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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Item Ships From: Italy
Item Ships From: Spain
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Black Ceramic Vessel with White Glaze, signed
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in this Black Ceramic Vessel with White Glaze, signed by the artist, offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of contemporary ceramic artistry that seamlessly blends eleg...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Sabina Grubbeson Large Strapatz Brass Ceiling Lamp by Konsthantverk
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Ceiling lamp model Large Strapatz designed by Sabina Grubbeson and manufactured by Konsthantverk.
The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craft...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Konsthantverk Svep Brass Wall Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Wall lamp model Svep designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves.
The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniques ...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Konsthantverk Svep Black Raw Brass Floor Lamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Lamp model Svep floor lamp designed by Konsthantverk and manufactured by themselves.
The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techni...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Johan Carpner Stav Floor Lamp Black Brass by Konsthantverk
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Floor lamp model Stav designed by Johan Carpner and manufactured by Konsthantverk.
The production of lamps, wall lights and floor lamps are manufactured using craftsman’s techniqu...
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Kilim Carpet
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Swedish carpets, this Kilim is part of our contemporary collection of textured flat weaves where the material is employed in such a way as to create a ...
Category
2010s Indian Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
Nordic nightstand from the 1960s designed by David Rosén
By David Rosén
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish teak bedside table by David Rosén.
Its unusual shape, given by the double shelf, adds a distinctive touch, making it perfect for placing a lamp on the first shelf and keepin...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Arne Vodder Midcentury Scandinavian Teak Rattan Chairs for Sibast 1950s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Scandinavian dining chairs model "N51" designed by Arne Vodder and produced by Sibast Furniture in the 1950s, with teak wood frame, seat and back in rattan India cane, ma...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
Three-drawer chest of drawers with wooden handles
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s cabinet with drawers.
Simple, linear forms for this chest of drawers in warm teak wood tones.
This mid-century vintage furniture piece features 3 drawers, the first o...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian rectangular teak coffee table
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage 1960s bench table,
Square, regular lines distinguish this mid-century Nordic-made coffee table. The essential teak frame consists of a rectangular table top and lon...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kai Kristiansen MidCentury Scandinavian Dark Wood Shelves System Fm Møbler 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Libreria Scandinava in legno scuro disegnata da Kai Kristiansen per FM Mobler composta da 10 mensole con due profondità posizionabili a piacere, produzione Danimarca 1960.
Etichetta ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Teak sideboard from the 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Original vintage Scandinavian sideboard.
Made of teak wood, this sideboard embodies the essence of Nordic elegance, adding a touch of class to any room.
The clean, linear forms of t...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Teak sideboard with 3 doors
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian teak sideboard original vintage 1960s.
Featuring a simple structure with square, modern lines, this piece embodies the spirit of Nordic design of the era. Made of fine ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Teak desk with drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage teak and birch office table.
Featuring a combination of timeless elegance and practical functionality, this desk is perfect for those seeking a classic design with a modern...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Birch, Teak
Sideboard with center drawers from the 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak sideboard with sliding doors and 4 drawers.
This elegant piece of furniture perfectly embodies the minimalist and rationalist aesthetics of the period with its clean, li...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian sideboard with brass ferrules
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak sideboard with doors and drawers.
Featuring a sleek, lightweight silhouette, this piece is destined to become the focal point of any room, adding a touch of timeless styl...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian 1950s sideboard
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage teak sideboard with doors and drawers.
A design icon characterized by clean, square lines that lend a modern touch to any room. Crafted from fine teak wood in warm, envelopi...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Rosewood sideboard with sliding door
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s office cabinet with paper compartment. This particular piece of Nordic modernism incorporates all the characteristics of the best vintage design. The structure with minimal lin...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage white metal lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
The directional lampshade allows you to customize the lighting, making it perfect for comfortable reading or creating soft atmospheres. The play of clean lines between the matte whit...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Nordic vintage cabinet with lock
Located in Brescia, IT
Cabinet from the 1950s with hinged doors.
