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.
1940s Swedish modern mahogany dresser in the style of Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Dresser designed and made in Sweden during the 1940s. In the style of Austrian born designer Josef Frank and his work for Swedish company Svenskt Tenn. High quality craftsmanship wit...
Birch, Mahogany
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood 7 drawer tall dresser by Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood 7 drawer Tall dresser by Arne Wahl Iversen A beautiful example of Danish design in simplicity and quality. The rosewood grain is absolutely striki...
Wood, Rosewood
Mid Century Danish Modern long low light teak 6 drawer dresser Denmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern light teak 6 drawer dresser A beautiful example of Danish design in simplicity and quality. The teak color really looks beautiful in any modern designed r...
Wood, Teak
Swedish Six Drawer Dresser with Nordens Flora Illustrations
By Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Swedish six drawer dresser / chest of drawers, circa 1960's. The cabinet is in very good condition overall with minor patina shown on the wood surfaces. Included is the original ke...
Brass
Mid century danish modern low teak dresser by Nils Jonsson Torring mobler
By Torring Mobelfabrik, Nils Jonsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern low teak dresser by Nils Jonsson. Beautiful low 6 drawer teak dresser with high quality woodworking. Drawers have Dovetail joints very nice high constructio...
Birch, Teak
Restored Brazilian Rosewood Dresser by Kai Kristiansen, Danish Modern, 1958
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood five-drawer dresser designed by Kai Kristiansen. Features a minimalist design with beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood and pattern-matched drawers, raised on sq...
Rosewood
Vintage Danish Modern Oak Dresser attributed to Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This wonderful Danish oak dresser, crafted in the 1960s, is an example of the unique design philosophy of Henning Kjærnulf. Often celebrated for his distinctive ‘Danish Brutalist’ st...
Brass
Danish Teak Gentleman’s Chest / Armoire by Nils Jonsson for Torring
By Nils Jonsson, Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish chest of drawers designed by Nils Jonsson for Torring Mobelfabrik. Handcrafted from beautifully grained teak, the piece features six drawers with recessed pulls and a right-si...
Teak
Beautiful Danish teak 9 drawer dresser with rounded corners very clean
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Danish teak 9 drawer dresser with rounded corners very clean. All drawers have metal glides with stops. Great rounded corner design with carved handles under drawers. Clean...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood 8 drawer dresser by Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood 8 drawer dresser by Arne Wahl Iversen A beautiful example of Danish design in simplicity and quality. The rosewood grain is absolutely striking an...
Wood, Rosewood
Mid century danish modern 2 tone teak 6 drawer dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern 2 tone teak 6 drawer dresser. Clean inside and out. Great Scandinavian modern dresser. 65” x 19” x 29”
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Dresser with Six Drawers, 1970
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern 6 drawer teak dresser. Simple basic Danish modern design teak dresser. Has carved upper handles with solid wood drawers. Clean inside and out all drawers sl...
Teak
Midcentury Swedish Sculptural Dresser, William Hinn
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful curved and sculptural dresser or credenza from the 1950s Sweden with an exposed biomorphic frame of exquisitely hand-sculpted solid walnut...
Walnut
Scandinavian Modern teak 5 Drawer Wide tall Dresser wardrobe
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern teak 5 Drawer Wide tall Dresser wardrobe. Has five drawers on the right and a cabinet door on the left with 2 felt lined drawers and adjustable shelves. Sits on a...
Felt, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Credenza, 3 Drawers & 3 Doors, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modern teak 3 Drawer 3 Door Wide Credenza. Has 3 top drawers and 3 lower doors with adjustable shelves. Sits on a plinth base. Circa 1970s. Drawers have metal glide draw...
Teak
Danish Modern PAIR Teak Dressers
Located in Fulton, CA
A matched pair of teak Danish Modern Dressers. Made in Denmark, circa. 1960's. Exceptional original finish and condition. Drawers ride on steel glides and open and close effortlessly...
Teak
Mid century Danish modern teak tall dresser with metal handles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern teak tall dresser with metal handles. Great 5 drawer dresser that sits on 2 wide vertical legs. Great design with black steel pull handles. Very clean insid...
Steel
Danish Modern Teak 6 drawer Dresser by Nils Jonsson for Torring Mobelfabrik
By Nils Jonsson, Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern Teak 6 Drawer dresser by Nils Jonsson for Torring Mobelfabrik. The Dresser is very nicely fabricated with high end woodworking. Original labeled with stunning danish wo...
Beech, Teak
Danish Modern Mid Century Stunning Rosewood 4 drawer dresser by Johannes Sorth
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern Mid Century Stunning low Rosewood 4 drawer dresser by Johannes Sorth. Beautiful rosewood grain on the front of the dresser. Clean inside and out. Made by Bornholms Møbe...
Brass
Vintage Rosewood Danish Modern Six Drawer Dresser by Odense Møbelfabrik
By Arne Vodder, Odense Møbelfabrik
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern double lowboy dresser by Odense Møbelfabrik, Denmark circa 1960's. Features stunning natural rosewood wood grains and sculpted inset handles. Offers plenty of stor...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Petite 3 Drawer Teak Dresser, circa 1970
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple yet elegant petite Teak dresser with 3 drawers for storage. Small chip on lower left side bottom edge. This will be repaired. Otherwise in very good vintage condition...
