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.
Jackie Lynd for Rörstrand, a Set of Six "Pomona" Porcelain Plates
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
Rörstrand Coffee Service for Four People, Swedish Design, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand coffee service for four people. Swedish design, 1960s. Consisting of four coffee cups with saucers and four plates in glazed porcelain. The cup...
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Four flower pot covers in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Four flower pot covers in porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measuring: 10,5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Marked.
Porcelain
$398 / item
Electric Blue Porcelain 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
Claire Weiss for Bing & Grøndahl. Porcelain figure. Boy. 1970s.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Claire Weiss for Bing & Grøndahl. Porcelain figure. Boy. 1970s. Model number 2399. Measures: 13 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.
Porcelain
Five Arabia Plates in Pink Glazed Porcelain, Mid-20th Century
Located in København, Copenhagen
Five Arabia plates in pink glazed porcelain. Mid-20th century. Measure: Diameter: 17.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Two Pitsi porcelain bowls with floral decoration.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Two Pitsi porcelain bowls with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Largest measures: 21 x 7.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Twelve Rare Pitsi Lunch Plates
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Twelve rare Pitsi lunch plates with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Diameter: 21.5 cm. In excellent condition. S...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Round Pitsi serving dish with flower decoration.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Large Pitsi serving dish with flower decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Measures: 43 x 29 x 4 cm. In excellent condition. Stam...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Round Pitsi Serving Dish with Flower Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Round Pitsi serving dish with flower decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Diameter: 33 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Two Pitsi Porcelain Bowls with Floral Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Two Pitsi porcelain bowls with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Measures: 23.5 x 13.5 x 3.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Pitsi Porcelain Soup Tureen
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Pitsi porcelain soup tureen with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Measures: 29 x 15.5 cm. In excellent condition. ...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Two Pitsi Serving Dishes with Flower Decoration
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Two Pitsi serving dishes with flower decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Largest measures: 36 x 24 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia, Pitsi Lidded Tureen with Saucer
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Pitsi lidded tureen with saucer with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. The tureen measures: 19 x 11 cm. Saucer measur...
Porcelain
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Pitsi porcelain jug with floral decoration.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Raija Uosikkinen for Arabia. Pitsi porcelain jug with floral decoration. Dated 1967-1974. Measures: 19.5 x 13.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Rörstrand Coffee Service for Four People, Swedish Design, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rörstrand coffee service for four people. Swedish design, 1960s. Consisting of four coffee cups with saucers and four plates in glazed porcelain. The c...
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Porcelain Bowl and Cup with Motifs from "Moomin", Late 20th C
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. Porcelain bowl and cup with motifs from "Moomin". Late 20th century. The bowl measures: 15 x 5.5 cm. The cup measures: 8.5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stam...
Porcelain
Inkeri Leivo '1944-2010' for Arabia, Eight Harlequin Bowls in Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Inkeri Leivo (1944-2010) for Arabia. Eight Harlequin bowls in cream-colored porcelain. 1970s. Measures: 11.5 x 6.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Anne Marie Trolle for Royal Copenhagen, Rare Collage Serving Tray, Late 20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Anne Marie trolle for Royal Copenhagen. Rare Collage serving tray. Late 20th century. Measures: 46 x 32 x 2.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 1st factory quality.
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Eight Herb Pots in White Glazed Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Eight herb pots in white glazed porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 8 x 6 cm. In excellennt condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Erix Hennix for Gustavsberg, Three Plantina Flower Pots in Glazed Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Erix Hennix for Gustavsberg. Three Plantina flower pots in glazed porcelain. 1970s. Largest measures: 16.5 x 13 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Four Flower Pot Covers in Porcelain
Located in København, Copenhagen
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg. Four flower pot covers in porcelain. Swedish design, 1960s. Measures: 10,5 x 8 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Bing & Grøndahl Corinth Bowl and Dish, Hand-Painted Porcelain, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl Corinth bowl and dish. 1970s. The dish measures: 24 x 2.5 cm. The bowl measures: 14.5 x 5.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped. 2nd factory quality.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Round Serving Dish, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, White. Large round serving dish. 1960s. Diameter: 34.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designe...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Oval Serving Dish, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, White. Large oval serving dish. 1960s. Three dishes are available. Measures: 38 x 29.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed ...
