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.
$252Sale Price|56% Off
Bertil Vallien for Rörstrand Rainbow Porcelain Cylinder Vase, 1980s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Cylinder shaped shiny white porcelain vase from the Rainbow series designed by Bertil Vallien for Rörstrand in the 1980s. Swirling pastel lines on two sides in mint, rose, red, light...
Porcelain
Vintage Scandinavian porcelain pot, Kaffe The Eva Trio, Ole Palsby, Denmark 1980
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
The Eva Trio porcelain jars with cork lids are part of Danish design history, combining minimalism and functionality. They were designed by Ole Palsby (1935–2010), a leading self-tau...
Porcelain, Cork
"Rare Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Teapot by Arnold Krog (1898-1923)"
Located in Lejre, DK
This rare small teapot model 257 from Royal Copenhagen in the Blue Fluted pattern is a masterful work designed by Arnold Krog and produced between 1898 and 1923 in Copenhagen. The te...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Twelve Lunch Plates, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto Service, White. Twelve lunch plates. 1960s. Measure: Diameter: 21.2 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Finland, a set of six porcelain Christmas plates.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Finland, a set of six porcelain Christmas plates. Finnish Christmas landscapes. Vintage 1978-1983. Marked. First factory quality. In perfect condition. D...
Porcelain
Rolf Sinnemark Teapot "The Cube" by Rörstrand, Black & White, 1980s Design
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely teapot of model "The Cube" designed by Rolf Sinnemark at Rörstrand. The teapot is 26 cm (10,4") long and 19 cm (7,6") high. It is in mint condition. This teapot was designed...
Porcelain
Large Fruitbowl Porcelain - Arthur Percy - Gefle Sweden - 1930s
By Arthur Percy, Gefle
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning fruitbowl designed by Arthur Percy at Gefle porcelainfactory in the 1930s. This bowl have the beautiful and characteristic floral pattern that Percy is famous for. The bow...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Model 434 Blue Fluted Sugar Bowl (1898-1923)
By Arnold Krog, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Lejre, DK
This Royal Copenhagen sugar bowl in the Blue Fluted. Produced between 1898 and 1923 in Copenhagen. Made in Denmark by Royal Copenhagen.
Porcelain
Black & White Teapot Rolf Sinnemark - "The Cube" - Rörstrand, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely teapot of model "The Cube" designed by Rolf Sinnemark at Rörstrand. The teapot is 26 cm (10,4") long and 19 cm (7,6") high. It is in mint condition. This teapot was designed...
Porcelain
Martin Freyer Vase for Rosenthal, No. 2991
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful, organic, matte porcelain vase No. 2991 by Martin Freyer for Rosenthal Studioline, Germany with a wrapped textile pattern look and glazed interior, marked.
Porcelain
Dish Designed by Pia Törnell “Pro Arte” for Rörstrand, Signed, Sweden, 1996
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dish designed by Pia Törnell “Pro Arte” for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1996. Porcelain. Signed. Dimensions: W: 29.5 cm / 11 3/5" D: 27.7 cm / 10 7/8" H: 5 cm ...
Porcelain
Set of Eight Colorado Plates by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
8 plates in porcelain iof model Colorado designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. They are 21,5 cm in diameter. They are in very good condition except from some minor scratches....
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg Breakfast Bowls, Porcelain, Berså Pattern, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of breakfast bowls in the very famous pattern Berså designed by Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg. They are made in porcelain and are 17,3 cm in diam...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, 10 Rare Pitsi Deep Plates with Floral Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. 10 Rare Pitsi deep plates with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Measures: 24.5 x 3.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Bing & Grondahl Dog B&G, Number 1992, English Bulldog
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grondahl dog B&G, number 1992, English bulldog. Measures: 14 cm. 1st. factory quality. In perfect condition.
Heinrich Fuchs "Archais" Series for Lorenz Hutschenreuther, 1969
By Lorenz Hutschenreuther, Dr. Heinrich Fuchs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sculptural porcelain vase by Heinrich Fuchs for Hutschenreuther, bisque exterior and glazed interior, released between 1968 and 1970, marked.
Porcelain
$485Sale Price / set|20% Off
A Scandinavian set of four porcelain spice 1970
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
A Scandinavian set of four porcelain spice jars with cork stoppers. Dimensions: Height: 16,13,11 and 9 Diameter: 12,11,9 and 7
Ceramic
Faun Figurine from Royal Copenhagen, 1969-1973
Located in Chorzów, PL
Faun figurine from Royal Copenhagen, 1969-1973.
