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.
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
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
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.
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg, Arabia. Six coffee cups and saucers in rice porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg (1905-1993) for Arabia, Finland. A set of six coffee cups and saucers in rice porcelain. Ca. 1970. In perfect condition. Coffee cup: Height 6.3 cm x Diameter ...
Porcelain
Six "Pomona" Porcelain Plates, Jackie Lynd for Rörstrand
Located in København, Copenhagen
Jackie Lynd for Rörstrand, a set of six "Pomona" porcelain plates. Approx. 1970s. Marked. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: D 24.0 cm.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Blanc de Chine Vase with Flowers and Wheat Ears in Relief
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen blanc de chine vase with flowers and wheat ears in relief. Model number 4162. Dated 1975-79. Measures: 17.5 x 12 cm. In excellent cond...
Porcelain
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, dish in porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Johannes Hedegaard for Royal Copenhagen, Rimmon, oval dish. Model number: 46/14825. 1969-1974. In perfect condition. Second factory quality. Marked. Dimensions: W 30.0 x D 23.5 x H 3...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Three Bouillon Cups with Saucers, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, White. Three bouillon cups with saucers. 1960s. The cup measures: 13.5 x 5.5 cm. Saucer diameter: 18 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory qual...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Number 0856 Dachshund by Lauritz Jensen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen number 0856 Dachshund by Lauritz Jensen. Measures: 19 x 30 cm. In good condition. Two. factory quality.
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. 11 rare Pitsi side plates with floral decoration.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. 11 rare Pitsi side plates with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Diameter: 17 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Elegant Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Oval Vase, Model 264 (1898-1923)
Located in Lejre, DK
This elegant, oval vase from Royal Copenhagen Denmark belongs to the Blue Fluted Plain series and is model 264, produced between 1898-1923 in Copenhagen. With its timeless hand-paint...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Three Plates, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Three plates. 1960s. Diameter: 19.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in...
Porcelain
Rare Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Full Lace Sugar Bowl (1898-1923)
Located in Lejre, DK
This rare Royal Copenhagen sugar bowl in the Blue Fluted Full Lace pattern is a beautiful example of classic Danish porcelain art. Produced betw...
Porcelain
Rörstrand Coffee Service for Six People, Swedish Design, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand coffee service for six people. Swedish design, 1960s. Consisting of six coffee cups with saucers and six plates in glazed porcelain. The...
Porcelain
Edit Bjurström for Rörstrand, Sweden, Four Boy Figures, Blanc De Chine
Located in København, Copenhagen
Edit Bjurström (1912-1998) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Four boy figures in blanc de chine or white porcelain, Sweden, mid-20 century. Marked. In perfec...
Curt Addin, own workshop, Swedish ceramicist. Unique ceramic vase.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Curt Addin, own workshop, Swedish ceramicist. Unique ceramic vase in a modernist and stylish design. Chamotte clay, glaze in blue-green shades. 1970s. In perfect condition. Signed. ...
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Set of six "Colorado" porcelain plates in green
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Set of six "Colorado" retro porcelain plates in apple green. Produced in the 1960s. Marked. First factory qua...
Porcelain
Esteri Tomula, Finland, Pastoraali Tray in Porcelain, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Esteri Tomula (1920-1998), Finland. Pastoraali tray in porcelain decorated with women and flowers, 1960s. Measures: Diameter 24 cm. In very good condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Curt M. Addin '1931-2007' for Glumslöv, Large Freeform Vase, 1960s/70s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Curt M. Addin (1931-2007) for Glumslöv. Large freeform vase in partially glazed stoneware. Beautiful speckled glaze in shades of blue-green. Swedish design, 1960s / 70s. Measure...
Stoneware
Royal Copenhagen, Salto, Coffee Pot in White Porcelain, 1961
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen, Salto. Coffee pot in white porcelain. 1961. Model 14433. Marked. First factory quality. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 19.0 x D 19.5 cm. including handle a...
