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.
Handcrafted ceramic side table by Norwegian artist Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted ceramic side table by Jossolini. This unique piece is built and decorated by hand. It is made of white stoneware, and decorated with matt black glaze. Jossolini is a ...
Ceramic
Handmade ceramic side table by Jossolini
By Jossolini
Located in Oslo, NO
Handcrafted ceramic side table by Jossolini. This unique piece is built and decorated by hand. It is made of white stoneware, and decorated with matt black glaze. Jossolini is a ...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Side Table in Teakwood & Oak by Edmund Jørgensen, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful and rare pair of sculptural side tables by Edmund Jørgensen, crafted in Denmark in the 1950s. Featuring elegant circular tray-style tops in teakwood, and distinctive turn...
Oak, Teak
Pre-Artek Alvar Aalto Model 75/915 Birch Side Table for Paimio, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
An early pre-Artek example of Alvar Aalto’s Side Table 75/915, designed in 1932 for Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab before Artek was e...
Birch
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
Sidetable with intarsia decor by Carl Malmsten, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sidetable in mahogany veneer with intarsia decor depicting leaves, by reowned designer Carl Malmsten, Sweden circa 1940s. Two drawers on each side. Makers mark CM underneath ta...
Wood
Small Swedish Stone Table 1800s
Located in Farsta, SE
Small Swedish Stone Table 18th-century granite top, previously used as a grinding table for making paint. The base is made of pine, from the 19th century. Stunning patina.
Granite
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
Rare Swedish Grace side table in birch and red laminate, Sweden, 1930s
By Otto Schulz
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A rare Swedish Grace side table by an unknown Swedish designer and maker, dating from the 1930s. Made from stained birch with a circular red laminate top, central pedestal and lower ...
Laminate, Birch
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
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
"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
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
Contemporary Side Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Smoke Glass
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 Smoke Glass Custom...
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 Custom...
Blown Glass, 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
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
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 ...
Blown Glass, Oak
Danish Designer, Side Table, Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak side table designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Thin, long scratch on tabletop next to restoration of quarter-inch crack. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.88 in x 26.8...
Oak
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
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
Sven Larsson Side Table in Solid Pine
By Sven Larsson
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sven Larsson for Sven Larsson Möbel-shop, side table, pine, Sweden, 1970s This side table is designed by Sven Larsson, dating back to the seventies. With a solid and sturdy look, t...
Pine
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
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
Early Danish Teak & Cane Table by Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Nielsen ca. 1950s.
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, 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
$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
Axel Larsson, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Axel Larsson
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed by Axel Larsson and produced by Bodafors, Sweden, c. 1940s. Minor to moderate scratches and imperfectIons on tabletop surface from normal use. Moderate s...
Wood
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
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
$765 / item
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Earth
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
Swedish Modern Intarsia Side Table, H. Sundling AB, Trånas, Sweden, 1950s
By H. Sundling AB
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare side table was made by H. Sundling AB in Tranås, Sweden, in the 1950s. This particular model was numbered 435. The top is a fine example of Scandinavian intarsia work: a r...
Wood, Beech, Birch, Macassar, Teak
Danish Modern Rosewood Side Tables, 1960s, Set of 2
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern rosewood side tables, 1960s, set of 2. Pair of two matching tables in beautiful rosewood veneer. Square top with rect...
Rosewood
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
Severin Hansen, Side Tables, Rosewood, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of rosewood side tables designed by Severin Hansen and produced by Haslev, Denmark, c. 1960s. Variance to wood tone and grain of each table as observable in photos.
Rosewood
Vintage 1960s 1970s Sewing Box Storage Utensil Mid Century Design
Located in Neuenkirchen, NI
Vintage 1960s/70s Sewing Box/Basket/Storage Utensil - Mid-Century Design Item: Sewing Basket Manufacturer: Unknown Condition: Good Age: Circa 1960-1970 Dimensions: Width = 38.5...
Teak
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
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 Rectangular Coffee Table in Natural Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, pine, Scandinavia, 1960s. The design of this coffee table shows a strong and solid construction executed in pine. This is realized by the sharp and clear lines discer...
Pine
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
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
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
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Pine, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and sand-blasted glass side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Small chips in glass in a few places around the edge. Overall Dimensions (inches): 21.75" Height...
Glass, Wood, Pine
$736Sale Price|20% Off
IKEA PS 2014 Storage Side Table, Scandinavian Modern
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Colorful modular side table from the IKEA PS 2014 collection, designed by T. Richardson, C. Brill, and A. Williams. The cylindrical form is composed of stackable rotating trays that...
Plastic
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, 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
Pair of Midcentury Side Tables in Rosewood by Knud Joos, Danish Design, 1960s
By Jason Møbler
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of side tables in rosewood designed by Knud Joos and made by Jason Furniture Denmark, great original condition.
Rosewood
Swedish half circular mid-century Mahogany side table on brass feet, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, Uppsala
Stunning and elegant Swedish semicircular side table by unidentified maker in Mahogany from the 1940s or maybe early 1950s on brass feet. Equally beautiful connected stretchers on th...
Brass
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
$867Sale Price|19% Off
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
Pair of Solid Oak Side Tables, Danish Cabinetmaker, 1970s
Located in Rødding, DK
A pair of solid oak side tables by an anonymous Danish cabinetmaker, Denmark, 1970s. The defining feature is the bobbin-turned leg — a stacked, segmented column of lathe-worked oak —...
Oak
DOOQ Organic Modern Handmade Portuguese Nouvelle Vague Side Table in Blue
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Exceptional in its craftwork, Nouvelle Vague is a side table that rejects traditional conventions in favor of experimentation. Round ceramic handmade pieces, painted in a unique craq...
Ceramic, Wood
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