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.
Swedish Grace Library Table "Charles" by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1929
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console or library table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from stained oak with beautiful decorative sculpted details.
Oak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.25" Height x 30.0" ...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Tables, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted birch side tables designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H x 23.5"D All items ship...
Birch
Mid Century Modern, Danish Hexagon Side Table in Oak with Turned Legs, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Dansih side table crafted in oak, dating to the 1950s. The table features an hexagonal top supported by elegantly turned legs connected by a cross stretcher, giving the pi...
Oak
$7,944 / set
Modernist Side Tables by Severin Hansen
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of teak bedside tables by Severin Hansen with drawers and rattan shelves under the table tops. Severin Hansen’s characteristic diagonal, seamless joinery at the corners.
Teak, Rattan
Pair of "Ängby" Bedside Tables by Axel Einar Hjorth
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of lovely bedside tables by Axel Einar Hjorth, model called “Ängby”. Swedish Modern lines with a touch of rococo. Made from wood, lacquered celadon green.
Wood, Lacquer
Danish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Iron, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A freeform wood and black-lacquered iron side table likely designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1950s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural cracking to wood. Natural ...
Iron
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and glass side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Minor chips in glass edge; wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.0"H x 43.5"W x 1...
Glass, Wood
Scandinavian Coffee Table in Ash with Striped Top and Organic Legs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, Scandinavia, 1950s Beautiful coffee table in ash with striped top. This table features a stunning top with parallel arranged stripes in two colored ashwood. Natur...
Ash
Weave Desk from Ringvide, Oak Wood, Natural Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Desk Weave desk, made of solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the desk serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Oak, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Minor cracking in center of tabletop surface. Minor scratches throughout consistent with normal use. Overall Dimension...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Set of Multifunctional Tables in Wood and Green Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ottomans, set of three stools or side tables, mahogany, olive green leather, Scandinavia. 1960s Charming set of three multifunctional stools or side tables from the 1960s, crafted i...
Leather, Mahogany
Severin Hansen Mahogany Nightstand with Cane Shelf c1950s
By Severin Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in London, England
Severin Hansen - Model 35 Nightstand in Mahogany, 1958 A beautiful example of Severin Hansen's classic Model 35 bedside table with wood shelf and single drawer made from solid and v...
Cane, Rattan, Mahogany
"Avenir" Burl Wood Side Table (Walnut) by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Side Table celebrates the expressive depth of mappa burl, a wood prized for its swirling, cloud-like grain. Its cylindrical form is fully wrapped in hand-matched veneer an...
Burl
Swedish 1970s rustic triangular side table made from solid pine
Located in Forserum, SE
A modernist pinewood table with a triangular tabletop resting on three rustic legs. Handcrafted in Sweden in the 1970s. The shape and, not least, the choice of material are typical o...
Pine
"Avenir" Blonde Burl Wood Side Table by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Side Table celebrates the expressive depth of mappa burl, a wood prized for its swirling, cloud-like grain. Its cylindrical form is fully wrapped in hand-matched veneer an...
Burl
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.36 in x 31.36 in All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Wood
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Smoke Glass
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Side Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Side Table, Black Oak and Smoke Glass Customer c...
Blown Glass, Oak
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Amber Glass
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Side Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Side Table, Black Oak and Amber Glass Customer c...
Blown Glass, Oak
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Bottle Green
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Side Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Side Table, Black Oak and Bottle Green Glass Cus...
Blown Glass, Oak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Elm, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and elm side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H x 31.5"W x 31.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Birch, Elm
Alvar Aalto Side / Newspaper Table Model A 86 in Birch for Artek, 1930s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf feature makes it perfect as an arm chair or reading space side table. The vintage honey l...
Birch
$2,448Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Oak Bedside Tables Model "Casino" by Engström & Myrstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Tingströms, Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand
Located in Karis, Nyland
A pair of oak bedside tables from the "Casino" series, designed by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms in the 1960s. The design is defined by its clean lines, solid oak...
