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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
Mid Century Stools Designed by Ebert Wels, Scandinavian Design, 60s
By Ebert Wels
Located in Lucija, SI
Beautiful vintage Wooden Stools were designed by Ebert Wels in '60s. Scandinavian design. These retro stools have wooden frame and beige rope seats. Stoo...
Category

1950s German Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rope, Wood

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

Fritz Hansen Three Legged Stool by Josef Frank in Elm Wood, 1945, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Rare and important stool made at Fritz Hansen, Copenhagen in the 1930s and attributed to Josef Frank. The stool is made of a carefully selected piece of elm wood and handmade by a ca...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Elm

Danish Stool with Blond Wooden Frame and Checkered Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stool or ottoman, beech, fabric, Denmark, 1960s A Danish low stool with a round seat upholstered in a checkered fabric in black and grey hues. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Beech

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

Oak Folding Stool Model 203 Uno and Östen Kristiansson - Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oak Folding Stool Model 203 Uno and Östen Kristiansson - Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden Swedish ‘model 203’ oak foldable stool from the 1950s, designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson and prod...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

Set of 4 Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen "M3170" Stools, Denmark, 1967
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Metal stools designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1967. Model "M3170" The stools are marked at the bottom. We have refinished the frames and repainted the seating. One sea...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Set of Two Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of two model 60 stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with imitation leather. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Alvar Aa...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Birch

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

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Pair of Danish stools, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stools in mahogny and cane, Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Cane, Mahogany

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

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Foldable Stool, Reupholstered in Longhaired Sheepskin, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Foldable stool in solid beech, reupholstered seat in sheepskin. Made by an unknown Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian interior home. The overall ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Wool, Beech

Marke Niskala-Luostarinen Stool, 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 stool is in ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Pine Stool of Stig Sandqvist
Located in Farsta, SE
Beautiful Unsymmetric Pine Stool or Side Table by Stig Sandqvist, Vemdalen, Sweden Company Vemdalia Made in 1960s Consistent with age and use Height: 38 cm Weight: 60 cm ...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of Two Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, 30s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of two model 60 stools, design Alvar Aalto for Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy from the 1930s, Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Icon...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Mohair, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and beige mohair stool, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Mohair, Birch

Folding stool by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark 1959
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare folding stool designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark 1959. This chair is made out of solid oak and still has the original black leather ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

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

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern Footstool in Teak
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very nice Scandinavian stool, very good condition frame and a freshly reupholstered biomorphic shaped cushion.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Danish Cabinetmaker, Stool, Mahogany, Leather, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid mahogany and natural brown leather stool, designed and produced in Denmark, 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Stool in Oak and Fabric by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
This stool, crafted in the 1950s by a Danish cabinetmaker, is a beautiful example of the timeless style and great craftsmanship that characterizes Scandinavian design. Made from qual...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fabric, Oak

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

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Mohair, Pine

Rare Teak Footstools by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Beautiful Danish pair of solid teak footstools. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Ludvig Pontoppidan. Produced late 1950s or early 1960s. Cover in black imitation leather. seldom been in use! Setprice. Note: the last photo shows how it works.
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Poul Hundevad Guldhoj Rosewood Folding Stool, 1948
Located in London, GB
Poul Hundevad - Guldhoj Folding Stool, 1948 The iconic model 41 folding stool in beautiful rosewood with original, patinated cognac brown saddle leather seat. The Guldhoj stool was ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Oak

A pair of Swedish 1970s solid pine stools/side tables, Les Arcs like patina.
Located in Ystad, SE
A pair of Swedish 1970s minimalist stools/side tables in solid pine. Same matching beautiful Les Arcs like color and patina on both stools. Dimensions: H: 43 cm SH: 43 cm Diameter...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool. Wood, Jute Straps, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and jute strap stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Jute, Wood

Axel Einar Hjorth "Skoga" Pine Stool by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare mid century "Skoga / Utö" stool in solid stained pine by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm 1932. In great vintage and original condition with patin...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of 2 Early Alvar Aalto Stools, Finland, 1950's
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 2 early Alvar Aalto stools in bentwood for Artek, Finland 1950s. The stools have a nice matched patina. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was a Finnish architect, designer, and urban ...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Bentwood

Scandinavian Modern stool of pine by Ingvar Hildingsson, signed.
Located in Skå, SE
Experience the enduring charm of Scandinavian Modern design with the Ingvar Hildingsson Stool crafted from premium pine. This timeless piece showcases the perfect blend of simplicity...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

David Rosén, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool, designed by David Rosén and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, c. 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Brass, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood, velvet and brass stool, designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Brass

