Scandinavian Modern Furniture
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
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; 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.
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Stoneware
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Pine, Fabric
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Canvas
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Leather, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Steel
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Sheepskin, Elm
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Marble, Brass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Velvet, Birch
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wool, Linen
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wool
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Stainless Steel
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Oak
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wood, Teak
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wood
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Chrome
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Metal
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wool
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Brass
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Silver Plate
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Ceramic
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Upholstery, Walnut
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Porcelain
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Ceramic
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Ceramic
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wool
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Birch, Teak
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Bronze
1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Oak
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Art Glass
1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Birch
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Clay, Pottery
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Steel, Iron
1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Birch
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Birch
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Wool
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Cork, Wood
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Glass
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Aluminum
Scandinavian Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, lighting, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern furniture 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 furniture, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Louis Poulsen, and Børge Mogensen. 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.
Read More
Dagmar Has Become a Go-To London Address for Mid-Century Scandi Design
With an in-house workshop, the gallery not only proposes beautifully restored vintage classics but also recently launched a line of pieces under license, spearheaded by Arnold Madsen’s iconic Clam chair.
Design Icon Ilse Crawford on Her Colorful New Hans Wegner Chairs
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.
The 16 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about to how they came to be.
113 Chairs That Prove Danish Design Isn’t Limited to Denmark
In an innovative display, the Designmuseum Danmark is permanently exhibiting the 20th century's most iconic seats.
April’s Most-Liked Interiors on Instagram
Our feed is filled with the world's most beautiful spaces. See the 10 our followers have deemed the best of the best this month.
Tapio Wirkkala Bucked the Trends of Mid-Century Nordic Design
The Finnish talent created nature-inspired pieces, from furniture to jewelry, with phenomenal staying power.
The Married Collectors behind Stockholm’s Newest Design Museum
Kersti Sandin and Lars Bülow want their new endeavor to educate both students and professionals about furniture design.
What Do Cool Icelandic Interiors Look Like?
Two designers — one a native Icelander, the other a transplant from Manhattan — give us the low-down on achieving an Icelandic vibe at home.