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.
Original Danish 1950s Lounge Chair attributed to Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sublime lounge chair from Danish midcentury era very similar to the iconic model "Pragh" designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen and ...
Wool, Teak
Scandinavian Wingback Chair in Ocean Blue Upholstery and Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wingback chair, fabric, stained beech, Scandinavia, 1940s This substantial wingback chair, reminiscent of Märta Blomstedt's designs, offers unparalleled comfort with its generously ...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Lounge Chair in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1960s Sculptural egg-shaped lounge chair made in Denmark in the 1960s. This wingback chair is a wonderful example of Scandinavian design, featur...
Fabric, Teak
Hans Wegner Sheepskin & Oak Papa Bear Chair 1950s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of...
Sheepskin, Oak
"1672" Wingback Chair with footstool by Fritz Hansen, with Sheep Skin
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Hägersten, SE
Oversized wingback lounge chair model 1672 designed and made by Fritz Hansen. Designed during the 1930s and this piece ca 1940s. The large oversized back rest makes for excellent com...
Sheepskin, Oak
Danish 1940s Easy Chair with Open Armrests in Blonde Beech by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic elegant Danish high back armchair from the 1940s by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk with open armrests in beautifully carved blond beech wood. Nice slim elegant sc...
Wool, Beech
Hans Wegner Boucle, Teak & Oak Papa Bear Chair 1950s
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1952 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of...
Oak, Wool, Bouclé, Cotton, Teak
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Midcentury Scandinavian Arne Norell High Back Lounge Chair in Worn Tan Leather
By Arne Norell, Norell Möbel AB
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Super stylish and equally comfortable high back lounge chair designed by Swedish design icon, Arne Norell, circa 1970. Perfect for spending hours curled up reading a book or listenin...
Leather, Beech
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
Swedish Art Deco Wing Back Chair in Mint Green Floral Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Attributed to Uno Åhrén and Björn Trägårdh for Svenskt Tenn, easy chair, fabric, stained wood, Sweden, 1930s. This lounge chair of Swedish origin comes with a mint green upholstery ...
Fabric, Wood
Reclining Wing Chair by Henry W. Klein for Bramin, Denmark
By Henry Walter Klein, Bramin Mobler
Located in Barcelona, ES
Reclining wing chair designed in 1950's by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin Møbler, Denmark. Teak base with tilt mechanism and new Kvadrat fabric upholstery and foam. The chair can be t...
Metal
Vintage Mogens Lassen Wingback Chairs From Denmark, Boucle Fabric, 1950s
Located in Rosendahl, DE
High-back wing chair by Mogens Lassen from the 1940s. These examples were made in the early 50s. Dark-stained beech wood feet, spring-padded seat and padded back. The upholstery was ...
Fabric, Beech
Wingback Easy Chair in Elm and Fabric, 1940s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This wingback easy chair, produced in Denmark during the 1940s, represents a rare example of mid-century Scandinavian furniture design, though the designer remains unidentified. The ...
Fabric, Elm
1960s, Danish highback wingback armchair, cherry-red furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish highback wingback armchair. Original cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construct...
Velvet, Ash
Danish Art Deco Lounge Chair, Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Møbelværk, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
A distinguished and beautifully preserved Danish Art Deco lounge armchair by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk — one of the most collectible and consistently sought-after com...
Velvet, Beech
Pair of Scandinavian Oak Wingback Lounge chairs in Striped Wool, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
A substantial and imposing pair of Danish wingback armchairs constructed in solid oak and upholstered in their original striped wool, dating from the 1940s. The silhouette is tall an...
Fabric, Oak
Large Wingback Lounge Chair - In the Manner of Fritz Hansen in Sheepskin
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely wingback lounge chair in the style of Fritz Hansen. The lounge is probably produced in Denmark in the 1930s. The chair is newly reupholstered in our own upholstery workshop ...
Sheepskin
1970s, Scandinavian wingback, highback armchair, furniture corduroy, carved oak.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Scandinavian wingback, highback armchair. Original brown furniture corduroy, carved oak wood, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stabl...
Fabric, Oak
1950s, Danish relax armchair, green furniture velour fabric, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish relax armchair. Green furniture velour fabric, ash wood legs, springs in the seat and back. The chair was reupholstered by craftsman about 15-15 years ago. Good conditi...
