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.
Sculptural Lysberg, Hansen & Therp Brass Side Table, Leather Top, Denmark, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare side table was produced by Lysberg, Hansen & Therp in Denmark in the late 1940s. Founded in Copenhagen in 1841, Lysberg, Hansen & Therp became one of Denmark's leading...
Brass
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
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
Early Danish Teak & Cane Table by Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Nielsen ca. 1950s.
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Buffalo, NY
A finely crafted midcentury coffee/end table designed by Peter Hvidt, executed in solid teak with a woven cane lower tier. The design reflects the clarity and restraint of Danish mod...
Cane, Teak
"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 Grace Library Table "Charles" by Axel Einar Hjorth for NK, Sweden, 1929
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant console or library table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from stained oak with beautiful decorative sculpted details.
Oak
Severin Hansen Teak Side Tables, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1950s
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
Flower Table in Cast Iron and Frosted Glass by Bjerkås Armatur, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Flower table by an unknown designer, produced by Bjerkås Armatur in Sweden during the 1940s. Painted cast-iron frame with a decorative looped construction, sculpted feet and a froste...
Cast Iron
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, Smoke 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 Smoke Glass Customer c...
Blown Glass, Oak
Severin Hansen Mahogany Nightstand with Cane Shelf c1950s
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Severin Hansen
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
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
"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
"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
'Bord på burk' Side Table in Brass, Teak and Metal by Alberts, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Bord på burk side table, produced by Alberts in Tibro, Sweden, is a delightful example of Swedish mid-century modern design, notable for its playful details, refined materiality,...
Metal, Brass
1930s “Apu” Side Table by Maija Heikinheimo with Integrated Taito Oy Lamp
A rare and characterful Scandinavian functionalist piece combining the iconic “Apu” side table by Maija Heikinheimo with an integrated lamp by Taito Oy, Finland, dating to the 1930s....
Slate, Brass, Nickel
Mid Century Round Danish Side Table in Solid Oak, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Henning Kjærnulf
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
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
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Bottle Green
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, 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
Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Nightstands, One Drawer, 1970s
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern 1-Drawer Teak Nightstands/End Tables Offered is a piece of time and design: a Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern 1-Drawer Teak Nightstands/End Table...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Danish Oak Nightstands - New Edition
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen - Entre Nightstands in Walnut, 1956 A pair of new edition nightstands by Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. First produced in the 1950s, these new editions are now mad...
Walnut, Oak
Danish Rosewood Coffee Table with Removable Chess Board, 1960s
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik, Georg Petersens
Located in Lejre, DK
Game table in rosewood, designed and made by Georg Petersen. Great original condition.
Rosewood
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
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
Danish Midcentury Brutalist Round Coffee Table of Solid Oak by Cabinetmaker 1950
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Otto Færge 1
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish brutalist style round coffee table of solid oak with a heavy tabletop on four square legs. On each of the four legs is a hand-carved relief. Manufactured by a Danish cabinetma...
Oak
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
$1,200
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
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
Swedish Modern Elm Side Table, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking Swedish Modern side table, three-legged base made from elm with a beautiful bowled table top in rooted veneer.
Birch, Elm
Weave Desk from Ringvide, Smoked 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...
Birch, Oak
Round Side Table in Quartersawn Oak by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Round side table in solid quarter sawn oak with a beautiful wood grain. The table was made in Denmark in the 1960s and is attributed to Henning Kjærnulf. The table is solid and sturd...
Oak
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
Set of 3 Lato Side Tables-2 LN8 & 1 LN9 in Black Steel & Marble by Luca Nichetto
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
At first glance, Lato resembles a sculpture, with its slim, oval and round table top balanced by an oval-shaped base. Striking, graphic and poetic, its purity of form is proof that ...
Marble, Steel
Danish Modern Mahogany Side Table by Frits Henningsen, Denmark, 1930/40s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare and very elegant side or console table by Frits Henningsen. Made from mahogany with a rounded table top and profiled rim, standing on a beautiful sculpted three-legged base.
Mahogany
Scandinavian Flower Table "Miami" by Nils Jonsson for Troeds
Located in Karlstad, SE
"Miami" by Nils Jonsson for Hugo Troeds, Sweden, 1960s. This elegant flower table showcases the refined simplicity of Scandinavian mid-century design. Its top is encased in copper, f...
Brass
$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
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use, including natural wood cracking on tabletop. Touch ups or refinishing available upon ...