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Salt and Pepper Shaker, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, White. Salt and pepper shaker. 1960s. Largest measures: 7 x 5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Six Flower Pot Covers in Porcelain, Swedish Design
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
Arabia Porcelain Tray Decorated with Kitchen Utensils, Finnish Design
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia porcelain tray decorated with kitchen utensils. Finnish design, 1960s / 70s. Measures: 24 x 22 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Large Oval Serving Dish, 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Large oval serving dish. 1974-78 Measures: 38 x 29.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Royal Copenhagen, Salto Service, White, Nine Salad Plates, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen. Salto service, white. Nine salad plates. 1960s. Diameter: 17.5 cm. In excellent condition. 1st factory quality. Designed by Axel Salto in 1956.
Porcelain
Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Figure, Clown, Model Number 2510
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl porcelain figure. Clown. Model number 2510. Measures: 11 x 5.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
Porcelain
Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain Figure, Clown, Model Number 2508
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bing & Grøndahl porcelain figure. Clown. Model number 2508. Measures: 11 x 5.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
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: 8.5 x 7.5 cm. In excellent condition. Stamped.
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
Arabia, Finland, Four Porcelain Bowls with Motifs from "Moomin"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. Four porcelain bowls with motifs from "Moomin", late 20th century. In excellent condition. Stamped. Measures: 15 x 5.5 cm.
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, Two Porcelain Bowls with Motifs from "Moomin" Late 20th Centuey
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
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
Bjørn Wiinblad Candlestick Made of Porcelain, Decorated in Gold, 1980s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Bjørn Wiinblad candlestick made of porcelain, decorated in gold, 1980s. In perfect condition. Measures: 21.5 x 5.2 cm. Stamped.
Porcelain
Arabia, Finland, "The Flying Moomins" Porcelain Plate with Motif from "Moomin"
Located in København, Copenhagen
Arabia, Finland. "The flying moomins" Porcelain plate with motif from "Moomin". Late 20th century. In very good condition. Stamped. Measures: 18 x 3 cm.
Porcelain
B&G, Bing & Grondahl, Corinth Coffee Cup with Saucer, Set of 6
Located in København, Copenhagen
B&G, Bing & Grondahl. Corinth coffee cup in hand painted porcelain with saucer. Set of 6. Model number: 305. In very good condition. 2nd factory quality. The cup measures: 8 x 6.8 ...
Porcelain
Rare B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' Bowling Pin, Model Number 6132
Located in København, Copenhagen
Rare B&G 'Bing & Grondahl' bowling pin, model number 6132. Measure: 20 cm. high. 1st factory quality. In very good condition.
Porcelain
B & G / Bing & Grondahl, Boy Playing on Flute, Number 2344
Located in København, Copenhagen
B & G / Bing & Grondahl, boy playing on flute, number 2344. 1st. factory quality. Measures: 13.5 cm x 11 cm Stamped. In perfect condition.
Lars Swane Unique Plate for Royal Copenhagen, Hand-Painted, 1954
Located in København, Copenhagen
Lars Swane unique plate for Royal Copenhagen. Hand-painted. Sletten havn (harbour/port), 1954. In good condition, 1st. factory quality. Measures: 25.5 cm.
$353Sale Price / set|20% Off
Four porcelain bear figurines by Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s
By Royal Copenhagen, Knud Kyhn
Located in Chorzów, PL
A set of four porcelain bear figurines designed by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. Figures produced in the 1950s. Very good condition without ...
Porcelain