, IT
Small Scandinavian stool from the 1960s, with teak wood frame and black faux leather seat. Minimalist design typical of the era.
Scandinavian-made stool from the 1960s, made with a ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
Solid Wood Settee Platform / Stool
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
The Minimal Handcrafted Solid Cedar Platform/Stool is a refined piece that blends the raw beauty of nature with a modern design approach. Crafted from durable and richly textured ced...
Category
2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Oak
Contemporary hi-pi Bar Stool, Ebonised Oak, Danish Cord Seat & Brass Foot Rails
Located in Norwich, GB
Our high-pi bar stool at 85cm (33.5") tall has satin brass foot rails and is available in the following finishes: matt clear oak, limed oak, fumed oak or eb...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Brass
Sheepskin Bar Stool with Wood and Steel Frame, Made in Denmark
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A Scandinavian modern bar stool upholstered with the finest New Zealand sheepskin. The sheepskin colour is available in cappuccino brown or pearl off-white.
The stools are available...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Axel Larsson, set of three stools in stained birch and woven seagrass, 1930s
By Axel Larsson
Located in Påarp, SE
Set of three stools in stained birch and woven seagrass. Designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Svenska Möbelfabriken, Bodafors in the 1930s.
The stools are in good original condi...
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Seagrass, Birch
Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Dark Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta 75 by Poiat
Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski
Lavitta 2020
Model shown: Dark oak
Dimensions: H. 75 x 50 x 44 cm
The latest member of the L...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Seto Stool, Black Lacquered Oak /Black Canvas by Keiji Takeuchi for Fredericia
Located in Dubai, AE
The Seto Stool is an elegant design combining proud Scandinavian and Japanese craft traditions.
Inspired by Børge Mogensen's design philosophy, the solid oak and canvas stool exudes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Canvas, Oak
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
Lisa Johansson-Pape Stools Model Apila Produced by Stockmann Oy
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools model Apila designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape. Produced by Stockmann Oy in Finland.
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
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
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
Pavilion AV9 Bar Stool in Black Steel/Black Oak by Anderssen&Voll for &Tradition
By &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
The Pavilion bar chair has an airy feeling, with fluid curves for the wood veneer seat and back which continue as lyrical lines in the steel tubes of the legs.
The result is a silho...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Bent Møller Jepsen Easy Chair with Stool Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare 3 legged easy chair with stool designed by Bent Møller Jepsen. Produced by Sitamo Møbler in Denmark.
Dimensions (W x D x H): 66 x 59 x 80 cm, SH...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Teak
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
Dot Stool with Black Leather Designed by Arne Jacobsen, 1971
Located in Lejre, DK
Dot Skammel, designed by the renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1971, is a timeless piece of furniture that exudes simplicity and elegance. Produced by the renowned Danish fu...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather
Børge Mogensen "J27" Beech Stool for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed by Børge Mogensen in 1955, the “J27” stool remains a solid and practical piece. With a multitude of purposes, form and function remain at the forefront of this design. Almos...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Footstool, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
The footrest, produced in the 1960s, was imported from Denmark.
The furniture is in very good condition, after professional renovation, the seat has been covered with a new fabric...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Cotton, Walnut
Retro upholstered stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian pouf. ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Ilmari Tapiovaara, `Pirkka` Stools 4 Pieces, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four stools, model Pirkka designed by Imari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1970s.
Dining set also available, 4 pieces. See last two pictures.
Category
1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Gilbert Marklund Stools Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools designed by Gilbert Marklund. Produced by Furusnickarn AB in Sweden.
Category
1960s 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
Be My Guest Cane Stool by Charlotte Høncke for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant, Classic stool with a wicker seat and simple metal frame. With its French rattan and oak seat and simple black metal legs, this unique bar stool will look great at any bar. Together with the idiom, the choice of materials creates a warm, sophisticated, floating look and a fundamental lightness. With its classic design and touch of modern lightness and sophistication, the Be My Guest bar...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Ottoman Mini with White 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 lamb leather and the legs ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
1950s Round Danish Stool by Hugo Frandsen
Located in Dallas, TX
A Danish stool by Hugo Frandsen made from rosewood and reupholstered by The Selby House in a Nobilis Wood Boucle. The frame has also been restored and ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wool, Bouclé, Rosewood
Original vintage pouf
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian modernist stool. T...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
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
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
Walnut, Purple 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
Stool Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
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
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
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 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
Pair of Betty Tk8, Bar Stool, Black W.Black Webbing by T & K for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Named after the Betty Nansen theatre in Copenhagen, this stool’s sturdy frame is crafted from lacquered oak.
The webbed seat – whose straps are made from natural linen fibers and woven by hand – offers a soft, cushioned base. Betty TK...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Linen, Wood
Swedish Pine Stool Model "Visingsö" by Carl Malmsten for Waggeryds Möbelfabrik
Located in Karis, Nyland
Mid-century four legged "Visingsö" pine stool by Carl Malmsten produced by Waggeryds Möbelfabrik in Sweden.
In good original condition with the manufacturers stamp under the seat.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern stools for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage stools created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern stools made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original stools, popular names associated with this style include Alvar Aalto, Artek, Ingvar Hildingsson, and Fritz Hansen. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for stools differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $88 and tops out at $52,616 while the average work can sell for $1,856.