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
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; 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
Period: 1950s
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy '9225' Table Lamps in Brass and Leather
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, table lamps, model ‘9225’, brass, leather, Finland, 1950s
This '9225' desk lamp, designed by the master of lighting Paavo Tynell in the fifties, stands as...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Jorgen Clausen for Brande Møbelfabrik Chest-On Chest
Located in Dorchester, MA
Jorgen Clausen designed this striking teak chest-on-chest for Brande Møbelfabrik in Denmark. A curved frame that extends to tapered legs capped by b...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen Rare ‘Architect’s Desk’ in Teak and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, writing desk, model 'JH571', teak, oak, metal, Denmark, 1953
Out of all the desks that Wegner designed, the ‘JH571‘ is the most 'Wegnerian'. This...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
1950s Vintage Bookcase / Shelfs In Teak With Black Lacquered Stands
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Very decorative Scandinavian bookcase cabinet made in Sweden in the 1950s.
The teak cabinet with the lockable doors consists one internal, fixed, shelf.
The three book shelfs on top ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Faux Leather, Beech, Teak
Set of Danish Modern Brass and Opal Glass Wall Sconces by Acton Bjorn, 1950s
By Acton Bjørn
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful set of three wall sconces in mouth-blown opal glass and solid brass. Produced by Fog & Morup in Denmark in the 1950s and designed by architect Acton Bjorn...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Opal, Brass
$3,032 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy '9212B' Table Lamp in Brass and Leather
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, desk lamp, model '9212B', brass, leather, Finland, 1950s
Paavo Tynell was a pioneering Finnish designer who helped shape early 20th-century lighting in Fi...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Svend Aage Madsen desk with drawers produced by Sigurd Hansen, Denmark, 1958
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A small desk with two drawers in ash wood and Formica, Danish production, designed by Svend Aage Madsen and produced by Sigurd Hansen, 1958.
Despite its compact size, this desk refl...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Formica, Ash
Wall Light Model 71020, Mauri Almari, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light model 71020, designed by Mauri Almari, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Brass frame with opaline glass shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
"Grasshopper" Floor Lamp, Greta Magnusson-Grossman, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
“Grasshopper” floor lamp by Greta Magnusson-Grossman. Made from lacquered metal with amazing lines and proportions. Original black lacquer.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Hans Wegner drop-leaf dining table in beach and teak Denmark 1950
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Rare drop-leaf dining table designed by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark 1950. This elegant piece features a refined combination of solid beech legs and a teak veneered top, showcasing Wegner...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Beech, Teak
Arne Vodder Boomerang Desk Teak & Brass 1956 Bovirke Denmark Finn Juhl table
By Bovirke, Arne Vodder
Located in Munster, NRW
Arne Vodder 1956 for Bovirke, Denmark
rare Boomerang desk ’Model BO85’ in teak with brass handles
This desk was designed by Arne Vodder for Bovirke. The desk has an organically shaped table...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Swedish TeVe chair by Alf Svensson for Ljungs Industrier, Dux, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A TeVe lounge chair, designed by the Swedish architect Alf Svensson in 1953 for the manufacturer Ljungs Industrier (Dux). Crafted from solid beech with brass details and featuring or...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Model “8596” Brass Wall Lamp by Harald Notini (Attr.), Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Between the 1920s and 1950s, Böhlmarks was a significant player in the Swedish design movement. Harald Notini, after becoming creative director in 1916, drove the company forward, pr...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, wall lights ‘Tratten’, copper, Sweden, 1950s
Hans-Agne Jakobsson designed this wall light 'Tratten', which is crafted fro...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Copper
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956
This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
1950s, Danish 2 seater drop arm sofa, original red furniture wool, oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 2 seater drop arm sofa. Original striped red furniture wool, oak wood. Seat reupholstered about 10 years ago by craftsman in light green/blue furniture wool. Brass spri...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Oak
Alvar Aalto Highback Cantilever Chair Model 36/401 Birch & Rusty Red Wool, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of vintage birch highback lounge chairs model 36/401 by Alvar Aalto. Upholstered with original rusty red wool and with an amazing honey coloured patina to the bent birchwood. Designed 1933 and manufactured in the 1950s by Artek, Finland.
