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.
Nesting Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1970s. Birch and ash. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with agen and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) i...
Ash, Birch
Set 3 Mid century Danish modern teak hexagon stacking tables by Hans C. Andersen
By Arlex, Hans C. Andersen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of (3) Mid century Danish modern teak hexagon stacking tables by Hans C. Andersen. Solid teak with black Formica tops. Beautiful woodworking and design. Very fun cool set. Great ...
Formica, Teak
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Rare mahogany table top, birch legs. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ...
Birch, Mahogany
$1,500Sale Price / set|23% Off
Nesting Tables by Haslev
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of two nesting tables with inlaid stoneware tiles by Nils Thorsen for Royal Copenhagen. Produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri.
Stoneware, Wood
Vintage Danish Teak Nesting Tables by Erling Torvits for Heltborg Møbler 1950s.
By Erling Torvits, Heltborg Møbler
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish Teak Nesting Tables by Erling Torvits for Heltborg Møbler Denmark 1950s. Set of three Danish Mid-Century Modern Model...
Teak
Kurt Østervig Rosewood Nesting Tables Model 223 for Jason Møbler, Denmark 1950s
By Jason Møbler, Kurt Østervig
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Elegant and slender Nesting Side Tables, designed by Kurt Østervig in 1958 for Jason Møbler. Beautifully crafted from Rosewood with a finely shaped, curved edge on the large tabletop...
Hardwood
Severin Hansen Nesting Tables, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Severin Hansen nesting tables, Denmark, 1950s. Excellent condition, restored.
Rosewood
Swedish art deco / modernist side table 1930's All Original Decorative
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Axel Larsson, Bodafors
Located in Forest, BE
This elegant Swedish Art Deco modernist side table captures the refined simplicity and geometric harmony characteristic of Nordic design in the early 20th century. Crafted from birch...
Birch
Severin Hansen Coffee Table with Nesting Tables for Haslev Brazilian Rosewood
Located in Dallas, TX
A trio of rosewood tables by Scandinavian master Severin Hansen. The large table could serve as a coffee table and the smaller tables as drink or tv tables. The smaller tables have a...
Rosewood
Danish Modern Solid Teak Set of Nesting End Tables by H.W. Klein for Bramin
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern nesting tables designed by H.W. Klein for Bramin, Denmark circa 1960's. The table tops are made of solid planked teak supported by classic pencil legs. Features co...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Nesting Tables in Iron and Glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A set of three nesting tables by an unknown designer and manufacturer, made in Sweden during the 1930s. Constructed from white-painted iron with rectangular glass tops. The sides ar...
Iron
1960s Danish Teak Nesting Tables Set 3 Johannes Andersen Silkeborg
Located in Hyattsville, MD
1960s Teak Nesting Tables Set by Johannes Andersen for Silkeborg of Denmark. Middle Table has repair to a break to top of front right leg. Strong and tight. All top surfaces have bee...
Teak
$4,596Sale Price / set|20% Off
Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kiersgaard Scandinavian Dark Wood Nesting Tables 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian mid-century modern design dark wood nesting tables, set of three ,designed by kai Kristiansen and produced by Aksel Kjesgaard (attributed) with frame in solid wood, prod...
Wood
$1,835 / set
Fritz Hansen – Set of Three Beech Nesting Tables
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Set of three nesting tables by Fritz Hansen, crafted in beech in 1944. The tables have a simple and functional design with slender square legs and horizontal stretchers. The tableto...
Beech
Danish Modern Teak Tile Top Nesting Tables by Willy Ryomgard Mobelfabriken
Located in New York, NY
Set of three Danish modern nesting tables by Willy Ryomgard Mobelfabriken. The tables have teak frames, with ceramic tile tops. All are in very good, original condition, the smallest...
Ceramic, Teak
Midcentury Danish Modern Rosewood and Chrome Nesting Tables or Side Tables
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek and modern set of nesting tables circa 1960s. These feature gorgeous rosewood with thin modern chrome framing.
Chrome
Swedish Designer, Nesting Tables, Birch, Oak, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three dark-stained birch and oak veneer nesting or side tables designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Each table has different dimensions: Largest table Dimensions: 22...
Birch, Oak
1970´s Fully Restored Danish Bent Silberg Stackable Beech Side Tables
Located in Knebel, DK
1970´s Fully Restored Danish Bent Silberg Beech Side- and Stacking Tables The sidetables feature a simple clean design with their round tabletops and bended organic shaped legs des...
Beech
$1,991Sale Price / set|23% Off
Modernist Birch Nesting Tables by Axel Larsson, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Larsson, Bodafors
Located in Karis, Nyland
Nesting table with three tables in different sizes by Axel Larsson. Beautiful, clean silhouette and a warm birch color. Each table has flame birch veneer top. Marked my manufacturer ...
