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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
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

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

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, 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 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

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

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

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Nano Stool Ottoman
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nano stool gathers inspiration from Scandinavian design made incredibly comfortable with the addition of soft upholstery. The top is upholstered in natural goat leather and the legs ...
Category

2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Beech

Contemporary pi2 Stool, 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

Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Maple Navy
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contemporary pi2 Stool, Natural Oak Frame, Natural Oak Slats Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
A variation of our original pi stool, the pi2 stool has all the same trademark features but with elongated proportions. The longer seat is ideal for the end of a bed, as a side/coffe...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood, Oak

FRAMA Contemporary Minimal Design Adam Stool in Oak with Black Steel Frame H50
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

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

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

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

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

Clarkester Counter Stool Maple Black
Located in Cincinnati, US
A perfect mix of Scandinavian inspiration and industrial flare that cohesively come together to make a statement piece which embodies simplicity, functionality and elegance. The ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

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

Stool - Collection X - Edition Isla x Paul Delrez
Located in Sint-Gillis, BE
Isla Stool x Paul Delrez Enhance your space with the Isla Stool, born from a collaboration between the design brand KØGE and the renowned chef Paul Delrez. This stool is the result of a long process of trial and error, where every detail has been carefully considered to combine the timelessness of Parisian bistros with a touch of modernity. Carefully crafted, the Isla Stool stands out with its elegant silhouette, durable materials, and optimal seating comfort, whether for a cozy restaurant or your own home. Its versatile design easily integrates into any type of decor, making the Isla Stool the ideal choice to enrich your space with style and practicality. - Stable in all circumstances and stackable with style to optimize space. - With a refined elegance, it has also been designed to last, both indoors and outdoors, thanks to its stainless steel composition. - Designed to accompany the Isla Table...
Category

2010s Lithuanian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Dark Oak
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

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

Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Set of Three Metal Bar Stools with Red Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, set of three bar stools, metal, red fabric upholstery, Denmark, 1970s   Set of three bar stools designed by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen. These stools hold ...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

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

Danish Solid Pine Tripod Stool, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This stool is aesthetically, a tempered Modernism in design: clean forms without exaggeration with the high-quality work of Danish cabinetmakers. Humble in its material and size, thi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

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

Vintage stools
Vintage stools
$598 / set
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

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

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

Swedish Desk and Stool by Göran Malmvall 1940s/'50s
Located in Brescia, IT
Pine wood table and stool set designed by G.Malmvall for The Swedish Fur company. Two pieces of furniture of Scandinavian origin, evident in the type of wood used and the rustic b...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Otto Schulz Scandinavian Modern Footstool Mohair Upholstery Nickel Nail Heads
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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