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Scandinavian Modern Furniture

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 

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

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
Creator: Unknown
Creator: A. & H. Lejambre
Rosewood Writing Desk with Bookshelf, Danish Design
Located in The Hague, NL
Midcentury Danish rosewood desk A good quality Danish rosewood desk having four drawers to the front and open shelf to the back. Beautiful grain on the top and drawers on original ke...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Swedish Lounge Chair 1940-50s
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Lounge Chair Made in 1940-50s Beautiful shape and character, similar to the clam chair made by Arnold Madsen Height: 82 cm Width: 57 cm Depth: 50 cm Seat Height: 39 cm
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Primitive Swedish Stool 1880-1920c
Located in Farsta, SE
Primitive Swedish Stool 1880-1920c Beautiful pearl grey patina. Wear consistent with age and use. Made out of pine and birch wood. Height: 4...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Modern Circular Wood Mirror with Shelf circa 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully crafted Swedish Modern circular mirror formed in one loop of wood around the entire mirror. Brass studs hold the loop in place with and extended piece that acts as a sm...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Danish Rosewood Chest of Drawers, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Danish rosewood chest of drawers, Denmark, 1970s Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: rosewood Simensions: height: 48 cm, width: 100 cm, depth: 43 cm.
Category

1970s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian Modern Set of 5 Teak& Green New Upholstery Dinning Room Chairs
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian modern period set off 5 dining room chairs made in 1960s, Denmark. The chairs has been newly reupholstered with green wool furniture fabric. Frame is made of curved t...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Teak

Secretary in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This secretary, crafted in rosewood and showcasing Danish design from the 1960s, epitomizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal. With its sleek lines and rich wood grain, it exu...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Coffee Table, Danish Design, 1960s, Renovated
Located in Chorzów, PL
A table of Danish production. The furniture was produced in the 1960s, in a very good condition, after professional renovation.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Wonderful Danish Modern Teak Cylindrical Roll Top Sewing Caddy Basket
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Danish modern style cylindrical roll-top sewing caddy/basket. We just love this unusual piece which can be used for storage of anything really-s...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Easy Chair Bu Unknown Maker
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Upholstered easy chair in lambskin with high back and legs in stained beech. From the 1940s. Unknown maker.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Smaller Dresser with Two Drawers in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
The smaller dresser with two drawers in rosewood, featuring Danish design from the 1960s, is a delightful and practical piece of mid-century furniture. Danish design from the 1960s ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Occasional Table Anonymous, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table anonymous, Denmark. 1950s. Brazilian rosewood. Irregular form. Dimensions: H: 58 cm/ 22 3/4'' L: 80 cm/ 31 1/2'' D: 60 cm/ 23 1/2''
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Very large Swedish 'dug out barrel' from around 1890.
Located in Farsta, SE
Very large Swedish "dug out barrel" from around 1890. This barrel is absolutely massive in its thickness and overall size. The texture and patina that has accumulated over time mak...
Category

1890s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Birch hook 1886
Located in Farsta, SE
A large pine hook made in 1886 in Sweden is a historical tool used for various purposes. Pine or birch hooks, often made from a sturdy piece of wood, were commonly used in agricultur...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Long Swedish Trestle Table ca 1780
Located in Farsta, SE
Long Swedish Trestle Table ca 1780 This table comes from Alfta in Hälsingland, Sweden, and has a great length with a beautifull smooth, heavy patina. The colors range from gray, bro...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Midcentury Floor Lamp in Brass and Leather, Made in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Scandinavian floor lamp in brass and leather. Adjustable height and shade. Very nice patina, original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Butter Box ca 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Butter Box ca 1850 The base part is made of grey Öland limestone and the lid is made of red Öland limestone. Heigth: 10 cm/3.9 inch Depth: 11.5 cm/4.5 inch Widht: 15 cm/5.9...
Category

Mid-19th Century European Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Swedish Butter Box dated 1859
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Butter Box dated 1859 Made out of Öland limestone, inscripted with the date 1859 and has beautiful ornate decorations. Heigth: 7.5 cm/2.9 inch Depth: 14.5 cm/5.7 inch Widht...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Rare Swedish Milking Stool circa 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Swedish Milking Stool circa 1850 Made out of a solid piece of pine wood. This three-legged milking stool with a handle and amazing smooth brown patina. The movement and overal...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare Large Swedish Stone Box, ca 1790-1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Large Swedish Stone Box, ca 1790-1830 The patina is remarkable, and you can see fossils in the stone. The craftsmanship is also incredible, considering that it was made withou...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Limestone

