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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
Alvar Aalto 7 Vintage L-Leg Stools Model 60 in Birch, 1970s Artek, Finland
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 7 beautifully patinated L-leg stools by Alvar Aalto in laminated birch. Bought in Denmark in the 1970s at Paustian. Alvar Aalto’s Three-legged stool model 60 designed in 1934...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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

Oxbend Stool, Bar, or Counter Seat in Walnut
Located in Bend, OR
This bar stool, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair. The Oxbend collection was born from a desire to create seating that is comfortable, organic, and elegant in its simplicity. This Oxbend stool...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

1950s Fully Restored Danish Stool
Located in Knebel, DK
1950s Fully restored danish stool. The stool feature a simple and elegant design with it's curved upholstered seat on top of it's four fluted chair leg...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Barstools by Horst Brüning
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of split beam steel bar stools with black leather seats.
Category

1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Kai Kristiansen Pair of Rosewood Ottomans by Aksel Kjersgaard, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Pair of Kai Kristiansen rosewood ottomans produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark, circa 1950s. The seats has been reupholstered in off-white, pure wool fabric from Chase Erwin.   
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Rosewood

Bertel Gardberg, Set of 5 Stools from 1950s'
Located in Helsinki, FI
These amazing stools were designed by marvelous Finnish designer Bertel Gardberg (1919-2007) in 1950s'. He was the master of form and function. The stools ar...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Mid-Century Danish Tripod Stool in Beech, Reupholstered in Lambswool, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tripod stool in solid beech, reupholstered seat long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1960s. A great object for the Scandinavian interior home...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wool, Lambskin, Sheepskin, Beech

Pedrita Stool in Brazilian Hardwood
Located in Curitiba, PR
This stool is thought and made to please the eyes. It's design and craftsmanship combined create a unique piece of furniture with a strong statement. The charming protagonist in Its ...
Category

2010s Brazilian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

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

Stool, Erik Hoglund, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Erik Höglund, pall, ”Grisen”, (the pig), made by Boda Trä (Boda Wood). 1950s Frame of beech and leather, with seat of green hemp. Branded Boda Trä Measures: Length 60, depth 30...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Teak Stool by Niels Moller
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This refinished teak Moller 80A stool with black Danish cord is a stunning example of Scandinavian design at its finest. The teak wood has been expert...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Papercord, Teak

Alvar Aalto, Stool Model X602, O.Y. Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyöt
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare, X602 manufacture for O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyöt, the original manufacturer of Alvar Aalto furniture (pre Artek) Leather and Birch.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Ingvar Hildingsson Three Legged Stool in Solid Pine, Ih Slöjd, Sweden, 1970s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare stool was designed by Ingvar Hildingsson and produced by his company IH Slöjd in Rockneby, Sweden in the 1970s. The stool has a round seat and three club shaped legs...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Børge Mogensen Model 2220 Stool in Oak and Canvas, 1960s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Danish stool in oak, model 2220, designed by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik in Denmark, 1960s. The model 2220 stool was designed by the renowned Danish designer Børge Mog...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Canvas, Oak

Scandinavian Modern Swivel Working Stool in Steel & Leather by KEVI, Denmark
By Kevi
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage swivel office stool in steel and leather manufactured by KEVI, Denmark in the 1960s. The chair can be height adjusted. This model was produced in limited numbers and is a rar...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Scandinavian Vintage Stools
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of 4 Edsby Verken stools. Simple and lightweight stool model produced by the Swedish company Edsby Verken in the 1960s. High-quality material and f...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Iconic Pk 91 Folding Stool by Poul Kjærholm for by E. Kold Christensen, DK 1961
Located in Antwerp, BE
Iconic PK 91 folding stool designed by Poul Kjærholm and manufactured by E. Kold Christensen, Denmark 1961. This stool is from an early production and has a matt chromed plated steel...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Pair of Scandinavian Modern Stools in Oak and Sheepskin, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of charming stools by Danish Designer Arne Wahl-Iversen made in the 1960s. The stools have been reupholstered in long-haired organic sheepskin. The stools are made for storage. ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Sheepskin, Oak

Margaret T. Nordman, 1930s Taburette Designed for the New York World Fair, 1939
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Margaret N. Nordman designed this stool/taburette in 1939 for the New York World Fair. The elegant stool has detailed legs and a nice curved seat.
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Storia Counter Height Stool in Oak by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The four-legged stool is designed for both contract environment and domestic use with durable joints, comfortable seat and three different heights. Its Nordic craftsmanship soul can ...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Scandinavian Sculptural Pine Stool or Side Table, 1940s
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Scandinavian sculptural pine stool or small side table, made in Sweden, 1940s. This wooden stool or small side table is unique and sculptural in its design due to the form of the le...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Small 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

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 vegetable cognac leather. Very...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Stainless Steel

Scandinavian Leather Stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage 1960s footstool. Consists of oak wood base and round black leather seat. A modern piece of furniture ideal either as a seat for a table, dressing table or as a pouf footrest for the sofa...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood

1960s Fully Restored and Reupholstered Danish Footstool
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fully restored and reupholstered danish footstool. The footstool feature a simple and elegant design with it's thick upholstered seat on top of 4 lim tanned beech legs with ...
Category

