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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Mid Century rectangular oak stool
Located in Stockholm, SE
Oak.
H: 33 cm/ 13"
W: 37 cm / 1' 2 1/2"
D: 27.5 cm / 10 3/4''
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
FRAMA Scandinavian Design Adam Stool in Leather with Raw Steel Frame H76
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, give t...
Category
2010s Danish 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
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
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
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
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
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, Oak, Wood
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
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Stool by Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, 1950
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian stool of Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, circa 1950. Red lacquered plywood seat. Black lacquered steel foot. Original paint. Has its labels.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Plywood
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, Willow, Oak
Contemporary pi3 Stool, Limed Oak Frame, Natural Danish Cord Seat
Located in Norwich, GB
This longer bench works well at the end of a bed, in an entry corridor or as a pair on either side of a dining table.
Our iconic pi stool range draws its inspiration from the 20th century modernist idiom, Scandinavian Modern design, Danish furniture, and Japanese aesthetics. Also influenced by the modern craft movement.
Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed to manufacture in small batches from sustainably sourced oak, ensuring the best attention to detail and quality. The Danish cord seats...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Oak, Papercord
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
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
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
Sunbeam A Multifunctional Stool by eliaselias, Smoked Oak, Danish Design, 2023
Located in Odense, DK
Sunbeam is a playful and multifunctional piece of furniture that intrigues to play with the natural light that strikes through the slim and elegant panels. The stool is multi functio...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Akademia High Chair in Oak or Ash by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
Akademia High is a useful addition to Akademia series; a high version of the comfortable chair to be used both at home as well as at the office, restaurant, café, hotel etc. surround...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Swedish Modern Pine Stool, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Minimalism may be currently in fashion, but there is one iteration of clean design that will never go out of style which is Scandinavian Modernism. It is no small achievement to be a...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Carl Malmsten Stool
Located in San Francisco, CA
Carl Malmsten stool simple but elegant hand made craftsmanship with signature leg construction, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Mid-Century Stool in Solid Teak by ESA, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Rare stool in solid teak. Designed and made by ESA Møbelværk. Great original condition.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Teak
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
Perch High Bar Stool in Oak by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Perch High was created after its little brother Perch stool, to be used around bar height tables. The Perch bar stool got its inspiration from a ve...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Walnut, Red 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 b...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Interstice Stool
Located in Eindhoven, NL
Changes of shape such as tapered legs and curved back of a chair were the starting point of this project. Research in craftsmanship and the possibilities of woodworking machines resu...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak
Scandinavian Minimalistic Four-Legged Pine Stools, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Scandinavian; Minimalistic; pine; wood; four-legged; stools; 1950s; Craftsmanship; Woodworking; Charlotte Perriand; Scandinavian Modern;
Scandinavian minimalistic four-legged pin...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Stool with Fabric, Made in Denmark 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman reupholstered with wool fabric. Designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and solid stained oak frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Folding Stool by Osten Kristiansson for Luxus
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A fumed oak folding stool with original black leather sling seat. Leather is worn and cracked.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
Oak Music Bench by Hans J. Wegner for A.P. Stolen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high stool/piano bench in oak with new leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Oak
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
Paver's Stool by Mogens Koch
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A small red aniline dyed beech stool resembling an inverted game piece. Favored by paver's as it provided a portable and low seat.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
2021 BA004S Preludia Bar Stool by Brad Ascalon for Carl Hansen in Oak w/ Fabric
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a BA004S Preludia Bar Stool, designed by Brad Ascalon and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark. The stool is made with a white powder-coated steel frame and a gray fabric...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Counter Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Gray
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut Rose Copper
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Counter Stool Maple Yellow
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts 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 Counter Stool Maple Navy
Located in Cincinnati, US
This sleek stool has a thin carved wooden seat that rests on a steel tubing base. The elegant seat is curved for seamless comfort while displaying a stunning intersecting diagonal ac...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Roberts Bar Stool Walnut 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
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 Bar Stool with Wood Inlay Walnut 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
Roberts Bar Stool with Inlay Maple Rose Copper
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 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
Madison Hairpin Counter Stool Maple 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
Madison Bar Stool Walnut Blood Red
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
Madison Bar Stool Maple Gray
Located in Cincinnati, US
A well-designed piece of furniture blurs the line between functionality and art. The Madison stool is a geometrical masterpiece testing the boundary of what we think is possible with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
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
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
2021 Carl Hansen KK87830 Propeller Stool by Kaare Klint w/ Leather & Oil Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a KK87830 Propeller Stool made with a solid smoked oil oak frame and tan leather seat. The stool, designed by Kaare Klint and produce...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Oak, Leather
Danish Rosewood Stool by Ole Wanscher / Attrib. for A.J. Iversen / Attrib.
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Danish rosewood stool comprised of three solid rosewood legs of triangular shape with softened corners joined together by three solid rosewood ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Dune Modern Cube Shaped Table in Bone with Grey and Red Resin Inlay
Located in New York City, NY
The white Dune cube table is made of hundreds of triangular camel bone chips tessellated over wood. The playful patterns made with grey and red resin are unique on each surface are p...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Epoxy Resin, Bone
Dune Modern Cube Shaped Table in Bone with Grey and Red Resin Inlay
Located in New York City, NY
Inspired by a 3D puzzle, the white Dune cube table is made of hundreds of triangular camel bone chips onlayed over wood. The playful patterns made with resin are unique on each surfa...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Epoxy Resin, Bone
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
Olof Kettunen Stools by J. Merivaara in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of stools designed by Olof Kettunen. Produced by J. Merivaara in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
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
Modern Stool or Seat Handcrafted in all Wengé Hardwood by DUVALD
By Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
This small stool in all wengé hardwood gets it’s character from a playful geometry and unconventional joinery. Handcrafted and assembled in 34 joints results in a light but strong fu...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wenge
Pair of Axel-Einar Hjorth "Skoga" Stools / Side Tables by Nk, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Skoga pine stools / side tables designed by Axel-Einar Hjorth, 1930s.
Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet.
Category
1930s 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.