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
- 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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Frits Henningsen
Midcentury Magazine Rack by Frits Henningsen for Andreas Tuck, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Magazine or shoe rack designed by Frits Henningsen and manufactured by Andreas Tuck in Denmark during the 1940s. The solid mahogany frame features Drumstick detailing and bend/shaped...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Solid Mahogany Writing Table and Chair Set
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen, Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker (1889-1965).
Solid Cuba mahogany writing table and chair. The writing desk displays a rectangular top with molded edge ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Sofa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen sofa.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Desk, c1940s
Located in London, GB
Frits Henningsen - Writing Desk, c1940s
Rarely seen design from the master cabinetmaker of the early Danish Modern period: Frits Henningsen. Henningsen produced all of his designs a...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Danish 1940s Wingback Chair in Beech by Master Carpenter Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful classic 1930s-1940s wingback chair produced by Master Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Denmark. Slid mahogany stained beechwood. Very elegant design that fits superbly into a...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Beech
Danish Modern Frits Henningsen Windsor Armchair
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A design from the 1930s by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen & sons.Atake traditional British design but with Danish modern sensibility. Lacquered beech frame.
Professional, skilled ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Beech
Frits Henningsen Sideboard
Located in New York, NY
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Sideboard. A Danish mahogany sideboard by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. An executive styled sideboard having downward cabinet doors and three drawers all...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Desk in Rosewood Designed by Frits Heningsen, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in rosewood with three drawers, designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Frits Henningsen Sofa in Mahogany and Pink Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, sofa, mahogany, pink fabric, Denmark, 1930s
This classic sofa was designed and produced by master cabinet maker Frits Henningsen around the 1930s. The basic design...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Armchair Upholstered with Blue Velvet and Mahogany Designed by Fritz Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair upholstered with blue velvet and mahogany designed by Fritz Henningsen. The chair is in great vintage condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Santos Rosewood 3 Drawer Desk/Writing Table by Frits Henningsen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a classic piece of early Scandinavian design, made from Santos Rosewood it's on the edge of the change between antique and mid-century and fits beautifully with both camps. T...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Hardwood
Frits Henningsen: Armchair with carved mahogany frame
Located in London, GB
Armchair with carved mahogany frame. Seat, back and armrests upholstered with light patterned fabric. Stamped 6416. Made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen.
Condition
Normal patina du...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Coffee table with black/white inlaid tiles, turquoise details and brass feet.
Located in DK
This so-called Chinese mahogany coffee table was executed by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen ca. in the 1930s.
The table top is decorated with unique tiles depicting a Chinese Fenghuan...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Frits Henningsen Cabinetmaker Copenhagen, Fine Large Desk 1940s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine large desk by the famous danish cabinetmaker and designer Frits Henningsen 1940s. With 3 ddrawers to front. Brass handles. Finest collected mah. wood. Original untouched condit...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Three Seat Sofa by Frits Henningsen 1930s. Original Condition
Located in Handewitt, DE
Three seat sofa by the famous danish cabinetmaker and designer Frits Henningsen 1930s. In original untouched condition, with blue fabric. This is upholstered by Frits henningsen's fa...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Frits Henningsen Danish Mahogany Round Side Table, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century round side table, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop w...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Dining table in solid mahogany by Frits Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Small dining table in solid mahogany by Frits Henningsen
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Danish Mahogany Sofa, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century three-seater sofa, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop ...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Sofa with curved armrests by Frits Henningsen. Three matching chairs available
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Sofa with curved arms in mahogany, french cane and wool. By Frits Henningsen.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Cane, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Danish Wingback Lounge Chair, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century wingback chair, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop wit...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Hall Set by the Danish Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen 1950s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Hall set / entrance set by the Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen early 1950s. Made in oak, table top with black linoleum. All in original condition. Numbered. Very fine quality.
P...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak
Frits Henningsen Danish Highback Lounge Chair, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century high-back lounge chair, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making work...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Danish Mahogany & Caned Armchair, c. 1940's
Located in Norwalk, CT
A handsome Danish mid-century armchair, designed by furniture maker and designer Frits Henningsen (1889–1965), c. 1940's. Both the proprietor of a furniture-making workshop with a te...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Cane, Mahogany
Fine Sofa Table by Frits Henningsen 1940s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine sofa table with 4 drawers (2 each side) and brass shoes and handles. Produced by the famous danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen, Copenhagen Denmark. Made in finest wood and qua...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
2021 FH429 Signature Lounge Chair by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen in Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an FH429 Signature lounge chair with a solid oiled oak frame and putty colored Thor leather seat, designed by Frits Henningsen and produ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Foam, Leather, Oak
Chinese inspired mahogany coffee table with tiles in white, green, blue nuances
Located in DK
This Chinese inspired mahogany coffee table was executed by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen (1889-1965) in the 1930s.
The table top is decorated with unique tiles depicting Chinese Fen...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Mahogany
Chinese inspired mahogany coffee table with tiles in red, white and blue nuances
Located in DK
This so-called Chinese mahogany coffee table was executed by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen ca. in the 1930s.
