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.
F588 Swivel Lounge Chair by Geoffrey Harcourt, Black Leather, 1960s
By Geoffrey Harcourt, Artifort
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
A ‘F588’ swivel lounge chair, designed by Geoffrey Harcourt and made by Artifort in the Netherlands. This swivel chair has recently been reupholstered in soft black leather. Scratche...
Leather
Vintage 1980 Ekornes Stressless Recliner — Scandinavian Leather Lounge Chair
Located in Almelo, NL
Vintage 1980 Ekornes Stressless Recliner — Scandinavian Leather Lounge Chair Experience timeless Scandinavian design and luxurious comfort with this Ekornes Stressless Leather Swiv...
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Pair of Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Set 'Oxford' Chairs
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, pair of 'Oxford' chairs, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1965. These classic executive office chairs feature a medium high back (as opposed to the mod...
Metal
1970s, Vintage Danish leather armchair by H.W.Klein, original good condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Henry Walter Klein, swivel chair model "Silhouette". Original very good condition in dark brown leather: no smells and no stains. Metal base in wood imitation...
Steel
Leather Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Limited Anniversary Edition
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic swivelling lounge chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen 1958 for the SAS Royal Copenhagen Hotel in Denmark and is one of the most famous chairs in the world recognized by d...
Aluminum
Mid Century Style Swivel Lounge Chairs by Keilhauer model 68714 4 available
Located in New York, NY
Stylish upholstered high back swivel lounge chair, on four star aluminum base. The chairs are in excellent, original, clean and ready to use, like new condition. Made in Canada by...
Aluminum
1970s, Danish swivel chair, original condition, brown furniture leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish swivel chair in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Classic Danish 70s design. Original brown leather, steel. Manufactured by Danis...
Steel
1970s, Danish design by H.W.Klein, swivel chair for Bramin Møbler.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by H.W.Klein. swivel chair model "Silhouette" for Bramin Møbler. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Original brown furni...
Metal
1970s, Danish design by Madsen & Schubell, adjustable swivel lounge chair.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by Madsen & Schubell. Adjustable swivel lounge chair model MS68. Brown furniture leather, five fingers teak wood base. Original condition: no smells, no stains a...
Steel
Mid Century Danish Modern Swivel Reclining Lounge Chair in Brown Leather
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A great vintage Scandinavian lounge chair and ottoman set circa 1970's. The set features a swiveling base chair, reclining mechanism,...
Leather, Wood
1970s, Scandinavian swivel chair, original condition, brown furniture leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian design. Swivel chair in brown furniture leather. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Chrome steel base. Classic Scandinavian ...
Steel
Customizable Swivel Armchair in Beige Leather and Sheepskin Fabric, Lirio Line
Located in Miami, FL
A Lirio swivel base armchair designed by Uultis Studio with cream leather and faux sheepskin fabric. *Please check availability prior to purchase*. A refined balance of comfort and ...
Metal
4 black swivel chairs design by Jan Hallberg & Sune Fromell 1967
By Edsby-verken
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
4 chairs by Jan Hallberg & Sune Fromell (Sweden), designed in 1967, made of painted wood. The chairs swivel 360°, with barrel-shaped slatted backs and X-s...
Birch
Danish Modern Leather Recliner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stylish modern lounge chair features tufted leather upholstery, hardwood swivel base and adjustable reclining seat back. Paired with matching ottoman, this beautiful Scandinavia...
Leather, Wood
1980s, Scandinavian swivel armchair, furniture leather, bent wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1980s, Scandinavian swivel armchair. Original light brown furniture leather, canvas, bent beech wood, bent beech wood base. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and sta...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Danish Mid-Century Swivel Task Chair by Jørgen Rasmussen, 1955
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century swiveling 'task' chair with light teak bentwood seat and back with pivoting adjustable back support, resting on a brown powder coated metal base with four black pl...
Bentwood
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Office Chair in Red Upholstery
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, office chair model ‘3217’, wood, fabric, chrome-plated metal, plastic, Denmark, designed in 1955, later production This office chair by Arne Jacobsen...
Chrome, Metal
Fabricius & Kastholm FK 6725 Armchair for Walter Knoll
By Walter Knoll, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Model FK6725 armchair by Danish design duo, Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm for Walter Knoll, c.1970s, Denmark. The swivel armchair features a three leg aluminum base, with orig...
Aluminum
Set of 4 High Back Swivel Dining Chairs by Overman Sweden
By Overman
Located in New York, NY
Rare set of 4 sculpted high back swivel dining chairs by Overman of Sweden. Extremely comfortable contoured back rests create an ergonomic seating experience. Cognac faux leather ( vinyl ) upholstered seats and backs, on cast aluminum star bases, This form is not often seen, especially in sets, all 4 retain their original Overman Made in Sweden paper...
Aluminum
1st Edition '3117' Swivel Desk Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1955
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Early model ‘3117’ swivel desk chair designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1955. This model is a first edition production from the 1950s. It has a chrome-plated steel swivel ...
Metal
1970s, Danish swivel armchair by Georg Thams, brown furniture leather.
