Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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
Midcentury Chest of Drawers U-458 by Jiri Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Midcentury chest of drawers, model no. U-458, designed by Jiri Jiroutek. It was made in the 1960s and produced by “Interier Praha”. This model associated with world-renowned EXPO 58-...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Plywood, Beech
1960s, Danish chest of drawers, teak wood, mirror inside, sliding doors.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish chest of drawers. Teak wood, mirror inside, sliding doors. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furniture ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian oak and burl chest of drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage three-drawer light oak chest of drawers with decorative inlay and brass details, late 1940s.
Elegant Scandinavian oak and burl chest of drawers dating from the late 1940s, w...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Scandinavian wooden chest of drawers with iron handles
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage natural wood chest of drawers, three capacious drawers and dark iron handles, sober and rustic style.
Scandinavian solid wood chest of drawers with natural finish and three ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
1960s, Danish chest of drawers, mirror inside, original condition, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish chest of drawers with a mirror inside. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Teak wood, drawers, and doors, mirror inside, pulled-out top. Manufactured...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mirror, Teak
Scandinavian teak chest of drawers from the 1950s/60s
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak chest of drawers characterized by elegant details and solid construction. The cabinet features three spacious drawers, each with metal handles. The first drawer is equippe...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Vintage Classic Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Dark Walnut Wood Cabinet, 1960s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This classic cabinet was made in Scandinavia during the 1960s. This piece was finished with high-quality walnut wood with a dark, noble color and disti...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Svend Langkilde Danish Rosewood Cabinet, c1960
Located in London, England
Svend Langkilde - Rosewood cabinet
2-door cabinet made from exquisite rosewood designed by Sven Langkilde and produced by his own company Langkilde Mobler. The internal space is m...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Fully Restored Mid Century Chest of Drawers U-458 by Jiri Jiroutek, Czechoslovak
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid-century chest of drawers, model no. U-458, designed by Jiri Jiroutek. It was made in the 1960´s and produced by “Interier Praha”. This model associated with world-renowned EXPO 5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Mid-Century Modernist Chest of Drawers No. U-453, by Jiří Jiroutek, Czechoslovak
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Modernist mahogany chest of drawers, model no. U-453, designed by Jirí Jiroutek for Interiér Praha. It was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. This model is associated wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Beech
White 6-drawer chest of drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage Scandinavian white chest of drawers.
A bright and elegant addition to any space, this white-painted wooden dresser traces Nordic style with sophistication. Its clea...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Contemporary / Modern White "Lustrosa" Cabinet and Natural Wood 5-Drawer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Lustrosa" 5 drawer chest featuring a white finished wood cabinet containing 5 drawers with a natural walnut finish, each with two top mounted drawer pulls, res...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
Contemporary / Modern White "Lustrosa" Cabinet and Natural Wood 2-Drawer Dresser
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Lustrosa" 2-drawer chest featuring a white finished wood cabinet containing 2 drawers with a natural walnut finish, each with two top mounted drawer pulls, res...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian oak chest of drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian-made bedside table/drawer chest with drawers produced in 1969.
This particular design piece stands out for its original shape and warm oak color.
The two drawers featur...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Chest of Drawers No. U-453, by Jiří Jiroutek, Czechoslovakia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Modernist chest of drawers, model no. U-453, designed by Jirí Jiroutek for Interiér Praha. It was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. This model is associated with the w...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Beech, Plywood
Walnut Wood Chest of Drawers Tall Sculptural Design
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Sculptural Design creation Walnut chest of drawers with a round shaped silhouette that reveals the wood flexibility and beauty and wakens the desire of feeling its shape by ...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Iron
Scandinavian Modern Organic Vintage Brown Teak Chest or Commodes 1960s, Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern organic vintage chest of drawers or commodes from teak designed and manufactured, 1960s, Denmark.
An amazing chest with three (3) drawers and much storage space ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Fully Restored Mid Century Sideboard U-450 by Jiří Jiroutek, 1960´s, Czechoslova
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Mid century sideboard-cabinet, catalogue No. U-450, designed by Jiri Jiroutek. It´s made of beechwood, veneer, plywood and laminate. In excellent condition, fully refurbished.
The...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Beech, Plywood
Chatol Made In Light Mahogany With Brass Handles From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This chatol with three drawers is furniture craftsmanship from the 1920s. Crafted in light mahogany and adorned with brass handles and fittings, it exudes both elegance and functiona...
Category
1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Mahogany
Mid-Century Modernist Chest of Drawers No. U-453, by Jiří Jiroutek, Czechoslovak
Located in Prague 8, CZ
Modernist mahogany chest of drawers, model no. U-453, designed by Jirí Jiroutek for Interiér Praha. It was made in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960´s. This model is associated w...