Porcelain
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia, Four Sets of Mocha Cups and Saucers
Located in København, Copenhagen
Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg (1905-1993) for Arabia. Four sets of Arabia mocha cups and saucers in rice grain porcelain. Mid-20th century. Signed. In excellent condition. Cup: 7.0 cm....
Porcelain
Jackie Lynd for Rörstrand, a Set of Twelve "Pomona" Porcelain Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Jackie Lynd for Rörstrand, a set of twelve "Pomona" porcelain plates. Approx. 1970s. In perfect condition. Marked. First factory quality. Dimensions: D 17.0 cm.
Porcelain
Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand, "Blå eld" Porcelain Teapot, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Hertha Bengtson for Rörstrand. "Blå eld" porcelain teapot. Beautiful deep blue glaze, 1960s. Measures: 18.8 x 17 cm. Stamped. In very good condition.
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Five Large Saucers for Cups / Mugs
Located in København, Copenhagen
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. Five large saucers for cups / mugs in glazed porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 24 x 15.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Vintage Vase by Royal Copenhagen, Porcelain with Crackle Glaze, Scandinavian Art
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage vase from Royal Copenhagen, porcelain with crackle glaze, Scandinavian art This beautiful vase from Royal Copenhagen is an exquisite example of the high quality and fine cra...
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Porcelain Plate with Motif from "Moomin", Late 20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. Porcelain plate with motif from "Moomin". Late 20th century. In very good condition. Stamped. Measures: 18 x 3 cm.
Porcelain
Rare Dahl Jensen Figurine No. 1214, Girl and Boy with Ship
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare Dahl Jensen figurine No. 1214. Girl and boy with ship. Jens Peter Dahl Jensen. Measures: Length 21 cm. Height 18 cm. 1. Quality, in perfect condition.
Bing & Grondahl Blue Koppel, Six Piece, Round Bottle Holders / Small Platters
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grondahl blue koppel, six piece, round bottle holders / small platters # 361. Designed by Henning Koppel. Measures: 15 cm. x 2 cm. Pe...
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Lidded Tureen, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto Service, White. Large lidded tureen. 1970s. Measures: 28 x 16 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Eight Cups in White Glazed Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Eight cups in white glazed porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 8 x 6 cm. In excellennt condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Six Bouillon Cups with Saucers, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Six bouillon cups with saucers. 1960s/70s. The cup measures: 10.5 x 8 cm (with lid). Saucer diameter: 15.7 cm. In excellent condition. 1st...
Porcelain
Erix Hennix for Gustavsberg, Four Plantina Flower Pots in Glazed Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Erix Hennix for Gustavsberg. Four Plantina flower pots in glazed porcelain. 1970s. Largest measures: 16.5 x 13 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Sauce Bowl, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Sauce bowl. 1960s. Measures: 21 x 9 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Sauce Bowl, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Sauce bowl. 1960s. Measures: 17 x 15.5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Sauce Bowl, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Sauce bowl. 1960s. Measures: 17 x 15.5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Six Flower Pot Covers in Porcelain, 1960's
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Six flower pot covers in porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 10.5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Round Serving Dish, 1962
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Large round serving dish. Dated 1962 Diameter: 34.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Des...
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Six Flower Pot Covers in Porcelain, 1960's
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Six flower pot covers in porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 10.5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen Model 5024 Classic Blue Fluted Bonbonniere.
By Arnold Krog, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Lejre, DK
This Bonbonniere is model 5024, which features the traditional, hand-painted blue design. The pattern is very characteristic of Royal Copenhagen’s blue-painted porcelain, known as "B...
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Two Porcelain Bowls with Motifs from "Moomin" Late 20th Century
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
Royal Copenhagen Annual Frame from 1970 ‘Large’, 4 Pieces
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen annual frame from 1970 (large) with hanger in sterling silver by A. Michelsen. Measures: 15.5 x 13 cm. In very good condition. 1st factory quality. Original box ...
Arabia, Finland, "Comet in moominland" Porcelain Plate with Motif from "Moomin"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. "Comet in moominland" porcelain plate with motif from "Moomin", late 20th century. In very good condition. Stamped. Measures: 18 x 3 cm.
