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.
Patricia by W&S Sorensen Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 50 pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Mid-Century Modern "Patricia" by W&S Sorensen Danish sterling silver Flatware set – 50 pieces. This set includes: 8 Dinner Knives, 8 3/4" 8 Dinner Forks, 7 3/4" 8 Salad Forks, 3-ti...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Ornamental Lemon Fork
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine silver lemon fork. In sterling silver. By Georg Jensen. In the Ornamental (no. 30) pattern. Simply a wonderful Danish silver lemon fork! Date: 20th Century Overall Condi...
Sterling Silver
Set of 6 Georg Jensen 'Acorn' Gilt Sterling Silver Mocha Spoons
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 signed Danish mocha or demitasse spoons. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. In the Acorn pattern. Each gold-washed throughout. Simply a wonderful Jensen design...
Sterling Silver
Antique Set of 6 Georg Jensen Sterling Silver 'Pyramid' Cocktail Cups No. 600 A
By Georg Jensen, Harald Nielsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed set of 6 Danish Modern silver cocktail cups. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Designed by Harald Nielsen in 1930. In the Pyramid pattern. No. 600. Marked to t...
Sterling Silver
Royal Danish by International Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service Dinner 67pc
Located in Big Bend, WI
Eight dinner size knives, 9 3/4" Eight dinner size forks, 7 3/4" Eight salad forks, 6 3/8" Eight teaspoons, 6 1/8" Eight hollow handle butter spreaders all-sterling, 6" Eight cocktai...
Sterling Silver
Acorn by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Dinner Flatware Set 12 Service 63 pieces
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous sterling silver stuns in this rich pattern that features a natural theme reminiscent of old world grace. A classic design yet with an understated touch, this pattern focuses...
Sterling Silver
Copenhagen by Manchester Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 53 Pieces
By Manchester Silver Co. & S. S.
Located in Big Bend, WI
Lovely Scandinavian design copenhagen by Manchester sterling silver flatware set of 53 pieces. This set includes: 12 knives, 8 3/4" 12 forks, 7" 12 salad forks, 6 1/4" 12 teaspoons,...
Sterling Silver
A Pair of Tapio Wirkkala, Leaf Serving Bowls In Silver & Teak, TW-85, 1960s
By Kultakeskus Oy, Tapio Wirkkala
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of leaf shaped silver bowls with teak handles, designed by Tapio Wirkkala and manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy in Finland in the 1960s. A perfect display of Wirkkala i...
Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Necklase Hopeakuu "Silver Moon", Finland 1973
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Necklase Hopeakuu "Siver Moon", Pendant diameter 6.5cm and chain length 50cm. Manufactured by Nils Westerback Kultakeskus, Finland 1973. Very nice vint...
Silver
Savoy by Frigast Sterling Silver Flatware Set 12 Service 82 Pieces, Danish
By Frigast
Located in Big Bend, WI
12 knives 8 1/2", 12 Forks 7 3/4", 12 salad/fish forks 6 7/8", 12 teaspoons 6 1/8", 12 place soup spoons 7 3/8", 12 demitasse spoons 4 3/8", one gravy ladle 7", one serving spoon...
Sterling Silver
Tapio Wirkkala, Set of Silver Pitchers and Cups, 18 Pieces, Finland 1970s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Amarillo, TX
Tapio Wirkkala. Set of silver pitchers and cups, 18 pieces. Kultakeskus Oy, Hämeenlinna, Finland. Marked with makers mark, Finnish assay mark, 925H, Hämeenlinna town mark, year...
Sterling Silver
Acorn by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Service 6 Dinner Set 48 Pieces
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Gorgeous sterling silver stuns in this rich pattern that features a natural theme reminiscent of old world grace. A classic design yet with an understated touch, this pattern focuses...
Sterling Silver
C. 1970 Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Napkin Ring with Box
By Georg Jensen
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1970 Georg Jensen sterling silver napkin ring, Denmark. Oblong form; superb quality. Marked: Georg Jensen (in dot circle), Sterling, Denmark, GJL, 925. Post-1945 marks - incuse...