By Georg Thams, Vejen Polstermøbelfabrik
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish swivel armchair by Georg Thams. Original brown furniture leather, bent beech wood, nubuck leather. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction...
Leather, Canvas, Bentwood
Swedish furniture designer John Kandell's Swivel Chair "Bon-Bon" for Källemo
By Källemo
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish furniture designer John Kandell, (1925-1991) Swivel Chair "Bon-Bon" for Källemo 1980s. Lacquered steel frame, seat and backplate in black lea...
Steel
A Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs in Bent Maple and Black Leather Seat
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A pair of very cool lounge chairs model Rex, designed by Christina Strand and made by famed Danish furniture maker, Fredericia Mobler. The chair mode...
Steel
Superb Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Fritz Hansen, Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of modern round arm swivel armchairs. Beech frames, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, soft, ivory pure alpaca wool fabric, on a wooden base. Swivels 90 ...
Alpaca, Beech, Oak
1970s, Vintage Danish Swivel Leather Armchair, Egg Form, Original Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish swivel armchair in egg form. Original upholstery in black leather, loose seat and back cushions. Five-star base made of chrome steel. Made in about 1970 by Danish furnitu...
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Model 3117 Office Chair for Fritz Hansen, 1978
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Dronten, NL
A refined Mid-Century Modern office chair, model 3117, designed by the renowned Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. This example was produced in 1978 and co...
Steel, Chrome
Werner West Arm Chair in Dark Stained Birch & White Wool, Wilh. Schauman 1930s
By Werner West
Located in Helsinki, FI
A modernist Werner West arm chair featuring a dark stained birch frame with bent veneer back and bent wooden armrests. Upholstered with white wool fabric giving a wonderful contrast ...
Iron
Superb Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of modern round arm swivel armchairs. Beech frames, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, soft, taupe pure alpaca wool fabric, on a wooden base. Swivels 90 ...
Alpaca, Beech
Rosewood Swivel Lounge Chair by Hans Brattrud for Georg Eknes
By Hans Battrud
Located in Denton, TX
Hans Brattrud Scandia rosewood lounge chair by Georg Eknes, Norway, circa 1970, Scandia rosewood slatted lounge chair.
Chrome
1970s, Vintage Danish swivel leather armchair, original condition
Located in Tarm, 82
70s, Danish swivel armchair. Original upholstery in black leather, loose seat cushion. Five-star base made of chrome steel. Made in about 1970 by Danish furniture manufacturer. Orig...
Steel
Rare Black Midcentury Karuselli Chair by Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very sought after Karuselli lounge chair in black designed in 1965 by Yrjö Kukkapuro, made by Haimi, Finland has a fiberglass seat shell and base. Exclusive manufactured leather upho...
Chrome
H.W. Klein for Bramin Leather Swivel Lounge Chairs, Denmark 1970s
Located in Almelo, NL
H.W. Klein for Bramin leather Swivel lounge chairs, Denmark 1970s This vintage leather swivel lounge chair, designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin in Denmark during the 1970s, is a beaut...
Leather, Wood
Superb Pair of Swivel Lounge Chairs, Upholstered in Pure Alpaca
By Viggo Boesen, Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of modern round arm swivel armchairs. Beech frames, sprung seat and newly upholstered in a premium, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric, on an upholstered base. Swivels 90 ...
Alpaca, Beech
Werner West Pyramid Chair 5525, Collector Item, Keravan Puusepäntehdas 1940s
By Werner West
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the already rare Pyramid chair model 5525 design by Werner West and manufactured by Keravan Puusepäntehdas for Stockmann. The minimalistic chair combines the struct...
Birch
1970s, Danish swivel armchair, beige furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish swivel armchair. Original beige furniture fabric, five fingers steel base. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by D...
Steel
FK6725 Tulip Chair by Fabricius and Kastholm
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Munich, DE
Showroom model in very good condition. With swivel base.
Leather
Scandinavian Modern Swivel Lounge Chairs by Jens with Walnut Bases
By Jens Risom
Located in San Diego, CA
What makes this pair of chairs really stand out is how high backed they are. This is particularly special and unusual for Mid Century lounge chairs. If you are looking for a pair to ...
Bouclé, Walnut
1960s, Danish swivel armchair by Aage Christensen, leather.
By Erhardsen & Andersen, Aage Christensen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish swivel armchair by Aage Christensen. Original dark brown furniture leather, chromesteel. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufact...
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Oxford Chairs Model 3272 by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of Oxford high backed chairs model 3272 designed by Arne Jacobsen. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Steel
Rare Executive Desk Chair in Walnut, Brass and Leather, Palle Suenson, 1940s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Palle Suenson & Jacob Kjær - Scandinavian Modern A rare executive desk chair by Danish Modenist Architect Palle Suenson (1904-1987) and cabinetmaker Jacob Kjær (1896-1957) a special order for the...
Brass
1970s, Danish swivel chair, original condition, leather, chrome steel.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian swivel chair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Brown leather, chrome steel. Adjustable seat/back....
