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.
Mid Century Scandinavian Modern Style Teak Server With Casters. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Style Teak Server / Dry Bar with Casters by Nordic Furniture of Ontario, Canada. Circa 1980s Features a sleek minimalist design, a long shelf ...
Teak
Teak Flip Top Bar Cart liquor Cabinet By Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An absolutely stunning Vintage teak Flip Top Bar Cart Cabinet By Torbjørn Afdal For Bruksbo Norway. Beautiful teak grain inside and out with intricate details inside with brass accen...
Brass
Bar Cabinet by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sophisticated foldable bar cabinet designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo in the 1960s. Crafted in richly grained rosewood, the cabinet features a clever fold-out construction that d...
Brass
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Dry Bar Sideboard Credenza c 1950/60's
By Hans J. Wegner, France & Daverkosen
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern sideboard, credenza, dry bar, constructed of teak, teak veneer, brass, rosewood and mirror. The cabinet features an asymmetrical case with slidi...
Mirror, Rosewood, Teak
Aarhus Rådhus Cabinet, 1941, by Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oakland, CA
HANS J WEGNER, a bar cabinet executed by cabinetmaker Axel I Sørensen, for the Mayor's office, Aarhus Rådhus, 1941. Walnut cabinet with locking tambour doors with handles of cast bra...
Brass
Scandinavian modern mahogany and leather bar cabinet, Sweden, 1950s
By AB Förenade Möbelfabrikerna Linköping
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great bar cabinet by unknown Swedish designer. Produced by AB Förenade Möbelfabrikerna Linköping, Sweden, during the 1950s. Made in mahogany with a leather dressed front. Slender s...
Leather, Mahogany
Bar Cabinet in Elm and Brass Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet in Elm and Brass Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Elm, brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sw...
Brass
"Times" Extendable Bar Cabinet by Torbjørn Afdal in Rosewood
By Torbjørn Afdal, Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare and practical bar cabinet model Times designed by Torbjørn Afdal and produced by Mellemstrands Møbelfabrik in Norway. Exceptional piece in beautiful all original condition. To...
Brass
Midcentury Wall Bar Cabinet by Svend Langkilde, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing rosewood wall cabinet by Svend Langkilde with cool details of accentuated brass hinges and sculpted inset handle. Elegantly designed inside with shelves for glasses and a she...
Brass
Danish Bar Cabinet by Reno Wahl Iversen for Dyrlund
Located in Karlstad, SE
"Captains bar" designed by Reno Wahl Iversen for Dyrlund, Denmark. The bar is made of rosewood with elegant details in brass. The black l...
Brass
c. 1956 Rare Handcrafted Brazilian Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Borge Mogensen
By P. Lauritsen & Son 1, Børge Mogensen
Located in Oakland, CA
Exquisite Scandinavian rosewood bar cabinet designed by Børge Mogensen and handcrafted by master cabinetmakers P. Lauritsen & Søn, Denmark c 1956. This rare, handcrafted cabinet show...
Glass, Mirror, Rosewood
Danish Modern Teak Sliding Door Bar Cart
Located in Wilmington, DE
What a find. Offered is a very cool Danish modern teak bar cart. Features two sliding doors on top and bottom with compartments. It is also on wheels. Great for storage, serving drin...
Teak
Danish Freestanding Bar Cabinet by Poul Nørreklit
By Hans J. Wegner, Poul Nørreklit, Svend Langkilde, Langkilde Møbler, Johannes Andersen
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful Danish freestanding bar furniture from the 1960s. The high-quality craftsmanship and elegant design make this piece of furniture a true favorite. A very speci...
Metal
Danish Mid-Century Bar Cabinet in Rosewood by Kurt Østervig
Located in Karlstad, SE
Enhance your home with the classic charm of Scandinavian mid-century design with this breathtaking bar by Kurt Østervig for KP Møbler, Denmark. The rosewood exterior boasts beautiful...
Brass
Mid Century Danish Bar Cart by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Vantinge Møbelindustri, Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely Gorgeous expandable, Scandinavian, Mid-Century Modern dry bar cart by famous designer Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Mobelindustri, made in Denmark circa 1960’s. F...
