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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
FRAMA Contemporary Minimal design Adam Stool in Oak with Black Steel Frame H65
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The Adam stool collection is inspired by industrial design, an artist's studio, and a workshop. The functionality and simplicity of the design, combined with strong materials, gives ...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Set of four bar stools designed by Börge Lindau, model "POP", Blå Station
Located in Påarp, SE
Set of four colourful bar stools designed by Börge Lindau for Blå Station. Lacquered steel in blue and red with seats in birch. Produced in Åhus Sweden. This model was designed in 19...
Category

1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Stools Probably Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of stools by unknown designer. Probably produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Wire Stool VP11, Mirror Polished Steel/Hallingdal 600, 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

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

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

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

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

Vintage Metal Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s Scandinavian stool. Consists of a tubular metal support frame painted white and an upholstered seat covered in red leatherette. A retro-flavored piece of furniture to be used ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Pine Stools in the manner of Krogenæs Møbler, Scandinavia ca 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
What makes wood so appealing besides its natural beauty is the ease in which it can be cut and the array of beautiful shapes that can be sculpted from it. These mid-century stools, r...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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

Pavilion AV9 Bar Stool in Black Steel /Walnut by Anderssen & Voll for &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

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, Oak, Willow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nano Stool Ottoman
Nano Stool Ottoman
$1,000 / item
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

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

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

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

Danish Stool in Teak and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool, teak, leatherette, Denmark, 1960s A sleek stool made in Denmark in the 1960s. This midcentury modern design is a wonderful addition to any interior, due to its minimalist aes...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak, Faux Leather

Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's Additional Information: Material: Jatoba wood Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden Dimen...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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

Illum Wikkelsø Stool Model 91 Produced by Michael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool model 91 designed by Illum Wikkelsø. Produced by Michael Laursen in Aarhus, Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wool, Rosewood

Pavilion AV9 Bar Stool in Black Steel/Black Oak by Anderssen&Voll for &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

Retro upholstered stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian pouf. ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Peder Kristensen Model GS60 for Glyngore Danish Teak Stool Footstool
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Peder Kristensen stool Modell GS60 for Glyngøre Stolefabrik. Solid teak wood and papercord. Classic Danish design. In good vintage condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Teak

Vintage wood and leather stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage stool with birch wood frame and black leatherette seat. Characterized by the conical legs and the presence of wooden handles. Practical and lightweight it can be used eithe...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Pair of vintage Scandinavian formica stools
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of vintage Scandinavian 1970s formica and oak stools with triangular design and soft lines. This pair of vintage Scandinavian stools from the 1970s is made of formica and oak. ...
Category

1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Formica

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

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

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

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

Original vintage pouf
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian modernist stool. T...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Erik Höglund Stool Produced by Boda Trä in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool designed by Erik Höglund. Produced by Boda Trä in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hemp, Beech

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

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

Leather, Teak

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

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Folding Stool by Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare folding stool designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, 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

Pair of Stools, Sweden, Mid-1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of stools in beech, made in Sweden, mid-1900s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

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

Ingvar Hildingsson Stool Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool designed by Ingvar Hildingsson. Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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 molded plywood are pushed to the maximum limit to form a s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Latvian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Plywood, Ash

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

Vintage retro stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Small vintage stool, perfect for adding functionality and style to any space. With i...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Uno & Östen Kristiansson Stool Produced by Luxus in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Stool designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced by Luxus in Vittsjö, Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

FRAMA Contemporary Small Stool Solid Oiled Pine AML
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

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

Pouf / Stool Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large pouf / stool by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavain Stool
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavain stool in black lacquered beech.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage 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

Stools Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of stools by unknown designer. Produced in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass, Steel

Axel Larsson, set of three stools in stained birch and woven seagrass, 1930s
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

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

Simple Stool by Ejner Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A spare and well crafted stool having a shapely black leather seat floating on tapered teak dowel legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

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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