Workshop stool, solid pine, octagonal legs, Sweden 1940s, Beautiful dark patina.
Located in Ystad, SE
A traditional Swedish 1940 sworkshop tripod stool, solid pine, octagonal legs. In the Beautiful dark patina and glow on the solid Swedish pine wood Vintage condition with marks fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

Solid oak stool in style of Henning Kjærnulf, hand sculpted seat, Denmark 1960s
Located in Ystad, SE
This Danish 1960s tripod stool in solid oak has turned legs with decorative details similar to works of Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf. The notable and comfortable seat is carved ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

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

Three Legged Swedish Solid Pine Stool
Located in Farsta, SE
Three legged stool in solid pine Sweden, cirka 1960 Great patina that really makes the wood grain stand out Heigth: 53 cm Seat Diameter: 29 cm.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, 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

Poul Kjaerholm PK91 Folding Stool E. Kold Christensen, 1961
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic PK91 stool designed by Poul Kjaerholm and a first production manufactured by Ejvind Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This foldable stool has a matt ch...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Vintage Wooden Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian stool made of pine wood. A simple and versatile piece of furniture with a modern flavor. It can be used as a seat or as a plant riser...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Carl Malmsten Visingsö Stool, Waggeryds Möbelfabriken, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Farsta, SE
Carl Malmsten, Visingsö stool - Waggeryds Möbelfabriken, Sweden. Simple but elegant handmade craftsmanship. Has a thick patina and worned edges.   
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Small Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A small pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Metal and Teak Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s stool. Consists of a tubular metal support frame and an upholstered seat made of teak wood veneer.A retro-looking piece of furniture to be used either as a seat o...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

Scandinavian Modern stool on medar by Erik Höglund of beech
Located in Skå, SE
Embrace the captivating world of Scandinavian Modern design with the Erik Höglund Stool on Medar Model Gungfly, a true masterpiece of artistry and functionality. Crafted with precisi...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. Pinewood. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Marked on the bottom. Iconic I...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Vintage Stool with Teak Seat
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s stool of Swedish origin. Consists of a tubular metal frame forming the three legs and a teak veneered seat. For use both as a seat and as a side table or riser for a plant...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Santos Rosewood Stool by Hugo Frandsen for Spottrup
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a very nice example, all original except for the fresh white boucle fabric upholstery. Made from Santos Rosewood or Machaerium Scleroxylon which is a sustainable species and ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Bouclé, Hardwood

Tall Stool in Oak, Reupholstered in Lambswool, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tall stool in oak with curly legs, reupholstered seat in long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in circa 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian int...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Oak

Rustic Danish Milking Stool, 1950s
Located in Valby, 84
Rustic wabi Sabi style of milking stool in solid dark stained beechwood made in Denmark in the 1950s. The stool is in good condition with a beautiful and signs of use which adds c...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Axel Einar Hjorth "Skoga" Stools
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of oiled pine stools designed by Axel Einnar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, model "Skoga". Sweden, circa 1930th. Wear consistent with age and use, some trace of repair. Read...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

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

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Krogenæs Møbler, Three Legged Stool, Sculpted Pine, Norway, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A sculpted pine stool designed and produced by Krogenæs Møbler, Norway, 1950s.
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Børge Mogensen "J27" Beech Stool for FDB Møbler, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Designed by Børge Mogensen in 1955, the “J27” stool remains a solid and practical piece. With a multitude of purposes, form and function remain at the forefront of this design. Almos...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Alvar Aalto, Set of Commissioned Stools by Artek, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of three commisioned iconic 60 stool. These stools are higher than the standard model and stand at a height of. The stools are in birch and have a beautiful patina. T...
Category

1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Wishbone Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Dorchester, MA
Hans Wegner designed this rarely seen ottoman to accompany his Wishbone seating for Carl Hansen. The original tapered oak frame features a papercord seat, newly wrapped. Manufactu...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Oak

Yellow Stool by Nanna Ditzel, 1969
Located in London, GB
A vibrant yellow fibreglass stool designed by Nanna Ditzel for Domus Danica in 1969, after her move to London in 1968. In every aspect the stool is h...
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Fiberglass

Authentic Round Wabi Sabi Stool in Burl Wood & Hessian, Danish Modern, 1930s
Located in Odense, DK
Such an intriguing and inspiring small art deco / wabi sabi stool made in burl wood and the original hessian underclothing. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1930s. This authentic vintage stool will fit in many interior styles. A modern, Scandinavian, Art Deco interior or a Classic home...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Burl

3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960's Rare three leg beechwood and leather stool designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced by Luxus...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

First Edition Pair ‘Dot’ Stools by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1960s
Located in Antwerp, BE
First edition pair ‘DOT’ stools by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1960s. This three legged stool features nickel plated metal legs with teak seat top. Presented in its origi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Metal

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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