Oak
Mid Century Round Danish Side Table in Solid Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Crafted in Denmark during the 1960s by a skilled cabinetmaker, this round side table is attributed to architect Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik. Executed in solid oak, the pie...
Oak
Midcentury Modern Mahogany Bedside Tables, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant bedside tables, made from mahogany with dramatic veneer on the fronts. Decorative round brass handles. Practical shelves under the drawers.
Brass
danish modern COFFEE TABLE side table teak trioh made in denmark 1970s
Located in Mannheim, DE
Danish modern 1970s teak coffee table produced by Trioh. Marked to bottom Trioh Made in Denmark 79. Made of solid teak wood and teak veneer (table top). Beautiful details. Dimension...
Teak
Swedish Designer, Coffee or Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Wood
Poul Kjærholm PK71 Nesting Tables for E. Kold Christensen, Early 1960 Production
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare and highly collectible set of Poul Kjærholm PK71 nesting tables, produced by E. Kold Christensen in the early 1960s. These are unmarked early production examples, identifiable...
Steel
Danish Rosewood Coffee Table with Removable Chess Board, 1960s
By Georg Petersens, Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
Game table in rosewood, designed and made by Georg Petersen. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Scandinavian Modern Teak Side Table Minerva by Peter Hvidt for Soborg Mobler
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Vienna, AT
This rare, two-tiered Minerva teak corner side table was designed by the iconic design duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. This artfully crafted table is made from solid te...
Cane, Teak
$788 / item
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Clay
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...
Concrete
$1,500
Scandinavian Side Table
Located in Long Island City, NY
Swedish Grace style Scandinavian side table. Stained wood with inlay on table top. Circa 1930th. Recently refinished.
Birch
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Side Tables or Stools
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Set of Two Danish Low Stools or End Tables, Mid 20th Century, Scandinavian. These very versatile pieces can be used in any formal or informal setting, either in a modern or classical...
Wood, Teak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine side table likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1920s. Tabletop and column/foot have different finishes, with tabletop surface being matte smooth with mini...
Pine
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf feature makes it perfect as an arm chair or reading space side table. The vintage honey l...
Birch
Bertil Söderberg Coffee/ Side Table in Burl Wood, Svensk Hemslöjd, Sweden, 1930s
By Bertil Söderberg 1, Svensk Hemslöjd
Located in The Hague, NL
This elegant coffee table was designed by Bertil Söderberg in the mid-1930s and produced by the Swedish company Svensk Hemslöjd. The design is defined by a sculptural, four-legged ba...
Birch, Elm, Burl
Side table by Svend Thoresen & Torgny Roloff, Sweden, c. 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant Swedish Grace table in dark-stained oak, designed for Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1930s. Svend A. Thoresen, a Danish interior architect active in Stockholm, worked at N...
Oak
$830 / item
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chalk
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed ...
Concrete
Mid Century Modern Two Tier Walnut End Table by Lane Furniture, 1957
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
1957 Lane Altavista Copenhagen Mid Century Modern Tiered Walnut End Table, Nightstand. This is an original rare vintage 1950s Lane Altavista two tier side table or nightstand. Elegant Mid century modern two tiered Lane Altavista Copenhagen step table featuring a two tiered design with brass wrapped tapered legs. Stamped Lane Altavista VA...
Walnut
Danish Cabinetmaker Pedestal Table with Radial Marquetry Top, Bronze, circa 1950
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare side table was designed by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1950s and reflects a particularly refined and sculptural approach to postwar Scandinavian design. The circular tabl...
Bronze
Side Table Model X601 by Alvar Aalto, Finland, Mid-20th Century
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table model X601 designed by Alvar Aalto 1954, produced in Finland during the mid-20th century. The table features Aalto’s characteristic bentwood construction with laminated fa...
