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.
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Vanity, Console Table or Low Profile Desk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple modern Scandinavian design from Denmark circa 1970's. This piece features all teak wood construction with generous storage and a unique bowed front. A very versatile piece f...
Teak
1960s Small Elegant Fully Restored Rosewood Vanity Table in Excellent Condition
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s small elegant fully restored rosewood vanity table in excellent condition The well designed and manufactored table is flexible and can be turned into a small desk by removing ...
Rosewood
Vintage Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Teak Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern vanity dressing table in teak designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Features sleek circular recessed pulls that open three dovetail storage dr...
Steel
$2,681Sale Price|50% Off
Frits Henningsen solid oak table circa 1930-50s
Located in London, GB
This 1950s oak table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
$3,720Sale Price|20% Off
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in New Windsor, NY
Kai Kristiansen designed rosewood vanity/dressing table by Ansel Kjersgaard featuring a finely figured rosewood veneers, removable tri-fold mirror, beveled edge legs, three drawers w...
Brass
Niels Clausen Danish Rosewood Petite Vanity
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood vanity by Niels Clausen, 1958, Denmark. This petite vanity with tilting mirror is crafted of beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood with a raised edge, two pull-ou...
Rosewood
Toeletta di Svante Skogh per Slutarps
By Svante Skogh
Located in Brescia, IT
Toeletta anni ’50 di Svante Skogh per Slutarps, impiallacciata in teak e mogano con specchio regolabile. Toeletta di Svante Skogh per Slutarps Möbelindustri, fine anni ’50: impialla...
Mahogany, Teak
Vintage Scandinavian dressing table by Bertil Fridhagen for Bodafors
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s dressing table with adjustable mirror, capacious side drawer and low center drawer, signed Bertil Fridhagen for Bodafors. Scandinavian 1960s dressing table designed by Bertil ...
Beech
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood 1960s Danish Dressing Table
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
Kai Kristiansen Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark in the 1...
Rosewood
Scandinavian Dressing Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dressing or vanity table, teak, mirror, Scandinavia, 1950s. This refined, delicate dressing table is made in Scandinavia in the 1950s. The piece features the quintessential bow tie ...
Mirror, Teak
Wall mounted oak dressing table, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus, Sweden, 1960s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful Midcentury modern wall dressing table by Uno and Östen Kristiansson produced by Luxus Vittsjö, Sweden, during the 1960s. Made in oak with great details in the joinery, sc...
Mirror, Oak
Danish Dressing Table in Navy Blue Leather and Red Lacquered Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dressing table, leather, glass, wood, Denmark, 1940s. With a dark blue leather surface with red lines this dressing table has a rare texture and appearance. The front with two stora...
Leather, Glass, Wood
Pair of Vanity and Side Table by Carl-Johan Boman, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Vanity and Side Table by Carl-Johan Boman, 1940's Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Very rare vanity and side table model Gr...
Elm
Vanity in Walnut, Glass and Brass Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Vanity in Walnut, Glass and Brass Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Walnut, glass and brass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Swede...
Brass
Set of Vanity with Mirror in Mahogany and Brass by Frode Holm, 1950s
By Frode Holm
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of Vanity with Mirror in Mahogany and Brass by Frode Holm, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, brass Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Produced by Illums Boligh...
Mahogany
Freestanding Vanity / dressing table in Teak by Erik Riisager Hansen, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Freestanding Vanity in Teak by Erik Riisager Hansen, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Produced by Has...
Teak
$2,204Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dark Wood Dressing Table with Oblong Mirror, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist dressing table with a mirror was manufactured in Sweden during the 70s. The console was finished with dark rosewood with very strong structure and distinctive graining. It makes this piece look very decorative and luxurious. The piece of furniture has three deep drawers with metal handles and two flat shelves...
Metal
$3,465Sale Price|40% Off
Frits Henningsen solid elm table circa 1940-50s
Located in London, GB
This 1950s elm table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
Frode Holm for Illums Bolighus, Vanity set. Mahogany
By Frode Holm
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Frode Holm vanity set of mahogany. Mirror included. H. 17/75 W. 110/75 D. 29/3 cm
Mahogany
Vintage wooden dressing table
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s white-painted wooden dressing table with swivel mirror. Featuring a top with rounded corners and long tapered legs this dressing table has incorporated a convenient sw...