Hardwood, Teak, Paint
Danish Modern Mid Century Walnut & Rosewood Dressers/Armoires 2 Available
By Dyrlund
Located in San Diego, CA
Great pair of walnut with rosewood accents double doors and drawers storage units , very nice and clean condition with rosewood handles and accents, shelves and drawers inside. Buyer...
Rosewood, Walnut
Swedish modern chest of drawers in flame birch, in the style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Hägersten, SE
Exceptional Swedish modern chest of drawers. Made from birch with lovely honey tone. Made by unknown designer and Swedish cabinetmaker during the 1930-40s. Seven drawers with oversiz...
Birch
Göran Malmvall sideboard, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard in pine designed by Göran Malmvall, produced in Sweden by Svensk Fur, 1960s. Global front door shipping available.
Pine
Danish Modern Teak Dresser Chest of Drawers by Henning Jorgensen
By Henning Jørgensen, Fredericia
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Danish chest of drawers in teak designed by Henning Jørgensen for Fredericia Møbelfabrik, Denmark circa 1960s. This unique low ...
Oak, Teak
Mid Century Modern Dresser By Arne Wahl Iverson For Vinde Mobilfabrik, Denmark.
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Teak Dresser By Arne Wahl Iverson For Vinde Mobilfabrik, Denmark. Features a quintessential Mid Century Modern Scandinavian design with clean lines, gorgeo...
Teak
Mid century danish modern light teak tall wide wardrobe dresser by Art Furn
By Art Furn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Very Clean Mid century danish modern tall wide light teak wardrobe dresser by Art furn. Simple basic Danish modern design teak 13 drawer dresser. Has 6 carved upper and lower handles...
Teak
Mid Century Multicolored Dresser Cabinet
By Hans Olsen
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid century teak cabinet in manner of Hans Olsen with series of interior gradient colored drawers. Measurements W 32" x D 20" x H 36"
Teak
Mid century danish modern Tall wide Teak Dresser Wardrobe 8-Drawer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century tall Kibaek Mobelfabrik teak dresser 5 drawers on left and had a right sliding door with 3 drawers and 2 shelves. Clean inside and out - labeled - Made in Denmark. Ready ...
Teak
Scandinavian danish modern petite teak 3 drawer dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian danish modern Small teak 3-drawer chest circa 1960 with teak carved knobs. All drawers are felt lined and have dovetailed joints. Located in Brooklyn NYC. Dimensions: H...
Birch, Teak, Pine
Danish Modern Teak Vanity Dresser Chest of Drawers
Located in New York, NY
Interesting midcentury Danish modern flip top chest of drawers, having a flip up top surface which opens to reveal divided storage spaces, over three de...
Teak
E.W. Bach Teak Dresser, Scandinavian Modern, Six Drawers, 1958
By E.W. Bach
Located in Philadelphia, PA
E.W. Bach 6 Drawer Teak Dresser. All original! Nice size and scale! Overall very clean! Bottom of one drawer shows edge loss as seen in photos.
Teak
8-Drawer Teak & Oak Dresser / Chest by Borge Mogensen for Karl Andersson
Located in Buffalo, NY
Scandinavian modern 8 - drawer dresser / chest designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by Swedish firm Karl Andersson & Söner during the 1960s.Superior quality and construction, DO...
Teak, Oak
Danish Modern Teak Highboy Dresser with Mounted Mirror
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish modern highboy dresser with mounted mirror features pressed wood construction, five dovetail drawers with wood pulls, unique frameless mounted mirror and plinth base. Li...
Mirror, Teak
Mid Century Modern Teak low long 6 drawer dresser by Westnofa Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Modern Teak low long 6 drawer Dresser by Westnofa Made In Norway. Very simple design with inset handles with black lacquer paint. Very stunning curved design an...
Teak, Lacquer
Danish Modern Teak 8 Drawer Lowboy Dresser
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish modern lowboy dresser by Westnofa features hardwood construction, original teak finish, eight dovetailed drawers with sculpted pulls, and a black painted plinth base. Di...
Teak
Danish Mid Century 8 Drawer Double Dresser Att. to Sven Ellekaer Teak
Located in New York, NY
Incredible Danish Modern double dresser in exceptional refinished condition. This example features eight drawers, two banks of four drawers each, it is constructed of solid teak, and...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Teak Tall 5 drawer dresser by Westnofa Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Modern Teak tall 5 drawer Dresser by Westnofa Made In Norway. Very simple design with inset handles with black lacquer paint. Very stunning curved design and te...
Teak, Lacquer
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Desk in Walnut for Gubi
By Gubi, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Glendale, CA
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Desk in Walnut for Gubi Designed by Grossman in 1952, but named the 62 desk as it was deemed to be ten years ahead of its time, this is an autho...