Ash, Birch
"Avenir" Blonde Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
Pair of Oak Bedside Tables by Esko Pajamies for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Asko, Esko Pajamies
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of oak bedside tables model "Ponderosa" designed by Esko Pajamies and produced by Asko in Finland during the 1960s. The design is defined by its clean architectural li...
Oak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table or coffee table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Recently refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.0" Height x 35.5" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North ...
Wood
Pair of Mahogany side tables by Anton Kildeberg, Denmark 1960's
By Anton Kildebergs Møbelfabrik, Anton Kildeberg
Located in Balen, BE
A elegant pair of mahogany side tables 'model 210' made by Anton Kildeberg. Different version of this table were made during the 50s, 60s and 70s. Made from a solid beech turned base...
Hardwood
Danish Modern, Round Baroque Style Side Table in Oak, Mid 20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Danish Modern round coffee or side table, crafted in solid oak in the mid 20th century. The table features a beautifully proportioned circular top with a subtly raised and...
Oak
Hans Christian Andersen Hexagon Rosewood Side Table 1960s
By Hans Christian Andersen, Artex
Located in London, England
Hans Christian Andersen - Hexagonal side Table, 1960s A beautiful and rare side table created by obscure Danish designer Hans Christian Andersen for the Artex Möbelindustri company ...
Cane, Rattan, Mahogany
Pair of Plinth Cubic Side Tables, Rose Marble Calacatta Viola-by Norm Architects
By Norm Architects, Audo
Located in Dubai, AE
Equal parts beautiful and timeless, the Plinth Collection comprises multi-functional podiums for every space. Profiling the beauty of natural materials and uncompromising craftsmansh...
Marble
Model 70 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 70 side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch. Marked. Good vintage condition, rich patina consistent with age and...
Birch
$4,350 / item
Kai Kristiansen Walnut Nightstand - New Edition
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Nightstands in Walnut, 1956 A new edition nightstand by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. First produced in the 1950s, these re-editions are now made under li...
Walnut
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Natural cracking to tabletop surface consistent with age along with minor imperfections from normal use. Moderate scuf...
Birch
Italian Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A burl wood side table likely designed and produced in Italy, c. 1930s. Slight checking on tabletop. Minor scuffing on legs. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.25 in x 26 in All ite...
Wood
LATO LN9, Warm Black steel & Marble Side Table by Luca Nichetto for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
At first glance, Lato resembles a sculpture, with its slim, Oval table top balanced by an oval-shaped base. The marble is turned into shape on a lather and then honed to a semi Matt...
Marble, Steel
Side table by unknown designer, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Stained wood table with figured veneer, designed in the spirit of Art Deco. The composition is defined by its layered shelves and asymmetrical silhouette, creating a sculptural and f...
Beech
Axel Einar Hjorth Lövo Side table , 1930's
Located in Uccle, BE
Axel Einar Hjorth was a renowned Swedish designer of the 20th century, recognized for his influence in the modern Swedish design movement. Active during the first half of the 20th century, he was one of the pioneers of the modern Swedish design movement. Hjorth skillfully merged the functional aesthetics of Scandinavian design with a distinctive artistic sensibility, creating furniture pieces that transcend eras. The "Lövo side table...
Pine
Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age and use. ...
Birch, Paint
Kai Kristiansen Entre Bedside Table Low by Dagmar in Oak
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen, Entre Bedside Table, 1950s A key figure in the Danish Modern movement, Kai Kristiansen designed the iconic Entre series in 1956 as a modular collection of bedside c...
Oak
Nordiska Kompaniet, Side Tables, Oak, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak side tables produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1930s. Mild tabletop surface wear from normal use; one has darker imperfections. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3...
Oak
1960s Severin Hansen Fully Restored Rosewood Side Table with Shelf by Haslev
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen Jr.
Located in Knebel, DK
Severin Hansen fully restored rosewood side table with shelf by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri Denmark. These Severin Hansen tables are not often seen with a shelf like this table. The table ...
Rosewood