Externally, the structure is modern and minimalist with two lockable hinged doors. Inside there are four drawers and several shelves that ...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Scandinavian bookcase designed by Albert Hansen
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian rosewood cabinet with built-in writing desk.
Made from fine rosewood, this piece of furniture embodies the natural beauty and durability that only high-quality ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Vintage Oak Coffee Table
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian coffee table with square table top.
This oak coffee table, stands out for its essential form and minimalist elegance. Due to its small size, it is perfectly suited for ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Walnut sideboard from the 1940s
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian sideboard with metal handles. This elegant cabinet features a classic design with central drawers for optimal organization and a lockable hinged door on each side. Made ...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Nutwood
Square teak coffee table made in Denmark
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s coffee table with an understated, minimalist design.
The sturdy structure, supported by slender legs and a geometric intersection at the base, expresses the essen...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Bookcase with drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Original 1960s vintage teak cabinet with shelving. This versatile bookcase consists of a low cabinet and a shelf structure. The low cabinet features a storage space closed by a hinge...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Scandinavian floor lamps
Located in Brescia, IT
White fabric lampshades diffuse warm, inviting light, while gold metal frames add a touch of timeless luxury.
The directional design offers flexibility, allowing the light to be dir...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Arne Norell leather armchair
By Arne Norell
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian armchair with leather seat. This design masterpiece combines the warm beauty of wood and the sophistication of leather to create a piece that stands out for its distinct...
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Scandinavian bookcase with drawers Danish style
Located in Brescia, IT
A vintage Scandinavian teak bookcase, characterized by clean lines and an essential silhouette that testifies to the functional aesthetic typical of Nordic design of the last century...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Teak
1900s teak sideboard with drawers and doors
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s teak sideboard. A piece of original modernism with timeless style. The simple, straightforward structure features a storage compartment closed by two hinged doors ...
Category
Early 1900s Scandinavian Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Comodino in stile danese con cassetto
Located in Brescia, IT
Questo comodino svedese rappresenta l'eleganza del design scandinavo, con la sua struttura snella e funzionale. Le gambe sottili, tipiche dello stile degli anni '60, sorreggono con g...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Teak desk with 3 drawers extendable
Located in Brescia, IT
Danish style desk in teak and birch. This unique piece stands out for its distinctive details and versatile design. The handles of the three drawers are made of curved wood, adding a...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Birch, Teak
Hans J. Wegner "The Y Chair" set da 4
Located in Brescia, IT
Set di 4 sedie modello ‘Wishbone chair’ di Hans J. Wegner con cuscini in pelle CH24: Un capolavoro di design danese di Hans J. Wegner per Carl Hansen & Søn. Le sedie CH24, meglio con...
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Birch
Teak bookcase with black details
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage teak cabinet with black details and storage compartment. Revolutionize your space with this innovative bookcase that combines functionality with distinctive design. Its uniqu...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Sideboard with dark wood drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s sideboard with drawers and sliding doors. This elegant piece of Nordic design traces the typical mid-century taste and style where functionality and aesthetics came tog...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Vintage Danish style bookcase with pull-out shelf
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s cabinet open shelving and storage compartment.
This teak bookcase is an elegant and functional piece of furniture that harks back to the best Scandinavian design tradition.
T...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Vintage bookcase with pull-out shelf
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian cabinet with shelving and storage compartment.
This Nordic teak bookcase features a frame with open shelves that rests on the cabinet with hinged doors.
There is also a...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood, Teak
Vintage bookcase with pull-out shelf
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak cabinet with shelving and storage compartment.
This Scandinavian bookcase from the 1960s, thanks to its pull-out shelf and storage compartment closed by hinged doors, offers fu...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Nils Jonsson sideboard "Arild" in oak
By Nils Jonsson
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish original 1960s vintage sideboard. This elegant piece of Nordic modernist furniture is distinguished by its minimal lines and fine details. The structure respectively consists...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak
Arne Vodder Sideboard for Sibast Møbler in Teak and Metal, Denmark, 1960s
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A well-proportioned sideboard crafted in teak and metal, dating back to the 1950s, bears the signature of the renowned designer Arne Vodder for Sibast Furniture, Denmark.