Wood
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood by Kurt Østervig, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood by Kurt Østervig, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by K.P Møbler in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H)...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Danish Modern Bar Cabinet - Classic 1960s Scandinavian Design
Located in Dallas, TX
The right side of the cabinet features a drop-front door that opens to reveal a dry bar with an illuminated shelf, perfect for showcasing cocktail and wine glasses. A thoughtful cuta...
Beech, Teak
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood, Glass and Steel by Torbjørn Afdal, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood, Glass and Steel by Torbjørn Afdal, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, glass and steel Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare bar cabinet mode...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Danish Modern Rosewood Adjustable Bar Cart with Storage C1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic rolling bar cart with an adjustable work area which opens to reveal ample storage for all your glassware and bottles. Beautifully designed out of Rosewood with laminate to...
Chrome
Bar cabinet, unknown designer and maker, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Swedish modern bar cabinet from the 1950s in mahogany with frosted glass doors. The cabinet stands on slender legs with stretchers, giving a light and well-balanced appearance. Behi...
Glass, Mahogany
Swedish Grace Vitrine Bookcase, Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant bookcase with vitrine doors by Carl Malmsten, perfect for organizing favorite books and objects. Made from mahogany with woodgrain laid in contrasting directions.
Glass, Mahogany
Mid-Century Norwegian Rosewood Flip-Top Rolling Dry Bar by Torbjørn Afdal
By Torbjørn Afdal, Bruksbo, Mellemstrands Trevareindustri
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Highly functional and handsome rosewood flip-top bar cabinet on caster wheels with two keys designed by Torbjørn Afdal and produced by Mellemstr...
Brass
Vintage Compact Danish Teak Expandable Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern compact dry bar cabinet in teak model no. 7739 manufactured by Dyrlund, Copenhagen. This clever piece features an extendable serving top with an easy to maintain black laminate surface. Equipped with two dovetail drawers, a stainless steel ice bucket, one adjustable shelf, and plenty of storage for cocktail glasses and bottles. Accented with a modern aluminum square knob...
Aluminum, Stainless Steel
Scandinavian Modern Otto Meyer Figured Birch Sideboard Bar Cabinet
By Meyer
Located in New York, NY
Striking Scandinavian Modern figured birch demi lune sideboard/bar cabinet signed Otto Meyer, Snedkermester, Kobenhaven, 1918. Featuring a large central top...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Dry Bar / Serving Cart by PBJ Mobler. Circa 1970s
By PBJ Møbler
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Dry Bar / Serving Cart by PBJ Mobler, Denmark. Circa 1970s Features a quintessential Scandinavian modern sleek design, a wonderful teak wood g...
Teak
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood, Black Formica by Helge Vestergaard Jensen, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet in Rosewood, Black Formica by Helge Vestergaard Jensen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, black formica Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare bar cabine...
Rosewood
Bar Cabinet with Tambour Doors in Rosewood and Brass by Kurt Østervig, 1960's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet with Tambour Doors in Rosewood, Brass and Glass by Kurt Østervig, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass and glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Pro...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Bar Cart By Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Norway
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An absolutely stunning Vintage Rosewood Bar Cart Trolley By Torbjørn Afdal For Bruksbo Norway. Beautiful rosewood grain inside and out with intricate detailed Handles. Plenty of stor...
Rosewood
Danish folding Bar With Rotating Cabinet by Reno Wahl for Drylund 1960s
Located in Cork, IE
What better place to look for clever space saving solutions than on a ship! This captain's bar was designed by Reno Wahl Iversen for the Danish manufacturer Drylund. It comes with ...
Brass
Art deco fold out bar cube in the manner of Otto Schulz, Sweden 1920s
By Boet, Otto Schulz
Located in Hägersten, SE
Bar cube by unknown Swedish designer and maker. High quality crafts piece with beautiful attention to details and color. Black lacquered birch and elm wood with geometrical inlays on...
Birch, Elm, Teak, Lacquer, Paint
Johannes Andersen Folding Bar Cabinet Produced by Dyrlund in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare folding bar cabinet designed by Johannes Andersen. Produced by Dyrlund in Denmark.