The high-back cantilever Armchair 401...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Birch
Midcentury Modern Sheepskin/Shearling Carl Malmsten "Samspel" Lounge Chairs
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This model” Samspel” lounge chairs was designed by Carl Malmsten in 1956 and manufactured during that time at AB Record Bollnäs Sweden. These two chairs have been fully reupholstered...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Sheepskin, Birch
1950s, Danish vintage relax chair in green fabric, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish design. Original relax chair in green fabric. Good condition: no smells and no stains, light wear/ patina on the top back and armrest. Brass springs in the seat. Made b...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Beech
$1,540 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair of Carl-Johan Boman Lounge Chairs in Jade Green Velvet, Finland, 1950s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare pair of easy chairs was designed by Carl-Johan Boman and produced by his company, Oy N. Boman AB, in Finland in the early 1950s.
The design is characterized by the curved ...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Beech
Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler 'Scandia' Lounge Chair in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Brattrud for Hove Møbler, lounge chair model 'Scandia' in teak, metal, Norway, circa 1957
This chair was part of the Scandia series, designed by Norwegian designer Hans Brattru...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
Vintage Masterpiece Pitcher in Copper by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Important HK piece for Georg Jensen in Denmark. It is called Masterpiece and has been nicknamed 'The Pregnant Duck' pitcher. It was designed by the danish silversmith and architect H...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Copper
$9,628 Sale Price
20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Two Arm Wall Light, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Two arm wall light, manufactured in Finland, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner "RY" Low Cabinets in Oakwood & Cane, Danish Modern, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare set of "RY" cabinets by Hans J. Wegner. The cabinets are made from oakwood and decorated with patinated rattan cane on the sliding doors. Each room has an adjustable shelve in s...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Oak
Borge Mogensen Cabinet Credenza with Sliding Doors Scandinavian Modern Oak Teak
Located in Chicago, IL
Borge Mogensen chest of drawers.
Oak and Teak.
Measures: 33"H x 53"W x 22"D
Two sliding doors
The interior on one side has three removable treys, the other side contains two shel...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
The Chair by Hans Wegner Model JH501 for Johannes Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner round chair model JH501 for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. Iconic chair by the master Hans Wegner and nick named "The Chair" after being featured in the JFK presidential debat...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Cane, Teak
Mid-Century Swedish Flatweave Wool Rug
Located in Karis, Nyland
This Swedish kilim rug measure 210 x 142 cm and is handmade with classic flat weave technique. Signed "RK"
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Chairs in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chairs model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956
A pair of armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larsen hi...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
$24,500 / item
A pair of pendants by Paavo Tynell
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of lighting pedants designed by Paavo Tynell produced by Idman for Lightolier. Circa 1955. Frosted glass shade with lacquered metal and polished brass ceiling cup. Dimensions...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
$28,000 / set
1950s, Danish vintage relax chair in "flowers" fabric, original condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish design. Relax chair in "flowers" furniture fabric. Original brass springs in the seat and back. Very good condition: no smells and no stains. Oak wood legs. Manufacture...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Oak
$1,588 Sale Price
20% Off
Hans Wegner GE-270 Pair of vintage Teak Lounge Chairs, 1956
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans Wegner
Hans Wegner - Model GE-270 Lounge Chairs, 1956
A pair of classic Hans Wegner lounge chairs produced by iconic producers: Getama in Gedsted, Denmark in the 1950s. Restor...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Settee or Loveseat in the Style of Kurt Olsen Style, 1950s
By Kurt Olsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Lovely and charming settee or loveseat made in Denmark, circa 1950. The style is similar to Kurt Olsen but the Designer and maker of this settee is unknown. Light but still sturdy an...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Beech
'Paprika' Ceramic Vases (3) by Anna-Lisa Thomson - Upsala Ekeby, Sweden
Located in Utrecht, NL
Impressive and rare set of 3 vintage ceramic 'Paprika' (peppers) vases by Swedish designer Anna-Lisa Thomson (1905-1952).
