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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
Danish Designer, Folding Stool, Galvanized Steel, Canvas, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white canvas and galvanized steel folding stool designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. seat height 15.75”.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Sgabello svedese vintage
Located in Brescia, IT
Sgabellino originale scandinavo in legno lamellare. Questo pezzo d’arredo moderno e funzionale ricalca le linee e il gusto del design scandinavo di metà secolo. Il colore del legno ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Modernist pine stool in the taste of Carl Malmsten 1950s
Located in Forest, BE
This is an elegant rectangular pine. Produced in Sweden around the 1950s. It is a beautiful shape, the grain is showing a high quality wood. The legs can be unscrewed. Nice patina o...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Vintage stool with leatherette seat
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian stool from the 1960s A piece of furniture with a classic flavor, consisting of a wooden frame formed by long conical legs and a beige leatherette seat. It can...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Wood

Krogenæs Møbler Three Legged Pine Stool Norway 1960s
Located in Bergen, NO
Three legged sculpted pine stool by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway 1960s Selling this beautiful stool we call a "fjøskrakk" ( milk stool) here in Norway. It is designed by the factory owne...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish style white wooden stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian vintage stool painted white. This wooden seat recalls in its simplicity the essential elements of Nordic design: minimal lines, soft shapes and tapered legs. The white ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair of rattan and chrome counterstools by Dirk van Sliedregt for Rohe Noordwold
Located in Venice, CA
Pair of rattan and chrome counterstools by Dirk van Sliedregt for Rohe Noordwolde. Netherlands circa 1960's.
Category

1960s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Chrome

Tony Paul Attribution, Stool, Wood, Rattan, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and rattan stool attributed to Tony Paul, USA, c. 1950s. seat height 11.25.
Category

1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Model 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, heavy patina consistent with age an...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Paint

Matching Set of Three Poul Kjærholm PK33 Stools by E. Kold Christensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare all original early production Poul Kjaerholm E. Kold Christensen set of 3 PK33 stools. Black leather seat pad and matte-chromed steel base with grey lacquered circular plywood s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

A pair of Swedish pine stools
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Swedish pine stools. Stained pine with curved seats. Late 20th century. H 17.3″.
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Rare pine stool 'Sauna' by Bertel Gardberg for Villa Joukhi, Finland, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare stool designed by Bertel Gardberg for Villa Joukhi, Finland, during the 1950s. Beautiful patina.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

A Pair of Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60 In Birch, 1950s Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of Artek stools in birch and muliti layered colourful beautiful patina, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Prototype of a Mogens Lassen stool in lacquered metal, Denmark 1930’s
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Prototype of a Mogens Lassen tractor seat stool in black lacquered metal made in Denmark in the 1930’s. The stool is a prototype of the tractor seat stool that can be seen used ...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Swedish Tripod Wooden Low Stool in Stained Pine
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and very nice wooden low tripod stool in stained pine produced by Bergsjö Sweden, 1990s. In good original condition. H: 33 cm / 13" Diameter: 27 cm 10.65"
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Scandinavian Modern Unique Stoneware Sculptural Cube Stools, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing pair of sculptural stools made in raw stoneware with glazed seats in dark and light blue. The maker of these wonderful pieces are unk...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stoneware

(4) Henry Rosengren Hansen for Brande Mobelfabrik Model 43 Teak Bar Stools
Located in Norwalk, CT
Welcome a fusion of craftsmanship and design elegance with this stunning set of Model 43 bar stools, masterfully conceived by Henry Rosengren Hansen for the celebrated Brande Mobelfa...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Model 60 Stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Birch with rare wine color vinyl. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. A...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian mid-century triangular stool, oak and leather, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
Scandinavian mid-century stool made from solid oak with a triangular seat upholstered in red leather. Decorative brass rivets surrounding the top of each of the three leg. Designed a...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

A pair of Swedish Birch Stools, Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Swedish birch wood stools, Circa 1940s, the upholstered rectangular tops raised of straight legs with a rounded edge and joined by an H-form cross stretcher. Re-covered in ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Set of Finnish Modern "Apila" Pine Stools by Rauni Peippo, Oy Stockmann, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 5 "Apila" pine stools by Finnish designer Rauni Peippo made in the 1950s at Kervo Snickers for Oy Stockmann, Finland. All stools in original finish and lacquer. One stool reta...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Model 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent wi...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Paint

Curva Solid Walnut Barstools by Newel Modern
Located in New York, NY
6 "Curva" barstools constructed of solid FSC-Certified walnut responsibly sourced in the USA featuring Danish inspired contours and curves. (PRICED EACH)
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Walnut

Alvar Aalto, Pair of X601 Stools, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This stool was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. We have noticed throughout the years that this stool has been often used as a bed side table. It can also b...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Very rare pair of model ‘X602’ stools designed by Alvar Aalto around 1954. Made of a birch tripod base with exceptional wood detailing and the original black leather seats. In great ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

1990s Lisa Norinder Pair of Wooden Stools for Ikea, Sweden
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of beech plywood - Good/very good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Wire Stool VP11, Mirror Polished Steel, by Verner Panton for &Tradition
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 Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Extremely Rare Alvar Aalto Stools E60 Wartime Version, Artek, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto war-time stools are extremely sought after collectibles for the simple reason that not many of them are available any more. A war-time stoo...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Antti Nurmesniemi, set of four Sauna dtools, designed for the Palace Hotel, 1970
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really nice set of the famous Horseshoe Sauna Stool Designed in 1952 for the interior of the Palace Hotel in Helsinki. This set has been produced in the late 80's in Laminated-birch ...
Category