Rustic Bench 'Fållbänk' circa 1780
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Rustic Bench 'Fållbänk' circa 1780 This Swedish follbänk really has this primitive feeling to it and an amazing painted surface. Its dark red and brown tones and look reall...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Candlestick Holder mid-19th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Candlestick Holder mid-19th century Crafted with iron and oak wood. Height: 29 cm/11.4 inch Diameter: 8 cm/3.1 inch
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Swedish adjustable Floor Candlestick holder 'Lyskärring', circa 1780-1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish adjustable Floor Candlestick holder, also called 'Lyskärring'. Circa 1780-1830. The patina is really dark and has an almost mahogany feel to it. This was originally not int...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Teak sideboard with drawers, Italy 1970s
Located in modena, Emilia-Romagna
Large sideboard made of solid Teak wood, handcrafted in the 1970s in Italy. An extremely storage furniture, the sideboard also has 4 drawers with steel handles. Looking at the sidebo...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Pair of Rustic Wooden Swedish Bed Side Tables in Pine Produced Early, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of decorative and rustic squared wooden bed side tables in pine produced in Sweden early 1900s. In good original condition with nice pa...
Category

1910s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Rustic Wooden Cabin Coffee Sofa Table in Solid Pine Produced, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare rustic Swedish wooden coffee soda table in solid stained pine produced by anonymous designer around 1930s. In good original condition with nice patina. Dimensions: H: 50 cm / ...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Johannes Foersom & Peter Hjorth-Lorentzen for Erik Jørgensen, Coffee Table
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Johannes Foersom & Peter Hjorth-Lorentzen for Erik Jørgensen. Coffee table with marble plate. Frame in steel with satin finish. Model EJ 66-G. Made by Erik Jørgensen.
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Slate, Stainless Steel

Large late 18th-century Trestle Table from Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Large late 18th-century Ttrestle Table from Sweden. The size and shape make this a perfect large dining table, that can easily fit 8-10 people. The centuries have given it a beauti...
Category

1780s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Mid Century Modern Wooden Chest of Drawers in Pine Produced, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare wooden mid century chest of drawers commode in pine with brass handles produced in Sweden, 1940s. In good condition. Dimensions: H: 70 cm / 27.55" W: 96 cm / 37.80" D: 46 cm /...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Small Swedish Stool ca 1960s
Located in Farsta, SE
Small Swedish Stool ca 1960s The stool has chunky legs and shows good wear consistent with age and use. Made out of pine wood. Heigth: 21 cm/8.2 inch Depth: 19cm/7.4 inch Width: 2...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish long folk art bench, circa 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish long folk art bench, circa 1850 If one didn’t know better, one could almost mistake it for being of a newer date. It was probably only in use for big events and celebrations...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Three-legged Stool from 1798 from Northen Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Three-legged Stool from 1798 Made of Birch Tree (Betula tortuosa) from Northen Sweden Dated year 1798 and signed with owner's mark E.F.B The stool's legs were crafted in the 20th c...
Category

1790s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Mid Century Wooden Low Tripod Stool in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare wooden mid century three legged low stool in pine produced in Sweden 1960s. In good original condition. Stamped "SG" under neath the seating. Dimensions: H: 33 cm / 13" Diamet...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Primitive Wooden Low Side Coffee Sofa Table in Pine Produced mid 1800s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare wooden side / coffee butcher table in a primitive and wabi sabi style produced out of pine in Sweden around 1850s. In good original condition. Very decorative and stable. Dime...
Category

1850s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Pine Stool ca 1960
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Pine Stool ca 1960 Consistent with age and use. Made out of pine wood. Heigth: 32 cm/12.5 inch Diameter: 26 cm/10.2 inch
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Late 18th-century long Trestle Table from Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Late 18th-century long Trestle Table from Sweden. Time has passed and has come again. The patina and wear over the centuries have made it into what it is today. The tabletop has ni...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Mid Century Armless Easy Chairs in Sheepskin Produced, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century curved armless arm / easy chairs in beech and newly upholstered dark mocha colored sheepskin. In great matching condition. Produced in Sweden 1940s. ...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Sheepskin, Beech

Swedish Grace Mid Century Floor Lamp in Metal & Brass Produced by Bjerkås, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Swedish mid century floor lamp in white painted metal and brass produced by Bjerkås Armatur in Sweden, 1940s. In good vintage condition. Dimensions: H: 145 cm / 57" W: 45...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Michael Winter - Mid Century Silver Salt & Pepper Shakers - London 1979
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1979 by Michael Winter, this handsome pair of Sterling Silver Salt & Pepper shakers, are in the modernist style, with bark effect decoration. Each shaker me...
Category