Birch
Severin Hansen Teak Nesting Tables for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Hamburg, PA
Add a touch of Danish modern elegance to your space with this set of three nesting tables designed by Severin Hansen for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted fro...
Teak
Swedish designer alder root nesting tables , 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Elegant set of nesting tables by anonymous designer in Sweden during the first half of the 20th century. Body of birch with beautiful top of alder root. Slender legs with sculpted ...
Birch
Sumi 02 Blue, Nesting Tables, Ringvide, Birch Wood, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
This unique copy of the Sumi nest of tables is exactly as shown in the pictures. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The name Sumi comes from the Japanes...
Birch, Oak
Pair of Børge Mogensen Wall Shelves by Karl Andersson & Söner, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of pine wall shelves / bedside tables designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced in Sweden by Karl Andersson & Söner, 1960s.
Pine
Henning Kjærnulf Set of Three Oak Nesting Tables for EG Kvalitets, Denmark 1960s
By EG Kvaliteet, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Debrecen, HU
Elegant set of three nesting tables designed by Henning Kjærnulf and produced in Denmark by EG Kvalitetsmøbel during the 1960s. Crafted from solid oak, the tables are distinguished ...
Ceramic, Oak
Rare Checkerboard Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen / Aksel Kjersgaard set 3 Teak
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare Checkerboard Nesting Tables by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard..Set of 3 in Teak...Top table featuring checkerboard parquet pattern,Nice original condition,,,,Wonderful wa...
Teak
Pair of "Guldheden" Bedside Tables by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of elegant bedside tables in pine, designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent condition with small signs of usage and patina.
Pine
Nesting Tables in Teak, Oak & Intarsia by Svend Aage Madsen, Denmark, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Rare set of nesting tables designed by Svend Aage Madsen and produced by Sigurd Hansen Møbelfabrik in Denmark in the 1950s. Oak frames and teakwood top with handmade intarsia of star...
Teak, Oak
Hans J. Wegner tray table, oak, wenge, steel and formica. Model GE453
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner tray table with frame of steel. Plate of black and white formica, oak sides with wenge handle. Model GE453, made by Getama.
Steel
Kurt Østervig Scandinavian Midcentury Wood Formica Nesting Tables, Denmark 1960s
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcdentury modern design set of three nesting tables designed by Kurt Østervig with solid dark wood frame and top in wood and black formica, Denmark in the 60s Please...
Formica, Wood
$1,072Sale Price / set|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Set of Three Teak Stacking Nesting Tables
By Erik Buch
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic set of 3 teak nesting/stacking table attributed to the Danish Designer Eric Buch. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. They move in and out perfectly. Dimensi...
Teak
Johannes Andersen set of nesting tables in rosewood Silkeborg Denmark 1960
By CFC Silkeborg, Johannes Andersen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Set of three Johannes Andersen nesting tables in rosewood, produced by CFC Silkeborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. A beautifully proportioned and highly functional set that perfectly ...
Santos Rosewood
Hans J. Wegner Set of 3 Nesting Tables "At-40" for Andreas Tuck, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful minimalistic design by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner in solid Scandinavian oakwood. This iconic set of model AT-40 tables was made in the 1960s at cabinetmaker Andreas Tuc...
Oak
$2,961 / item
Stool 'Visingsö' by Carl Malmsten, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool in pine model 'Visingsö' designed by Carl Malmsten, Sweden, 1960s. Good condition with small signs of usage and patina. Please note: set of 2 available
Pine
Illum Wikkelso Folding Table Set for CFC Silkeborg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set includes three folding tables that fold flat and slide into slotted spaces of the occasional Table. Table looks like it had some refinishing work done at some point. Shows fine...
Brass
Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “The Sled” nesting table by Carl Malmsten, made from teak. Light, graceful design with sled shaped legs and a discreet decor of inlaid spheres at the edges of the table tops.
Teak
Swedish Designer, Nesting Tables, Oak, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of three nesting side tables designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Minor glass imperfections from manufacture on large and medium tabletops. Minor chip in edge of small ...
Glass, Oak
Sumi 02 Ocher, Nesting Tables, Ringvide, Birch Wood, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
This unique copy of the Sumi nest of tables is exactly as shown in the pictures. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. The name Sumi comes from the Japanes...
Birch, Oak
$875 / set
Mid Century Danish Modern Nest of Tables
Located in New York, NY
Architectural nest of three tables in solid walnut, with raised trim molding. Well constructed, solid and tight, these tables are in good overall condition, however they do show cosm...
Walnut
Nesting Tables by Henning Kjærnulf in Solid Quartersawn Oakwood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 3 nesting tables in solid quartersawn oak with beautiful grain and patina. The tables were designed by Henning Kjærnulf in the 1960s and manufactured at EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Den...