Dark brown ceramic vases, worked with Sgraffito technique ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Ceramic
Uppsala Armaturfabrik Model "59402" Table Lamp, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
The mid-century modern era, spanning from the 1940s to the 1960s, brought a new approach to lighting design, emphasising simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials. This...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
Wall bookcase by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Brescia, IT
Small solid wood wall bookcase, 1950s Scandinavian production, attributed to Josef Frank.
Solid wood wall bookcase, Scandinavian production 1950s, attributed to Josef Frank. The com...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Floor Lamps from Bergboms, Sweden, 1960s
By Bergboms
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of amazing, rare floor lamps from Bergboms. Made with slender brass stems, wound with original dark green leather. Brass bases with cool details.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
$15,353 / set
Set of 6 Arne Hovmand Olsen Dining Chairs / Teak , Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Set of six mid-century dining chairs designed by Arne Hovmand Olsen, Model 75, circa 1955 Denmark. The chairs are crafted of solid teak frames with upholstered backs and expo...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
1950s, Danish relax chair, green furniture blend wool fabric, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish relax chair. Green furniture blend wool fabric, beech wood, brass springs in the seat. Chairs were reupholstered by craftsman about 15 years ago. Very good condition: n...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Wool, Beech
"Trienna" Leather Lounge Chair by Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Stockholm, SE
“Trienna” lounge chair by Carl-Axel Acking, made from oak and leather. This model was designed in 1957 and presented at the Milano Triennial that ...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Danish Modern Children's Chair by Nanna Ditzel in Teakwood, Kolds Savværk, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A gorgeous solid teak child's high chair designed by Nanna Ditzel (known as “the First Lady of Danish design”) for Kold Savvaerk, Denmark, 1955. Ditzel designed the chair for her twi...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Kaj Franck Arabia Metal Bowls Set, 1950s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Bowls set designed by Kaj Franck for Arabia and made by Finel of Finland, metal painted, circa 1950s
Signed under the base.
Available 3 large: Diameter 21 cm, height 14 cm
Availab...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal
$758 / set
1950s Swedish Sheepskin Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s
First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden's...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Beech, Sheepskin
Hvidt & Mølgaard Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Bookcase Cabinet in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, cabinet bookcase, model '300', teak, Denmark, 1950s.
This teak cabinet, as part of the 300 series, is a design by the Dan...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Severin Hansen 1950s Danish Rosewood Writing Desk
Located in London, England
Severin Hansen Jnr. - Model 36 Writing Desk
This iconic desk was designed by Severin Hansen Jnr. in 1958 when he was in his early 20s. The desk was produced by cabinetmakers Haslev ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Rosewood
Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen Model "E1296" Table Lamps, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen was a Danish designer who is best known for his wide collection of lighting fixtures. A licensed ornamental metalworker, Holm-Sørensen started his design car...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Hans J. Wegner Valet Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Exquisite model JH-540 valet chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner for cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen. Originally designed for a king, no detail is overlooked in its craftsmanship. Sculptu...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak
$17,500
1950s, pair of Danish lounge chairs, red cotton/wool fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, pair of Danish lounge chairs. Reupholstered about 20 years ago by craftsman in Denmark. Very good condition: no smells and no stains. Red cotton/wool fabric, beech wood legs, ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Wool, Cotton, Beech
$1,896 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Leather "Papa Bear" Lounge Chair by Hans J. Wegner for AP Stolen, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
An original “Papa Bear” chair designed by Danish design master Hans J. Wegner for the furniture maker A.P. Stolen in the 1950s. While Wegner is primarily known for his inventiveness;...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Modern Asymmetrical Teak Desk, 1950s.
Rare and early freestanding Scandinavian Modern boomerang teak writing desk made in Denmark in the early 1950s. Asymmetrical...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Oak, Teak
A Rare Paavo Tynell Wall Lamp in Brass and Blue Glass Shades, Taito Oy 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An extremely rare and brilliant wall lamp/sconce by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy in Finland in the 1950s. These kinds of wall lamps are highly sought after by collectors as well as end users world wide. The design is simple, pragmatic and elegant with a little bit of flare, brought by the little brass star decorations. Star decorations are very rarely seen in Tynell lamps, but they are featured in the Finland house catalogue. The combination of brass and glass has proven to be an excellent combo and a favorite by customers. The item is in very good original condition.