Steel, Chrome
Aage Christiansen Swivel Chair, Erhardsen & Andersen Denmark 1960s
Located in Paris, IDF
Aage Christiansen swivel chair. Erhardsen & Andersen Denmark 1960s Teak wood Frame in good condition. Upholstered in its original green fabric Good...
Teak
1960s, scandinavian design, swivel chair, original condition, artificial leather
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, scandinavian design. Swivel chair in original good condition: no smells, no stains, signs of wear. Original black artificial leather, cast aluminum base. Manufactured by Danis...
Aluminum
Arne Jacobsen Swan Chair with Red Leather for Fritz Hansen
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Espoo, FI
Swan chair, manufactured by Fritz Hansen, and designed by Arne Jacobsen. Design from Denmark. The chair has stunning red leather upholstery. The chair is from 2013 and in excellent c...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Set Of 4 Dinning Chairs By Börje Johanson Vinga, Sweden 1970
By Johanson Design, Börje Johanson
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian modern period set of 4 swivel dinning room chairs designed by Börje Johanson for Johanson Design Markaryd in Sweden. Model "Vinga". Upholstered with black faux leather...
Metal
1970s, Danish swivel chair, original condition, leather, chrome steel.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish swivel chair in original good condition: no smells and no stains. Adjustable seat with backrest. Brown leather, chrome steel, canvas. Manufactured by Danish furniture m...
Chrome
Set of 4 'Oxford' Swivel Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 1965
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Nice set of 4 ‘Oxford’ swivel chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1965 for the professors of St-Catherine’s college in Oxford. These examples are...
Metal, Aluminum
Fabricius & Kastholm Swivel Chair in Dark Brown Leather and Steel
By Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius, Kill International
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Preben Fabricius and Jørgen Kastholm for Kill International, swivel chair model 'FK 6725', leather, metal, Germany, designed in 1966 Wonderful 'Bird Chair' by designer duo Fabriciu...
Metal
1960s Swivel Chair by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy
By Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, Nanna Ditzel, Puunveisto OY
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
This iconic mid-century modern swivel chair, known as the "Mandariini" (Mandarin) chair, was designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs for Puunveisto Oy in Finland. The chair features a...
Fabric, Oak
Hans Brattrud, Scandia Swivel Lounge Chair, 1957 for Hove Møbler, Norway
By Hove Möbler, Hans Brattrud, Hans Brattrud for Hove Möbler
Located in Munster, NRW
Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler, Norway, 1957 Scandia swivel lounge chair with removable leather cushions. Captains return mechanism. Amazing condition. An extremely shapely...
Wood
Swedish design 70s, Arne Norell loungechair, original upholstery, leather, chrom
By Arne Norell
Located in Tarm, 82
Swedish desiged lounge chair by Arne Norell. Made in about 1970. Refreshed by furniture craftsman at Retro Møbler Galleri. Original upholstery. Brown naturally patinated leather. Loo...
Steel
Pair Swan Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen.
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Swan Chairs by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark. Both have been expertly restored and reupholstered in Knoll Classic Boucle. If you notice in the photos, the stems o...
Aluminum, Wrought Iron
Arne Jacobsen For Fritz Hansen Egg Chair In Brazilian Cowhide
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Saint Louis, US
Experience timeless design with the iconic 'Egg' chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Newly refurbished and reupholstered in luxurious creamy cowhide, complemented by its sleek a...
Cowhide
1970s, Danish design by H.W.Klein, swivel armchair, furniture leather.
By Bramin Mobler, Henry W Klein
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish design by H.W.Klein, swivel armchair. Original light brown furniture leather, five fingers steel base. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker Bramin in about 1970-75s. ...
Steel
1970s, Danish swivel chair by H.W.Klein for Bramin Møbler, furniture leather.
By Bramin Mobler, Henry Walter Klein
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish swivel chair by H.W.Klein for Bramin Møbler. Original black furniture leather, five fingers base. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction....
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Teak Adjustable Swivel Desk Chair
Located in Trenton, NJ
A refined example of Scandinavian Modern seating, this vintage teak desk chair combines sculptural simplicity with thoughtful functionality. Defined by its elegantly bowed crest rail...
Teak
De Sede DS-31 Swivel Chair in Hand-Stitched Dark Brown Leather Switzerland 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully worn vintage DS-31 reclining swivel armchair by De Sede, Switzerland, dating to the 1970s. This high-back lounge chair features De Sede’s signature craftsmanship in sup...
Stainless Steel
1970s, Scandinavian swivel armchair, original patchwork furniture leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian swivel armchair. Original patchwork furniture leather, bent wood, brown canvas. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufacture...
Leather, Canvas
Fritz Hansen Oxford Desk Chair Designed by Arne Jacobsen, 1963 Denmark
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Oxford low back desk chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen. Designed in 1963 for the professors of St. Catherine’s College in Oxford. Blue uphols...
Aluminum
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair for Fritz Hansen, White Leather, 1967
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
The classic and iconic 'Egg' chair designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1967. Newly refurbished and reupholstered in a luxurious creamy/white leather from Maharam. M...
Aluminum