Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Yellow Plastic Wall or Ceiling Panels from a 1970s Swiss Bank
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
We bought a large quantity of these very high quality cast plastic panels from a Swiss bank which was being totally refurbished. These panels were covering ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Plastic
NORDST LOVISA Wall Accessory, Italian 5mm Marble Veneer Marble, Polished Finish
Located in Rungsted Kyst, DK
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
Inspired in the Tangram puzzle game, LOVISA combines three different shapes that, together with more pieces, create a unique sculpture in the wall. Jus...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Marble
White Framed Unique "Untitled" Object by Rune Hagberg Produced in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and very nice large framed wall object by the Swedish mid century artist Rune Hagberg. In nice original condition framed in a white wooden gla...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Glass, Oak, Paper
Rare Artwork by Helja Liukko-sundstrom, "Supporting each other", 1998
By Heljä Liukko-Sundström
Located in London, England
A rare example of Heljä Liukko-Sundström's (b.1938) artworks produced by Arabia Ceramics, Finland. Displayed in portrait, the scene titled, "Supporting each other", displays a quaint...
Category
1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Ceramic, Clay
Shoreline
Located in Limhamn, SE
The sea is deep, dark and powerful, and the waves crash over land incessantly. When the water hits a rock, it does not stop but just continues to flow around it. The movements of wat...
Category
2010s Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Steel
Contemporary Work of Poul Gernes, a Decoration of Hotel Trouville, Denmark, 1988
By Poul Gernes
Located in København K, 84
This work was part of Poul Gernes’ decoration of Hotel Trouville in the city of Hornbaek, by the beach north of Copenhagen. Gernes was decorating the entire hotel in 1988. The work i...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paint
Piana Triptych Small
Located in Vandoma, PT
*Collection not sold in France, exclusive to Mobilier de France.*
The Piana collection is one of Cacio's bestsellers, with Scandinavian inspiration, this line is available in severa...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Piana Triptych Medium
Located in Vandoma, PT
*Collection not sold in France, exclusive to Mobilier de France.*
The Piana collection is one of Cacio's bestsellers, with Scandinavian inspiration, this line is available in severa...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
Piana Triptych
Located in Vandoma, PT
*Collection not sold in France, exclusive to Mobilier de France.*
The Piana collection is one of Cacio's bestsellers, with Scandinavian inspiration, this line is available in severa...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Hardwood, Oak
"Summer Flowers In The Catskills" Abstract Expressionist Print by Peter Astrom
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Summer Flowers In The Catskills", photo collage print by Swedish abstract expressionist artist Peter Astrom.
This is the only print that was made by th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
”Summer Flowers” Abstract Expressionist Photo Collage by Peter Astrom
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
”Summer Flowers”, abstract expressionist photo collage print by Swedish artist Peter Astrom. Signed Astrom at bottom right margin, and New York 2010 botto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Hey Dude Pictorial Persian Kilim Wall Hanging
Located in New York, NY
Scatter size Persian Kilim from the late 20th century with a jolly-go-lucky man on a camel field.
This was originally belonging to a private Persian collector who requested to make...
Category
Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wool
Bird in a Tree, Abstract Expressionist Photography Collage Print by Peter Astrom
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Bird In a Tree", abstract expressionist photo collage print by Swedish artist Peter Astrom. Signed Astrom at bottom right margin, and New York 2010 botto...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
"Breakfast By The Pool In Miami" Photo Collage Print by Peter Astrom
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Breakfast By The Pool In Miami", abstract expressionist photo collage print by Swedish artist Peter Astrom. Signed Astrom at bottom right margin, and New...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Peter Astrom, "Untitled 1", Abstract Expressionist Photo Collage Print
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Untitled 1", abstract expressionist photo collage print by Swedish artist Peter Astrom. Signed Astrom at bottom right margin, and New York 2010 bottom le...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
"Midsummer Blue" Swedish Abstract Expressionist Painting by Peter Astrom, 2006
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Midsummer Blue", Swedish abstract expressionist watercolour collage painting on paper.
Framed in white lacquered wood frame, measuring 41" length x 29.25" width x 1.25" depth.
Painting measures 35.25" length x 24" width, unframed.
Signed Peter Astrom...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paint, Paper
Peter Astrom "Nature 2" Painting
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
.Nature #2, Swedish Abstract expressionist painting by Peter Astrom, c. 1994 Gotland, Sweden.
Acrylic paint and modeling paste on Arche paper, signed l...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paint, Paper
Peter Astrom "Nature 1" Painting
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Nature 1" by Peter Astrom, Swedish abstract expressionist painter.
Acrylic paint and modelling paste on Arche paper
Measures: Height 30 in x Width ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paint, Paper
Peter Astrom "Sea Foam" Swedish Abstract Expressionist Painting
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Fruit Bowl" acrylic on canvas, by Swedish abstract expressionist painter Peter Astrom, b. 1946.