Porcelain
Toini Muona, Large Decorative Dish in Natural White & Stripes Arabia, 1954
By Arabia, Toini Muona
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very impressive ceramic dish designed by Finnish ceramic artist Toini Muona (1904-1987). Muona was one of the respected art ceramists and trendsetter...
Porcelain
Bing & Grondahl B&G Number 1648 the Brothers "Tom & Willy"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grondahl B&G number 1648 the brothers "Tom & Willy". Measures: 19.5 cm. 1st. factory quality. In perfect condition.
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Porcelain Bowl by Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Arabia
By Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Arabia of Finland
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Scandinavian Modern rice grain porcelain bowl by Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia in Finland. A delicate "rice grain" porcelain bowl designed by the Finnish artist Friedl Holz...
Porcelain
Rare Bing & Grondahl / B&G Figurine in Porcelain, Pekingese, Model Number 1637
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare Bing & Grondahl / B&G figurine in porcelain. Pekingese. Model number 1637. In perfect condition. 1st factory quality. Measures: 22 x 16.5 cm Stamped.
Porcelain
Marianne Westman for Rörstrand. Large "Mon Amie" breakfast cup and saucer.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Marianne Westman (1928-2017) for Rörstrand. Large "Mon Amie" breakfast cup and saucer. Rare. 1970s. In excellent condition. Marked. Cup: Diameter 12.3 cm (without handle) x Height 7...
Porcelain
Tapio Wirkkala Composition Secunda Grey Set 34 Piece
Located in Geneva, CH
Rare coffee and cake set in Rosenthal (Germany) bone china designed by Tapio Wirkkala, Finland 1963. 6 mocha cups with their saucers 6 coffee cups with their saucers Coffee pot Milk jug Sugar bowl 6 cake plates 20cm...
Porcelain
13 Bing & Grondahl Christmas Plates, 1980-1992
Located in København, Copenhagen
13 Bing & Grondahl Christmas plates, 1980-1992. In perfect condition. 1st. factory quality. Measures: 18 cm.
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fan, three lunch plates. 1960s/70s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fan, three lunch plates. Model number: 11520 Dating: 1960s/1970s. Marked. In excellent condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Diameter 22.5 cm.
Porcelain
Spring Bjorn Wiinblad Four Seasons Plate For Nymølle
Located in Vienna, AT
Bjorn Wiinblad the Spring plate from the one of the four seasons plates. Manufacturer in the 1970s by Nymølle in Denmark. Perfect condition. The ...
Porcelain
Inkeri Leivo for Arabia, Harlequin Porcelain Coffee Service
Located in København, Copenhagen
Inkeri Leivo (1944-2010) for Arabia. Harlequin porcelain coffee service for six people. 1970s. Consisting of six coffee cups with saucers and si...
Porcelain
Berte Jessen Faience Bird Dish for Royal Copenhagen, 1970s Denmark
By Berte Jessen
Located in Balen, BE
Elevate your interior and collection with this exquisite bird dish designed by the renowned Danish ceramic artist Berte Jessen for Royal Copenhagen. Known for her distinctive and pla...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Ali Porcelain Coffee Service for 8 People
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Ali porcelain coffee service with blue flower decoration for eight people. 1960s. The cup measures: 6.7 x 6.7 cm. Saucer diameter: 12 cm. The sugar bo...
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Arabia. Four coffee cups and saucers in rice porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg (1905-1993) for Arabia, Finland. A set of four coffee cups and saucers in rice porcelain. Ca. 1970. In perfect condition. Coffee cup: Height 6.3 cm x Diameter...
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia, Finland, Five Arabia Bowls in Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg (1905-1993) for Arabia, Finland. Five Arabia bowls in rice grain porcelain. Mid-20th century. Signed. In excellent condition. ...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Model 26 Classic Blue Fluted Bowl.
Located in Lejre, DK
This bowl is model 26, which features the traditional, hand-painted blue design. The pattern is very characteristic of Royal Copenhagen’s blue-painted porcelain, known as "Blue Flute...
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, a set of four "Pallas" coffee cups with saucers. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland, a set of four "Pallas" coffee cups with saucers. 1970s. Marked. Perfect condition. Cup: H 5.3 cm x D 8.3 cm including handle.
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Two Porcelain Bowls with Motifs from "Moomin"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. Two porcelain bowls with motifs from "Moomin", late 20th century. In excellent condition. Stamped. Measures: 15 x 5.5 cm.
