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
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.
Böhlmarks wall lamp 8661, Scandinavian design, brass & steel, Sweden, 1940s
By Harald Notini, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Forserum, SE
A beautiful wall fixture, model 8661, produced by the Swedish manufacturer Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik in the 1940s. Attributed to the architect Harald Notini, artistic director at th...
Brass, Steel
Oiva Toikka for Iittala Scandinavian Modern Art Glass Dove Sculpture, Finland
By Iittala, Oiva Toikka
Located in Valencia, VC
Oiva Toikka for Iittala Scandinavian Modern Art Glass Dove Sculpture, Finland, 1980s A very beautiful Scandinavian Modern clear art glass dove sculpture with mottled white glass app...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of “Adam” Easy Chairs by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist, Sweden, 1950s
Located in ŁÓDŹ, PL
A refined pair of “Adam” easy chairs designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist for Nordiska Kompaniet in 1950s Sweden. The chairs are characterized by their sculptural, fully upholstered ...
Beech, Wool, Alpaca, Cotton
Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Credenza Sideboard Server c 1950/60's
By Brouer Mobel
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century Danish Modern rosewood credenza, server, sideboard, server, marked Brouer on verso, as shown. The server features two drawers over two swing out doors, which...
Rosewood
$1,129
Wooden Pendant Lamp
By Grete Jalk, Achille Castiglioni, Kai Kristiansen, Arne Vodder, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
Extraordinarily beautiful wooden pendant lamp from the 1960s. Loving and high-quality processing. The design and the material create a very warm and pleasant light. Condition: ...
Pine
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Vanity, Console Table or Low Profile Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern Scandinavian design from Denmark circa 1970's. This piece features all teak wood construction with generous storage and a unique bowed front. A very versatile piece f...
Teak
$6,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Handcrafted Live Edge Olive Wood & Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Dining Table
Located in İnegöl, TR
Materials: Sustainably sourced Olive Wood, Premium UV-Resistant Crystal Clear Resin. Dimensions: 240 cm (L) x 100 cm (W) / Approx. 94.5" x 39.4" Finish: Hand-polished to a high-glo...
Epoxy Resin, Wood, Olive
$2,222 / set
Dining Chairs By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1960s
Located in Gloucester, GB
Dining Chairs By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1960s - Price is for the set of 6 - Black frames with teak seats - Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara - Produced by Asko - Finnish ~ 1960s - 43cm...
Beech, Teak
Danish Mid Century Low Brutalist Sideboard in Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Hans J. Wegner, Kurt Østervig
Located in Odense, DK
Charming low-profile modern sideboard crafted from oak, featuring an elegantly carved front and generous storage capacity. Made in the style of Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf during the 19...
Brass
The Golden Grid: A Swedish-Inspired Masterpiece of Scandinavian Modern Style
Located in Dallas, TX
31358 New Swedish-Inspired Kilim Rug, 09'00 x 10'00. This exceptional handwoven wool Swedish-inspired Indian kilim rug captures the essence of Scandinavian Modern design while introd...
Wool
Five Bay Teak Wall Mounted Shelving (w/ Corner) Unit By Torbjorn Afdal C. 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Bruksbo, Cado, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Peabody, MA
Midcentury "Cado " style wall-mounted shelving unit in teak, circa 1960s, from the "Veggen de Luxe" line, designed by Torbjorn Afdal and Rolf Hesland, made in Norway by Ringerike Mobel in collaboration with Bruskbo. Five bay unit consists of a corner section with work desk, a cabinet with four drawers and interior LP record storage...
Teak
1960s Hall Chest / Side Board Model "Casino" by Engström Mystrand Tingströms
By Engstrom Mystrand, Tingströms
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Elegant hall cabinet from the sought-after Casino series, designed in the 1960s by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms in Sweden. This piece features a refined combinat...
Oak
Armchair by Fritz Hansen, Model 1590, Elm & Lambswool, Danish Modern, 1940s
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful example of the iconic Model 1590 lounge chair produced by Danish manufacturer Fritz Hansen in the 1940s, a reupholstered seat in luxurious shearling lambswool. Crafted in...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Elm
1960s, Lounge Chair 'Mexico' by Arne Norell Sweden
By Arne Norell
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
An original 1960s “Mexico” armchair designed by Arne Norell, Sweden. This striking piece reflects Norell’s signature blend of Scandinavian craftsmanship and South American-inspired d...
Leather
Swedish Designer, Floor Lamp, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and burgundy fabric floor lamp designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 62.5"H x 30.0"W x 30.0"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Stan...
Fabric, Birch
Swedish Modern sculptural wall sconces in glass by Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors
By Carl Fagerlund, Orrefors, Lyfa
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of rare Swedish Modern sculptural wall sconces model 1715, in goldcolored glass by Carl Fagerlund, for LYFA, Sweden with Orrefors glass.
Brass
Heidi Fournier Cream Floral Ceramic Vase, 2000s
By Royal Copenhagen, Lauritz Adolph Hjorth, Kähler, Höganäs Keramik, Upsala Ekeby
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Contemporary Heidi Fournier vase with hand-painted floral decorations on shiny cream colored base. Signed by the artist. Denmark, 2010s.