Steel
Edmond J. Spence Wave Highboy Dresser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tall dresser by Edmond Spence, c.1950s, Sweden. The dark stained maple dresser features five drawers with a unique sculpted wave front design. The top of the dresser has two tambour ...
Maple
Danish Modern Teak 7 Drawer "Tall Boy" Dresser in the Style of Arne Vodder
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful Danish modern petite teak seven drawer "tall boy" dresser in the style of Arne Vodder, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measures a Petite" 28"W...
Teak
Mid century danish modern 6 drawer teak long dresser by Art Furn
By Art Furn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern 6 drawer long teak dresser by Art furn. Simple basic Danish modern design teak dresser. Has carved upper handles with solid wood drawers. Clean inside and o...
Teak
Mid-century Danish Rosewood Dresser or Nightstand
Located in Oakland, CA
Four drawer dresser crafted in Brazilian rosewood with book-matched grain and raised on tapered legs. Finely restored and in excellent condition. Measurements Width 32.50’’ x Depth 1...
Rosewood
Teak Long Dresser Bureau Mid-Century Danish Modern Nils Jonsson HJN
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Clean long dresser. Made in Denmark, marking to back. Teak veneer, solid wood cores. Drawers working smoothly.
Teak
Pr. Danish Mid-Century Modern Style Dressers Att. to G Plan
Located in New York, NY
Stylish architectural pair of Danish style dressers attributed to G - Plan of Great Britain. Both chests are in good original, vintage estate condition, showing only light cosmetic w...
Teak
1950s Teak Low Dresser Window Cabinet Nº 394 Kai Kristiansen Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and hard to find low window dresser. Almost four feet wide. Drawers moving smoothly.
Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen 12 Drawer Cabinet
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Brande Møbelfabrik
Located in Highland, IN
Designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Brande Møbelfabrik, this teak 12 drawer cabinet is beautifully constructed with dove-tailed drawer fronts with recessed ...
Teak
Arne Vodder Teak Dressing Table by Oelholm Moebelfabrik in Excellent Condition
By Arne Vodder, Ølholm Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Fully Restored Arne Vodder Teak dressing table by Oelholm Moebelfabrik designed in the 1950´s. Elegant teak dressing-/vanity table with spilt legs, adjustable mirror and the q...
Mirror, Teak
Danish Modern Three-Drawer Teak Dresser or Chest by Borge Mogensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Absolutely gorgeous Danish modern three-drawer teak dresser / chest by Borge Mogensen, circa 1960s. The piece has been professionally refinished and looks fantastic! It is of superb ...
Teak
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Credenza with 3 Sliding Doors & Fitted Interior
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous teak credenza with sliding doors and 4 drawers. Blond maple interiors, cabinet has shelves behind the doors. Dovetailed construction, in very good vintage condition with min...
Maple, Teak
Rimbert Sandholt Brazilian Rosewood Dresser, Denmark, 1960s
By Rimbert Sandholdt, AB Glas & Trä
Located in Dronten, NL
A refined example of Danish modern craftsmanship, this Brazilian rosewood dresser by Rimbert Sandholt showcases the designer’s dedication to proportion, material, and detail. Produce...
Brass
Svend Langekilde Long Dresser
Located in San Francisco, CA
Svend Langkilde design teak long dresser for Langkilde Mobler, Denmark.
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood 8 Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Norway
Located in Wayne, NJ
Stunning 1960's Modern Brazilian Rosewood Eight-Drawer Dresser Sideboard Chest Westnofa Furniture Norway. The back side also is finished in R...
Rosewood
Torben Strandgaard Pair of Danish Teak Dressers
Located in Highland, IN
These beautiful Danish modern dressers in teak and oak by Torben Strandgaard were finely crafted by Møbelfabriken Falster and are beautifully detailed with a chassis base and brass w...
Brass
Göran Malmvall cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cabinet in pine designed by Göran Malmvall, produced in Sweden by Svensk Fur, 1950s. Global front door shipping available.
Pine
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Six-Drawer Dresser
By Greta Magnusson Grossman, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Six-Drawer Dresser Designed by Grossman in 1952, but named the '62 dresser as it was deemed to be ten years ahead of i...
Steel
Mid Century Modern Teak 3 drawer dresser by Westnofa Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Modern Teak 3 drawer Dresser by Westnofa Made In Norway. Very simple design with inset handles with black lacquer paint. Very stunning curved design and teak wo...
Teak, Lacquer
Göran Malmvall sideboard, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sideboard in dark stained pine designed by Göran Malmvall, produced in Sweden by Svensk Fur, 1960s.
Pine
Norway Teak 4 Drawer Dresser in Scandinavian Modern Style, 1965
By Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Norway Teak 4 Drawer Dresser with a plinth Black Base, most likely by Westnofa. Marked Norway on bottom of cabinet. Nice construction with solid wood d...
Teak
Mid century Danish rosewood credenza dresser by Carlo Jensen - Hundevad
By Carlo Jensen, Poul Hundevad
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful mid century Danish rosewood dresser - credenza by Carlo Jensen for Hundevad. Has a very nice bifold door on left side that slides open to cabinet space with adjustable shel...
Rosewood