Scandinavian Modern Stools
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Recognized Seller Listings
Set of 3 Bar Stools in Rosewood and Black Leather by Johannes Andersen, 1961
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 Bar Stools in Rosewood and Black Original Leather by Johannes Andersen, 1961
Additional Information:
Material: Rosewood and black original leather
Style: Mid century, Scand...
Category
20th Century Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Jörgen Høj Set of 2 Stools & Side Table in Aluminium, Glass and Leather, 1960s
By Jorgen Hoj
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 2 Stools & Side Table in Aluminium, Glass with Leather by Jørgen Højs, 1960's
Additional Information:
Material: Aluminium, glass and leather
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Aluminum
Scandinavian Stool 'Le Roi' by Norr11, Dark Smoked Oak (in stock)
Located in Paris, FR
'Le Roi' Stool by Norr11
Dimensions :
Diameter: 36 cm
Height: 44 cm
Model shown on the picture:
Color: Dark Smoked Oak
Natural French Rattan
---
The Le Roi Coffee Table is constru...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Scandinavian Functionalist Wooden Stool, G. A. Berg, Sweden, 1930s
By G.A. Berg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cool wooden stool by G. A. Berg, in a clean functionalist design with a rounded triangular seat and bentwood legs.
Category
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Beech
Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Additional Information:
Material: Jatoba wood
Style: Mid century, Scandinavia
Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden
Dimen...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Small Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Small Stool in Jatoba Wood by Ingvar Hildingsson, 1980's
Additional Information:
Material: Jatoba wood
Style: Mid century, Scandinavia
Produced by Ingvar Hildingsson in Sweden
Dimen...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood
Stool ‘The Unrockable’ designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen for Werner, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool ‘The Unrockable’ designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen for Werner,
Denmark, 2010s.
Ash.
Stamped.
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Ash
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
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
Bar Stools in Rosewood Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of bar stools produced in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Teak, Fabric
Leo Thafvelin for Johanson Design Set of Six Bar Stools in Camel Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Leo Thafvelin for Johanson design, set of six bar stools, patinated steel, camel leather, Sweden, 1960s
Set of six eccentric bar stools designed by the Swedish designer Leo Thafvel...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Steel
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Seat height 15.25”
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Pine
Stools in Metal and Black Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stools or ottomans, metal, leatherette, Europe, 1960s
A sleek pair of stools made in Europe in the 1960s. This midcentury modern design is a wonderful addition to any interior, due ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Swedish Designer, Stools, Wood, Mohair, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue mohair stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Seat height: 16”
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Mohair, Wood
Rud Thygesen, Stools, Oak, Laminate, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige laminate stools designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen and produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Laminate, Oak
Rud Thygesen, Stools, Oak, Laminate, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three oak and beige laminate stools designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen and produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s.
Dimensions of shorter piece: 15.5” H x 20.55...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Laminate, Oak
Rud Thygesen, Stools, Oak, Laminate, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige laminate stools designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen and produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Laminate, Oak
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Set of Three Metal Bar Stools with Red Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, set of three bar stools, metal, red fabric upholstery, Denmark, 1970s
Set of three bar stools designed by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen. These stools hold ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal
Easy Chair and Stool in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy Chair and Stool in Rosewood with Brown Leather by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960's
Additional Information:
Material: Rosewood and original brown leather
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
...
Category
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
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
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
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
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
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 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
Fernando Biomorphic Barstools by Newel Modern
Located in New York, NY
4 Congtemporary "Fernando" barstools constructed of solid FSC-Certified walnut responsibly sourced in the USA featuring a Danish-inspired contours and curves. (PRICED EACH) (BY NEWEL...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Wood, Walnut
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
"Braga" Contemporary / Modern Ebonized Wood and Polished Bronze Stools
Located in New York, NY
8 Contemporary / Modern "Braga" bar stools with shaped ebonized wooden seats, supported by a metal frame with polished bronze footrests and accents. (PRICED EACH) (Available with nat...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Bronze
"Braga" Contemporary / Modern Natural Wood and Bronze Stools
Located in New York, NY
4 Contemporary / Modern "Braga" counter stools with shaped natural finish wooden seats, supported by a metal frame with polished bronze footrests and accents. (PRICED EACH) (Availabl...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Stools
Materials
Metal, Bronze
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
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
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
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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