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.
Swedish Mid Century Copper Flower Table Planter by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and decorative Swedish mid century four legged flower table planter in patinated copper and a black lacquered metal stand designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson produced by his own f...
Metal, Copper
Danish Teak Catch-All/ Planter with Enamel Bowl
Located in Highland, IN
This fantastic little piece is an example of great Danish design. A simple planter or catch-all that is comprised of an enamel bowl supported by a teak stand is designed with delight...
Metal
Urn / Planter 'Barockurnan' in Cast Iron by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare urn ‘Barockurnan’ produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden.
Iron
Cast iron relief by Anna Petrus for Näfveqvarns Bruk, Sweden, ca 1925
By Nafveqvarns Bruk, Anna Petrus
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking relief by Anna Petrus, made from cast iron. Beautiful, energetic motif of a lion with a flowing mane on its back paws, great attention to detail. Anna Petrus was a Swedish ...
Iron
Cast iron relief by Anna Petrus for Näfveqvarns Bruk, Sweden, ca 1925
By Nafveqvarns Bruk, Anna Petrus
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking relief by Anna Petrus, made from cast iron. Beautiful motif of grapes on a vine. Anna Petrus was a Swedish sculptor, industrial designer and dancer with a unique, powerful ...
Iron
Ivar Johnsson Faun Urn / Planter by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden
By Ivar Johnsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare faun urn designed by Ivar Johnsson. Produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden.
Iron
Danish Teak Planter with Zinc Tub by Salin Furniture
By Salin Møbler
Located in Hannover, DE
A beautiful planter from the 1970s with casters. Scandinavian simplicity combined with high-quality wood work characterizes this very rare planter from Denmark. Beautiful teak was us...
Zinc
Very large Swedish 'dug out barrel' from around 1890.
Located in Farsta, SE
Very large Swedish "dug out barrel" from around 1890. This barrel is absolutely massive in its thickness and overall size. The texture and patina that has accumulated over time mak...
Pine
Handmade Woven Wicker Rattan Cane Planter Jardiniere, 1940s Denmark
By Viggo Boesen, Robert Wengler
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful vintage wicker rattan planter handmade in Denmark in the 1940s. In the style of Viggo Boesen and Robert Wengler. In the 1850s, wicker furniture became a permanent fixture i...
Cane, Rattan
Hugo Frandsen large planter in rosewood Spottrup Denmark 1960
By Spøttrup Stolefabrik, Hugo Frandsen
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Hugo Frandsen large planter in rosewood, manufactured by Spottrup Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. A beautifully proportioned Danish modern design that combines sculptural simplicity wit...
Metal
Scandinavian black metal and teak flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 60s-70s flower stand made of black lacquered metal with teak inserts, with an understated and rational design. Scandinavian flower stand from the 1960s-70s featuring a ...
Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Scandinavian Planter with Pressed Copper Sides
Located in Pasadena, TX
This vintage Scandinavian Planter has Pressed Copper sides and would be a beautiful accent piece for any home or office. It's slender teak legs and pressed copper sides are a perfect...
Copper
Scandinavian oval metal and teak flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s flower stand made of white lacquered metal with teak inserts, with a light and functional design. Scandinavian flower stand from the 1960s characterized by an ele...
Metal
Vintage metal planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage planter made of black metal and copper. This elegant vintage planter stands out for its modern and original design, made entirely of metal. The base consists of four black me...
Metal, Copper
Scandinavian vintage teak and metal flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Square 1960s teak flower stand with exposed frame and white lacquered metal tub. Vintage Scandinavian flower stand from the 1960s with square-profile teak frame. The interior has a ...
Metal
Scandinavian Metal Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant 1960s vintage copper planter with black metal base. The rectangular copper frame is supported by slender, linear black metal legs, giving lightness and stability. Perfect f...
Metal, Copper
Kai Kristiansen Planter in Oak for Aksel Kjersgaard, 1960s
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Scandinavian-modern planter designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Made of solid and veneered oak with distinctive faceted edges. In good original condition with ...
Zinc
Jardiniere by Bjorn Wiinblad, 1960s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large-scaled and unique studio-made signed ceramic jardinière depicting a pair of beautifully painted figures in a lush, vividly polychromed garden.
Ceramic
Wabi-Sabi Danish Solid Wood Planter, Aarhus, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Solid wood planter rescued from an old farmhouse in Aarhus, Denmark. This piece, originally an antique trunk, is an exponent of functional Danish design with clean lines and robust c...
Wood
Art Deco Swedish Grace Cast Iron Planter No. 2 by Anna Petrus, Näfveqvarn, 1925
By Anna Petrus
Located in Stockholm, SE
This substantial cast iron planter is a commanding example of Swedish Grace — Sweden’s distinctive interpretation of 'Art Deco' that emerged during the 1920s. Defined by clarity of f...