Porcelain
Bertil Lundgren for Rörstrand, Wall Plaque in Glazed Porcelain with Peacock
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bertil Lundgren for Rörstrand. "Gallery 3" wall plaque in glazed porcelain decorated with a peacock, 1970s. In very good condition. Measures: 25 x 25 cm. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, 10 Rare Pitsi Dinner Plates with Floral Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. 10 rare Pitsi dinner plates with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Diameter: 26 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg. "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer in porcelain, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. Hand-painted with floral motifs. Retro style. The Tahiti series was produced in 1970–1973. Marked. First ...
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. Hand-painted with floral motifs. Retro style. The Tahiti series was produced in 1970–1973. Marked. First ...
Porcelain
Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Figure, Clown, Model Number 2511.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl porcelain figure. Clown. Model number 2511. Measures: 11.5 x 5.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Two Bing & Grøndahl Corinth Coffee Cups with Saucers, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Bing & Grøndahl Corinth coffee cups with saucers. Model number 305. 1970s. The cup measures: 8 x 6.8 cm. Saucer diameter: 14 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 2nd facto...
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Five Spisa-Legum Dinner Plates in Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Five Spisa-Legum dinner plates in glazed porcelain. 1960s. Measure: Diameter: 25 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia. Set of six salad/dessert plates in porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia Set of six dessert or salad plates, 1970s. Set comprising six plates in white porcelain decorated with characteristic “rice porcelain” ornamentatio...
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia. Set of six salad/dessert plates in porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia Set of six salad/dessert plates, 1970s. Set comprising six salad or cake plates in white porcelain decorated with characteristic “rice porcelain” o...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Figure of Chicken # 266
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen figure of chicken # 266. Measures: 8.5 cm. long. In perfect condition. 1. factory quality.
Two B & G 'Bing & Grondahl' Figures of Children
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two B & G (Bing & Grondahl) figures of children. Number 1614 and 2312. Size: 17 cm high. Perfect, factory first.
Royal Copenhagen Salto Service, White, Set of 6 Boullion Cups with Saucers
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen Salto service, white. Set of 6 boullion cups with saucers. The cup measures: 13.5 x 5.5 cm. The saucer measures: 15.5 cm. In very g...
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. Hand-painted with floral motifs. Retro style. The Tahiti series was produced in 1970–1973. Marked. First ...
Porcelain
Rörstrand Coffee Service for Twelve People, Swedish Design, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand coffee service for twelve people. Swedish design, 1960s. Consisting of twelve coffee cups with saucers and twelve plates in glazed porcelai...
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Two sets of "Harlekin" tea cups and saucers in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland, two sets of "Harlekin" tea cups and saucers in white porcelain. 1970/80s. Marked. In excellent condition. Cup: Diameter 11.0 cm without handle x Height 7.0 cm. Sauce...
Porcelain
Rare Lisbeth Munch Petersen Porcelain Vase, Bing & Grondahl
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare Lisbeth Munch Petersen porcelain vase, Bing & Grondahl. Narrow neck. Denmark, mid-20 century. Oxblood glaze. Measures: 13 x 12 cm. Stam...
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Lidded Tureen, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Large lidded tureen. 1960s. Measures: 28 x 16 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Aluminia, Denmark, Rare Childcare Figure of the Shepherdess from 1954
Located in København, Copenhagen
Aluminia, Denmark, rare childcare figure of the shepherdess from 1954. Measures: Height 16 cm. Perfect condition. Stamped.
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, five plates.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, five plates. Model number: 46/14820 1967. In perfect condition. Second factory quality. Marked. Measurements: D 19.5 cm.
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia, Three Sets of Mocha Cups and Saucers
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg (1905-1993) for Arabia. Three sets of Arabia mocha cups and saucers in rice grain porcelain. Mid-20th century. Signed. In excellent condition. Cup: 7.0 ...
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Rare "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. Hand-painted with floral motifs. Retro style. The Tahiti series was produced in 1970–1973. Marked. First ...
Porcelain
Rare Royal Copenhagen Alsatian German Shepherd, Number 2940
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare Royal Copenhagen Alsatian German shepherd, number 2940. Perfect condition, 1st factory quality. Rarely seen figurine. Measures: 18 cm.
Royal Copenhagen, Butcher Designed by M. Bovenschulte
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, Butcher designed by M. Bovenschulte. Measures: 20 cm. First factory quality, in perfect condition. Model number: 4645.
10 Bing & Grøndahl Corinth Plates in Porcelain, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
10 Bing & Grøndahl Corinth plates in porcelain. 1970s. Measures: 16 x 2.3 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 2nd factory quality.
Porcelain
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, large round dish.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, large round dish in porcelain. Model number: 46/14824. 1968. In perfect condition. Second factory quality. Marked. Dimensions: D 27.5...
Porcelain