Wood
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
$1,480Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Teak Side Tables by Vejle Stole, Square Design, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Vejle Stole & Møbelfabrik
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish pair of square teak wood side or end tables in classical Scandinavian Modern style, manufactured by "Vejle Stole Og Møbelfabrik", Denmark, circa 1960.
Teak
Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Birch X600 Fan Leg Stools - Mid-Century Modern 1960s
By ICF New York, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in St. Louis, MO
Matching pair of authentic 1960s Alvar Aalto "Fan Leg" stools (Model X600) represents one of the most elegant and structurally brilliant iterations in the history of mid-century Scan...
Birch
Minimalist Scandinavian Coffee Table in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, walnut, Scandinavia, 1980s Minimalistic side table in walnut. This rectangular coffee table shows stunning lines due to the sleek legs of the design. Thanks to the bea...
Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Teak Side Table Minerva by Peter Hvidt for Soborg Mobler
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
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
Danish Modern Rolling Teak Sewing Cabinet End Table by Ejvind A. Johansson
By Ejvind A. Johansson, FDB Møbler
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern sewing end table in teak designed by Ejvind A. Johansson for FDB Mobler, Denmark. This two-tone piece is made with old growth teak featuring a storage organizing...
Brass
Round Side Table in Quartersawn Oak by Henry Kjærnulf, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Round side table in solid quarter sawn oak with a beautiful wood grain. The table was made in Denmark in the 1960s and is attributed to Henning Kjærnulf. The table is solid and sturd...
Oak
Eero Aarnio Side Table in Rattan by ASKO, 1960s
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare side table or stool, designed by Eero Aarnio and produced by ASKO in Finland, exemplifies the Finnish designer’s forward-thinking approach to form, material, and multifunct...
Rattan
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
Rare Side Table in Birch and Brass by Carl Malmsten, 1930s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare side table, attributed to Carl Malmsten and produced by Bodafors in Sweden during the 1930s, exemplifies the refined characteristics of the Swedish Grace period, a style th...
Brass
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
Danish Modern Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, 1960s. Set of 2.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Side Tables in Rosewood and Glass, 1960s. Set of 2. Elegant and stylish pair of Danish Mid-Century modern sidetables made in Denmark in ...
Smoked Glass, Rosewood
$621Sale Price / item|50% Off
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Hardwood Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, GB
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Mahogany Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen. In great structural condition. Re-polishing in progress.
Hardwood
Danish Designer, Side Table, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak side table designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.0"H x 45.5"W x 21.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Oak
Scandinavian mid-century side table with geometric wooden inlays, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A small side table, model 167, with organically shaped tabletop resting on three wooden legs with brass feet. Geometric wooden inlays. We haven’t been able to find this table in in a...
Brass
Severin Hansen Rosewood Nightstand with Cane Shelf c1950s
By Severin Hansen, Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in London, England
Severin Hansen - Model 35 Nightstands in Oak A pair of patinated oak examples of Severin Hansen's classic Model 35 bedside table with wood shelf and sing...
Rosewood
Side table 741 by Axel Larsson for Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, 1940s
By Axel Larsson, SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors
Located in Forserum, SE
Side table 741 designed by the Swedish architect Axel Larsson for the manufacturer Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors. Features elm veneer with bentwood legs in birch. Produced in t...
Birch, Elm
Kugge 52 Flower Pot from Ringvide, Pine, Natural or Pigmented Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Kugge flower pot We are all a cog in the machinery of life, let us strive to be a force that lifts and does not lower. The top of the pot resembles the shape of a gear wheel...
Pine
Danish Modern Teak Floating Nightstands by Sigfred Omann, 1960s Design
By Sigfred Omann, Olholm Mobelfabrik
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Danish Modern wall-mounted bedside tables by Ølholm Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Expertly crafted in rich teak, each floating nightstand features clean architectural lines, a...
Teak
Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden "915 / 75" Side Table by Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and early Finnish mid century modern wooden sculptural side table model "915 / 75" in stained and form pressed laminated birch designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Oy Huone...
Birch
Wooden Lovö Side Table in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 1940
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare wooden sculptural side occasional table in pine model "Lovö" by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm, 1940s. In good original condition. Stable. Dim...
Pine
Pair of Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen Rosewood Side Tables, 1960s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of side or bedside tables, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Son in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the clarity and ...
Rosewood
Set of 2 Bedside Tables in Cane and Oak by Severin Hansen, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
These rare freestanding bedside or side tables, designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev Møbelsnedkeri in Denmark during the 1950s, are fine examples of Danish modern crafts...
Cane, Oak