Iron
Kugge 41 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
Iittala Nappula Plant Pot by Matti Klenell Scandinavian Modern
By Matti Klenell, Iittala
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Iittala Nappula Plant Pot, designed by Matti Klenell. The design was inspired by uniquely shaped table legs at the Iittala Glass Museum, featuring a "swollen"...
Ceramic
Arne Wahl Iversen Planter, Scandinavian Design, 1960s
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Planter made of teak by Arne Wahl Iversen Minor damage on the top (see photos).
Teak
Swedish Designer, Plant Holder, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine plant holder designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s.
Pine
Swedish Laggkärl/Planter 1835
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Laggkärl - dated 1835 Original made for storage of grain and wheat. A perfect planter for a bigger tree or plant. Made in pine. Heigth: 65 cm/25.6 inch Diameter: 46 cm/18....
Pine
Mid-Century Bruksbo Teak Planter Bench, Attributed to Torbjørn Afdal
By Torbjørn Afdal, Mellemstrands Trevareindustri, Bruksbo
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A rare and elegant mid-century Norwegian teak planter bench by Bruksbo, attributed to Torbjørn Afdal, produced in the 1960s by Mellemstrands Trevareindustri A/S and bearing original ...
Metal
Plant Stand / Table Attributed to Carl-Axel Acking Produced in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare plant stand / table attributed to Carl-Axel Acking. Produced in Sweden.
Metal, Brass
$959Sale Price|56% Off
Vintage BRDR Dalsgaard for Illums Bolighus Jardinière Planter in Teak, 1960s
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An attractive and incredibly well-preserved planter or jardinie`re in gorgeous old growth richly colored teak. Designed by BRDR Dalsgaard for Illums Bolighus, circa 1960. Splayed leg...
Teak
$851Sale Price|48% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern White Metal & Wood Flower Stand, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist plant table was produced in Sweden during the 1950s. It is made of metal and finished in white. The frame of the pull-out basket is made o...
Metal
Scandinavian 1960s copper and metal flower stand
Located in Brescia, IT
Rectangular copper frame with black metal legs. Visible marks inside due to time and use. Scandinavian 1960s flower stand with rectangular copper sheet tub and slender black painted...
Metal, Copper
$1,395 / item
Danish Modern Teak Illum Wikkelso Teak Planter
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Danish modern teak planter designed by Illum Wikkelso. Original black plastic liner. Two available. Price is per piece. Professional, skill...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Planter by Askel Kjersgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Scandinavian Modern cubic planter with chamfered legs, teak veneer and removable plastic liner. Designed by Aksel Kjersgaard and made in Denmark by Feldballes Mobelfabrik, circa 1960...
Teak
Danish Modern Planting Box
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Perfect for your spring flowers! Rosewood frame with resin insert. Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part of what we do every day. Our goal is to provide ...
Resin, Mahogany
Classic Danish Modern Minimalist Rosewood Planter with Metal Insert
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Danish modern rosewood planter with label. Classic Minimalist rosewood frame with black metal insert.
Metal
Set of Six Copper and Brass Plant Trays Attributed to Paavo Tynell, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Copper and brass. Measures: L: 227 cm/ 7' 5 3/4" W: 21 cm/ 8 1/4" Provenance: The member's club at the Myllykoski paper mill, Finland. Paavo Tynell's office was responsible for th...
Brass, Copper
Portafiori in bambù con vetro opaco
Located in Brescia, IT
Portafiori vintage in bambù a base quadrata, legature a vista e top in vetro opaco. Struttura leggera in canna di bambù con cornice quadrata e angoli fasciati a intreccio. Gambe dri...
Bamboo, Glass
Portafiori scandinavo circolare in bambù anni '60
Located in Brescia, IT
Portafiori vintage in bambù a base rotonda, legature a vista e top in vetro opaco. Struttura leggera in canna di bambù con cornice quadrata e angoli fasciati a intreccio. Gambe curv...
Bamboo, Glass
$3,600
Steel and Enamel Planter
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large-sized bowl or planter in steel and red porcelain enamel with its original rare Minimalist stand fashioned from three blackened rods of iron.
Steel
Vintage Metal Planter
Located in Brescia, IT
Original Scandinavian planter. A practical and small item to be used as a riser and pot for plants. The structure consists of a copper-plated ...
Metal
$1,400 / set
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Planters
Located in New York, NY
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1977) Ceramic Planters circa. 1930. Made with lattice design work and stamped with a production seal at the bottom.
Ceramic