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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: Ole Wanscher
Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker a.J Iversen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare cabinet designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ole Wanscher Coffee Table Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher “Model 1673” High Back Chairs for Fritz Hansen, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The simple and refined aesthetic of this pair of chairs stems from Ole Wanscher’s reinvention of classic forms, for which he became a key-player of the Danish mid-century movement. ...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Ole Wanscher Extendable Dinning Table in Rosewood
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher extendable dining table in rosewood. Executed by A. J. Iversen for Illums Bolighus.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Easy Chair Model 116 / Senator Produced by France & Son in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Easy chair model 116 / Senator designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Walnut Coffee Table by Ole Wanscher
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning walnut coffee table by Ole Wanscher, with a beautiful wavy rim and brass feet on the six legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Senator 3-Seat Sofa in Teak by Ole Wanscher for France and Son, Denmark
Located in Halle, DE
Scandinavian senator 3-seat sofa in teakwood, designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark. Cushions have been reupholstered with fabrics by JAB Anstötz. Man...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

1960s Ole Wanscher Refinished Expandable Mahogany Dining Table by P. Jeppesen
Located in Knebel, DK
Expandable Ole Wanscher Rungstedlund dining table with two extra leaves by P. Jeppesen. The dining table has been checked and refinished by our cabinetmaker to ensure that it's is i...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.   
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool, Mahogany

Rungstedlund Dining Table in Mahogany Designed by Ole Wanscher, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Rungstedlund dining table in mahogany designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen in the 1960s. The table is in great vintage condition and with two extension plates.  
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Cabinet Produced by Cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare cabinet in rosewood and brass designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by cabinetmaker A.J Iversen in Denmark.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ole Wanscher Mahogany 'Rungstedlund' Dining Chairs
Located in Marbella, ES
Set of six dining chairs, model 'Rungstedlund' PJ 34 by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, St. Heddinge, mahogany, blue upholstery, Denmark, 1960s. This classic set of six dining chair...
Category

1660s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

1960s Danish Rungstedlund Mahogany Highboard by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen
Located in New York, NY
This Danish mahogany highboard or high sideboard, was designed in the 1960s by Ole Wanscher for the manufacturer Poul Jeppesen. Like many of Wanscher's designs, this sideboard combin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Danish Modern Dining Chairs
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Priced individually. 3 available. Price includes your choice upholstery. Original textile on seats is horsehair; useable but flawed condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Pair of Rosewood Armchairs for A. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher pair of armchairs in rosewood and leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Chest of Drawers by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Chest of drawers or tall boy with curved front and eight drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen in the 1940s. Made of walnut and red beech with metal handles. Very good co...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Metal

Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with tan aniline leather. Made of solid teak. Model senator, made by Cado.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Teak

1950s Danish Rosewood Humpback Armchair by Ole Wanscher for A. J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback armchair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.  
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Rosewood Lounge Chair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ole Wanscher lounge chair designed in 1960 and produced by A. J. Iversen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Rosewood

1960s Restored Danish Ole Wanscher Sofa by Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Mahogany sofa designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by Cado. The elegant sofa feature organic shapes and excellent craftmanship with lots of small details. The sofa has been re...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Ole Wanscher Rosewood 1st Edition Colonial Chair, 1949
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher PJ-149 colonial chair, 1949 The colonial chair is one of Wanscher’s best loved and most iconic designs, drawing influence from British and French Colonial furniture...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Vintage Rosewood Colonial Chair, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher PJ-149 Colonial chair, 1949 A Fine example of Ole Wanscher's most iconic design: The Colonial Chair. Produced by Poul Jeppesen in Denmark c1950s in exquisite Brazi...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher 1954 Rosewood Armchair
Located in London, GB
Rarely seen and highly collectible armchair by Ole Wanscher from 1954. Produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in Copenhagen, Denmark. Underside with manufacturer's paper label: "Snedkermester/A.J.Iversen/Kobenhavn". Made from exquisite Brazilian rosewood with patinated original leather seat. Wanscher and Iversen had a long and fruitful relationship, collaborating on many of Wanscher's most iconic and well-loved creations including this piece as well as the Egyptian folding stool...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Pair of "Rungstedlund" Mahogany, Ole Wanscher and P. Jeppesen, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of "Rungstedlund" armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher and manufactured by P. Jeppesen is a true representation of Danish mid-century modern furniture design. Ole Wanscher was a renowned Danish architect and designer known for his commitment to craftsmanship...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Mahogany Rungstedlund Sideboard by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen
Located in Dorchester, MA
Ole Wanscher designed this modern, clean-lined sideboard as part of his Rungstedlund series for Poul Jeppesen in the 1960s. Constructed of a rich stained mahogany, the raised case fe...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

