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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
Period: Mid-20th Century
David Rosén "Berga" Pine Low Stool Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare "Berga" mid century low stool in solid stained pine by David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet produced in the 1940s. Good original condition acquired from the original owner. ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Pair of Italian Mid Century Round Poufs Stools in Green Velvet Produced, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of round Italian mid century poufs / foot stools in green original velvet with black lacquered base. In good condition. Dimensions: H...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Velvet

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

Swedish modern solid elm stools with sheepskin, 1940s, Sweden
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of Swedish modern stools made ca 1940s. Curved and slightly tapered legs in solid elm. New upholstery in longhaired sheepskin with natural co...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Elm

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Seat height: 10.25”
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Niels Otto Møller for J.L. Møller Stool in Teak and Red Fabric
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Niels Otto Møller for J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, stool or ottoman, model 80A, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Elegant in line and practical to use, this stool by Niels Otto Møller is ex...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Teak

Danish Pair of Stools in Teak and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of stools or ottomans, teak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s Elegant in line and practical to use, these stools are exemplary for Mid-Century Scandinavian Design. The teak framework is ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Set of Four Early Arne Jacobsen Teak Dot Stools
Located in New York, NY
Set of four original early production Arne Jacobsen teak dot stools. with enamelled metal tripod legs. Arne Jacobsen co-developed the Dot stool with the Danish furniture manufacturer Fritz Hansen in the early 1950s. Like the Ant chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height: 12.5”
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 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

Wool, Wood

Patinated leather and Steel Stools by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare pair of stools designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced in Sweden by Luxus during the 1960s. Stainless steel legs and seats reupholstered in cognac leather with a beautifu...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of red metal and wood stools
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian stools. A pair of industrial-style stools with a red-painted metal frame and wooden slat seats. They can also be used...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern stool from Folke Ohlsson "Dux"
Located in Skå, SE
Elevate your interior with the iconic Scandinavian Modern stool designed by Folke Ohlsson for Dux. This teak masterpiece epitomizes the essence of mid-century design, seamlessly blen...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Finnish Designer, Stool, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and fabric stool designed and produced in Finland, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Krogenæs Møbler, Stool, Pine, Norway, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1960s.
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Modern Round Teak Stacking Stool End Table
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage round stool or end table circa 1960s. Features a curved teak tabletop and a three legged base. Price is for each stool, one left.    Seat 12.13"...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Arne Hovmand Olsen Tripod Stool in Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen, milking stool, beech, Denmark, 1950s. This Danish tripod stool by Arne Hovmand-Olsen contains a remarkable halved seat, which...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Extremely Rare Perttu Mentula Sauna / Sports Stool for Artek, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and exceedingly rare stool from the mid 1960s by Finnish designer Perttu Mentula for Artek. This "active man stool" as it was called was onl...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of Seven Barstools in Patinated Leather by Piet Hein, Danish, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of seven of high stools in metal with patinated leather seats. Designed by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen. Made in Denmark, great condition. Ideal for the kitchen or in a bar.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Piet Hein Bar Stool
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Piet Hein bar stools new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Piet Hein base Made by Fritz Hansen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather

Early Alvar Aalto for Artek Birch and Black Laminate Stool 60
Located in Garnerville, NY
A good and early example by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Sweden bentwood birch and black laminate Stool 60. Circa 1950. Fully signed on the bottom with ink stamp, Aalto Design, Artek, Made...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Laminate, Birch, Bentwood

Danish Designer, Ottoman, Teak, Leather, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and leather ottoman or stool designed and produced in Denmark, 1950s
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Teak

David Rosén, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s.
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool designed by David Rosén and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1940s. seat height: 16.5”
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Hans Wegner Ap-29 Papa Bear Ottoman in Oak and Boucle
Located in London, GB
Hans J. Wegner AP-29 Papa Bear Ottoman, 1953 The Papa Bear chair is one of Danish master Hans J. Wegner's most iconic designs and is perfectly complimetned by the matching AP-29 ottoman. Produced by A.P. Stolen in Denmark this piece features beautifully aged and patinated oak handles and legs that have been sensitively restored. This example has been reupholstered in luxurious Dedar Karakorum...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Bouclé, Oak

Rare Stool 60 "Sandwich", Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 30s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model 60 "Sandwich" designed by Alvar Aalto for Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina. Iconic Alvar Aalto design.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Bentwood

Woven Seagrass and Painted Wood Stool by Axel Larsson for Gemla, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stool by Axel Larsson. Made of painted wood with woven seagrass seat. All original.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Seagrass, Wood, Paint

Aalto "double-decker" zebra stool
Located in Helsinki, FI
Yet another version of the Aalto famous 3-legged stool. This one is upholstered with original Artek zebra motif fabric. Aalto stools are quite desired in our opinion for their funct...
Category