On top it has inlaid unique tiles depicting a fruit basket with decorati...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic, Mahogany
2021 FH430 Signature Footstool by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen in Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a FH430 Signature Footstool with an oiled solid oak frame and a white fabric cushion. The footstool, designed by Frits Henningsen and produced by Carl Hansen & Son...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Foam, Walnut
2021 FH430 Signature Footstool by Frits Henningsen for Carl Hansen in Oak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is an FH430 Signature Footstool with an oiled solid oak frame and a light (minty) green leather cushion. The footstool, designed by Frits Henningsen and produced by C...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak, Leather
Frits Henningsen, Sofa, Mahogany, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained mahogany and yellow horsehair fabric sofa or settee designed and produced by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1940s.
18” seat height
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Cabinet by Frits Heningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Large cabinet in mahogany with tambour doors, drawers and brass hinges. Frits Henningsen
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Desk Chair in Patinated Leather and Oak by Danish Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Swivel chair with adjustable height in patinated leather and oak. Designed and made by Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Desk
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen, Danish furniture designer and cabinet maker (1889-1965).
Elegant solid mahogany writing table.
Rectangular top with with molded edge above drawers, raised on elegan...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Rare Pair of Leather Bergere Chairs by Frits Henningsen, 1950s
Located in Hudson, NY
Solid oak arm chairs. Leather is well kept and clean. Wooden carved base has nice detailed design. Great patina Design # 2041 Danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen [1889-1965] comprom...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Midcentury Danish Low Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Cane, Mahogany, and Leather 10 1/2 Ft Bench
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Frits Henningsen was a cabinet maker and known for his labor-intensive, hand-built furniture items, using hardwoods such as mahogany. This bench is amazi...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Cane, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Black Leather Lounge Chair
Located in London, GB
This lounge chair was designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1940s or 1950s. The leather is original and shows patina evidence of age. The piping on armrests near ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather
Frits Henningsen Horsehair Lounge Chair with Ottoman
Located in London, GB
This lounge chair was designed and made by cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen in the 1940s or 1950s. The horsehair is original and shows patina evidence of age. The ottoman / footstool ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Birch
Frits Henningsen Sofa
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen sofa from 1889-1965.
Mahogany sofa made in high quality at own carpentry in 1940-1950.
Mahogany refinished with a light French polish.
Seat height 45 cm.
Newly u...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Early 20th Century Cigar Chest in Walnut
Located in Espergærde, 84
Frits Henningsen, rare walnut tobacco chest with one drawer and brass handles in English manner. The chest has one big compartment in the drawer and has ...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Danish Side Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant side table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Four Seat Bench
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frits Henningsen four seat bench with frame of mahogany.
Seat of horsehair.
Made in the 1940s.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. Mahogany legs. Refinished and reupholstered.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. Legs are Mahogany. Refinished and Reupholstered.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Solid Wood Cabinet with Tambour Door, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Classic design with expert craftsmanship. This how this cabinet and the Danish master cabinetmaker, Frits Henningsen could be best described. Unlike most cabinetmakers, Henningsen always designed his own furniture pieces, creating exclusively handmade pieces, like this cabinet.
This elegant deep cabinet is made of luxurious book mirrored...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Kastrup, DK
Frits Henningsen 1889-1965.
Desk arm chair in solid mahogany, seat with original horse hair upholstery.
Designed in 1930-1950.
Frits Henningse...
Category
Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. Wood is mahogany. New leather. From 1940's.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen lounge chair. Legs are Mahogany. New black leather. From 1940's.
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen, Lounge Chair
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rare easy chair of leather and mahogany with nail head trim. Designed by Frits Henningsen. Reupholstered in soft red leather and refinished mahogany with brass nail-heads.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Frits Henningsen Mahogany Frame Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant and rare 3-seat neoclassical sofa designed and manufactured by Frits Henningsen for cabinet maker Rud Rasmussen. High quality and sculptural example constructed from solid ma...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Mahogany
Armchair Upholstered with Red Velvet and Mahogany Designed by Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair upholstered with red velvet and mahogany designed by Frits Henningsen. The chair is great vintage condition.
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Velvet, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Three-Seat Sofa in Pastel Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frits Henningsen, three-seat sofa, fabric and oak, Denmark, 1940s.
This elegant three-seat sofa is made by master cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. This refined sofa is a classic piec...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen armchair. Designed in 1949. New black leather upholstery with brass nail heads.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Beech
Frits Henningsen Settee
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen settee. Store formerly known as ARTFUL DODGER INC
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Frits Henningsen armchair. Wood is Mahogany. New black leather. 1940's.
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Frits Henningsen Double Layer Caned Back Transitional Modern Armchair
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This armchair was designed and built by master Danish cabinet maker Frits Henningsen. The chair features a double layered cane back, new wool-linen blend upholstery in a flax/pale sa...
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Cane, Beech
Frits Henningsen Cuban Mahogany Armchair, 1933
Located in Madrid, ES
An armchair designed and edited by Frits Henningsen in 1933. Cuban mahogany frame ;professionally reupholstered in brown leather. Brass nails. Excellent condition. Shipping worldwide.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
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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