This elega...
Category
1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian Rug Flat-weave Beige&Sage Green Color
Located in Ferrara, IT
Step into the world of Swedish collection with our Scandinavian Rug Flat-weave Rollakan, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends history, craftsmanship, and contemporary aesthetics. Mea...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Under for Ystad Metal Signed Pair of Candle Holders
Located in VALENCIA, ES
Beyond cool pair of candle holders designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad-Metal. Handcrafted in Sweden during the 1950s, these candle holders are a testament to Ander's unparalleled crea...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Set of 4 Chairs by Arne Jacobsen
Located in Brescia, IT
4 iconic chairs by designer Arne Jacobsen.
Known as the Series 7 chair, the 3107 chair is part of design legend, a timeless and historic chair. Jacobsen, inspired by the work of C...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian-made vintage wall cabinet
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak wall cabinet with drop-down doors.
An original vintage container as beautiful as it is practical. Due to the presence of the two small drawers and the flap door, it can b...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
"Bumling" Pendant Lights by Anders Pehrson
Located in Brescia, IT
Classic 'Golden Edition' Bumling model by Anders Pehrson for Atelje Lyktan.
A pair of iconic Scandinavian lamps from the 1960s in brass.
In good condition.
The electrical system i...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
"fanett" chair by Ilmari Tapiowaara
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Fannett model chair, Finnish design.
A chair model known and imitated throughout the world. It is distinguished by the soft, organic lines found in the wooden slats of the b...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Small vintage wood and metal stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian stool from the 1960s.
An industrial-flavored piece consisting of a red-painted metal base and a teak seat where there is a hole in the center for easy gripping...
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian extendable formica table
Located in Brescia, IT
Original 1960s dining table with side extensions.
This vintage furniture piece of Nordic origin traces the taste and functionality typical of Scandinavian design. The supporting str...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Formica, Wood
Scandinavian vintage white chairs
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of two original vintage wooden chairs.
This seating model, which has become known worldwide, is still in production today as its design is extremely current. It features minima...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish suspended bedside table in metal and teak
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian-made shelf from the 1960s.
A simple and functional industrial-style furniture piece consisting of a metal shelf frame and a rectangular teak countertop.
Ideal...
Category
1960s Albanian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian dressing table painted white
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian teak cabinet from the 1960s with the dual function of dressing table and small desk.
Simple lines for this chest of drawers with refined details.
The regularity found i...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Comodino vintage sospeso con doppio cassetto
Located in Brescia, IT
Mensola scandinava con cassetto.
Originale scaffalatura in stile danese anni ‘60 costituita da una struttura con ripiano in metallo e da un piano d’appoggio in teak dotato di casset...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Swedish vintage stool
Located in Brescia, IT
Sgabellino originale scandinavo in legno lamellare.
This modern and functional piece of furniture traces the lines and taste of mid-century Scandinavian design. The wood color and m...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Danish Vintage Archive
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian-made rolling shutter file cabinet.
This piece of Nordic modernism traces mid-century taste and style with clean, modern lines and refined details.
The light oak wood fr...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
Swedish open sideboard 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian bookcase with a shelf.
A simple piece of furniture with a retro look that is suitable for inclusion in different rooms of the house to add a Nordic touch and create an ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
1930s art nouveau mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant vintage Scandinavian mirror.
A piece of furniture with a classic and refined taste that is distinguished by the special frame structure that features a small shelf and sever...
Category
1930s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian extending table Danish style 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage dining table with rounded corners.
This vintage furniture piece of Nordic origin traces the taste and functionality typical of Scandinavian design. The supporting structure ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Formica, Birch
Square extendable table
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s table made of wood and formica top.
This vintage furniture piece of Nordic origin traces the taste and functionality typical of Scandinavian design. The supporting structure i...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Formica, Wood
Scandinavian vintage red chairs
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of 4 original 1960s wooden chairs.
This chair model typical of Scandinavian houses is distinguished by a backrest made of tapered wooden slats.
With their modern design and red...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wood
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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