Category
1960s Czech Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood, Beech
Scandinavian filing cabinet from the 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s filing cabinet with double shutter doors and interior with shelves.
The double shutter doors slide vertically to reveal spacious and organized interiors with practical...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Wood
Tall Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Cabinet
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant timeless Apothecary style chest of drawers cabinet that provides a practical storage space for dining rooms and offices.
It is composed by drawers of different dimensio...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Børge Mogensen Bureau BM57 Produced by Cabinetmaker P. Lauritsen & Søn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bureau BM57 designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by cabinetmaker P. Lauritsen & Søn in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Ib Kofod-Larsen Bureau Produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bureau designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Side Table / Bureau Attributed to Poul Nørreklit Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side table / bureau attributed to Poul Nørreklit. Produced in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Brass
Rosewood Mirror with Commode, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Danish chest of drawers with a mirror from the 1960s.
Dimensions:
Mirror: height 123 cm / width 68 cm
Chest of drawers: height 45 cm / width 77 cm / depth 38 cm.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Cassettiera scandinava da ufficio
Located in Brescia, IT
Archivio in rovere con impugnature in metallo dorato.
Dotata di quattro ampi cassetti, questa cassettiera offre spazio abbondante per organizzare documenti, materiale d'ufficio, ves...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Metal
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Kai Kristiansen Bureaus Model Nr 50 by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of bureaus model nr 50 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Rosewood
Chest of Drawers by Carl Aage Skov for Munch Møbler, 1957
By C. A. Skov
Located in Barcelona, ES
Chest of drawers designed in 1957 by Carl Aage Skov for Munch Møbler, Denmark. Slim model with six drawers in teak wood and bicolor base in oak and teak...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Teak
Seating and Storage Hallway Piece in Three Types of Scandinavian Pine
By Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
'Entry'
This piece was formed out of three types of pine; oregon, douglas and scots pine and exhibits each sort beautifully different and contrastive characters.
This is an archetyp...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Copper
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Rosewood Sideboard by Ole Wanshcer
By Ole Wanscher
Located in San Marino, CA
Four drawers with English inspired handles, resting on an Asian inspired support.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Tall Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Cabinet
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant timeless Apothecary style chest of drawers cabinet that provides a practical storage space for dining rooms and offices.
It is composed by drawers of different dimensio...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism.
Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Chiffonier
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
Chiffonier chest of drawers commode dresser with exterior in solid wood and interior in natural veneered mdf.
Possible to choose among oak or walnut wood .
Base made of iron with m...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Chiffonier
Located in Paris, FR
Chiffonier chest of drawers commode dresser with exterior in solid wood and interior in natural veneered mdf.
Possible to choose among oak or walnut wood.
Base made of iron with ma...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chest of Drawers and Shelves in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian chest of drawers and shelves in teak. 2 shelves. 2 sliding doors. 1 inner modular shelve. 2 drawers. 1 slidin...
Category
1970s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Five Drawer Cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Soborg Mobler
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian modern five-drawer cabinet by Danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Crafted by Soborg Mobler, the chest is made from solid Burmese teak with beveled ed...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Modular Wall Unit Landform Night System 5 with Drawers and Desk Made with Oak
Located in Seroa, PT
Composition Description
Panel 400 + Panel 600 - 380 x 6 x H200 cm
Mate oak wood veneer (SCF-24)
Chest of drawers - 180 x 50 x H60 cm
Mate Beige lacquered (SCL-03) With black metal handles (SCM-16)
Desk with 2 drawers - 180 x 50 x H18 cm
Mate beige lacquered (SCL-03)
Designed to suit the needs of your living spaces, the Landform Night System sets up all the necessary elements for an area that prioritises conviviality, rest, and entertainment. This piece combines bookcases, display cases, modular systems, and TV cabinets.
Finding the perfect balance between com fort, functionality and design is the main goal of a furniture system aimed at study and work. This solution features a dark brown oak mate wood veneer panel, a taupe lacquered storage unit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Oak, Lacquer
Danish Modern Teak Hanging Shelf with Drawer
Located in Kensington, MD
Beautiful Teak Wall Mounted Shelf with Storage Drawer — Minimalism at Its Best. Use it as a nightstand for an uncluttered look. Perfect in an entryway with a mirror mounted above.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian Modern commodes and chests of drawers for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, tables, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern commodes and chests of drawers 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 commodes and chests of drawers, popular names associated with this style include Kai Kristiansen, Børge Mogensen, Jiri Jiroutek, and Interiér Praha. 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 commodes and chests of drawers differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $285 and tops out at $27,205 while the average work can sell for $2,869.