Velvet, Ash
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern Red Leather Wingback Chair Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern Terra cotta Red Leather Wingback Chair and Ottoman in the style of Børge Mogensen. Very clean chair with light beech wood legs and soft terr...
Leather, Beech
Danish Wingback Chair in Off White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wingback chair, stained beech legs, fabric, Denmark, 1950s. This archetypical wingback chair of the 1950s is both extremely comfortable and pleasing to the eyes. This easy chair wi...
Fabric, Wood
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern Black Leather Wingback Chair Ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern Black Leather Wingback Chair and Ottoman in the style of Børge Mogensen. Very clean chair with light beech wood legs and soft black leather....
Leather, Beech
Mid Century Modern, Svend Skipper Bear Lounge Chair Model 91 in Teak, 1950s
Located in Rødding, DK
A teak and velvet lounge chair in the Danish Modern tradition, designed by Svend Skipper as Model 91, known in Denmark as the Bamse Stol, or Bear Chair — produced in the 1950s and im...
Velvet, Teak
Frits Henningsen Wingback Chair in Walnut and Green Rubelli Fabric, 1930s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare wingback chair was designed and made by Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the mid-1930s. The particular model was exhibited at the 1933 exhibition held at the Industr...
Fabric, Chenille, Upholstery, Walnut
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one ...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Frits Henningsen Style Vintage Leather Wingback Chair
Located in Coronado, CA
A large, vintage, wingback chair in the manner of Frits Henningsen, featuring a high curved back, pointed arms, button tufting, and tall curved legs with carved detail. This unique, ...
Leather, Wood
Scandinavian Mid-Century Wingback Lounge Chair in Green Velvet, 1950s
Located in Rødding, DK
A Scandinavian mid-century wingback lounge chair, 1940s–1950s, in deep forest green velvet. A generous, fully upholstered form with a high sculpted back, softly curved wings and roun...
Fabric, Oak
Large Wing Back Lounge Chair Designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, Denmark
Located in Antwerp, BE
Comfortable walnut wing back chair designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen, 1954, produced by Carlo Ghan Denmark. Original black leather upholstery with a loose cushion and a comfortable cushion...
Leather, Walnut
Mid Century Modern, Oak Wingback Lounge Chair in Olive Wool, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
A Danish oak wingback lounge chair, 1960s, in the tradition of the Danish craft furniture movement. The form is generous and enveloping — a high, softly sculpted wingback with wide r...
Fabric, Oak
Rare Large Wingback Easy Chair in Fabric and Oak, 1930s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare and large wingback easy chair, produced in Denmark during the 1930s, is an exemplary representation of Danish Art Deco furniture de...
Oak, Velvet
Frits Henningsen, Wingback Chair with Original Patinated Red Leather, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen wingback lounge chair / armchair original red patinated leather upholstery Frame of mahogany. Made in the 1940s.
Leather, Mahogany
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Green Wool Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Wool, Oak
Fritz Hansen Model 1672 Sheepskin Wing Chair, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Fritz Hansen - Model 1672 Wing Chair A large wing chair produced in Denmark in the 1940s by manufacturers Fritz Hansen. The square beech wood legs have been stained and oiled and th...
Sheepskin, Beech
Hans Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear Chair in Boucle Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner AP-19 Papa Bear chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one...
Fabric, Bouclé, Teak
Mid-Century Wingback Armchair With Ottoman in the Style of Mogens Koch
By Mogens Koch
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary custom-made Wingback Armchair, in the style of Mid-Century furniture designer Mogens Koch. Extremely rare and versatile, our studio has painstakingly replicated the MK-...
Brass
Danish Art Deco Lounge Chair, Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Møbelværk, 1940s
By Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Rødding, DK
A distinguished and beautifully preserved Danish Art Deco lounge armchair by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk — one of the most collectible and consistently sought-after com...
Velvet, Beech
Otto Schulz 1940s Sheepskin Swedish Wing Chair
By Otto Schulz
Located in London, England
Otto Schulz Wing chair, c1940s An imposing and impressive wing chair from Swedish master designer Otto Schulz, produced by hiss own company Boet in Gothenburg Sweden in the 1940s....
