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.
Wooden bread basket, Vide poche, Sweden, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A beautiful carved wooden basket of Swedish origin, dating from the 1950s. Its elongated, organic shape, with slightly upturned ends, evokes the Scandinavian design of the period, fa...
Wood
Large Ceramic Floor Lamp by Rigmor Nielsen for Søholm, 1960s, Danish Modern
By Søholm Stentøj, Rigmor Nielsen
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning hand painted floor lamp from the 1960s by Danish artist Rigmor Nielsen at Søholm ceramics workshop, Bornholm. The floral pattern in shades of brown on this lamp is simply am...
Brass
Modern Cheese Server Cloche Teak Base Clear Glass Dome Mid Century Modern
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Mid-Century Modern cheese server or cloche featuring a solid teak wood base and a matching clear glass dome. The teak base has a rich wood grain, o...
Glass, Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Cheese Keeper Cake Stand Luthje Wood Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Vintage Danish Teak Cheese Keeper or board, featuring a wooden base and a clear dome lid. Mid-century modern, specifically from the 1960s or 1970s. Scandi...
Plastic, Teak
Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...
Teak
1950s Teak Orb Bowl Sigvard Nilsson Sowe Konst Sweden Scandinavian Sculpture
By Sowe Konst
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare bowl designed and made by Sigvard Nilsson, Söwe konst. Made from solid teak and sculpted by hand in Sweden, c.1951. Centerpiece of Nut Bowl or Covered salad serrving bowl. An ...
Teak
Pewter Vase from Ystad Metall
By Ystad-Metall
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant pewter vase from Ystad Metall. Wide mouth, tapering towards the base that is adorned with beautiful leaves.
Pewter
Jens Quistgaard Danish Design Teak Tabletop Lazy Susan Serving Tray
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Danish design staved teak swivelling lazy Susan tabletop serving centerpiece. Beautiful natural grain to teak. Hand crafted in Malaysia, c. 1970's. Signed ...
Teak
Josef Frank Brass and Black Glass Serving Tray for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and highly collectible serving tray designed by Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1940. This refined example embodies Frank’s signature balance of functional des...
Brass
Tapio Wirkkala Handmade & Hammered Silver Boat Model TW 9, Kultakeskus 1959
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio wirkkala was an exceptionally talented designer regardless of the materials used. Although he established super stardom with his art glass objects in the 1950s by winning a num...
Silver
Unique Ceramic Bowl by Per Hammarström, Sweden 1980 Signed Per.H
Located in Paris, IDF
Unique stoneware bowl by Per Hammarström, Sweden 1980 Signed Per.H under the base. Hand made by the artist in the 80s with bright turquoise colour an yellow. Good condition.
Ceramic
Unique Glass Bowl by Sidse Werner for Holmegaard, Denmark, C. 1970
Located in Kastrup, DK
Sidse Werner 1931-1989. Rare and one-of-a-kind glass bowl. One half is blue the other is green, divided in the middle by an orange line. Holmegaard approx. 1970. Sidse Werner started...
Art Glass
$417Sale Price|20% Off
Jorgen Mogensen Scandinavian Ceramic Centerpiece for Royal Copenaghen, 1960s
By Royal Copenhagen, Jørgen Mogensen
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ashtray, centerpiece designed by Danish artist Jorgen Mogensen for Royal Copenaghen, with mark and numbering printed on the bottom, Denmark, 1960s.
Ceramic
SIlver Tapio Wirkkala bowl TW 282
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A beautiful handmade to order solid silver bowl by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus .
Krenit Bowl by Herbert Krenchel Blue Enamel, Denmark 1960s Scandinavian Modern
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Krenit Bowl by Herbert Krenchel Blue Enamel, Denmark 1960s Scandinavian Modern. Made in Denmark circa the 1960s. Dimension 4.5 H x 10 diameter. Pleas...
Enamel
Large Unique Ceramic Dish, Julia Kabel by Kähler
By Julia Kabel, Herman A. Kahler Keramik
Located in Kastrup, DK
Large unique ceramic dish, Art Nouveau. Design Julia Kabel for Kähler approx. 1910 - 1920. Glaze with polychrome, decorated with birds and foliage. Go...
Ceramic
1950s Large Danish Orange Centerpiece Fruit Table Bowl Mid-Century Vintage
By Krenit
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful 1950s mcm pop of color for any interior with a real design heritage behind it, by Herbert Krenchel for Krenit of Denmark. Massive at 15 inches in diameter.
Enamel, Steel
Tapio Wirkkala Hand Hammered Round Silver Bowl, Kultakeskus 1970
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Tapio was always a hands on experience kind of designer. He always visited the work area of his objects and collaborated with the glass blowers or other handy and craftsmen that crea...
Silver
Cobalt / Baby Blue Scandinavian Modern Glass Bowl, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Cobalt / baby blue Scandinavian Modern glass bowl.
