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.
Ole Wanscher Rosewood High Cabinet with Brass Keys, P. Jeppesen, 1960s
By Ole Wanscher, Poul Jeppesen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant and rare high cabinet designed by Danish professor and architect Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
$13,102Sale Price|75% Off
Kaare Klint Cuban Mahogany Sideboard Made Early 1930s with Wheel Runners
Located in London, GB
Cuban mahogany sideboard. Front with two sliding doors and two pull-out leaves with handles of black ebony. Interior with trays, sides with la...
Mahogany
$9,137Sale Price|75% Off
Kaare Klint Cuban Mahogany Cabinet Made Early 1930s
Located in London, GB
Cabinet of Cuban mahogany. Front with two doors and two pull-out leaves with handles of black ebony, interior with trays. Two smaller and one large drawer with brass handles, brass f...
Mahogany
French handcrafted 2-door 3-drawer wooden sideboard by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors and 3 drawers sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and...
Ash
1950s Teak Buffet, Credenzas By Carl Löfving & Söner, Sweden
By Carl Löfving & Söner
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Extremely beautiful and high quality buffet cabinet / credenzas with seven drawers and an extendable shelf allover in very good condition designed by Kurt Karlsson for Löfvings & Sön...
Brass
$5,309Sale Price|65% Off
1950s Rud Rasmussen Cabinet, four tambour doors, two drawers with brass handles
Located in London, GB
1950s Rud Rasmussen Mahogany Cabinet. Front with four tambour doors and two drawers with brass handles. Adjustable shelves. Made and marked by Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers. H. 178 cm...
Hardwood
French handcrafted blue gray 3-door sideboard, by designer Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
$4,634Sale Price|60% Off
1960s Lysberg, Hansen & Terp Cabinet with two doors and two drawers
Located in London, GB
1960s N. V. Nielsen cabinet with two drawers and two doors. Made by Lysberg, Hansen & Terp. H. 166 cm. W. 120 cm. D. 44.5 cm. Restoration and re-finishing included in price, alth...
Hardwood
French handcrafted 3-door light blue sideboard, design Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior di...
Ash, Wood
French durable handcrafted green 3-door sideboard, by designer Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
Green 4-Door Designer Sideboard in Wood, Scandinavian Style - Made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 ...
Ash, Wood
Refinished Poul Hundevad Danish Teak Expanding Bar Cart from the 1960s
By Poul Hundevad, Dyrlund, Vamdrup Stolefabrik
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Dynamic, versatile, “the life of the party,” we’re not talking about you. Or are we? This Poul Hundevad Danish teak serving cart is more than meets the eye. Compact and unassuming un...
Teak
$3,861Sale Price / item|50% Off
1966 Reno Wahl Iversen's “Captain's Bar”
By Skovby Møbelfabrik A/S 1, Reno Wahl Iversen
Located in London, GB
Price shown is for one of two available. To purchase both shown in images, select quantity of 2. Reno Wahl Iversen “Captain's bar”, mounted on wheels, fold-out top with black formica, interior with three drawers, shelves with brass handles and fittings, two original Stelton trays...
Hardwood
French Gray Blue 4-Door Wooden Sideboard designed in Paris by Eric Gizard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2...
Ash, Wood
Scandinavian Modern Low Teak Storage Cabinet Small Buffet or Credenza
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Scandinavian Modern low profile teak storage cabinet or small buffet or credenza. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have ...
Teak
French artisanal light gray 2-door 3-drawer low wooden sideboard KUBE 120 cm
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door and 3-drawer low sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and e...
Wood, Ash
Meuble d’angle de rangement vintage scandinave en teck des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble de rangement vintage scandinave des années 60, design danois, en teck, pieds compas, 2 portes avec 2 étagères intérieures, 1 tiroir, intérieur en bois clair, très bon état. Re...
Teak
1940s Hans Wegner Tall Teak Cabinet, with 2 Carved Doors and Pull-out Leaf
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
1940s Hans Wegner Tall teak cabinet, front with two sliding doors and pull-out leaf. Doors with carved, fluted pattern in relief. Interior of ash with trays and adjustable shelves. B...