Sheepskin, Elm
Danish Modern Lounge Chair in Oak & Traditional Danish Olmerdug Wool, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful large Danish Modern lounge chair hand made by a cabinetmaker in Denmark in the 1950s. Great dramatic angles and proportions with carved wooden armrests and legs made of sol...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Rosewood Papa Bear Chair in Off-White Fabric
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner - AP-19 Papa Bear Chair, 1953 Vintage, original 1950s production of one of Danish master Hans Wegner's most iconic designs. The Papa Bear is rightly considered one of...
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
1970s, Danish highback armchair, turkis-green furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish highback armchair. Turkis green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furni...
Wool, Oak
Danish Modern Wingback Armchair by Bovenkamp
By Bovenkamp
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A stunning example of Danish modern design. Produced by Bovenkamp this wing back chair has unique free floating curved arms. The upholstery is original.
Hardwood
Scandinavian Upholstered Wingback Armchair, Scandinavia, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Throughout Scandinavia, there's a long history of pride in craftsmanship using natural materials like wood. This wingback design has a rich history and purpose; it is said that they ...
Fabric, Wood
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair new upholstered with canvas and cognac aniline tubings. Legs in teak. Model 2204, made by Fredericia ...
Leather, Teak, Canvas
Fritz Hansen Model "FH 8023" Wingback Armchair in Bouclé, Denmark, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Throughout Scandinavia, there's a long history of pride in craftsmanship which is especially true of Denmark and one of its most reputable furniture makers Fritz Hansen. This beautif...
Fabric, Wood
Midcentury Italian Wingback Chair
Located in Vienna, AT
Wingback armchair, wood frame with an original upholstery with a red fabric. New upholstery on request possible.
Upholstery, Hardwood
Danish Mid-Century Wingback Easy Chair in Red Upholstery and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Easy chair, fabric, walnut, Denmark, 1950s A highly comfortable lounge chair from 1950s Denmark. The backrest rises high and curves outward in a wing-like gesture, a form that both ...
Fabric, Walnut
Pristine Wingback Chair in Patinated Leather by Kaare Klint, 1940s
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking wingback chair in patinated black leather, designed by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen in 1946 model 5313. Made in Denmark. Original condition.
Leather, Rosewood
$2,035Sale Price|20% Off
60s, Danish Design by Fritz Hansen, Relax Lounge Chair, Original Condition
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Fritz Hansen. Relax lounge chair, original very good condition, no smells. Light green velour. Oak wood legs, brass spring...
Velvet, Oak
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair in original patinated nature leather upholstery. Legs in teak. Model 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Hvidt and Mølgaard Sculptural High-Back Bordeaux Wingback chair, Denmark 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Fritz Hansen
Located in Ystad, SE
Hvidt and Mølgaard Sculptural High-Back Bordeaux Wingback chair, Denmark 1950s Elegant and sculptural Danish wingback lounge chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen an...
Beech, Upholstery
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair & Ottoman, Leather & Teak, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair with ottoman new upholstered with walnut elegance leather. Legs in teak. Model 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair with Ottoman, Nature Leather
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair with ottoman new upholstered with vegetable nature leather. Legs in teak. Model 2204 + 2...
Leather, Teak
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair in Teak & Leather, Scandinavian Design
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair new upholstered with walnut elegance leather. Legs in teak. Model 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish wingback chair, original upholstery, green furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish wingback chair. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Green furniture wool, oak wood. Springs in the seat cushion. Manufactured by Danish furniture man...
Wool, Oak
Scandinavian Mordern, Green Velvet Wingback Lounge Chair, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
A Danish wingback lounge chair in moss green velvet, circa 1940s. The form is full and generously proportioned — deep seat, rounded arms that curve softly outward, and a tall back wi...
Velvet, Oak
Børge Mogensen Wingback Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen wingback chair new upholstered with black elegance leather. Legs in teak. Model 2204, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
Fritz Hansen Rare Pair of Wingback Lounge Chairs Model 1582 in Sheepskin, 1930s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Fritz Hansen rare pair of large wingback lounge chairs model 1582 with beech wood frame and luxurious sheepskin upholstery, Denmark, 1930s. These incredibly chic early Danish period...
Lambskin, Beech
$8,800 / set
Børge Mogensen Style Leather Wingback & Ottoman
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the style of Børge Mogensen, this Danish Modern set was originally made in the 1960s and includes a wingback armchair and an ottoman. Both pieces have been entirely refas...
Leather, Velvet, Beech