The glass shades are light blue, however the colour changes into more of a white tonevwhen the lights are on. Please refer to the attached pictures for a better understanding.
Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a Finnish designer who is well renowned around the world for his incredible lighting fixtures and lamps. Tynell is known as the man who “illuminated Finland” and his works can be found in numerous public offices and buildings such as the Finnish Parliament House and the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations in New York.
Tynell started as a sheet metal worker´s apprentice at G.W. Sohlbergs workshop in 1906. After that he moved to Taidetakomo Koru Oy in 1912, which was a metal workshop specializing in electric light fixtures. Then Paavo studied at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki and after that he taught in it too. Paavo then founded Taito Oy in 1918 with a number of colleagues. Taito produced a number of other items other than just light fixtures in the early years, however the main focus became lamps after Finland adopted the use of electricity. By the 1930s Finnish households started buying light fixtures as the use of electricity became more common. In the 1920s Taito`s main sales were still mostly public commissions, for example the Paimio Sanatorium which was designed by Alvar aalto.
After WW2 and the quite challenging shortage years in Finland, Tynell finally had his major breakthrough. His style became quite distinctive and was mainly aimed at the U.S. markets. He sold both catalogue lamps as well as commissioned works through Finland House in N.Y. Although his late 1940s-1950s style was widely criticized at first in Finland, he stuck to it, and luckily so. It wasn´t long before his lamp fixtures became Finland House´s best selling product. Nowadays Tynell´s high end lamps fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars worldwide, and deservingly so. His commisioned lamps number in the thousands, but unfortunately not all documents or archive materials are intact.
Please note that we have a number of different Paavo Tynell wall lamps...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Itsu, Table Lamps, Brass, Reed, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and woven reed table lamps produced by Itsu, Finland, c. 1950s.
Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 10” H x 5” W x 8.5” D
Depth may vary slightly with shade po...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
$5,800 / set
Hans J. Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The perfect New York sofa and guest bed, and one of the finest daybed designs of the era. The model GE6 Daybed designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA. This brillia...
Category
1950s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Teak
Borge Mogensen 1950s Oak and Leather Bench
Located in London, England
Model 3171 bench designed by master-designer Borge Mogensen with frame made from solid oak. The seat has been reupholstered with nw cognac brown aniline leather. Designed 1956 the Mo...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Leather, Oak
Knud Joos Rosewood Side Table
Located in San Diego, CA
Knud Joos Rosewood Side Table with beautiful steel frame.
Dimensions: 16.5 L x 16.5 W x 16.25H
About the Designer:
Knud Joos was a Danish furniture designer and craftsman know...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Steel
$764 Sale Price
20% Off
Lisa Johansson-Pape, Floor Lamp Model 2063 in Brass & Rattan, Orno 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Lisa Johansson-Papé floor lamp model. 2063 with adjustable rattan shade and a bent leg in brass and black nylon. Manufactured in Finland by Orno in the 1950s. This lamp is one...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
A chandelier design attributed to Paavo Tynell, Produced by Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Five lights chandelier design attributed to Paavo Tynell, Produced by Idman Oy, Model 51145. Finland, circa 1950th.
Polished brass with leafs decor and milk glass shades.
Marked “Idm...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of 8 Niels Møller Model 77 Dining Chairs, 1959
Located in London, England
NNiels Moller
Model 77 Dining Chairs, 1959
Set of 8 rosewood dining chairs designed by Niels O. Moller for J.L. Moller Mobelfabrik, Denmark in 1959. Produced c1960s. The seats ...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Rosewood, Papercord
$17,841 / set
Model DL 82 Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model DL 82 extendable dining table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey color refinished birch frame with rare yell...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lamp Model 80648 in Copper, Idman 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
A gorgeous unperforated version of the Starry Sky which is one of the most iconic designs of Paavo Tynell's lamps. The lamp is made of copper and glass and has an absolute perfect pa...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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 $2,339.
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