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 Devil Andirons, Attributed to Eskil Björklund 1960s cast iron
Located in Stockholm, SE
A whimsical pair of cast iron andirons attributed to Swedish designer Eskil Björklund and believed to have been produced by Hälleforsnäs Bruk during the 1960s. Crafted in solid cast ...
Iron
Scandinavian glass door handle, Lindshammar Glassworks, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Forserum, SE
A large mid-century door handle designed by Christer Sjögren and crafted at the Swedish glassworks Lindshammar in the 1960s as part of the Arkitekturglas (Architectural Glass) range....
Steel
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
21st Century Mocha Color Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like swing with you to hang during camping trips...
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
$14,200 / set
A pair of "Shell Urns" designed by Olof Hult
By Olof Hult
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of "Shell Urns" designed by Olof Hult and produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk, Circa 1920th. Cast iron. Signed OF. Shown at the Paris Exhibition 1925. Featured in Christian Björk...
Iron
$4,845Sale Price|27% Off
Bjorn Wiinblad for Rosenthal Ceramic Art Tiles Hibachi Grill Table, 1960s
By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad, Bjørn Wiinblad
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking example of Bjorn Wiinblad’s rare hibachi grill table for Rosenthal, Germany, circa 1960s. Designed as both a functional and decorative centerpiece, the table features a cy...
Concrete
$839Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Metal and ceramic door push handle by Juliette Belarti, Belgium 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Door push element Origin: Belgium Design producer: Juliette Belarti Material: metal and ceramics Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage door push...
Metal
Finnish Brass Lever Door Handles by Primo Oy, Scandinavian Modern
Located in London, GB
Two pairs of Finnish brass lever door handles with rosettes. Second half 20th century, attributed to Primo Oy whose designers included the architect Heikki Siren and Timo Sarpeneva. ...
Brass
Swedish Brutalist Cast Iron Fire Screen by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cast iron fire screen designed by Olle Hermansson for Husqvarna in Sweden during the 1960s. The piece is executed in a strongly sculptural Brutalist idiom, composed of abstract geome...
Iron
Andiron 'The Fox' by Olle Hermansson, Husqvarna, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A pair of sculptural andirons designed by Olle Hermansson and produced by Husqvarna, Sweden, mid 20th century. Expressive, zoomorphic forms in cast iron with a distinct graphic chara...
Iron
Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Fireplace Set in Iron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Harald Quistgaard, fireplace set, model '1400', forged iron, brass, straw, Denmark, circa 1965. Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919-2008) is particularly ...
Brass, Iron
Scandinavian Modern Bronze Sundial by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sundial by Gunnar Nylund, made from bronze with great pale green patina. Decor of zodiac signs on the base in Nylund’s characteristic style. Gunnar Nylund was one of the m...
Bronze
Swedish vintage green painted wooden pedestal
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant green painted wooden pedestal with sleek and refined lines, ideal for plants or decorative objects. Light and essential forms characterize this mid-twentieth-century Swedish...
Wood
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
Postale Mailbox in Oiled Honduran Mahogany, Wooda Original
By Wooda, Mack Geggie
Located in Omro, WI
Mailboxes are in much need of redesign, and Wooda’s Postale fits the bill. Being that we are Wisconsin based and have to deal with winter, we decided to cantilever our mailbox far from the post to allow ample room for snow plows, while also placing the box as close to the road as possible for easy delivery and pickup. No more rain-soaked mail with the eave over the door for protection. Design lovers have finally found their perfect mailbox. Postale is an original Wooda design made from Honduran...
Steel
Set of 9 Timo Sarpaneva "Lasta" Door Handles in Brass, Primo Oy 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of beautifully patinated "Lasta" brass door handles designed by Timo Sarpaneva and manufactured by Primo Oy in Finland in the 1960s. Timo Sarpaneva was an internationally wel...
Brass, Iron
Orca - Marble Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola - Medium
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Marble Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafted en...
Marble
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
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
Set of 9 Timo Sarpaneva "Pallo" Door Handles, Primo Oy 1960s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 9 beautiful "pallo" door handles designed by Timo Sarpaneva and manufactured by Primo Oy in Finland in the 1960s. These distinct door handles feature bright red balls ("pall...
Metal
Mocha, Gold & Pink Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The iota Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are perfect for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock lik...
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Fireplace Tools by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful set in brass and metal, typical for Gunnar Ander's designs. Condition: Original condit...
Metal, Brass
Bertil Vallien / Door Knocker SBW113 / Boda Smide / 1965
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
Bertil Vallien is a Swedish artist and designer. He studied ceramic design at Konstfack (the University of Arts, Crafts and Design in Sweden) and studied under Stig Lindberg, who was...
Wrought Iron
Cast iron relief by Anna Petrus for Näfveqvarns Bruk, Sweden, ca 1925
By Anna Petrus, Nafveqvarns Bruk
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
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
Outdoor UV protected Blue Sand Handmade Crochet Hammock Seat Swing with Back
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like swing with you to hang during...
