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
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.
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chairs Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chairs model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 and 1950s/60s This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Unique Jacob Kjaer Sofa in Original Niger Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kjaer, sofa, original Niger leather, brass, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1930s Exemplifying the quintessential essence of Danish design of the thirties, this rare sofa by Jacob...
Brass
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chairs, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox ...
Sheepskin, Wood
1940s Danish Sofa with Sculptural Frame in White Wool
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, reupholstered in "Gabriel" wool by Savak, stained beech, Denmark, 1940s This charming sofa, newly reupholstered in a fine woolen white fabric, is designed in the manner of Da...
Wool, Beech
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chair 'El Dorado’, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was designed in 2002 for...
Brass
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 'Lovö' Sofa in Solid Pine and Wool
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 'Lovö' sofa, model '36290', solid pine, reupholstered in “Nestor” (wool, mohair, alpaca mix) by Pierre Frey, Sweden, design 1932, made 1939 ...
Wool, Pine
Pair of Mid-Century Swedish Armchairs by Bruno Mathsson, Model "Eva", 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of iconic "Eva" lounge chairs designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson, Sweden. First introduced in the 1930s, the Eva chair remains one of the most celebrated...
Leather, Beech
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern cognac brown Leather sofa Patina
By Georg Thams
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Scandinavian Danish Modern cognac brown Faded worn Leather sofa in by Georg Thams. Great design and shape 3 seat sofa that sits on 4 Square dark wood legs. Good vintage c...
Leather, Wood
Scandinavian full size bed sleeper sofa tufted 1970s beautiful Design Low long
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian full size bed sleeper sofa tufted 1970s beautiful. Sofa with fold out bed, patterned cut fabric upholstery. Mattress folds out from under cushions with Floral patterned ...
Steel
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chair model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 This iconic chair, made with 250 metres o...
Steel
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 'Lovö' Sofa in Solid Pine and Wool
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, 'Lovö' sofas, model '36290', solid pine, reupholstered in “Nestor” (wool, mohair, alpaca mix) by Pierre Frey, Sweden, design 1932, made 1930...
Wool, Pine
Kaare Klint Original Rare Set of Ten '3758A' Armchairs in Niger Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1930, made 1950s These dining chairs in Niger leathe...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century High-Back Armchairs in Mustard Mohair Velvet
Located in Alcoy, Alicante
A quintessential example of the post-war European modernist movement, this distinct pair of lounge chairs represents the pinnacle of tactile comfort and structural discipline. Design...
Mohair, Wood
Arne Vodder for Bovirke Chaise Longue in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder for Bovirke, chaise longue, leather, beech, Denmark, 1950s. Chaise longue designed by Arne Vodder for Bovirke in the 1950s. This chaise longue has an open frame in blond...
Leather, Beech
Hans J. Wegner set of Early Edition CH25 Lounge Chairs in Oak & Papercord, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully aged and increasingly rare pair of early edition CH25 lounge chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted in...
Papercord, Oak
Pair of Razorblade Armchairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Oak & Lambswool, 1960
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning pair of oak armchairs designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbler, Denmark, circa 1960s. Crafted in solid oak with beautifully sculpted details and expressive bar...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Rainer Daumiller Set of Six Armchairs in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller, set of six armchairs, pine, Denmark, 1970s. Beautiful set of organic and natural armchairs in solid pine designed by Rainer Daumiller. A simplistic design with a r...
Pine
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By Carl Malmsten, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Børge Mogensen 2254 pair of Oak Sled Lounge Chairs and Ottoman in Cane, 1956
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Børge Mogensen pair of lounge chairs and ottoamn designed in 1956 model number 2254 for Fredericia Stolefabrik. Cubical frames made of solid oak with finger joints and cane. This h...
Bouclé, Cane, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Stressless Tan Leather Ottoman by Ekornes
By Ekornes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Condition Materials: Bent Laminated Beechwood, Original Tan Leather This Scandinavian Modern Stressless ottoman by Ekornes emb...
Leather, Laminate
Danish 1950s Sofa Attributed to Fritz Hansen Model 1669 Variant
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very classic and ultra cool Danish three-seat sofa epitomizing the very early 1950's and likely a variant of Fritz Hansen's famous model 1669. Just the shape of the legs vary slightl...
Wool, Beech
Mogens Voltelen 'Copenhagen' Lounge Chair in Patinated Cognac Leather
By Niels Vodder, Mogens Voltelen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, lounge chair model ‘Copenhagen', beech, patinated leather, brass, Denmark, design 1936, made 1940s The Copenhagen lounge chair was designed by Moge...