1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Alvar Aalto 7 Stackable Stools Model No 60, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, FI
These seven Alvar Aalto iconic stools from 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted direct...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Erik Buck OD61 Bar Stools
Located in Vienna, AT
Erik Buck. Bar stool with solid hardwood frame with footrest, seat upholstered in black leather. Designed in 1965. Seat height 77cm. Manufactured by Oddense Maskinsnedkeri A / S, model OD 61...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Hardwood

Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, stool with leather and rosewood
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Kai Kristiansen ottoman with new upholstered seat in cognac aniline leather. Made of solid rosewood. Made by Aksel Kjersgaard 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

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

Stools from the Mid 20th Century in Natural Wood
Located in Mombuey, Zamora
Wood stools from the Mid-20th Century in natural wood Perfect stools for indoors or outdoors Very solid and ergonomic shape. There are 3 and they are sold individually They are p...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of Two '2' Counter Height Barstools by Vamdrup Stolefabrik in Teak
Located in Deland, FL
Made in Denmark by Vamdrup Stolfabrik. Upholstered with vintage oatmeal fabric. Comfortable stools at a perfect counter height! Classic Danish design w...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Teak

Leo Thafvelin Bar Stools Produced by Johanson Design in Markaryd
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 9 bar stools designed by Leo Thafvelin. Produced by Johanson Design in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

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

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Handcrafted Braided Wicker and Wooden Bar Stool
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Handcrafted curved and braided wicker cane with wooden base bar stool.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wicker, Pine

Sportstuge Stool in Solid Pine Made in Norway by Norsk Husflid, circa 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Three legged pine stole made in Norway by Norsk Husflid, circa 1950s. Made from solid pine with a nicely hand shaped seat. Good vintage condition with patina and wear consistent with...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

1930's, Pair of Footstools by Otto Schultz
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1930's Swedish modern foot stools by Otto Schulz for Boet. Designed with the typical soft and elegant curves of Otto Schulz these stools are a great example of the Swedish Modern era...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Faux Leather

Oxbend Stool, Bar, or Counter Seat in Walnut
Located in Bend, OR
This bar stool, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair. The Oxbend collection was born from a desire to create seating that is comfortable, organic, and elegant in its simplicity. This Oxbend stool...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Walnut

Olof Ottelin Attribution, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool; design and production attributed to Olof Ottelin, Finland, 1960s.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Handmade Iroko Low Stool
Located in Norwich, GB
This handcrafted stool made from a richly-grained Iroko was designed and made by Quanström Studio in collaboration with par-avion co. in their shared Norwich, UK workshop. The simple...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Wood, Ash, Oak

Swedish Modern Rectangular Stool in Solid Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking stool was produced in Sweden in the early 1950s. The design is marked by the rectangular and slightly curved shaped of the seat and the sturdy, tapered legs placed at a...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Rey Bar Stool in Deep Black Design by Bruno Rey for Dietiker with Hay
Located in Dubai, AE
Based on the original Rey Collection designed by Swiss designer Bruno Rey in 1971, HAY has teamed up with Dietiker to present the Rey Bar Stool. It retai...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hungarian Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Steel

Alvar Aalto Stool in Birch "Model 60" Produced by Artek, Finland ca 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early stool "model 60" designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Finland in the 1940s. In good vintage and original condition with signs from age and use. Stable. D...
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Set of Four Scandinavian Modern Stools Model Apila by Rauni Peippo, 1950s/1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set Of four Scandinavian Modern stools model Apila by Rauni Peippo for Keravan Puusepät Oy Finland from the 1950s/1960s, birch. Later painted black. Good ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Tall Tripod Stool in Solid Pine, by a Danish Cabinetmaker, Mid Century, Ca 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Highly decorative tall stool in solid pine. Made by a Danish cabinetmaker in 1960s. This modern stool will fit in many types of home decors. Perfectly suited for a Classic, Wabi ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Antti Nurmesniemi 'Sauna' Stools Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 ‘Sauna’ stools designed by Antti Nurmesniemi. Produced in Finland.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

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

Josef Frank, Stool, Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
A mahogany and leather upholstered stool, model 967, Svenskt Tenn. Brass nails, Length 44 cm, seat height ca 41 cm. This model was designed in 1938 and is here quoted as being...
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat The latest member of the Lavitta Collection, the Lavitta Counter Stool continues focusing on the sophisticated union of traditional wooden furnit...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Stool Model "Palle" Produced by K. J. Pettersson & Söner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare stool ‘Palle’ by unknown designer. Produced by K. J. Pettersson & Söner in Sweden.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Dark Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Counter stool Lavitta 65 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Dark oak Dimensions: H. 65 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of the L...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Vintage Midcentury Alvar Aalto stool, model "Y61", Finland, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely stool by Alvar Aalto, model “Y 61”. Made from birch with flowing lines, wreathed rattan seat.
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Rattan, Birch

Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Pine

Set of Four Adjustable Stools by Jørgen Rasmussen for Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated, architectural, set of four adjustable swivel stools by Jorgen Rasmussen for Fritz Hansen. Constructed of blue finish bent plywood, on chrome and aluminum bases, wit...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Aluminum

Alvar Aalto, "X600" Stool, Artek, 1960s
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Alvar Aalto, 1960s 'X600' stool for Artek. Fan-shaped birch legs, upholstered black leather seat. Measure: height 45 cm. Manufacturer's stamp.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

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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