1970s English Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Swedish Trestle Table 1800 Century
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Trestle Table from Järvsö, Hälsingland, circa 1760-1780 It has markings, cracks, and letters carved into the top, to say it has a rustic feel is an understatement. Addition...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish Workshop Side Table late 19th century
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Workshop Side Table late 19th century Beautiful patina with a smooth upper surface. Made out of pine wood. Height: 48 cm/18.8 inch Depth: 43 cm/16.9 inch Widht: 58 cm/22....
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Norwegian Stump Chair 1860-1880
Located in Farsta, SE
Norwegian Stump Chair circa 1860-80s Smooth patina. Made out of birch tree. Height: 79 cm/31.1 inch Depth: 32 cm/12.5 inch Width: 39 cm/15.3 inch Seat Height: 42 cm/16.5 inch
Category

1860s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Danish Modern Rosewood Wall Mirror
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very nice wall mirror in originnal condition which is very good and the mirror glass is perfect. It has a label 'AM' which is possibly the retailers label.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Teak

Antique Display Cabinet/Vitrine Painted In Blue From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This 1920 antique wall mounted display cabinet is a wonderful example of historic craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty. Painted in a beautiful blue color, it exudes a charming vintage ...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Rare Swedish Large Laggkärl, circa 1830-50
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Swedish Large Laggkärl, circa 1830-50 This barrel was used for keeping things cold, primarily for preserving fish and meat. Its legs allow for placement underneath, for ice, an...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mid Century Sterling Silver Candlestick & Tray Set - JJ McGreal London 1977
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1977 by John James McGreal, this very stylish, Sterling Silver Pair of Candlesticks & Tray Set, are in the Mid Century Modern style, with textured detailing t...
Category

1970s English Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Stylish Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Set - John Michael Driver 1974
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1974 by John Michael Driver, this incredibly stylish, Sterling Silver Coffee Set, comprises a coffee pot, cream jug and sugar bowl,...
Category

1970s English Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set Of 2 Antique Armchairs Made In Oak & With Red Leather From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two antique armchairs from 1930 is a wonderful combination of genuine craftsmanship and timeless elegance. With their red leather seats and oak frame, these chairs exude ...
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

19th Century Scandinavian Trestle Table
Located in Middleburg, VA
19th Century Scandinavian Trestle Table. Pine top with shaped cleated ends over Molded Trestle base with central stretcher. Good patination with a nice old painted finish. Comfortabl...
Category

Late 19th Century Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Danish Three Seater Mid Century Sofa in Pine & Wool Produced in Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century three seater pine sofa in style of Kaare Klint produced in Denmark, 1960s. In great condition newly upholstered in light green wool fabric. Dimensions: H: 89 cm / ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Pine

Scandinavian folk art chair circa 1830-50s
Located in Farsta, SE
Scandinavian folk art chair circa 1830-50s Most likely from Norway. Beautiful patina with an amazing form and glow. Made out of birch wood. Heigth: 66 cm/25.9 inch Depth: 38 cm/14...
Category

1830s Norwegian Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Large Swedish Dairy Bowl dated 1848
Located in Farsta, SE
Large Swedish Dairy Bowl 1848 The movement and natural shape on this bowl is extraordinary. It has indentations on both sides that make it perfect to hold. Silky smooth patina. Wit...
Category

1840s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Swedish Trough dated 28th of September 1881
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Trough dated 28th of September 1881 With owner marks and date on the side. Probably made as wedding gift. Made out of birch wood. Heigth: 8 cm/3.1 inch Depth: 18 cm/7 inch ...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden. My heart truly feels for this kind of furniture, where aesthetics are driven by practicality. The gray patina and wear mak...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Side Table Made In Pine Wood From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This circa 1920s pine side table with one drawer is a charming example of early 20th century furniture design. Its simple yet sturdy construction and vintage look add character and n...
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Large Burl Birchwood Bowl, circa 1830
Located in Farsta, SE
Large Burl Birchwood Bowl, circa 1830 The turning of the wood's fibers and its overall shape make you truly feel the movement of this bowl. Its smooth sur...
Category

1830s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch, Burl

Vintage Scandinavian Mid Century Teak Stereo Console by Phillips
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a beautiful Scandinavian modern compact stereo console in teak and oak manufactured by Phillips in Sweden in the 1960's. This lovely piece, recently imported from Europe to C...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Bookcase Made In Oak From 1890
Located in Lejre, DK
This tall bookcase in oak from 1890 year is an exemplary piece of furniture craftsmanship with both elegance and functionality. It is equipped with a lower sideboard with two cabinet...
Category

1890s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

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, Rörstrand, and Rug & Kilim. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $12 and tops out at $350,000 while the average work can sell for $2,379.

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