Brass
Early Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn 'Liljevalchs' Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, 'Liljevalchs' sofa, model '345', fabric, beech, Sweden, design 1934, made 1930s An early example of the Liljevalchs sofa, designed by Josef Frank, and...
Fabric, Beech
Fritz Hansen (attr.) Danish Modern Armchair in Moonlight Sheepskin, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
Danish Modern armchair, attributed to Fritz Hansen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Recently reupholstered in Moonlight sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 78 cm / 30.71 in Width: 83 cm / 32.68 ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Mogens Lassen (attr.) High Wingback Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
Located in Prague, New Town
High wingback Danish Modern armchair, attributed to Mogens Lassen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Recently reupholstered in Honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 92 cm / 36.22 in Width: 75 ...
Wood, Sheepskin
Scandinavian Modern Octagonal Stool in Henning Kjærnulf Style, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural Danish modern stool crafted in solid oak with beautifully turned legs and stretcher base, executed in the style of Henning Kjærnulf. The piece features its original red ...
Wool, Oak
Danish Early 1950s Easy Lounge Chair
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Alfred Christensen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy style lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size....
Wool, Beech
Henning Kjaernulf Oak Kurul Armchairs for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
A pair of iconic chairs by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, often called the “kurulstol” or kurul chair. The Curule seat is a foldable and portable chair with curved legs, the roots...
Sheepskin, Oak
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen Pair of 'PK20' Lounge Chairs in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Kjærholm for E. Kold Christensen, pair of lounge chairs model 'PK20', leather, chrome-plated steel, Denmark, 1968 A highly modern design that embraces clear lines and curvaceou...
Steel, Chrome
$10,500 / set
A Set of Six Swedish Side Chairs , Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Set of six Swedish mahogany and inlaid side chairs, Circa 1940s, probably by Erik Chambert, with a curved backrest inlaid with geometric designs, upholstered seats raised on tapere...
Mahogany
Stressless Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ekornes c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman, in baseball glove brown leather, on bentwood bases. The chair and ottoman swivel on the disk form base, the chair back reclines t...
Leather, Bentwood
1940's Danish Sofa Upholstered in Vintage Designer Swan Upholstery
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940's Danish Sofa Upholstered in Vintage Designer Swan Upholstery. Beech legs. Upholstery is a silk style material. The sofa seat has an additional full length seat cushio...
Upholstery
Carl Malmsten "Farmor" Lounge Chair
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950' Lounge chair designed by Carl Malmsten. The iconic "Farmor" (Grandmother) model, was designed in the 1950s and produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden. This piece is among Malmsten...
Upholstery, Birch
Iconic Scandinavian Set of Six Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen, 1956
By V. Schou Andersen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerp, BE
An absolutely stunning set of six Danish vintage Teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. Handcrafted by cabinetmaker Villy Schou Andersen in Denmark, original edition of 6 dining cha...
Wool, Teak
Axel Einar Hjorth 'Lovö' Lounge Chair in Solid Pine
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Lovö wingback lounge chair, model '36291', solid pine, fabric, Sweden, 1932 A significant aspect of Axel Einar Hjorth’s oeuvre is the so-ca...
Fabric, Pine
$10,893 / set
Pair of Armchairs, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A super pair of modern Danish style lounge chairs / armchairs. Beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a golden brown, premium, soft, pure mohair fabric. Handmade in E...
Mohair, Beech
$1,400 / item
Danish Dining Chairs in Wood and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, reupholstered in sheepskin, Denmark, 1960s These elegant Danish dining chairs are crafted from blonde wood and feature soft, beige sheepskin upholstery. Design...
Sheepskin, Beech
Danish Midcentury Settee by Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant Danish settee or loveseat from circa 1950s by Master Furniture Maker, Frits Henningsen Solid and sturdy small piece with a strong presence and charming demeanor. Coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Flemming Lassen 1930s Danish Deco Curved Back Settee in Original Green Mohair
Located in Oakland, CA
1930s Danish Deco curved-back settee attributed to Flemming Lassen, retaining its original green mohair upholstery. Expertly handcrafted with a remarkably sturdy solid wood frame, th...
Mohair
Mid Century Scandinavia low long sling Safari sofa by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Unique Mid century low sling leather safari lounge 3 seat sofa by Bruksbo Norwegian Furniture Maker. Designed by Ivar Opsvik called the “Safari” leather sofa. A very rare s...