Brass
Cabinet scandinavo anni ’60 in teak
Located in Brescia, IT
Cabinet in teak con due ante a battente, maniglie intagliate a doppia foratura e linee geometriche che valorizzano la venatura del legno. Elegante cabinet scandinavo in teak, anni ’...
Teak
Stunning Rosewood Expansion Bar Cart by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A unique expansion bar in rosewood by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Møbelindustri with a black laminate top. When expanded, the interior two-tier storage holds barware, bott...
Glass, Formica, Rosewood
Oak and Brass Car Cabinet by Bjørn Engø, Norwegian Modern, Norway, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Bar cabinet designed by Bjørn Engø. Produced in Norway by Gustav Bahus during the 1940-50s. Made from teak and doors of solid oak slats with copper nails. Base made from solid oak wi...
Brass, Copper
Walnut Dry Bar Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Paris, FR
This extremely elegant solid high quality Walnut wood Dry Bar Sideboard is the combination of a traditional sideboard with a sophisticated drinks cabinet. The design was inspired by ancient jewellery boxes: simple, neat containers of precious and shiny objects. It hides a reflective surface where you can store your best bottles and also includes an elegant black metal tray...
Metal, Iron
Rolf Hesland Rosewood Cube Bar by Bruksbo
By Bruksbo
Located in Highland, IN
This delightful piece designed by Rolf Hesland and crafted by Haug Snekkeri for Bruksbo serves double duty as both a side table and a small portable bar. It has great presence with b...
Brass
Kurt Østervig Bar Cabinet Produced by K.P. Møbler in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare bar cabinet designed by Kurt Østervig. Produced by K.P Møbler in Denmark.
Brass
Rosewood Danish Modern Dry Bar Credenza Cabinet
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern dry bar with sideboard cabinet in rosewood circa 1970’s. Features an expandable serving countertop with an easy to maintain black laminate surface. The interior ba...
Aluminum
Vintage Teak HM3 dry bar by Poul Heltborg.
By Heltborg Møbler, Poul Heltborg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful HM3 dry bar designed by poul Heltborg for Heltborg Mobler. teak freestanding bar featured leather top with a guest and server side. foot rests on both sides. server side ...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak High Board
Located in Denton, TX
Danish Modern Teak High Board. Sleek sliding doors with sculpted handles. Shelves are inside of the sliding doors for tons of storage space. Can also be use...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Dry Bar And Barstools Set By Dyrlund
This chic Scandinavian Modern rosewood dry bar set was manufactured by the Danish furniture company Dyrlund circa the 1960s. The set features a dry bar cabinet that was designed by Erik Buch and bar stools designed by Knud Bent both for Dyrlund. The bar cabinet has been commonly described as the boomerang bar...
Steel
Rosewood "Boomerang" Dry Bar by Erik Buch for Dyrlund / Denmark
This Danish Modernist boomerang dry bar by Erik Buch for Dyrlund is a stunning piece from the 1960s. Seldom seen in rosewood.. Its striking boomerang-shaped front and chrome-plated s...
Stainless Steel
Knud Bent dry bar in rosewood Dyrlund Denmark 1960
Beautiful dry bar designed by Knud Bent for Dyrlund, Denmark 1960. This sculptural and highly functional dry bar, designed by Knud Bent for Dyrlund in the 1960s, is a refined example...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 Modern Bar Cart
By Alvar Aalto
Located in North York, ON
Alvar Aalto tea trolley 900 Modern bar cart. Iconic Scandinavian modern design by Alvar Aalto. The trolley features ceramic tiles, and a ra...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Scandinavian modern wine rack in solid pine by Stig Johnsson, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Solid pine wine rack designed by Stig Johnsson and produced by Smålandsslöjd, Sweden, during the 1970s. Goes perfectly with other furniture from the Scandinavian modern-period. R...
Pine
Danish Modern Handled Teak & Black Enamel Rolling Two Tier Cart, 1950's
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Scandinavian Modern rolling Two Shelf Teak & Black Tea Cart, Serving Cart Featuring a lipped, rounded corner solid grained Teak top shelf (19 x 27), lipped bottom shelf (16 x 23), st...