The monumental painting measures 5' x 5' , canvas is str...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Acrylic, Paint
Peter Astrom "Sea Creature 2" Swedish Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in New York, NY
Original Peter Astrom abstract expressionist painting entitled:
Sea Creature #2
Acrylic paint and modelling paste on Arche paper
H 30 in x W 22 in, Unframed
Signed Peter Astrom lo...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Clay, Paper
Peter Astrom "Sea Creature #1" Acrylic Swedish Abstract Expressionist Painting
Located in New York, NY
Original Peter Astrom abstract expressionist painting entitled:
Sea Creature #1
Acrylic paint and modelling paste on Arche paper
H 30 in x W 22 in, Unframed
Signed Peter Astrom low...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic, Paper
Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting Bertil Berntsson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare abstract oil on canvas painting by the Swedish artist Bertil Berntsson made in 1963. In good vintage condition showing some signs from age and use. Measurements: 115 x 103 x 2 cm.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting by Bertil Berntsson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare abstract oil on canvas painting by the Swedish artist Bertil Berntsson made in 1964. In good vintage condition with small signs of use. Framed in a pine frame. 129 x 120 x 2 cm.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas, Pine
Pierre Olofsson Lithograph Edition 27 / 50
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Lithograph by Pierre Olofsson. Edition 27 / 50.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Abstract Oil on Canvas Painting and Pine Frame by Bertil Berntsson, Sweden 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful and rare oil on canvas painting with a pine frame by Bertil Berntsson from the 1962. In good vintage condition with some signs from age and use.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Pine, Canvas
Triptych, Anonymous, Wood Reliefs, Finland, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Triptych, anonymous,
Finland, 1960s.
Wood relief.
Size of each frame:
H: 60 cm/ 23 5/8"
W: 60 cm/ 23 5/8"
Provenance: Stora Enso's head quarter in Helsinki.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
"The Bird Nest I" Abstract Expressionist Collage by Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
Peter Astrom abstract expressionist paper collage entitled "The Bird Nest #1.
Crafted with Japanese rice paper on Arche paper.
Created in 1990 in ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Peter Astrom "Bird's Nest #2" Swedish Abstract Expressionist Collage 1990
Located in New York, NY
Peter Astrom abstract expressionist paper collage entitled, " Bird's Nest #2"
Realized in 1990 in the artist's Water Street studio in New York City.
Swe...
Category
Late 20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Painting by Sven Hansson, Wooden Relief Artwork, Contemporary, Sweden, 2007
By Sven Hansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Sven Hansson,
Sweden. 2007.
Wooden relief.
Measurements:
H: 123 cm/ 4' 1''
W: 72.5 cm/ 2' 5''
Provenance: Estate of the artist.
Category
Early 2000s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood
Painting by Sven Hansson, Wood Relief on Paper, Sweden, 1997
By Sven Hansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Sven Hansson,
Sweden. 1997.
Wood relief on paper.
H: 39 cm/ 15 3/8''
W: 60 cm/ 2'
Working in a purely geometric, non-figurative style, Sven Hansson was a Swedish paint...
Category
1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Wood, Paper
Beck & Jung, Multiple, Signed Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg, 1969
By Beck & Jung
Located in Berlin, DE
An original multiple by Swedish Designers Beck & Jung (Holger Bäckström & Bo Ljungberg).
Colored cardboard, yellow wooden frame.
Signed Holger Bäckström and Bo Ljungberg 1969.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #2, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Fusible Interlining Composition #5, 1998
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman fusible interlining composition from his 1998 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a s...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Abstract Oil on Board by Sven Johannson
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very attractive little abstract of a church scene painted in 1971 by Swedish Artist Sven Johannson. Offered in the original pine and dark brown hessian frame. Signed to the upper r...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Acrylic
Jan Loman Original Screen #5, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Lithograph, Artist Proof, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jan Loman (Bolsward, 1919-2006)
Lithograph, Artist proof, signed, 1994
On mat-board
Measure: Height 9"
Width 12"
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passe...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #4, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman, Signed AP Lithograph
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jan Loman (Bolsward Netherlands, 1919-2006)
Lithograph, artist proof, signed, 1984
Measures: Height 19.5"
Width 25.5"
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and p...
Category
1980s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #8, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #9, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Fusible Interlining Composition #7, 1998
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman fusible interlining composition from his 1998 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a s...
Category
Early 2000s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Collage by David Svensson, Sweden, 2012
Located in Stockholm, SE
Collage by David Svensson,
Sweden, 2012.
Mixed-media.
Measure: H 75 cm/ 29 1/2''
L 93 cm/ 36 1/2''.
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #7, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Original Screen #3, 1994
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Loman Fusible Interlining Composition
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jan Loman (Bolsward, 1919-2006) fusible interlining composition
Mixed-media, signed, 1999
On Mat-board
Size of the artwork:
Height: 4"
Width: 4"
Incl Mat: ...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Collage Absent Stories by David Svensson, Sweden, 2010
Located in Stockholm, SE
Collage Absent Stories by David Svensson,
Sweden, 2010.
Pages of a book.
Image size:
H 12 cm
L 36 cm
Frame size:
H: 33 cm
W: 57 cm
D: 3 cm
Category
2010s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Paper
Jan Loman Fusible Interlining Composition #4, 1998
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman fusible interlining composition from his 1998 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a s...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Painting by Sven Hansson, Sweden, 1990s-2000s
By Sven Hansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Sven Hansson,
Sweden. 1990's-2000's.
Oil on canvas.
Dimensions:
H: 90 cm
W: 120 cm
Provenance: the estate of the artist.
Working in a purely geometric, non-figurative ...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Canvas
Jan Loman Fusible Interlining Composition #3, 1998
By Jan Loman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman fusible interlining composition from his 1998 exposition.
Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a s...
Category
1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Contemporary Art
Materials
Fabric, Paper
Scandinavian Modern contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern contemporary art for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage contemporary art created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include wall decorations, rugs and carpets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern contemporary art made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original contemporary art, popular names associated with this style include Jan Loman, Peter Astrom, Bertil Berntsson, and Sven Hansson. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for contemporary art differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $83 and tops out at $40,971 while the average work can sell for $2,868.
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