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.
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors 'Birgitta' Vanity Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten for Bodafors, 'Birgitta' dressing table, teak, mirrored glass, Sweden, 1950s-1960s An exceptionally elegant dressing table designed by Carl Malmsten for Bodafors. Exec...
Mirror, Teak
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
Midcentury Modern Wall-Mounted Oak Dressing Table from Luxus, Sweden, 1960s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool wall dressing table by Uno and Östen Kristiansson, made from oak. Elegant decorative details in the joinery and the sculpted handles on the drawers. Several drawers in different...
Mirror, Oak
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, parchment paper, metal Technique: cast, molded, polished, metalwork, carved, hand-carved, hand-crafted Dimensions: 17 in x 29.5 in x 32.25 in Date: early 20th century, circa 1930 Style: Scandinavian Modern, Swedish Grace, Mid-Century Modern Place of origin: Sweden Encased in hand-applied parchment, this 1930s Swedish Modern...
Metal
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
“Casino” Toilet in Oak by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand for Tingströms
By Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand, Tingströms
Located in Brescia, IT
"Casino" toilet designed by Sven Engström and Gunnar Myrstrand and manufactured in Sweden by Tingströms for the Bra Bohag line in the 1960s. Made of oak, it features four drawers and...
Oak
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
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
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
Birgitta Dressing Table by Carl Malmsten for Bodafors
Located in Genarp, SE
Designed by the celebrated Swedish designer Carl Malmsten and produced by Bodafors, the Birgitta dressing table is a refined example of Scandinavian craftsmanship and timeless design...
Teak
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
Wall mounted solid teak vanity dresser by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Sweden 1950s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall attached vanity dresser designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced during the 1950s by Luxus in Vittsjö, Sweden. Made from solid teak with visible zipper joiner and wooden d...
Metal
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
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
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
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
$2,106Sale 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
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
Vintage teak dressing table with built-in mirror, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak vanity with a built-in flip-up mirror and a frame featuring contoured sides. Scandinavian production, 1960s. The vanity is designed around a delicate balance between function a...
Teak
Oak dressing table, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
A sleek oak cabinet featuring an adjustable mirror and three built-in storage compartments beneath the top. Scandinavian production, 60s. Made in Scandinavia in the 1960s, this vani...
Oak
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
Nordic-style pine console table with shelf, 1950s–1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Pine frame with a contoured top and built-in bottom shelf. Nordic production, 1950s–1960s. A Nordic piece from the mid-20th century, characterized by an original oval-shaped top and...
Pine
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
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
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
$4,287 / set
H 17.52 in W 27.56 in D 16.15 in
Teak "Sladen" “The Sled” Nesting Table by Carl Malmsten, Sweden
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful “The Sled” nesting table by Carl Malmsten, made from teak. Light, graceful design with sled shaped legs and a discreet decor of inlaid spheres at the edges of the table tops.
Teak
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
$451Sale 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
$3,522 / item
H 51.97 in W 45.67 in D 16.93 in
Vivian Beauty Desk, in brass, glass and wood, by Accardi Buccheri for Medulum
By Mauro Accardi & Silvia Buccheri
Located in Meolo, Venezia
Vivian is a contemporary Beauty Desk, it can be a Makeup Table, a Writing Table, and even a mirror. Vivian mirror is a mirror with a jewelry shelf. An eleg...
Brass
Swedish Art Deco Dressing Table Vanity, Teak & Mirror, Circa 1930s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique Art Deco dressing table with foldable mirrors. Ample storage on the sides and pull-out drawer in the center.
Mirror, Teak
$1,709
H 24.81 in W 39.38 in D 18.12 in
Vintage Danish Modern Oak Dresser attributed to Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This wonderful Danish oak dresser, crafted in the 1960s, is an example of the unique design philosophy of Henning Kjærnulf. Often celebrated for his distinctive ‘Danish Brutalist’ st...
Brass
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
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
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
H 30 in W 25 in D 17 in
Petite Danish Modern Teak Dresser, 5 Drawers, Wall-Mountable, 1960
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite Danish modern teak 5 drawer dresser with carved handles. Great Modern Danish small dresser. Clean inside and out. Made in Denmark circa 1960. ...
Birch, Teak
$23,970
H 31.5 in W 33.5 in D 17.75 in
French Mid-Century Style Parchment Covered Vanity/ Desk, Jean-Michel Frank Style
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Sober French Mid-Century Modern Style parchment covered vanity / desk / console with a lacquered steel frame and utilizing squares of light parchment covering wood. the a...
Wrought Iron
$4,461
H 30.32 in W 39.38 in D 19.69 in
Vintage Antique Swedish Grace Serving Table "Westminster" by Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Grace serving-table “Westminster” by NK, Nordiska Kompaniet, in Stockholm. Made in 1923 the “Westminster” collection was created to be timeless with excellent craftsmanship. ...
Birch
Danish Vanity Table or Desk in Teak by Kurt Østervig, Denmark
Located in Karlstad, SE
Vanity Table / Desk in Teak by Kurt Østervig, Denmark, 1960s Elegant Danish mid-century vanity table or desk designed by Kurt Østervig in the 1960s. Crafted in beautifully figured t...
Brass
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
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 Olof Ottelin, Oy Stockmann AB
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
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
"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
Sold
H 49.22 in W 43.71 in D 17.72 in
Swedish Dressing Table by Engström & Myrstrand for Bodafors, 1960s
By Bodafors, Sven Engström & Gunnar Myrstrand
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
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
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
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