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.
Midcentury 1.6kg Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder was produced in th...
Bronze
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Located in Hamburg, DE
Danish Blue Cast Iron Candleholder from Normann Copenhagen
Cast Iron
Vintage Orrefors Sweden Crystal Votive Candle Holder
By Orrefors
Located in New York, NY
1980's Scandinavian modern crystal votive candle holder. Hand crafted in Sweden and signed on bottom, Orrefors.
Crystal
Holmegaard 'Design with Light' Glass Lantern, 11.4 in H
Located in New York, NY
The Design with Light lantern can be used all year round For summer evenings on the patio, for decoration on the floor, on the table, on the stairs and in windows – and as a stylish ...
Glass
Gunnar Ander Early Candlestick Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden
By Gunnar Ander
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early candlestick designed by Gunnar Ander. Produced by Ystad Metall in Sweden.
Brass
Hans Bolling Scandinavian Midcentury Brass Candlesticks for Torben Ørskov, 1950s
By Torben Orskov, Hans Bolling
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Set of four Scandinavian midcentury modern design candlesticks candleholders designed by Hans Bolling and manufactured by Torben Orskov in Denmark, they are made from solid brass and...
Brass
Large Midcentury Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany, 1960
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in t...
Bronze
Six Brass Star Candleholders Designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Six candleholders, brass stars, designed by Pierre Forssell for Skultuna, Sweden, 1960s. Bottom with maker's mark and signature.
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Hans-Agne Jakobsson Candle Holder Brass and Hand Blown Glass
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Hans-Agne Jakobsson three armed candle holder in brass with a smashing lilac/pink color designed for Hans-Agne Jakobsson Markaryd, AB Sweden, 1950s. Polished bras...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Swedish Iron Candle Holder 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid Century Modern Swedish Iron Candle Holder. Holds four candles. Made in Sweden. 1950s
Iron
Large 47cm Brutalist cast iron Candleholde by Manfred Bergmeister, Germany 1970
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Manfred Bergmeister, Kunstschmiede Ebersberg Material: cast iron Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintag...
Iron
Dantorp 1960's Danish Modern Solid Brass Candelabra
Located in New York, NY
Danish modern heavy brass candelabra with three candle holders crafted by Dantorp, Denmark, c. 1960's.
Brass
$180Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Glass Hurricane Lamp in Box by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM glass hurricane lamp in original box by Dansk, circa 1970s. The lamp is in excellent condition with chips or cracks and measures 6"D x 10"H. ...
Glass
Midcentury Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder was produced in th...
Bronze
Midcentury Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany, 1960s no1
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was pro...
Bronze
Modernist 1.8kg Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Metal Candleholder, France, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in France. It is made of...
Bronze
XL 75cm Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Metal Floor Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Germany Material: metal, cast iron Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in IGerm...
Copper
A Pair of Pierre Forssell Adjustable Candleholder, Model Variation, Skultuna
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Pierre Forssells adjustable candleholder, Model Variation, Skultuna. The "Variable" candlestick is an iconic design creation and known for its simple and timeless design....
Brass
XL Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper floor Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Germany Material: Solid metal candleholder Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produced in th...
Metal
Danish Modern Muurla of Finland Molded Glass 5 Lite Votive Volcano Candle Holder
By Muurla
Located in San Diego, CA
Superb vintage mid century Scandinavian modern molded clear glass centerpiece candleholder with a brutalist textured surface and a scalloped ruffled rim. Handmade by Muurla of Finlan...
Art Glass
Modernist Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Brass Metal Candleholder, France, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in France. It is made of solid brass, and has a lovely patination due to the age of about 50 years. It is a high quality French production with a fantastic surface structure and sculptural Brutalist optic. With its original formed shape, it can hold 3 candles...
Brass
Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Metal Candleholder, France, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in France. It is made of solid bronze, and has a lovely patination due to the age of about 50 years. It is a high quality French production with a fantastic surface structure and sculptural Brutalist optic. With its original formed shape, it can hold 3 candles...
Bronze
$2,047Sale Price|20% Off
heavy 7kg Modernist Sculptural 44cm Brutalist Bronze Candleholder, France 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in F...
Copper
Vintage Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder, Black Metal, Sweden, 1970s
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage sculptural candelabra marked Boda Shop, Sweden, circa 1970s. This unique piece has a black metal finish and holds up to three taper candles.