Oak
Alvar Aalto Nesting Table Set Model E88 in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
The perfect practical side table for any scandinavian or modern interior, especially with challenging spaces as you can save space with the nesting tables. The measurments are 60x35...
Birch, Oak
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Camden, ME
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
$1,160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Nest of Tables Johannes Andersen for CFC Mobler Silkenborg
By Johannes Andersen and C. F. Christensen
Located in New York, NY
Sleek Danish modern nest of three teak tables by Johannes Andersen for CFC Mobler Silkeborg. Dimensions in listing are for the largest table.
Teak
Scandinavian 50s-60s interlocking teak side tables
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of three Scandinavian teak interlocking side tables, 1950s-60s, featuring slender turned legs and tops with gently beveled edges. Set of three Scandinavian interlocking side tab...
Teak
Midcentury Nesting Tables in Rosewood by Severin Hansen, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of nesting tables in rosewood designed by Severin Hansen and made by Haslev Furniture Denmark, great original condition.
Rosewood
M. Ryder & Eskild Pontoppidan Nesting Tables by Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare nesting tables designed by M. Ryder & Eskild Pontoppidan. Produced by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan in Denmark.
Teak
Rosewood Johannes Andersen for CF Christensen of Silkeborg Nesting Tables
By Johannes Andersen, Johannes Andersen and C. F. Christensen
Located in Oakland, CA
Set of three rosewood nesting tables designed by Johannes Andersen produced by CF Christensen of Silkeborg, Denmark. Nesting system crafted of book-matc...
Rosewood
$2,608 / item
Pair of bedside tables by DUX, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by DUX, Sweden, 1970s. Cane, rattan, and teak. Very sturdy and in good original condition. Please note: set of 3 available. Listed price is for one (1) table.
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Nesting Tables in Rio Rosewood by Johannes Ander
By CFC Silkeborg, Johannes Andersen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern nesting tables in Rio rosewood by Johannes Andersen.
Rosewood
$2,246Sale Price / set|25% Off
Scandinavian Modern Pair of Teak Nesting Sofa Console Tables w/Tile Insert Tops
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous Late-20th Century Scandinavian Modern pair of teak nesting sofa or console tables with tile insert tops marked Made in Denmark. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that the...
Ceramic, Teak
Severin Hansen large set of 3 nesting tables in rosewood Haslev Denmark 1960
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful large nesting tables, set of three designed by Severin Hansen for Haslev Møbelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1960. Crafted in richly figured rosewood, the set showcases Hansen's refine...
Santos Rosewood
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Set of Rosewood Nesting Tables, 1960s. Set of three Scandinavian Modern Rosewood/Palisander nesting tables with tapered legs and beautiful expressive veneer pattern. Th...
Rosewood
Johannes Andersen Sewing Nest, Teak and Cane, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Johannes Andersen Sewing nest. Made in teak and basket in cane.
Cane, Teak
$1,800Sale Price / set|40% Off
1950s Danish Rosewood Geometric Cube Stacking Cocktail Side Tables Mid-Century
By Poul Kjærholm, Jorgen Baermark
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Jørgen Bækmark rosewood cube-shaped rectangular insert stacking or nesting tables. Rare design. The joinery is tight. Largest outer table: W 23.63 x D 16.5 x H 19.68 in.
Wood
Kai Kristiansen Set of Three Walnut Stacking, Nesting Tables, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Organic Modern Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik trio of Walnut stacking tables. Featuring smooth, rounded rectangular dark, beautifully...
Walnut
Johannes Andersen Sewing Nest, Rosewood and Cane, Danish Modern, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Johannes Andersen Sewing nest. Made in rosewood and basket in cane.
Cane, Rosewood
Jørgen Aakjær Set of Nesting Tables, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Jørgen Aakjær set of three nesting tables in rosewood, with solid rosewood drumstick legs. Made in Denmark in the 1960s.
Rosewood
Erling Torvits Rosewood Sewing Nest, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Erling Torvits sewing nest in rosewood. Four drawers. On wheels.
Rosewood
1960s Set of Fully Restored and Refinished Danish Nesting Tables in Teak
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s set of fully restored and refinished Danish nesting tables in teak The elegant and well crafted nesting tables with their mid-century Danish-Modern slimlined design and high s...
Teak
Set of 3 Danish nesting tables in rosewood Denmark 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Elegant set of Danish nesting tables produced in Denmark in the 1960s. The set is crafted in beautifully grained rosewood. The warm, deep tones and expressive figuring of the wood gi...
Rosewood
Set of Nesting Tables by Severin Hansen
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of nesting tables in well patinated finished Scandinavian oak designed by Maa. Hans Jørgen Wegner for Andreas Tuck. Great condition.
Oak