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Chandelier / Pendant ”Carolin” Brass, Sweden
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, AB Markaryd
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wonderful pendant lamp 'Carolin' model T549/3 designed 1963 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for his own company in Markaryd, Sweden. A brass frame with a redressed original shade in off-white...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Hexagonal Oak Stool with Lambswool Upholstery, 1950s
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant stool is a fine example of Danish Modern design, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. The piece features a distinctive hexagonal seat and finely carved...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Floral Ceramic Folk Art Candle Holder, Poland
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vintage Polish ceramic candle holder manufactured circa 1970s. Handpainted dark blue and burgundy organic floral decorations on cream colored shiny glaze. Stamped by maker under bas...
Ceramic
Swedish Designer, Stools, Birch, Wood, Sweden, 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of birch and green fabric stools designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900. Minor wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.75"H x 20.15"W x 15.25"D ...
Wood, Birch
David Rosén for Nordiska Kompaniet 'Berga' Table in Solid Pine, 1940s
By David Rosén, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Prague, New Town
Swedish Modern table, model ‘Berga’, designed by David Rosén in 1942. Produced by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden, 1940s. Made from solid pine. In good original condition, with wear con...
Pine
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Tank’ armchair, model ’37/400′, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1940s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Arnold Madsen ‘Clam’ Chair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Madsen & Schubell, Arnold Madsen
Located in Prague, New Town
Rare ‘Clam’ chair, designed by Arnold Madsen. Produced by Madsen & Schubell in Denmark, 1940s. Legs in beech, recently reupholstered in honey sheepskin. Dimensions: Height: 89 c...
Sheepskin, Beech
Early 19th Century, Antique Swedish Tilt-Top Table in Birchroot, 1800-1850s
Located in Odense, DK
A fine antique Swedish tilt-top table dating from around 1800, this piece exemplifies the practical elegance of early Scandinavian furniture. Its tilting tabletop mechanism allows th...
Birch, Burl
Set of 8 'Razorblade' Chairs in Oak & Hessian by Danish Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural and highly recognizable set of eight “Razorblade” dining chairs crafted in solid oak. Designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik and produced circa the 1...
Fabric, Textile, Burlap, Oak
ASEA Scandinavian mid century chandelier, brass & textile, Sweden, 1950s
By ASEA
Located in Forserum, SE
Swedish mid century chandelier produced by the Swedish electric company ASEA in the 1950s. Sculptural frame made from brass with five arms holding lamp shades upholstered in yellow t...
Brass
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Ebony & mother of pearl inlay, 8 chairs in ash, by Erik Chambert, Swedish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare stylish chairs, a set of eight, in ash, back rest with details of mother-of-pearl and ebony. Attributed to Swedish designer and interior architect Erik Chambert (1907-1988). Swe...
Mother-of-Pearl, Ash, Ebony
Swedish Pine Wood Wall Lamps by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1970s. * Set (2) of pine wood sconces with white fabric shades. * Manufacturer: Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden * St...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An etched glass and brass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 20.0"H x 22.0"D Stem Length (inch...
Brass
Handmade ceramic desk lamp from Norwegian artist Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted desk lamp by Norwegian ceramic artist Johanne Birkeland, aka Jossolini. This unique piece consists of two parts: a ceramic lamp base and a ceramic lamp shade. Both ar b...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, Taito Oy Finland
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the Paavo Tynell rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, crafted by Taito Oy, Finland. This iconic piece exemplifies Scandinavian Vintage Design, blending...
Brass
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Oak Stool with Hexagonal Seat & Bobbin Legs, 1950s
By Flemming Lassen, Viggo Boesen, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant pair of stools is a refined example of Danish Modern design, crafted by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s. Each stool features a distinctive hexagonal seat and ...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Danish Mid-20th Century Modern, Low Coffee Table, Wood Frame & Ceramic Tile Top
By Tue Poulsen, Magnus Olesen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Alvar Aalto, Britt Sallingboe
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant coffee table is a classic example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design, celebrated for its clean lines, functional construction, and harmonious use of natural materials. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Beech
Very rare Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ceiling Lamp, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Unusually large model, 45 cm in diameter, compare to the more common 28 cm model. Probably made in very few numbers. Produced and designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd, Sweden,...
Brass
Minimalist Pair of Lisa Johansson-Papé Flushmount, Mod. 70-017 Glass, Orno 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, FI
A minimalist flushmount with a metal base and a white opaline glass shade designed by Lisa Johansson-Papé and manufactured by Orno Oy in Finland in the 1950s. The lamp is in its orig...
Metal
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Sconces by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the 1970s. * set (2) of pine wood night lamps / sconces with light beige fabric shades * Manufacturer: Solba...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Swedish Designer, End Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood end table or side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Natural cracks in tabletop surface. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19.55"...
Wood
Large Massive Brutalist Rustical 3D Sideboard, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very good condition. The right-hand lock in the door is stuck and cannot be turned. With a little skill, this can certainly be fixed.