Porcelain
Bing & Grondahl B&G Number 2473, Sofus Vagabond after Storm P.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grondahl B&G number 2473, Sofus Vagabond after Storm P. Measures: 21 cm. Designed by P.H.C Paul Hauch Carlsen. In perfect condition. 1st. factory qu...
20 Sets of Bing & Grondahl, B&G, Blue Koppel, Coffee Cups and Saucers
Located in København, Copenhagen
20 sets of Bing & Grondahl, B&G, BLUE Koppel, coffee cups and saucers. Designed by Henning Koppel. Decoration number 305. The cup's diameter is 7 cm. Perfect condition.
Unique Gerd Bøgelund/Bogelund for Royal Copenhagen Bowl in Rice Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Unique Gerd Bøgelund/Bogelund for Royal Copenhagen bowl in rice porcelain. Signed in monogram. Measures 20 x 12 cm. In perfect condition. 1st. factor...
Bing & Grondahl Figure Craftsman 2434 Carpenter
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grondahl figure craftsman 2434 carpenter. Measures: 27 cm. Factory 1st. In perfect condition.
Scandinavian Modern Porcelain "Atlantis" Bowl Signed by Rolf Sinnemark
Located in Stockholm, SE
Large beautiful postmodern porcelain "Atlantis" bowl by Rolf Sinnemark for Rörstrand, Sweden. The black glazed bowl is decorated on the exterior and interior with depictions of geome...
Porcelain
1950s Scandinavian Sea Anemone Forms Salt Pepper Sugar Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Rare museum worthy biomorphic pure white 'bone china' salt, pepper, and sugar/cinnamon shakers. Measures: Salt and pepper diameter 1.25 x height: 3 in. Sugar shaker diameter 1.7...
Porcelain
$282Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Figurine of a Bear with Cub, Designed by Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
By Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain figurine of a bear with cub, designed by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Produced in 1960. Very good condition, no damage. Measures: height 11cm, width 11cm, depth 8cm.
Porcelain
Round Mussel Painted Terrine Made By Bing & Grøndahl
Located in Lejre, DK
Old round mussel painted terrine from Bing & Grøndahl (B&G), rare model and 1st grade. This terrine is a unique piece of porcelain that combines classic mussel-painted design with hi...
Porcelain
$282Sale Price|20% Off
Porcelain Figurine "Siblings", Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Porcelain figurine of children's siblings model #1761 Produced by the Danish manufacture Royal Copenhagen Mark used in 1961. Very good condition, no damage Measures: Height: 21cm...
Porcelain
$93Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic deer figurine, designed by Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950/60
By Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Chorzów, PL
Ceramic deer figurine, made of stoneware, designed by Knud Kyhn Made in Denmark by Royal Copenhagen. Very good condition, no damage. height 8cm, ...
Ceramic
$398 / item
Rocky Ceramic Pillar Vase
By Erin Turkoglu
Located in Helsinki, FI
Pillar-vase takes inspiration from the ancient human-made rock formations. It references the ancient architecture and the human touch in carved stones. The sculptural vase displays f...
Porcelain
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Four egg cups in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Four egg cups in white porcelain. Dating: Circa 1960s. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Heigh...
Porcelain
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Four egg cups in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Four egg cups in white porcelain. Dating: Circa 1960s. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Dimensions: Heigh...
Porcelain
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Salt and pepper set in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Salt and pepper set in white porcelain. Dating: Circa 1960s. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Salt shaker...
Porcelain
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Mustard pot and small bowl in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Mustard pot and small bowl in white porcelain. Dating: 1959/1961 Designed by Axel Salto in 1956. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Mustard...
Porcelain
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Mustard pot and small bowl in white porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Axel Salto for Royal Copenhagen. Mustard pot and small bowl in white porcelain. Dating: 1959/1961 Designed by Axel Salto in 1956. In perfect condition. First factory quality. Mustard...
Porcelain
Stig Lindberg, for Gustavsberg. "Tahiti" coffee cup with saucer. Hand-painted
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. 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