Wood
Scandinavian dressing table with trefoil mirror 50s-60s
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian teak dressing table with tapered black legs, two drawers and folding three-lobed mirror with reclining center element. Elegant Scandinavian dressing table from the 1950...
Teak
Scandinavian 1960s teak dressing table with reclining mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Sixties Nordic teak dressing table, essential lines, swivel mirror and drawers with original jewelry box divider. Scandinavian toilet from the 1960s made of teak, an authentic expre...
Teak
Toeletta con cassettiera scandinava in teak anni 50/60
Located in Brescia, IT
Ribalta superiore che nasconde toeletta con specchio, applique in vetro opalino e scomparti originali; quattro cassetti capienti e gambe affusolate. Ribalta superiore svela una toel...
Teak
$2,145Sale Price / set|60% Off
1930s Solid Wood Armchair, reupholstered in leather and hand dyed
Located in London, GB
1930s- 1940s Chair with Seat and back upholstered with brown leather, fitted with brass nails. Table is no longer part of this listing. Price for chair only
Hardwood
$7,838Sale Price|60% Off
Unique Cabinetmaker Rosewood Dressing Table Made in Denmark circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Freestanding Brazilian rosewood lady's desk, frame with oblique stretchers. Front with two drawers, above pull-out writing leaf. Top with three drawers, room for storage and two cabi...
Rosewood
EM Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Vanity Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Mirror.
By DUVALD, Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
EM Desk manifests a unique design language and functionality, combining in one desk both work and vanity with an elegant and soft aesthetic expression. This exclusive hand crafted pi...
Other
Vanity Table by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherry dressing table or vanity, with a beautifully bevelled drawer, Lucite pull and gallery edges, over double-forked base with chromed suppor...
Steel
Lyke - Wall-Mounted Bathroom Vanity - White Carrara - Medium
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Our Lyke floating vanity features a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafted entirely from premium marble, with the...
Marble
$2,400
H 34.26 in W 33.86 in D 24.02 in
Dutch Mid-Century Modern Solid Birch Vanity Desk by Everest Furniture, 1950s
By Everest
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Unusual and rare modernist vanity desk produced in the Netherlands by Everest Furniture early 1950s. Solid birch frame and, veneered plywood and exotic wood (Wenge) details in the...
Birch, Teak, Wenge, Plywood
$3,841
H 29.14 in W 43.31 in D 19.69 in
1963 Danish Writing Desk and Mirrored Vanity, Wood, Oestergaard
Located in Arosio, IT
A Mid-Century Modern small desk that can also be used as mirrored vanity. It has one tilt mirror (still bearing the original label) and one drawer. Legs are in hardwood and the top i...
Brass
$1,800
H 21.66 in W 32.68 in D 17.33 in
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Mahogany
$4,500
H 21.66 in Dm 26.78 in
Midcentury Danish Low Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Mahogany
$9,003 / set
H 21.46 in W 31.5 in D 12.6 in
Pair of Swedish Modern Night Stands by Niels Clausen, 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
Cabinets by Niels Clausen for his own company NC Møbler produced in Odense, Denmark, circa 1960. Each wide cabinets has two slim drawers with elegant scal...
Hardwood
$468Sale Price|50% Off
H 28.35 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Lady’s Desk or Vanity in Mahogany, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
By Up Závody
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful midcentury desk, originally used as a desk for a lady, or vanity in the bedroom. The table is elegant combination of lighter birch wood on the sides and mahogany wood on to...
Birch, Mahogany
Danish Modern Floating-Top Teak Desk with Bookcase by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Miami, FL
A stylish and modern teak executive desk with floating top designed and made in Denmark by Dyrlund. The Scandinavian writing table features three drawers on the left, an open filing ...
Teak
$10,000 / set
H 22.45 in W 31.5 in D 12.6 in
Pair of Midcentury Nightstands in Rosewood by Niels Clausen, 1960s
By Niels Clausen, Niels Clausen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of nightstands in rosewood designed and made by Niels Clausen furniture in Denmark. Great condition.
Rosewood
$5,400 / set
H 17.25 in W 33.375 in D 17 in
Rosewood Nesting Tables Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik Denmark, 1960
By Kai Kristiansen, Vildbjerg Møbelfabrik
Located in Camden, ME
Kai Kristiansen for Vildbjerg Mobelfabrik design rare set of 3 rosewood nesting tables produced in Denmark, 1960. The beautifully grained Brazilian rose...