Glass
Jens Quistgaard Wenge Tray by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Highland, IN
A stunningly beautiful design by Jens Quistgaard from Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection, this sculptural tray is crafted of solid wenge wood.
Wenge
Unique Monumental Danish Modern Stoneware Bowl by Ole Bjørn Krüger, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning huge handmade stoneware bowl by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger, (1922-2007). Made in his own workshop in the 1960s. Beautiful organic shape a...
Stoneware
$203Sale Price|30% Off
Scandinavian Modern Glass Bowl, 1950s
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Modern glass bowl, 1950s Large vintage hand blown two colored centerpiece in blue and clear glass. Five fingers edged with whit...
Blown Glass
Danish Modern Stoneware Abstract Sculpture by Ole Bjørn Krüger, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning handmade stoneware sculpture / vase by Danish artist Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007). Made in his own workshop in the 1960s. Beautiful organic shape...
Stoneware
Large Family Size Pine Lazy Susan A superb large family size piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Large Family Size Pine Lazy Susan A superb large family size piece with a carved drip groove all the way around the edge all in very smooth working order The Stand is 1.5” tall and ...
Pine
Ceramic Plate by Mogens Andersen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Mogens Andersen 1916-2003 A unique circular porcelain plate / dish made from ceramic and features an abstract blue-black paint-job. Signed and dated Mogens Andersen 4 · I · 66 B...
Ceramic
Upsala Ekeby/Gefle, Sweden. Large ceramic centerpiece. Geometric pattern.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Upsala Ekeby/Gefle, Sweden. Large ceramic centerpiece. Geometric pattern. Green-yellow glaze. Marked. Mid-20th century. In excellent condition. Dimensions: Diameter 30.0 cm x Height...
Ceramic
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
1950s, Scandinavian Architectural Vessel Bowl White Yellow Dot Monumental Norway
By Cathrineholm, Nordika Design, Krenit
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Large pressed steel serving bowl enameled with white and a bright yellow center. Similar to the designs of Arne Clausen for Cathrineholm. This bowl appears to be unused and retains o...
Metal
Stuart Devlin, Sterling Silver Centrepiece, London, 1978
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1978 by Stuart Devlin, this stylish, modernist design, sterling silver centrepiece, features four holders for candles (or flowers), and a cast and gilt flower...
Sterling Silver
Collect Plate SC55 by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Designed by Space Copenhagen, this hand-polished plate sits within the Collect series, a curated line of beautifully crafted soft furnishings and home objects. Crafted from beige tr...
Travertine
Early Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large teak bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina.
Teak
$454Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.23 in Dm 4.33 in
Danish Midcentury Modern Table Lamp by Søholm, Stoneware, 1960s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Danish Midcentury Modern stoneware table lamp with light brown, black and aqua green glaze with a distinct arrow pattern at the top and bottom. Manufactured by Søholm Stentø...
Pottery, Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,450
H 6.89 in W 12.6 in D 10.24 in
Alfredo Barbini Murano Pink Sommerso Ribbed Glass Centerpiece Bowl, 1950s
Located in Barcelona, ES
Beautiful large Murano hand blown pink Sommerso art glass ribbed centerpiece bowl with wavy edge. Attributed to Alfredo Barbini. Italy, 1950s-1960s. This elegant centerpiece can be used for decorative purposes or for daily use as fruit bowl adding a luxury accent to any kitchen or table. Great gift idea. Mint condition. Overall Measures: 32 cm W x 26 cm D x 17,5 cm H Barbini Pink...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Glass
$754
H 4.34 in Dm 11.82 in
1960s Danish Teak Bowl by Dansk Design Denmark Design by Jens Harald Quistgaard
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Teak bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Producer Dansk design, Denmark, 1960s. Original 1960s teak bowl made in Denmark. Desigend by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in high qua...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Floor Lamp circa 1960s
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern teak floor lamp, Denmark, circa 1960s. The height to the top of the socket is 50". The diameter of the lamp base is 11". The height to the top of the shade shown in the...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
$2,842
H 3.82 in W 15.36 in D 5.91 in
Large Light Teak Bowl with Brass and Leather Handle by Carl Auböck Austria, 1950
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: light Teak bowl, shell element Design: Carl Auböck, 1950s Producer: Auböck Workshop Vienna, Austria Origin: Austria Age: 1950s ...
Brass
$425 / item
H 11.25 in W 7 in D 4.75 in
Silver Plated Tiered High Tea Serving Trays or Cake Stand, Sold Singly
Located in Sheffield, MA
Vintage silver plated three-tier afternoon tea stand for high tea service. perfect for tidbits, appetizers, small finger sandwiches, small pastries...