Teak
White 4-Door Sideboard Buffet Credenza designed by Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 height-adjustable shelves are supplied with the buffet. To prevent damage during transport, they are positioned at the bottom of the buffet. All you have to do is place them on the cleats (supplied) at the desired height upon delivery. The 4 doors open with a « push & release » pressure on front. 11 standard colors are available. Have a look at our color chart on the last picture. 5 standard lengths are available from 160 cm / 63.0" to 240 cm / 94.5". ÉGÉE COLLECTION This high & large sideboard is part of the ÉGÉE collection, designed by the Parisian designer Eric GIZARD...
Ash, Wood
French artisanal green 3-drawer low wooden sideboard KUBE by designer E. Gizard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door and 3-drawer low sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and e...
Wood, Ash
Scandinavian Modern Sideboard 'Petit Bastone', 120, Natural Oak
Located in Paris, IDF
Sideboard Bastone designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Studio Dimensions : H. 80 cm / W. 120 cm / D. 50 cm Model shown in the picture : - Color : Oak - Without doors ---- Designed by the award-winning master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Furniture, the Petit Bastone Sideboard creates a natural continuum to the Bastone Collection. Standing at the forefront of art and design, the Bastone cabinets...
Oak
French Gray Blue Low Sideboard, Scandinavian Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door, 3-drawer sideboard is presented here in ash wood and also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, the furniture is fully mounted in our worksho...
Ash, Wood
French Light Gray Customizable Low Sideboard, Design Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door, 3-drawer sideboard is presented here in ash wood and also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, the furniture is fully mounted in our worksho...
Ash, Wood
French handcrafted designer light gray sideboard by Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
Scandinavian Modern Sideboard 'Petit Bastone', 120, Doors version, Black Oak
Located in Paris, IDF
Sideboard Petit Bastone designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Dimensions : H. 80 cm / W. 120 cm / D. 50 cm Model shown in the picture : - Color : Black Oak - With doors ---- Designed by the award-winning master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Furniture, the Petit Bastone Sideboard creates a natural continuum to the Bastone Collection. Standing at the forefront of art and design, the Bastone cabinets and sideboards showcase Hartikainen’s interest in studying light and shadow and his appreciation of craftsmanship. By expanding the collection with a lower-sized version, the Bastone Low Sideboard introduces the opportunity for media console use...
Oak
Kurt Olsen Cabinet Highboard for A. Andersen & Bohm Walnut Denmark Tambour Doors
By Kurt Olsen, A. Andersen and Bohm
Located in Munster, NRW
Designed by Kurt Olsen for A. Andersen & Bohm, this rare cabinet features a lower section opening by tambour doors revealing shelves and drawers, supporting an upper section of white...
Cherry, Walnut, Lacquer
Ole Wanscher Sideboard in Rosewood – P. Jeppesen, Danish Modern
By Poul Jeppesen, Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant Danish modern sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher and crafted by master cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen. Executed in richly figured rosewood, the piece beautifully highlights the dee...
Brass
Rare Mid-century Danish Solid Teak Cabinet by Peter Hvidt, 1955
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Oakland, CA
This beautifully crafted solid teak cabinet, designed by Peter Hvidt in 1955, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and refined joinery—including expo...
Glass, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Sideboard 'Petit Bastone', 120, Doors version, Natural Oak
Located in Paris, IDF
Sideboard Bastone designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Studio Dimensions : H. 80 cm / W. 120 cm / D. 50 cm Model shown in the picture : - Color : Oak - With doors ---- Designed by the award-winning master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Furniture, the Petit Bastone Sideboard creates a natural continuum to the Bastone Collection. Standing at the forefront of art and design, the Bastone cabinets and sideboards showcase Hartikainen’s interest in studying light and shadow and his appreciation of craftsmanship. By expanding the collection with a lower-sized version, the Bastone Low Sideboard introduces the opportunity for media console use...
Oak
Solid Elm Sideboard by Olavi Hanninen
By Olavi Hanninen, Mikko Nupponen
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Solid elm sideboard designed by Olavi Hanninen. Composed of three doors and three drawers. Handles in black metal.
Metal
French artisanal light gray 3-door sideboard, by designer Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
French Light Gray 4-door Wooden Sideboard designed by Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 ...