Rosewood
$3,601 / item
H 17.33 in W 35.04 in D 11.82 in
Kai Kristiansen Flower Tables Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare flower tables designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Denmark. Price is listed / item.
Metal
$2,689Sale Price|20% Off
H 63.78 in W 48.43 in D 21.26 in
Elegant Mahogany Vanity Table in Light Brown From the Late 19th Century
Located in Opole, PL
Elegant Mahogany Vanity Table in Light Brown From the Late 19th Century This majestic mahogany dressing table effortlessly marries function and ...
Mahogany, Mirror, Wood
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 43 in W 39 in D 16 in
Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Rosewood Mirrored Vanity C1880
Located in Big Flats, NY
***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote*** Antique French Victorian Louis XV Style Rosewood Mirrored Vanity C1880 Measures - 43"h x 39"w x 16"d
Rosewood
Carl Malmsten 1960s Birgitta Dressing Table, Mahogany
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten Birgitta Dressing Table, 1964 Exquisite dressing table produced by Bodafors, Sweden in light mahogany and designed by Swedish master Carl Malmsten. Adjustable mirror ...
Mahogany
Toeletta scandinava vintage mid-century
Located in Brescia, IT
Toeletta mid-century in legno con specchio apribile. Toeletta scandinava vintage degli anni ’50/’60 con struttura in legno e specchio centrale incernierato, apribile su entrambi i l...
Mahogany
Sold
H 30.71 in W 44.3 in D 11.82 in
Wall-Mounted Dressing Table by Uno and Östen Kristiansson, Sweden 1960s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Utrecht, NL
This distinctive wall-mounted design is a quiet and elegant statement piece that can be placed in various environments. Effortlessly able to elevate an organised wardrobe, a minimali...
Mirror, Wood
Toelette scandinava in teak con specchio
Located in Brescia, IT
Toelette anni ’60 in teak con ribalta, specchio integrato e vano contenitore. Linee geometriche e struttura leggera. Toelette vintage scandinava con apertura a ribalta e specchio in...
Teak
Scandinavian-style teak vanity table, made in France, 1960s
Located in Lyon, FR
Elegant vanity table, Scandinavian style, crafted in France in the 1960s. Made of teak veneer, it features an adjustable mirror, a drawer, and a versatile storage compartment that o...
Mirror, Wood, Teak
Mid century Modern Wall Mounted vanity dresser with mirror with drawers
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Modern Wall Mounted vanity dresser with mirror with drawers designed By Uno & Östen Kristiansson made by Luxus Vittsjö. Oak construction with unique joinery and large Mir...
Mirror, Oak
Vintage Scandinavian dressing table with integrated lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s/60s teak dressing table with tilting mirror, two drawers, and lamp with orange glass shade. Clean lines and warm materials for a Scandinavian 1950s/60s teak dressing table. Th...
Teak
Scandinavian Danish modern rosewood vanity with flip up Mirror by Brouer
By Brouer Mobel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Danish modern rosewood vanity with flip up Mirror by Brouer. Danish modern rosewood vanity mirror flip up lid large interior storage area with a (4) compartment sliding ...
Birch, Rosewood
Scandinavian 1950s teak dressing table
Located in Brescia, IT
Late 1950s teak dressing table with tilting mirror and two drawers, one with internal compartments. Scandinavian dressing table made of teak with essential lines and harmonious prop...
Teak
Danish Modern Petite Vanity with Draw Leaf and Mirrored Tray
Located in Freehold, NJ
This Danish modern petite vanity features hardwood construction, teak veneer with original finish, three small dovetailed drawers up top, draw leaf surface in the middle, three larger dovetailed drawers below, there is a unique pull-out mirrored tray table...
Mirror, Teak
Toeletta vintage con specchio
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1940s dressing table with teak frame and beech legs. Above the top is useful glass to protect the wood from wear and tear. The shaped mirror is divided into three parts ...
Beech, Teak
Teak Vanity, AG Spejl Kobberbeskyttet, Denmark, 1960s
By AG Spejl Kobberbeskyttet
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Teak vanity, manufactured by AG Spejl Kobberbeskyttet in Denmark, 1960s. Teak frame, glass table top. Mirror direction is adjustable. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina consisten...
Glass, Teak