Metal
1960s Brass and Glass "Claudia" Candleholder Made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder element "Claudia" Design: Hans-Agne Jakobsson Producer: Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, Sweden This candlelight holder was designed by Han...
Metal, Brass
Pierre Forssell Adjustable Candleholder, Model Variation
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern adjustable candleholder. Model "Variabel", in solid brass by Pierre Forsell, Skultuna, Sweden. No 1607. Forssell (1925-2004) was a trained silversmith. During th...
Brass
Bjørn Wiinblad ‘1918-2006’, Tall "Hurricane" Candleholder in Brass, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bjørn Wiinblad (1918-2006). Tall "Hurricane" candleholder in brass with blue-tinted glass, 1970s. Measures: 63 x 13 cm. In very good condition. Signed.
Brass
Interconnect Candle Holder - Black Steel - by Colin King for Audo
By Audo
Located in Dubai, AE
Interconnect Candle Holder, a sphere, an angle and a line meet on the Interconnect Candle Holder , a bold and illuminating centerpiece of exaggerated proportions, designed for Audo by Colin King...
Steel
Large 40cm 6.7kg Modernist Sculptural Brutalist metal Vase, Germany, 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist vase object Origin: Germany Material: Solid metal, probably a copper mixture weight: 6,7kg Decade: 1970s Description: This original vintage vase, was produced...
Metal
$446Sale Price|20% Off
Graphic 1980s Blue, Lilac, White Glazed Vase, Denmark
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish modernist ceramic vase with matte blue glaze over lilac and white glaze in asymmetrical stripes accentuating the organically soft shape. Handmade in Denmark by KN Keramik in t...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Pair of Scandinavian metal candlesticks, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Pair of Scandinavian metal candlesticks with a clean and functional design, emblematic of the 1960s. Their slender silhouette, combined with a tubular base forming an elegant circula...
Metal
Teak wood candlestick, Scandinavian, 1960
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Teak candlestick, Scandinavian design, 1960s, with a clean and timeless style. This candlestick is distinguished by its slender and elegant silhouette, with a conical base and a thin neck ending in a delicately flared bowl. It perfectly showcases the natural beauty of teak, with its warm hues and rich grain. Typical of 1960s Scandinavian design, it embodies a minimalist aesthetic where form follows function, while highlighting the beauty of fine materials. Its simple lines allow it to blend seamlessly into modern, vintage, or contemporary interiors. Ideal on its own or in a group, it will bring a warm and refined touch to a table, shelf, or console. Style : Scandinavian 1960s Minimalist Mid-century modern Key features : Candlestick/Chandelier Solid teak wood Slender, tapered shape Beautiful natural patina Scandinavian design 1960s Very good overall condition (minor signs of wear possible) Keywords : teak candlestick, Scandinavian candlestick, vintage wooden candlestick, 1960s design, minimalist decor, mid-century modern, vintage wooden object
Wood, Teak
Metal Candleholder by Hagberg Swenden 20th Century Siver color 8 Arms
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Metal Eight-arms candleholders by Carl Hagberg. Siver Color sweden 20th Century.
Metal
Vintage Danish Blue Ceramic Candleholder from Stelton
By Stelton
Located in Hamburg, DE
Vintage Danish Blue Ceramic Candleholder from Stelton
Ceramic
Scandinavian Candle Holder, 1960s, Sweden, Patinated Metal
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Scandinavian candle holder in patinated metal, made in Sweden in the 1960s. This model is distinguished by its sculptural composition with three slender arms, featuring curved and or...
Metal
Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Copper Vase, Austria, 1950s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist tripod candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Solid copper Decade: 1950s Description: This original vintage vase, was produced in the 1950s in Austria....
Copper
$1,349Sale Price|20% Off
Set of 2 Modernist Vintage 1970s Sculptural Brutalist Metal Candleholder, France
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder set of 2 Origin: France Material: Metal Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970...
Metal
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk Design
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Designs France Silver-Plated Spiral Tapered Candlesticks, Candle Holder. Sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a ...
Silver Plate
Pair of Organic Modern Iron Candelabra, Scandinavian Brutalist
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking pair of hand-forged Scandinavian iron candleholders with an expressive Brutalist character and organic floral silhouette. Their sculptural curled bases and raw torch-cut p...