Silver Plate
Ceramic Cake Stand Tellina Designed by Chiara Andreatti
Located in Milan, IT
Tellina is a riser or cake stand in ceramic designed by Chiara Andreatti for Paola C., and it is part of the collection Coquille, a family composed of cake stands, centerpieces, frui...
Ceramic
$1,392Sale Price|20% Off
H 9.45 in W 20.87 in D 3.55 in
Søholm Denmark Large Lamp Ceramic Wall Sconce Sculpture Danish Midcentury, 1960s
By Poul Brandborg, Søholm Stentøj, Noomi Backhausen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large stylish Danish midcentury wall sconce. The lamp is made the acknowledged pottery Søholm on Bornholm and the design is attributed to Noomi Backhausen & Poul Brandborg. Made ca. ...
Metal
$1,276
H 39.38 in Dm 10.63 in
Scandinavian ceramic floor lamp by Marian Zawadzki for Tilgmans, Sweden, 1960s
By Marian Zawadsky, Tilgmans Keramik
Located in Forserum, SE
A large and impressive ceramic floor lamp crafted by the Polish-Swedish artist Marian Zawadzki for Tilgmans Keramik in Gothenburg, Sweden. The ceramic base is decorated with a polych...
Ceramic, Textile
Mid-century Modern Murano Glass Bowl
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Stunning green and amber colored Murano glass bowl in a beautiful shape.
Murano Glass
Modernist English Sterling Silver Rose Bowl by Christopher Lawrence, 1978
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1978 by Christopher Lawrence this striking sterling silver centrepiece is of a low, circular form with a wide, polished rim. The piece features a removable gi...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 3.15 in
Christopher Lawrence - Sterling Silver Trophy Cup - Hallmarked in London in 1972
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1972 by Christopher Lawrence, this very stylish, Sterling Silver Trophy, is presented on the original wooden base, and...
Sterling Silver
Rare large mirror plateau by Firma Svenskt Tenn
By Svenskt Tenn, Estrid Ericson
Located in New York, NY
Rare large mirror plateau by Firma Svenskt Tenn and possible designed by its founder Estrid Ericson. A highly decorative piece in brass with with small flower imitations along the bo...
Brass
Rare Large Tapio Wirkkala Leaf Platter Finland, 1951
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic Finnish design by Tapio Wirkkala in 1951. Hand laminated teak and birch. This design won the the Gold Medal at the IX Milan Triennale, and was quoted as being" The most beaut...
Birch, Teak
Sold
H 8.86 in W 12.21 in D 7.29 in
Danish Modern Blue Fondue Pot Købenstyle by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Original "Købenstyle" fondue set with pot and warming stand designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for "Dansk", USA . Made ca. 1950s or 60s. The Købenstyle series was made in colorful enamel and the design invited to use the pots and pans for cooking and place them directly on the table. The fondue pot...
Enamel, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt and Pepper Mill for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage salt and pepper mill designed by renowned Scandinavian designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Crafted from premium quality teak wood, this sa...
Teak
Sold
H 65.36 in Dm 15.75 in
Large Ceramic Floor Lamp by Rigmor Nielsen for Søholm, 1960s, Danish Modern
By Søholm Stentøj, Rigmor Nielsen
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning hand painted floor lamp from the 1960s by Danish artist Rigmor Nielsen at Søholm ceramics workshop, Bornholm. The abstract motifs in green, wh...
Brass
Danish Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage pair of Danish teak salt and pepper shakers with sculpted detail. Origin: Denmark Year: 1960s Style: Mid-Century Modern / Scandinavian ...
Teak
Sold
H 2.37 in W 13 in D 4.34 in
Alex Styles Signed, Abstract Design Sterling Silver Centrepiece, London 1961
By James Wakely & Frank Clarke Wheeler, Garrard & Co. Ltd., Alex Styles
Located in London, London
Designed by Alex Styles, manufactured by Wakely & Wheeler in London in 1961, and retailed by Garrard & Co. of 112 Regent Street London, this stunning Sterl...
Sterling Silver
Teak Lattice Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage teak lattice serving tray with sculpted handles designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. There are two versions of this tray, this iteration is the older and more uncommon of t...
Teak
Sold
H 1.58 in W 5.91 in D 5.91 in
Jorgen Mogensen Ceramic Scandinavian Centerpiece for Royal Copenaghen, 1960s
By Royal Copenhagen, Jørgen Mogensen
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ashtray or centerpiece designed by Danish artist Jorgen Mogensen for Royal Copenaghen, with mark and numbering printed on the bottom, Denmark 1960s.
Ceramic
Large Low Ceramic Serving Bowl, Carved Brown Clay with White Glaze, Hand Built
Located in New York, NY
An updated serving bowl reminiscent of midcentury Danish Decorative Arts. This 14.5 inch wide bowl has subtle hand carved oval designs on the exterior bare c...
Ceramic, Stoneware