Ash, Wood
Chapman Small Credenza Storage Unit Walnut Rose Copper
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Enfilade scandinave en teck 1960
Located in SAINT-SEVER, FR
Enfilade scandinave en teck 1960 Complete enfilade en teck des années 60 travail scandinave composé de 5 tiroirs, un bar, et 3 portes ouvrant sur des étagères. hauteur 80 cm longue...
Teak
Contemporary Sideboard, by Leo Strauss Handcrafted Buffet
By Leo Strauss
Located in Atibaia, BR
As in a movement of multicolored gears, it is possible to notice the match of the doors and drawers by their shapes and colors. The embedded handles, almost imperceptible, are based ...
Hardwood, Plywood
French designer customizable green 3-door sideboard, by Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Dresser Buffet Sideboard Manner of Arne Vodder
Located in Wayne, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern teak dresser. Back is unfinished. If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zip code, as we may be able...
Teak
French handcrafted 2-door + 3-drawer wooden sideboard, designer E Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors and 3 drawers sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and...
Ash
French artisanal tobacco leaf colored 2-door 3-drawer low wooden sideboard KUBE
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door and 3-drawer low sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and e...
Wood, Ash
French tobacco leaf lacquered 3-door sideboard, by designer Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
French Light Blue 4-Door Wooden Hand-Crafted Sideboard by Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 h...
Ash, Wood
Handcrafted scandiavian design light yellow 3-door sideboard, Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
Scandinavian sideboard or small buffet in rosewood by Erik Brouer 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Elegant and highly functional small Scandinavian sideboard. Two hinged doors open to reveal two adjustable shelves. The design is very understated and simple, with excellent craftsma...
Rosewood
French artisanal blue gray 3-drawer high wooden sideboard, by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors and 3 drawers sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and eac...
Wood, Ash
French 3-drawer tobacco leaf lacquered low wooden cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French designer artisanal light yellow 2-door 3-drawer low wooden sideboard KUBE
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door and 3-drawer low sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and e...
Wood, Ash
Meuble de rangement bibliothèque secrétaire vintage de Louis Paolozzi en teck
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Grand meuble de rangement bibliothèque moderniste vintage des années 60, modèle de Louis Paolozzi pour l’éditeur Monopoly, en teck, pieds métalliques, 3 étages, grand secrétaire avec...
Teak
Meuble bibliothèque secrétaire de rangement vintage style scandinave moderniste
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble bibliothèque de rangement carré vintage style scandinave moderniste des années 50 60, en teck, pieds en métal noir, intérieur en bois clair et mélaminé blanc. Beaucoup de ran...
Teak
French handcrafted customizable red 3-door sideboard, by Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
French customizable designer 3-door gray blue sideboard by Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
French designer artisanal 3-drawer red low wooden cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
Meuble de rangement haut vintage en palissandre années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble de rangement haut vintage style scandinave des années 60, en palissandre, fabrication française, étiquette présente certifiant l’essence du bois : palissandre de Rio. Beaucoup...
Palisander
French artisanal 1-door 3-drawer light blue customizable design wooden sideboard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 1-door and 3-drawer cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each dr...
Wood, Ash
French handcrafted tobacco leaf coloured 3-door sideboard, by Eric Gizard Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 3-door sideboard is 100% made in France in oak, veneer oak and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 3 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A vertical interior divi...
Wood, Ash
French 2-Door 3-Drawer Light Blue Wooden Sideboard by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door, 3-drawer sideboard is presented here in ash wood and also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, the furniture is fully mounted in our workshop...
Ash, Wood
French artisanal 1-door 3-drawer green low wooden sideboard by E. Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal white 2-door 3-drawer high wooden sideboard, by E Gizard 140 cm
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2 doors and 3 drawers sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and eac...
Ash, Wood
French handcrafted red 2-door 3-drawer low wooden sideboard KUBE by Eric Gizard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 2-door and 3-drawer low sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and e...
Wood, Ash
Otto Dahlin buffet for Abymobel fabrik circa 1940. Sweden
By Åby Möbler
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Otto Dahlin buffet made in pine with iron details on doors and typical swedish feet, circa 1940. Those collection have been crafted by Aby mobelfrik and can be related to Axel Einar ...
Pine
French 4-Door Hand-Crafted Wooden Sideboard, Designer Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 ...
Ash, Wood