Pewter
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece cast iron candleholder or vessel designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A sculptural and scarce form from Quistgaard's ce...
Iron
Pair of Rare Night Candlesticks, Art Deco 1931, CG Hallberg Sweden
By CG Hallberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of night candlesticks in lovely Art Deco style designed by CG Hallberg in Stockholm, Sweden in 1931. The candlesticks are 21 cm in diameter (including the handle), they are 6,...
Pewter
Gunnar Ander, Four Candle Holders, Brass & Glass, Ystad Metall, Swedish Modern
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare set of four candle holders, one for three candles (total for six candles). Delicate shape, still stabile, a decorative set for thin candles. Designed by Gunnar Ander for Ystad...
Brass
$400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Per Lutken for for Holmegaard Scandinavian Midcentury Glass Candleholder 1960s
By Holmegaard, Per Lutken for Holmegaard
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Pair of scandinavian Mid-Century Modern glass candleholder candlestick holder designed by Per Lutken and production by Holmegaard, Denmark ci...
Glass
Midcentury Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Michael Harjes, Germany, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Michael Harjes Material: bronze Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder was prod...
Bronze
$837Sale Price|20% Off
Extra Large Modernist Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Metal Candleholder, Austria
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: solid metal handmade Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was p...
Metal
Scandinavian Wall Hung Candleholder in Brass and Wrought Iron, 1950s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A wall hung candlestick with a circular panel that with its meticulously hammered surface mimics the moon and its surface. Handmade by Scandinavian metalworker during the 1950s.
Brass, Iron
set of 3 Sculptural Brutalist tripod Bronze Metal Candleholder, France, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder set of 3 Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder set, was produced in the 1970s in France. ...
Bronze
$1,116Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade Mid-Century Modern Vase by Alingsås Keramik, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Extraordinary rustic handmade Swedish Mid-Century Modern beautiful vase / candleholder with graphic, incised decorations. Glossy black glaze on the top and the interior. Raw yet delicate vase with both shiny and matte sand colored glaze around the patterned belly. Hand carved graphic pattern with shiny glaze inside the small carvings. Stamped and signed under base. Manufactured by Alingsås Keramik in the small Swedish town of Alingsås in the 1960s. Model 519...
Stoneware, Pottery, Ceramic
Modernist Sculptural Auböck Style Brutalist Brass Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Brass Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. It i...
Copper
$180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Candleholders Birds Design by Gunnar Cyren For Dansk Silverplate
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful, elegant pair of silver-plated love birds designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk circa 1980's it takes a thin tapered candle 1/4" diameter.
Silver Plate
$560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gunnar Ander Candelabras for Ystad Metall, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Gunnar Ander candelabras in metal with bronze tops. Manufactured by Ystad Metall. 1970s.
Metal, Bronze
Organic Candlesticks, Turned Teak, Sweden
Located in Vienna, AT
Sculptural organic candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden in the 1960s.
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Lars Holmström Geometric Brass Candlestick Holder
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern candlestick holder by Lars Holmström, Arvika Sweden. The candlestick holder has seven arms and boasts a geometric but simplistic design. It is made in brass and h...
Brass
$1,116Sale Price|20% Off
2, 8 Kg Hagenauer Style Brutalist Copper + Brass Candleholder, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper and brass Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produc...
Copper
A pair 1970s Vintage Ann Warff Kosta Boda Snowball Votive Candle Holders
By Kosta Boda, Goran and Ann Warff
Located in Charleston, SC
This is a set of vintage 1970's Kosta Boda Snowball Candle Holders by Ann Warff. Crafted out of heavyweight, lead-free, clear crystal. Original sti...
Crystal
unique 1.3kg Brutalist Bronze Candleholder by Manfred Bergmeister, Germany 1970s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Germany Design producer: Manfred Bergmeister, Kunstschmiede Ebersberg Material: bronze Decade: 1970s D...
Bronze
Modernist Sculptural Auböck Style Brutalist Copper Candleholder, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. It ...
Copper
Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist copper and metal Candleholder, Austria 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: copper and metal Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1970s in Aust...
Brass
44cm Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist copper metal Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: copper and metal Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Aust...
Metal, Copper
Large 1.3kg Sculptural Brutalist Bronze Metal Candleholder, France, 1960s
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: France Material: solid bronze Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s in France. It is made of...
Bronze