Brass
Rustic Swedish Pinewood Lounge Chair 1930-1940s - Reupholstered in Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Wood
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier '3758A' Armchairs in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', fabric, leather piping, mahogany, Denmark, design 1930 These dining chairs in light creme fabric wi...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Robert Haussmann for De Sede DS-201 Chrome Red upholstered office chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Robert Haussmann for De Sede DS-201 Chrome Red upholstered office chairs. Original Burnt red/orange soft upholstery with slight fading otherwise very clean. Has logo on seat lining -...
Steel, Chrome
Børge Mogensen Oak & Leather "Spanish" Arm Chairs Model BM3238, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "BM 3238" arm chairs in oak and natural saddle leather. Designed in the 1950s by Borge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen made these ...
Leather, Oak
Pair of Midcentury “CH 27” Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “CH 27” lounge chairs by Hans J. Wegner, made from oak and rattan. Beautiful pattern in the rattan and whimsical carved “horns” at the tops of the backs.
Rattan, Oak
Scandinavian Mid-Century Dining Chairs in Pine and Sheepskin, Set of 6
Located in Karis, Nyland
Beautiful set of six Scandinavian mid-century dining chairs crafted in solid pine and newly upholstered in soft natural sheepskin. The chairs feature a strong architectural silhouett...
Sheepskin, Pine
Carl Malmsten for O.H. Sjögren 'Farmor' Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1950s
By O.H. Sjögren, Carl Malmsten
Located in Prague, New Town
'Farmor' armchair, designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956. Produced by O.H. Sjögren in Sweden, 1950s. Recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 103 cm / 40.55 in Wid...
Sheepskin, Wood
Scalloped Carved Turned Danish Oak Henning Kjærnulf Style Sofa Couch Olive Wool
By Henning Kjærnulf, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Round Top, TX
Danish oak sofa in the original striped wool upholstery. In the style of Henning Kjærnulf and bearing some resemblance to other important designers of the era, like Guillerme & C...
Wool, Oak
1940's Danish Cabinet Maker Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1940's Danish Cabinet Maker Lounge Chair. Beech legs. High quality velvet upholstery.
Beech, Velvet
Original and Rare Børge Mogensen for Erhard Rasmussen Hunting Chair in Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Erhard Rasmussen, original and rare ‘Hunting Chair’, cognac leather, solid oak, brass, Denmark, design 1950 At the 1950 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in Copenh...
Brass
Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA GE530, Denmark, 1970s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Hans J. Wegner - Lounge Chair and Ottoman GETAMA GE530 , Denmark Classic GE530 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, featuring a clean design and high-quality craftsmanship in ...
Oak
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, 1994 The distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedish desig...
Iron
$2,401Sale Price|20% Off
1960s, Lounge Chair 'Mexico' by Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An original 1960s “Mexico” armchair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden. This striking piece reflects Norell’s signature blend of Scandinavian craftsmanship and South American-inspired d...
Leather
Pr. Mid Century Wegner Style Folding Rope Lounge Chairs Circa 1950/70's
Located in New York, NY
Often referred to as Wegner like, these mid century folding lounge chairs have become iconic in their own right. Made in either Yugoslavia, or possibly Czechoslovakia, the chairs fea...
Rope, Wood
Danish Designer, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A blue velvet and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Staining to fabric, ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27...
Velvet, Wood
$1,400 / item
Danish Dining Chairs in Oak and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, oak, reupholstered in sheepskin, Denmark 1960s These elegant Danish dining chairs are crafted from oak and feature soft, beige sheepskin upholstery. Designed without ...
Sheepskin, Oak
Danish 1950s Curved Banana Shape Settee in Red Mohair Tufted Backrest
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Banana shaped or curved loveseat made in Denmark, around early 1950s. This small sofa will make a strong statement in any room. Beautiful round voluptuous lines and tall legs. These ...
Mohair, Beech
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Scandinavian Modern Beautiful white wool 3 Seat Sofa by Borge Mogensen
By Fredericia Stolefabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Danish modern off white wool upholstered 3 seat model number 2323 sofa Birch wood legs. Designed by Børge Mogensen Made by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Beautiful white wool u...
Birch, Wool, Upholstery
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling Lounge Chair in Bicolor Purple Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling, lounge chair, Pierre Frey Teddy mohair, Umeå, Sweden, 1930s Designed by Bo Wretling and produced in the Otto Wretling workshop, this rare lounge chair...
Metal
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.