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
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
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Teak 3 Legged Round Occasional Table by Hans Andersen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This vintage teak table is made from solid old growth wood hand that has been given a traditional oil finish. Three legs, a slender stem and a beveled top are some of the spare but ...
Teak
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, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.625"H x 31.75"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Birch
"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
"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
Hans J. Wegner Danish Teak Side Table by Andreas Tuck
By Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sold teak folding side or end table with tray designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Andreas Tuck. In good condition with excellent color and beautiful grains. Oiled and refr...
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
"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
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
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
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Amber Glass
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 Amber Glass Customer c...
Blown Glass, Oak
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Smoke Glass
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
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
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
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
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
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
Side table 741 by Axel Larsson for Svenska Möbelfabrikerna in Bodafors, 1940s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Axel Larsson
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
Axel Larsson, Side Table, Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Larsson
Located in High Point, NC
An elm side table designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Bodafors, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.5"H x 31.75"D All items sh...
Elm
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
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
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
Pair of "Ängby" Bedside Tables by Axel Einar Hjorth
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
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
$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
1970s Swedish Side Table in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side table, solid pine, Sweden, 1970s This side table, featuring a solid and sturdy appearance, is meticulously crafted with clean, straight lines, embodying the simplicity charact...
Pine
$787 / 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
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
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
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
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
Danish Midcentury Brutalist Round Coffee Table of Solid Oak by Cabinetmaker 1950
By Otto Færge 1, Axel Einar Hjorth
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
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 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
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
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
Early Danish Teak & Cane Table by Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Nielsen ca. 1950s.
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
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
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Bottle Green
By Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11
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
$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
1970s Swedish Side Table in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Side table, pine, Sweden, 1970s This side table, featuring a solid and sturdy appearance, is meticulously crafted with clean, straight lines, embodying the simplicity characteristi...
Pine
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 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
$617Sale Price / item|50% Off
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Hardwood Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen
By Bernt Petersen, Rud Rasmussen
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 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
Expertly Restored - Mid-Century Modern Reversible Tray Top Side Table by Dux
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...
Wood, Teak
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
LATO LN9, Warm Black steel & Marble Side Table by Luca Nichetto for &Tradition
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
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
Danish Mid Century Modern Side by Sannemanns Mobelfabrik. Denmark Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Side by Sannemanns Mobelfabrik. Denmark Circa 1970s Features a quintessential Scandinavian modern sleek design, rounded corners and legs, and a bea...
Teak
Scandinavian Mid-century Modern Rosewood Side Table / Coffee Table, circa 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
This elegant rosewood coffee table from Denmark, dating back to the 1960s, showcases the timeless beauty of Scandinavian modern design. With its minimal and simple form, the table em...
Rosewood
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
Rare Side or Sewing Table, Model AT-33 by Hans Wegner, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare side or sewing table, model AT-33, was designed by Hans Wegner and produced by Andreas Tuck in Denmark during the 1950s. The table is crafted from teak and oak, with a warm...
Rattan, Oak
Severin Hansen Jr. Side Teak Table + Cane by Haslev Furniture Denmark, 1960s
By Severin Hansen Jr., Haslev Mobelsnedkeri
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish modern small side table table of teak with pointed legs, designed by Severin Hansen Jr. and manufactured by Haslev Furniture in Danmark ...
Cane, Teak
Midcentury Modern Cabinet by Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, 1960s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare cabinet by Josef Frank, made in elm with beautiful woodgrain. Signature design with an array of drawers on an elevated, airy base.
Elm
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
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Elm, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch and elm side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.65"H x 36.0"D All items ship from High Point, North ...
Birch, Elm
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Heavy wear to surfaces. Minor scuffing on legs and feet. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.7"H x 21.0"W x 21.0"D ...
Wood