1940s Danish Black Horsehair Settee by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced settee finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery and leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Danish Set of 6 Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Designed in 1962, this expertly crafted dining chair by Ole Wanscher was built in the cabinet shop of A. J. Iversen of Brazilian rosewood in the 1960s. A graceful, minimal design con...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Armchair for A.J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher mahogany armchair, seat upholstered with original black/brown horsehairs. Designed 1954 and manufactured by cabinetmaker A. J. Iversen. Good condition. Pair ...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1960s Ole Wanscher Set of Dining Table, Sideboard, Side Table and 12 Chairs
Located in Knebel, DK
Large Ole Wanscher Rungstedlund dining set consisting of expandable dining table with 3 table leafs, 10 dining chairs, 2 armchairs, sideboard and side table / serving table / bar tab...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher Pair of Rosewood Colonial Chairs, 1950s
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher PJ-149 Colonial chairs, 1949. These examples made from Brazilian rosewood with woven rattan cane seats. Produced by Poul Jeppesen, Denmark, circa 1950s. Cognac bro...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rattan, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher 1958 Armchair
Located in London, GB
Ole Wanscher J2883 armchair, 1958 Produced by master cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen in sumptuous Brazilian rosewood with aniline black leather seat. First presented at the Copenhage...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Midcentury Lounge Chair in Rosewood and Leather by Wanscher, Danish Design 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant lounge chair in rosewood and black leather designed by Maa. Ole Wanscher and made by AJ Iversen cabinet makers Copenhagen. Great condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Early Ole Wanscher Armchair for Fritz Hansen
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Early Ole Wanscher armchair in stained beech and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, circa late 1940s.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Ole Wanscher #166 Sofa for Cado in Senator Oak
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern sofa designed by Ole Wanscher in 1951 and manufactured by Cado (France & Son). Striking and comfortable seating addition to home or business setting. Please confi...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak, Upholstery

Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair in Rosewood
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ole Wanscher design "Colonial" chair for Paul Jeppsen, Denmark. Made with a solid rosewood frame and cane seat with chocolate brown leather cushions, labeled.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Coffee Table Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table designed by Ole Wanscher. Produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Sideboard for Iversen, Scandinavian Design
Located in Lyon, FR
Rare sideboard designed by Ole Wanscher. Structure in rosewood with brass knobs. Composed of two sliding doors with 5 drawers. High quality work.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ole Wanscher for AJ Iversen Rosewood Dining Chairs
Located in Oakland, CA
Six Brazilian rosewood dining chairs designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen in 1942. Perfectly restored and upholstered in fine black leather.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Set of Six Chairs for a. J. Iversen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Ole Wanscher set of six chairs in mahogany with seats of black leather. Executed by A. J. Iversen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Set of Four Classic Side chairs by Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four side chairs in mahogany with seats in black patinated leather. Designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen cabinetmakers Denmark in the 1950s. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

1950s Ole Wanscher Set of Five PJ 412 Armchair in Mahogany and Brown Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of five comfortable model PJ412 mahogany armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher for P.Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The chairs have been overlooked an refinished by our cabinetmaker and ar...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A stately and elegant modern Chippendale-influenced armchair finely crafted in mahogany with original horsehair upholstery with leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Lejre, DK
Classic lounge chair in patinated leather designed by Ole Wanschar M.A.A. for A.J. Iversen Cabinetmakers in 1946. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

1960s Set of five Ole Wanscher PJ 412 Armchairs in Mahogany - Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Ole Wanscher model PJ412 mahogany armchairs designed by Ole Wanscher for P.Jeppesens Møbelfabrik. The chairs have been checked and refinished by our cabinetmaker and are in very goo...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Broad Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rosewood armchair or lounge chair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood, Leather

Cuban Mahogany Lounge Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. This chair features an architectural exposed Cuban mahogany frame with shaped an...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Tight Back Sofa by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A sofa with a raised, tight back and sloping arms, retaining the original upholstery, on Cuban mahogany legs.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Wool

Desk Chair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon swivelling and tilting generously proportioned desk chair having fitted black leather upholstery and a four-pronged brushed steel base on chrome-hooded casters.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Set of Four Danish Dining Chairs by Ole Wanscher, circa 1960s
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of four Danish dining "Rungstedlund" chairs in mahogany, designed by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen, circa 1960s. Armchairs measure 20.5" wide, 31" high, 21" deep, seat height 1...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Upholstery

Rosewood Sideboard by Ole Wanshcer
Located in Pasadena, CA
Four drawers with English inspired handles, resting on an Asian inspired support.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Armchair by Ole Wanscher
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modern Chippendale-influenced armchair crafted in mahogany with original black leather upholstery and leather welting.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany, Leather

Ole Wanscher Pair of Armchairs
Located in London, GB
Pair of top quality armchairs by Ole Wanscher and the master cabinetmaker A J Iversen.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Ole Wanscher side Table, Senator
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher side table of veneered rosewood. Model Senator, made by Cado.  
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Ole Wanscher Rosewood Desk by A.J. Iversen
Located in Highland, IN
This 1950s Ole Wanscher design by A.J. Iversen is a transitional piece, combining traditional elements of a double pedestal desk with a decidedly modern approach. The most striking ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Ole Wanscher Colonial Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher lounge chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Made of new black painted ash. Model colonial chair, made by Poul Jeppesen.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Ole Wanscher, Pair of Colonial Chairs, model PJ149, 1st Edition 1949, Rosewood
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesens, Mobelfabrik, Denmark, model no. PJ149, Colonial chairs, designed 1949 This pair of chairs in Brazilian Rosewood with beautiful graining and patina t...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Ole Wanscher large Chest of Drawers in dark brown wood for A.J. Iversen, Denmark
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant and large chest of drawers designed by Ole Wanscher for furniture maker A.J Iversen in Denmark. The chest of drawers consists of 8 drawers in three different heights veneered...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Elegant Low Table in Rosewood by Ole Wanscher, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in rosewood, designed by Ole Wanscher for cabinetmaker A.J. Iversen. Great original condition.
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

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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