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
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
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
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 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" 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
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
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
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
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
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Smoke 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 Smoke 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
Set of 3 Lato Side Tables-2 LN8 & 1 LN9 in Black Steel & Marble by Luca Nichetto
Located in Dubai, AE
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 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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Oak Bedside Tables by Esko Pajamies for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Esko Pajamies, Asko
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
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
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
A Swedish Grace Circular Side Table, Circa 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish Grace birchwood and inlaid circular side table, Circa 1940s, Bodafors, SMF, Label & stamp on underside. the circular top above square column form legs joined by a cross-str...
Birch
Frits Henningsen Three Legged Side Table in Mahogany, Denmark, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare side table was designed by Frits Henningsen and produced in Denmark in the 1940s. The table is stamped with the model number 1570 on the underside of the top. Executed in ...
Mahogany
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
Danish Rosewood Rolling Cube Storage Side Table, Vitzé c. 1950
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A 1950's Rosewood Rolling Cube side table with storage for books or records or any storage on both sides. Original signed Vitzé Made in Denmark sticker. Vitzé Møbelfabrik (often spel...
Wood, Rosewood
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
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
$2,157 / set
Pair of Side Tables by Wilhelm Renz, 1960s
By Wilhelm Renz
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Lovely pair of side tables produced by Wilhelm Renz around 1960. With a very decorative wood drawing on both tables. In very good original condition. Labeled by the maker.
Wood
$781 / 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
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
$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
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
"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
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
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
Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Birch X600 Fan Leg Stools - Mid-Century Modern 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, ICF New York
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Set of Three Nesting Tables in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of nesting tables, oak, Denmark, 1960s A refined set of Danish nesting side tables from the 1960s, crafted in beautifully grained oak. Defined by their elegant proportions and t...
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
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
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
Wooden Lovö Side Table in Pine by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet 1940
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
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
Round Art Deco Side Table in Beech & Marble Top, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant Art Deco side table / pedestal in beech with an exclusive marble top. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1940s. This charming vintage table will complement many interior st...
Marble
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
$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
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
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
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
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
$612Sale 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
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
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 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
Umanoff Side Table, H45 - Solid Walnut / Brass - by Arthur Umanoff for Audo
Located in Dubai, AE
As relevant today as it was when first designed by Arthur Umanoff in the 1950s, the reissued Umanoff Side Table balances walnut and brass on its rounded top and tripod-inspired frame...
Brass
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 Designer, Side Table, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine side table designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Pine
$1,796Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of Oak Triva Side Tables by Yngvar Sandström for Nordiska Kompaniet, 1960s
By Nordiska Kompaniet, Yngvar Sandström
Located in Karis, Nyland
Pair of side tables from the Triva series designed by Yngvar Sandström for Nordiska Kompaniet. They both have a metal company label. They can be used as side tables or as bedside tab...
Oak