1970s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Hand Made Round Solid Wood Stool
Located in Portland, OR
A sophisticated take on a classic three legged, or tripod, stool, the Pebble Stool’s triangular leg arrangement creates three support points from just two legs. The striking sculptur...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Ash

A Pair of Marke Niskala-Luostarinen Stools, Oy Stockmann Ab, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A truely brilliant Finnish designed stool with no screws, bolts or nails. The stool is only made up of three pieces that simply slide into place to create a stool. The stools are i...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Natural Walnut Freja Stool SH750
Located in New York, NY
Freja is a collection of stools and benches that comes out of a wish to create sculptural furniture with the soothing visual appeal of Scandinavian furniture-making traditions and a ...
Category

2010s Chinese Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Wood

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Seat height 16”
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Rare vintage stool model 3170 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Rare vintage stool model 3170 by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen , 1970’s Dimensions: 45cm Height, 35cm Width, 40cm Depth Condition: Paint has some small chips and cracks from age an...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A small birch stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. seat height 8.25”.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Midcentury stool by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Neat stool by Josef Frank, made from mahogany with elegantly sculpted feet. Rattan seat in a densely wreathed pattern.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Wood

Norwegian Milking Stool cirka 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Milking Stool cirka 1850 Beautiful smooth patina with residue of original paint. Made of birch tree. Height: 32 cm/12.5 inch Depth: 22 cm/8.6 inch Widht: 50 cm/19.6 inch
Category

Mid-19th Century Norwegian Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Ib Kofod-Larsen Ottoman for Povl Dinesen
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Povl Dinesen Danish modern Teak ottoman with saddle leather sling. The leather has lots of patina with minor spotting.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Olof Kettunen, Stool, Plywood, Metal, Finland, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded red-painted plywood and black-lacquered metal stool designed by Olof Kettunen and produced by J. Merivaara Oy, Finland, 1950s Seat height 16”.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Scandinavian red stool
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s stool with red fabric. The slightly dark-colored wooden frame gives the piece a warm feel, while the red fabric seat adds a contemporary accent. Good condition, conservative ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Göperts, Stool, Birch, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained birch and beige velvet fabric stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Seat height 20”
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet, Birch

Danish Designer, Stools, Walnut, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of dark-stained walnut and green mohair stools designed and produced in Denmark, 1950s.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Mohair, Walnut

Midcentury Stool Model Pragh Designed by Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell
Located in Lejre, DK
Ottoman in fabric, designed by Danish architects Ib Madsen & Acton Schubell.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric

Swedish Stool cirka 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Stool cirka 1850 With a smooth surface in grey-pink tone and great patina. Made of birch wood. Height: 48 cm/18.8 inch Depth: 34 cm/13.3 inch Widht: 44 cm/17.3 inch
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Barstool in Red-Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, barstool, metal, faux leather, Denmark, 1970s   A design by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, this bar stool with its modesty and simplicity, is an excellent ch...
Category

1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Pair of 1960s Birch Wood K65 Alvar Aalto Stools by Artek-- 2 Pieces
Located in Madison, WI
Dimensions: 13.5" seat diameter 24" Seat height 28" total height Sold as a pair of two stools. **Ships from our Madison WI warehouse, for fast shipping within the US Very early 19...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish stool with eiffel base made from walnut and leather
Located in Forserum, SE
This unique Swedish stool features a solid walnut construction, complemented by red leather upholstery and distinctive rattan details around the legs. Notably, its characteristic Eif...
Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Walnut

Scandinavian Stools in Teak and Shearling Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottomans or stools, Scandinavia, teak, shearling upholstery, 1960s Exhibiting a timeless blend of simplicity and functionality, these stools epitomize the understated elegance chara...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Hans Olsen Dining Chairs / Side Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans Olsen bar stool with rotable seat of black skai. Frame of solid teak. Made by Frem Røjle, Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair of Vintage Stools
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of wooden stools of Scandinavian manufacture. With slightly squared legs and a light wood frame, these ottomans offer a cozy, Nordic feel. The gray long-haired fabric seat crea...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Norwegian Hand-Crafted Stool Model 522 in Pine by Krogenaes Möbler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Norwegian solid pine stool model nr 522. It comes in a stable, three legged construction with patinated untreated surface. The stool is burn marked “Krogenæs Möbler” on ...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian vintage stool
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s stool lined with long-haired fabric. With small dimensions, this stool is perfect for adding a touch of personality and functionality to any space. The long-haired fabric add...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Norwegian Stool Model 522 in Pine by Krogenaes Möbler
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the Norwegian solid pine stool model nr 522. It comes in a stable, three legged construction with patinated untreated surface. The stool is burn marked “Krogenæs Möbler” on t...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Mid Century Tripod Wooden Stool in Birch by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century wooden low tripod stool in birch by Ingvar Hildingsson produced in Sweden 1970s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H: 38 cm / 14.95" Diameter of the seat: 26...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

A pair of Alvar Aalto Stackable Stools Model 60
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic pair of green model 60 stools in birch. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1940s, this simple design has definitely stood the test of time, as it is still in producti...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Bernhard Petersen 1960s Rosewood Stool
Located in London, GB
Rosewood stool produced by Bernhard Petersen with newly woven papercord seat.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Rosewood

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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