1940s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto pair of Stool X600 for Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
These simple yet elegant stools are of very high quality manufacturing with great attention to detail. The less common x-leg with the original blue leather padding bring plain beauty...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Midcentury Modern Stool, mahogany and leather, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish midcentury stool, made from mahogany in a strict form. Brown leather seat with heavy patina, cool cutout details.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Black leather footstool ottoman
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s Scandinavian stool. Modern footstool consisting of a wooden base with tapered legs and an upholstered seat reupholstered with black leatherette. The minimal and elegant lines ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

Pine stool, brutalistic design, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Brutalistic pine stool designed and produced in Sweden in the 1970s. Fits together with other so called sports cabin furniture. A style made famous by Swedish designer Axel Einar H...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Lacquered birch and linoleum top. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Alvar Aalto...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Designer, Stool, Stained Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Danish Cabinetmaker Rosewood & Papercord Stool 1950s
Located in London, GB
Danish Cabinetmaker - Rosewood Stool, c1960 Rosewood frame stool produced in Denmark, c1950s. The seat has a new, woven papercord seat. W: 49cm / H: 48cm / D: 37cm
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Rosewood

Pine foot stole by Krogenæs Møbler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pine foot stole by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway. Great rustic design typical for the era. Good vintage condition with age appropriate wear, such as stains and smaller cracks. Size: W 21...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Four Legged Mid Century Stool in Solid Stained Pine Produced in 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare four legged stool in solid pine produced in Sweden in the 1940s. In good original condition with very nice patina from age and use. Goes very well with furniture by Axel Einar ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s, s the epitome of minimalistic furniture, versatile enough to serve as a seat, a table, a storage unit, or even a display surface. Thi...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Tale stool with form-pressed plywood seat by Asko Ltd.
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stuningly beautiful stool. It looks so aerodynamic that it gives the impression of being able to fly. Ilmari Tapiovaara gave a lot of attention to simplicity, functionality with ...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Set of Two Bar Stools by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Lovely set of two bar stools by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1960s. These stools have chrome-plated frames and a brushed aluminum base with its original leather upholstery. O...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 in Original Formica, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and rarely seen example of the iconic Aalto stools with the original formica seating. These 3 legged stools have long been our customers favorites, especially in rare col...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Formica, Birch

Swedish Stool in Maple
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Svensk Mobelindustri, stool, maple, Sweden, 1960s This stool of Swedish origin showcases a simple design with smooth rounded contours. Crafted entirely from maplewood, distinguished...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Maple

Rare Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with rare color imitation leather. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Beautiful honey ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Birch

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

Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Barstool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup barstool, teak, metal, Denmark, 1960s Bar stool designed by Hugo Frandsen in the 1960s. The frame of this stool, excluding the metal ring that connects th...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s/1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Three model 60 stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s/1960s. Birch and imitation leather. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Birch

Expertly Restored - Yngve Ekstrom "Lamino" Sculpted Oak Ottoman for Swedese
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yngve Ekstrom "Lamino" Sculpted Oak Ottoman for Swedese ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back ...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak, Bentwood

Poul Hundevad Guldhoj Oak Folding Stool, 1948
Located in London, GB
Poul Hundevad - Guldhoj Folding Stool, 1948 The iconic model 41 folding stool in beautifully aged Danish oak with original, patinated cognac brown saddle leather seat. The Guldhoj s...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

1954 Alvar Aalto stool model X601 & X602 in patinated birch and Niger leather
Located in København K, 84
Presenting the 1954 Alvar Aalto stools model X601 & X602 in a super rich patinated birch upholstered in premium reddish brown Niger goat leather. Produced by Artek in 1960s. (Avail...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Mid-Century Stool in Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated leather and rosewood frame, designed and made in Denmark.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Adjustable Artist Stool in Oak and Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Artist stool in oak and patinated leather, designed and made in Denmark. Original condition.
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Scandinavian Modern Birch and Rattan Stools by Bernt Petersen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of beautiful birch and rattan stools by Bernt Petersen. Beautiful, slender design with sculpted legs and seats that are subtly concave.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Birch

Erik Buck OD61 Walnut Counter Stools
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculpted stools of walnut wood, seats upholstered in black leather, model OD 61. Designed by Erik Buch in the 1960s for by O.D. Møbler in Denmark. Dimensions: 3...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Svegards Markayrd Scandinavian Modern Counter Bar Stools, Newly Upholstered
Located in Miami, FL
Svegards Markayrd Scandinavian Modern Counter Barstools, Newly Upholstered Offered for sale is a pair of Scandinavian modern counter height barstools...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Teak

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

Faux Leather, Teak

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

Danish Pair of Stools in Red Upholstery and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Pair of stools or ottomans, faux leather, beech, brass, Denmark, 1940s These elegant Scandinavian Modern stools are characterized by a simple construction, showcasing clean lines an...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Henry Rosengren Hansen Teak Barstool
Located in Oakland, CA
midcentury teak bar stool designed by Henry Rosengren Hansen for Brande Mobelfabrik model 43, Denmark. Barstool crafted of solid teak frame, elegantly sculpted backrest with the orig...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

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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