Metal, Steel
Stylish Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund, Denmark, 1960's
By Dyrlund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Standing bar cabinet produced by Dyrlund, Denmark, 1960's. Stylish design with the front part that folds down to create a serving surface, and int...
Brass
Leif Alring Bar Cabinet Model 284 Produced by C.F. Christensen in Denmark
By Leif Alring
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bar cabinet model 284 designed by Leif Alring. Produced by C.F. Christensen in Denmark.
Brass
Torbjørn Afdal for Scandinavian Modern Teak Bar Cabinet, Norway, Circa 1960s
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cleverly designed Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo teak extendable bar cabinet / cart, Norway, circa 1960s. This mid-century modern bar cabinet offers an expandable top that latches onto b...
Teak
Be My Guest Cane Bar Cabinet by Charlotte Høncke for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
An elegant, spacious wood and wicker bar cabinet with a simple metal frame. It is an exquisite item of furniture, perfect for any connoisseur who fancies a stylish bar cabinet, or any design lover dreaming of a nice little cabinet for the living room, office or bedroom. The Be My Guest bar cabinet...
Steel
Swedish Midcentury Bar in Rosewood "Party Corner" by Wards Ateljéer AB, 1968
Located in Karlstad, SE
Scandinavian midcentury bar in Rosewood "Party Corner" by Wards Ateljéer AB 1968. The bar features a sliding door on top and the bar lights up when opened....
Brass
Ernst Kühn Coffee Table / Bar Cabinet by Lysberg Hansen & Therp in Denmark
By Ernst Kühn
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare coffee table / bar cabinet attributed to Ernst Kühn. Produced by Lysberg Hansen & Therp in Denmark.
Brass
Wall-Mounted Bar for Dyrlund, 1960s
By Dyrlund
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautiful wall-mounted bar in expressive rosewood having a drop-down shelf revealing recessed bottle holders and floating shelves and drawers with flush chromed pulls. This well-en...
Brass
Mid-Century "Swedish Grace" Cabinet / Bar / Sideboard Attr. to Eliel Saarinen
Located in New York, NY
Rare double level cabinet, sideboard, buffet, bar or etagere in the Modern Neoclassical tradition known as Swedish Grace in Scandinavia. The piece is attributed Eliel Saarinen, the father of Eero Saarinen. It is composed of various burl woods with the doors finished with stunning rectangular inlays providing harmony and balance. Classical figures adorn the corners of the base cabinet and shelving...
Wood
Pair of Bar Stools in Beech and Patinated Leather by Fritz Hansen, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of bar stools, designed and made by Fritz Hansen. Great condition.
Leather, Beech
Poul Norreklit dry bar in rosewood Dyrlund Denmark 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful decorative dry bar table designed by Poul Norreklit for Dyrlund, Denmark 1960. This typical Danish piece of furniture is made of amazingly grained rosewood all around, even...
Formica, Teak
E Pedersen Sliding Coffee Bar Table Denmark 1960
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super stylish coffee table with sliding top and hidden bar which is manufactured by E. Pedersen & Son a-s, Denmark 1960. This coffee table has a sliding top which opens the bar part ...
Laminate, Plexiglass, Rosewood
Walnut and Marble Sideboard Credenza
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant and solid walnut frame sideboard with a beautiful marble top in Calacata or brown emperor option and a turntable bar in the middle. Packed in a plywood box.
Marble
Classic Teak & Oak Kofod Larsen Danish Teak Box Bar / Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Teak Bar Cabinet with dropleaf top.. Tapering oak legs,, Model 4060 , designed in 1956.. This unique teak box opens up to create a serving surface and glass/ bottle storage space. De...
Oak, Teak
Scandinavian Designer Black Natural Wood Cabinet Dry Bar
Located in Paris, FR
This Bar Cabinet pays tribute to the National Spirit of Scandinavia. Elegant piece through the characteristic wooden slats, the creased lines and the smooth architectural design. All in perfect harmony with the necessary functionalities of a bar cabinet, evidencing 2 shelves with bottle storage height and depth for larger objects and the lower shelve for smaller objects such as glasses. This cabinet is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste efficiency technology. We are using the highest quality woods with natural non-toxic glues and paint. This piece is assembled and finished by professional craftsmen. We offer free shipping to Europe...
Birch