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Swedish Modern Cast Iron "Mikrokosmos" Planters by Olof Hult for Näfveqvarn Bruk
By Nafveqvarns Bruk, Olof Hult
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare pair of black "Mikrokosmos" cast iron urns by the Swedish architect Olof Hult and produced by Näfveqvarns Bruk in Sweden, 1920s. In good original condition with beautifu...
Iron
Handmade Woven Wicker Rattan Cane Planter Jardiniere, 1940s Denmark
By Robert Wengler, Viggo Boesen
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
Grey Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor UV Protected Textile Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like s...
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Orca - Double Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Dual Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The ex...
Marble
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
1950s Bamboo and Frosted Glass Rectangular Coffee Table by Viggo Boesen
By Viggo Boesen, E.V.A. Nissen & Co. 1
Located in Antwerp, BE
An exceptionally In of Outdoor stylish bamboo coffee table or side table attributed by Viggo Boesen by E.V.A. Nissen & Co, 1950s. The natural look of bamboo and rattan gives the tabl...
Bamboo, Rattan
Njord - Ribbed Marble Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola - Large
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Njord Marble Vanity, featuring a beautifully ribbed texture that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafte...
Marble
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
Orca - Double Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity - Beige Travertine
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Dual Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The ex...
Marble
Scandinavian Modern Door Handles in Teak by Teka Alingsås ca 1950's
Located in Örebro, SE
Cool door handles in teak by Teka Alingsås, ca 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Wear and patina consistent with age and use, scratches, blemishes and a crack as seen on the last pict...
Metal
Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 6
By Nanna Ditzel, Frederecia Furniture
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 1993,...
Teak
Fire Screen in Metal by Gunnar Ander, 1960s
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This mid-century fire guard, attributed to Swedish designer Gunnar Ander and produced in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies the fusion of utilitarian function and decorative artist...
Metal
Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 8
By Nanna Ditzel, Frederecia Furniture
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Teak
$1,037 / set
Finnish Copper and Pine Door Handles, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish copper and pine door handles from the 1930s. Reminiscent of Alvar Aalto's design. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. The handles are sold as...
Copper
$17,905 / item
Orca - Double Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity - Grey Galaxy
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Dual Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The ex...
Marble
$10,817 / item
Njord - Ribbed Marble Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Njord Marble Vanity, featuring a beautifully ribbed texture that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafte...
Marble
Lyke - Wall-Mounted Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola - 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
Orca - Marble Bathroom Vanity - White Carrara - Medium
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Marble Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafted en...
Marble
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
Assens Free-standing Marble Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola - Large
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
"The Assens is a luxurious marble basin featuring a sleek backsplash, seamlessly blending modern and traditional design elements. Its beveled edges and geometric shape create a refin...
Marble
$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 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
heavy 3.9kg Brutalist solid BRONZE Door Push Handle by ALPAN, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Door push element Origin: GERMANY Design producer: ALPAN, GERMANY ( marked at the back with ALPAN 1581 ) Material: solid bronze Weight: 3,9 kg Decade: 1970s Descriptio...
Metal, Bronze
Njord - Ribbed Marble - Double Basin Bathroom Vanity - Calacatta Viola
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Njord Dual Basin Marble Vanity, featuring a beautifully ribbed texture that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterio...
Marble
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
Orca - Double Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity - White Carrara
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Orca Dual Basin Marble Bathroom Vanity, featuring a beautiful veined marble that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The ex...
Marble
Assens Free-standing Marble Bathroom Vanity - Grey Galaxy - Small
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
"The Assens is a luxurious marble basin featuring a sleek backsplash, seamlessly blending modern and traditional design elements. Its beveled edges and geometric shape create a refin...
Marble
$5,781 / item
Skadi - Double Marble Basin - Beige Travertine
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Elevate your bathroom space with our rectangular Skadi Dual Marble Basin, a perfect fusion of minimalist design and natural elegance. Its smooth, honed surface highlights the unique ...
Marble
Njord - Ribbed Marble Bathroom Vanity - M-White Carrara
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Njord Marble Vanity, featuring a beautifully ribbed texture that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterior is crafte...
Marble
Swedish vintage painted wood pedestal
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant painted wooden pedestal with sleek and refined lines, ideal for plants or decorative objects. Light and essential forms characterize this mid-twentieth-century Swedish pedes...
Wood
Garden Sofa in Cast Iron and Wood, 1940's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Garden Sofa in Cast Iron and Wood, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Cast iron and wood Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Probably produced in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 1...
Steel
$3,356 / item
Skadi Marble Basin - Grey Galaxy - Small
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Elevate your bathroom space with our rectangular Skadi Marble Basin, a perfect fusion of minimalist design and natural elegance. Its smooth, honed surface highlights the unique veini...
Marble
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
Njord - Ribbed Marble - Double Basin Bathroom Vanity - Grey Galaxy
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
Enhance your bathroom with our luxurious Njord Dual Basin Marble Vanity, featuring a beautifully ribbed texture that adds depth and character to your bathroom aesthetics. The exterio...
Marble