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.
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
1930s Convertible Vanity Table and Lift-Top Mirror by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden
By Nordiska Kompaniet, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in North Miami, FL
1930s Scandinavian Modern parchment-covered wood convertible vanity table/poudreuse with lift-top mirror by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden By: Nordiska Kompaniet Material: wood, parchme...
Metal
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
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
$3,720Sale Price|20% Off
Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
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
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
Alvar Aalto Vanity Table, 1930 — Dark Stained Birch, Original Condition
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and early vanity table designed by Alvar Aalto and dating to circa 1930. This piece is a beautiful example of Aalto’s pioneering work in bentwood construction and his ...
Birch
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
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
Kai Kristiansen Rosewood 1960s Danish Dressing Table
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
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
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
$2,693Sale 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
Wall mounted oak dressing table, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus, Sweden, 1960s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
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
$3,481Sale 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
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
Toeletta con cassettiera scandinava in teak anni 50/60
Located in Brescia, IT
Top flap concealing dressing table with mirror, opal glass wall sconce and original compartments; four capacious drawers and tapered legs. Top flap reveals an integrated dressing ta...
Teak
$2,195Sale 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
"Model 315" dressing table by Svante Skogh for Slutarp 1960s
By Svante Skogh
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak veneer wood dressing table with swivel mirror, door and side drawers. "Model 315" by Svante Skogh for Slutarp, 1960s. Toilet "model 315" designed by Svante Skogh and produced b...
Teak
$2,155Sale 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
$7,874Sale 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 Örn Duvald, 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
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
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
$7,943 / set
H 45.67 in W 46.46 in D 16.93 in
Danish Vintage Dressing Table and Stool by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kj
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, GB
A smart and extremely well made Danish vintage dressing table and stool by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard. This was made in Denmark, it dates from the 1960’s. It is of amazing...
Mirror, Wood
Harvey Probber Double Chest and Vanity with Leather and Brass
Located in Hanover, MA
Two beautifully restored complimentary chests flanking a hanging vanity case from Harvey Probber's "Cabinet Series" circa 1957. Hazelnut finished mahog...
Brass
$3,214Sale Price|20% Off
H 55.12 in W 49.22 in D 21.26 in
1960s Swedish Neoclassic Style Vanity In Birch With Walnut Interior
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
1960s dressing table with mirror, executed in a refined neoclassical style. The piece features beautifully figured book-matched birch veneer to the exterior, contrasted by a walnut-v...
Mirror, Birch, Walnut
$4,005Sale Price|50% Off
H 70.87 in W 75.6 in D 23.63 in
Space Age Vanity Table by Cabinetmaker MB Italy, White Lacquer, 1970
By MB Italy
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind dressing table, space age style, 70s, with great influence of Art Deco aesthetics. In white lacquered wood, with a black marble effect fiberglass top. Large circular mirror in the upper part and the storage part is divided into two drawers on each side. With lighting in the upper and lower fin shapes. A piece of great sophistication and glamour, very difficult to find. It has a plate with the name of the Italian manufacturer DBM. The period known as the Space Age or Space Age was the post Atomic Age, that is, the late 50's and early 70's. It is part of the “stylings” that reigned in the US during the 20th century. The concept of an optimistic world based on a possible "Earth of Tomorrow" reigned by the dominance of atomic energy and space travel. This "Styling" is inspired by the North American space race, but above all, the aesthetics based on Science Fiction, space satellites, helmets, ships, the effect of weightlessness and a "cinematic" proposal of a new style. of life of the future. Movies like Barbarella 1968, James Bond, Space Odyssey 2001...
Mirror, Fiberglass, Wood, Lacquer
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
$466Sale 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
$2,679Sale 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
$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
Art Deco Teak Dressing Table
Located in Topanga, CA
An Art Deco teak dressing table featuring a beveled mirror at the center. The dresser is designed with a pair of central drawers and side door compartments, combining functionality ...
Teak
$5,456
H 31.5 in W 41.34 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Italian Rattan and Bamboo Desk / Vanity Table Vivai del Sud C.1970
Located in London, GB
A Vivai del Sud pedestal table Rome, Italy, C.1970. Constructed in in rattan, bamboo and cane. Ideal as a small desk or vanity. The Knee hole width measures 39cm. In excellent condi...
Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan
$4,835 / item
H 14.97 in W 46.46 in D 14.97 in
Kai Kristiansen Vintage Rosewood & Mohair Upholstered Bench c1950s
By Kai Kristiansen, Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in London, England
A classic upholstered bench designed by Danish master Kai Kristiansen in the 1950s as part of his popular Entre range produced by Aksel Kjersgaard in Odder, Denmark. The frame is m...
Mohair, Rosewood
1960s Fully Restored Danish Teak Dressing, Vanity Table
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish teak dressing - vanity table from the 1960s. The vanity table features a large adjustable mirror, an original black glass table top and 5 spacious drawers with room for wha...
Teak
Toeletta scandinava anni ’60 in teak con specchio reclinabile
Located in Brescia, IT
Toeletta nordica anni Sessanta in teak, linee essenziali, specchio orientabile e cassetti con divisorio portagioie originale. Toeletta scandinava degli anni ’60 realizzata in teak, ...
Teak
Sold
H 48.82 in W 43.47 in D 15.56 in
Rare Olof Ottelin for OY Stockmann AB Dressing Table with Stool in Teak
By Oy Stockmann AB, Olof Ottelin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Olof Ottelin for OY Stockmann AB, Kervo Snickerifabrik, dressing table with stool, Finland, 1960s This elegant vanity table with stool combines simplicity with style in a superb ma...
Fabric, Mirror, Teak
Sold
H 48.82 in W 43.47 in D 15.56 in
Rare Olof Ottelin for OY Stockmann AB Dressing Table with Stool in Teak
By Oy Stockmann AB, Olof Ottelin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Olof Ottelin for OY Stockmann AB, Kervo Snickerifabrik, dressing table with stool, Finland, 1960s This elegant vanity table with stool combines simpl...
Fabric, Mirror, Teak
Arne Wahl Iversen Small Desk in Teak
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Wahl Iversen for Vinde Møbelfabrik, desk model 65, teak, Denmark, circa 1961. Refined desk table by Danish designer Arne Wahl Iversen. This small writing table has a beautifu...
Teak
Arne Vodder Dressing Table in Teak
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder, vanity table, teak, glass, metal, Denmark, 1950s This refined, delicate dressing table is designed by Arne Vodder. Two V-shaped tapered legs on the side lift up the dra...
Mirror, Teak
Arne Vodder Dressing Table in Rosewood
By Arne Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Vodder, dressing table, rosewood, mirror, Denmark, 1950s. This refined, delicate dressing table is designed by Arne Vodder. The piece features the quintessential bow tie grip...
Mirror, Wood
Sold
H 49.22 in W 43.71 in D 17.72 in
Swedish Dressing Table by Engström & Myrstrand for Bodafors, 1960s
By Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand, Bodafors
Located in Wien, AT
This elegant dressing table was designed by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand and produced by Bodafors in Sweden during the 1960s. It is a refined example of Scandinavian modern des...
Wood
Toeletta scandinava con specchio trilobato anni 50-60
Located in Brescia, IT
Toelette scandinava in teak con gambe nere affusolate, due cassetti e specchio trilobato richiudibile con elemento centrale reclinabile. Elegante toelette scandinava degli anni 50-6...
Teak
Sold
H 64.18 in W 49.61 in D 16.15 in
"Kastrup" mid century vanity by Louis van Teeffelen for WeBe, Netherlands 1950s
Located in ECHT, NL
Mid century vanity table with tall mirror. Designed by well known and sought after designer Louis van Teeffelen. Manufactured by WéBé in the 1950s. Made from solid teak and teak vene...
Mirror, Teak
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
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
Toelette scandinava vintage di Bertil Fridhagen per Bodafors
Located in Brescia, IT
Toelette anni ’60 con specchio regolabile, cassetto laterale capiente e cassetto centrale basso, firmata Bertil Fridhagen per Bodafors. Toelette scandinava anni ’60 disegnata da Ber...
Beech