Oak
Large Eight Arms Solid Pine Chandelier with Glass Shades by Luxus Sweden, 1960s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno Kristiansson, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
This "like new" solid pine wood, eight arm chandelier was created in this “golden age of Scandinavian design”, a period that saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated visual lang...
Blown Glass, Pine
Vintage Louis Poulsen 'Black Louis' Clamp Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Multi-adjustable Wall light with clamp mount. The light can be directed in any direction. Everything is black besides the red on/off switch and It is called black Louis and was made ...
Aluminum
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster and brown rope pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 26.5"H x 16.25"D Dimensi...
Alabaster
Lars Holmström Attribution, Pendant Light, Glass, Pewter, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pewter, brass and glass pendant light attributed to Lars Holmström, Arvika, Sweden, c. 1930s. Dramatic patina: wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.0...
Brass, Pewter
Expertly Restored - Bertil Fridhagen Teak & Oak Bookcase Cabinet for Bodafors
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Brass
Pair of Paavo Tynell 1940s “Umbrella” model 5061, Taito Oy, Finland
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the 1940s with the Paavo Tynell “Umbrella” model 5061 from Taito Oy, Finland. This rare pair of iconic lamps features exquisitely perforated lampsha...
Brass
Danish Modern Mid Century Stunning Rosewood 6 drawer dresser by Johannes Sorth
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern Mid Century Stunning tall Rosewood 6 drawer dresser by Johannes Sorth. Beautiful rosewood grain on the front of the dresser. Clean inside and out. Made by Bornholms Møb...
Brass
Danish Teak Gentleman’s Chest / Armoire by Nils Jonsson for Torring
By Nils Jonsson, Torring Mobelfabrik
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish chest of drawers designed by Nils Jonsson for Torring Mobelfabrik. Handcrafted from beautifully grained teak, the piece features six drawers with recessed pulls and a right-si...
Teak
Dark Red Upholstered Moroccan Camel Saddle Footstool, 20th Century, North Africa
Located in Odense, DK
This 20th-century upholstered footstool originates from North Africa, Morocco, and reflects the region’s long tradition of functional yet decorative seating. The stool features a ric...
Metal, Brass
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Eugen Höglund, Sweden, 1940s
By Eugen Höglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant cabinet by Eugen Höglund, with elaborate decor on the doors and rounded sculpted legs. Made from mahogany with relief decor in a lighter nuance. The decor depicts animals, a ...
Mahogany
The Golden Örbyhus Radiance: A Swedish Rollakan Masterpiece of Nordic Elegance
Located in Dallas, TX
79394 Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug by Ingegerd Silow, 04'06 x 06'10. This rare handwoven wool rollakan—an original creation by the celebrated Swedish designer Ingegerd Silow—is the k...
Wool
Set of 8 Chairs in Oak & Hessian, Henning Kjærnulf, Danish Mid Century, 1960s
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural and highly recognizable set of eight high-back “Razorblade” dining chairs crafted in solid oak. Designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbler and produced circa t...
Oak, Fabric, Textile, Burlap
Three-Bay Teak Wall Mounted Shelving Unit By Torbjorn Afdal C. 1960s
By Cado, Bruskbo, Torbjørn Afdal, Poul Cadovius
Located in Peabody, MA
Midcentury "Cado" style wall-mounted shelving unit in teak, circa 1960s, from the "Veggen de Luxe" line, designed by Torbjorn Afdal and Rolf Hesland, made in Norway by Ringerike Mobe...
Teak
Orrefors Swedish Modern Blue Cased Glass Table Lamp Numbered 1950s
By Orrefors
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Sculptural table lamp produced in Sweden during the 1950s by the celebrated glassworks Orrefors. This piece is a documented model, identified via labeled examples of identical form a...
Brass
Set of Patricia V149 Brass Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Sconces with Golden Brown Glass Shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with golden-brown glass shades * Designer: Hans-Agne Jako...
Brass
Brown Leather Lounge Chair 'Model Superstar" by Sigurd Ressell. 1970s
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A striking and comfortable 1970s Danish lounge chair designed by Sigurd Ressell for Trygg Møbler, known as the “Superstar” model. This iconic piece features a sculptural frame in dar...
Metal
Armchair Model "Sorry", Overman AB, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Armchair model "Sorry", manufactured by Overman AB, Sweden, 1960s. Leather upholstery metal and plastic frame. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use.
Metal
Scandinavian Teak and String Pendant with Brass Details, Sweden 1980s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant Scandinavian pendant lamp from the 1980s, most likely of Swedish origin, combining warm teak, delicate string detailing softly diffusing the light and refined brass accent...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster, brown rope and brass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Minor scratches to alabaster fixture. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall ...
Alabaster
Mid Century Danish Modern Style Ceramic Table Lamp Possibly Upsala Ekeby
By Anna-Lisa Thomson, Upsala Ekeby
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and sophisticated earthy brown and sand textured glaze Mid Century, Danish Modern style table lamp, possibly Anna-Lisa Thompson for Upsala Ekeby, unsigned. The lamp features...
Brass
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