Sterling Silver
Margrethe by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 88 pc Modern Rare
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Margrethe pattern was designed by Rigmor Andersen in the year 1965. Its unadorned style and tapered squared handle is representative of the Mid-Century Modern period. This rare p...
Sterling Silver
Modern Georg Jensen bowl in sterling silver. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in København, Copenhagen
Modern Georg Jensen bowl in sterling silver. Designed by Sigvard Bernadotte (1907-2002). Design number 823. Produced in the period 1945-1977. Year stamp T10 = 1993 Hallmarked on the ...
Sterling Silver
Tapio Wirkkala Hopeakuu " Siver Moon " earrings
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Tapio Wirkkala Sterling Silver Earrings Hopeakuu "Siver Moon", Earrings diameter 2,8cm. Manufactured by Nils Westerback Kultakeskus, Finland 1971. Very nice vintage condition.
Silver
Diamant by A. Dragsted Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set 117 Pcs Unique Modern
By A. Dragsted
Located in Big Bend, WI
Wonderfully unique Mid-Century Modern "Diamant aka Diamond" by A. Dragsted Danish sterling silver flatware set of 117 pieces. This set includes: 10 dinner knives, 8" 10 dinner forks...
Sterling Silver
Funkis iii by Sorensen Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 67 Pc Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Funkis III by W&S Sorensen Danish sterling silver Scandinavian Modern Flatware set, 67 pieces. This set includes: 8 Dinner Knives, 10" 8 ...
Sterling Silver
Aage Weimar, Danish silversmith. Pair of modernist salt and pepper shakers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Aage Weimar, Danish silversmith. A pair of modernist salt and pepper shakers in sterling silver. Sleek design. Mid-20th century. Hallmarked. Dimensions: D 4.0 cm x H 4.0 cm.
Sterling Silver
$1,800Sale Price|55% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Kinetic Silver Moon Hopeakuu Pendant, 1974
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hopeakuu (Finnish: silver moon) sterling pendant designed by Tapio Wirkkala, comprising nine concentric rings that move independently around a small orb at ...
Sterling Silver
Else Marie by O Mogensen Danish Sterling Silver Flatware Set Hand-Wrought 36 Pcs
Located in Big Bend, WI
Else Marie by Orla Vagn Mogensen Danish sterling silver flatware set of 36 pieces. Renowned silversmith Orla Vagn Mogensen was a silversmith in Denmark (Copenhagen) from 1949-1975....
Sterling Silver
Danish Sterling Silver and Enamel Bowl, Small
Located in New York, NY
A Danish sterling silver and enamel footed small bowl with center leaf and vine design, Scandinavian Modern/Danish Modern design, in the style of artist/designer Egon Lauridsen, circ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$5,693Sale Price|20% Off
Tapio Wirkkala Set of Sterling Silver Hand Hammered Cups and a Pitcher
Located in Espoo, FI
Silver pitcher, designed by Tapio Wirkkala, manufactured by Kultakeskus Oy, 1970s. Hand hammered silver. Marked and signed. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent w...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver & Enamel Pepper Shaker and Salt Cellar Pair #410
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Danish Modern silver salt and pepper set. By Georg Jensen. In sterling silver. Pattern no. 410. Comprising a pepper shaker and a salt cellar with an dark green ena...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, Rare Jug in Sterling Silver, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, rare jug in sterling silver. 1960s. Modernist design. Model number 1016. Marked. Perfect condition. Dimensions: H 16.0 x D 18.0 cm. (including ...
Sterling Silver
Danish Sterling Silver and Enamel Bowl, Small
Located in New York, NY
A Danish sterling silver and enamel small footed bowl with center leaf and vine design, Scandinavian Modern/Danish Modern design, in the style of artist/designer Egon Lauridsen, circ...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Pyramid by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set 6 Service 56 pieces Dinner
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
The Pyramid pattern was inspired by the styling of the Art Deco period with it's sleek and modern lines. The name Georg Jensen is synonymous with timeless style and dedication to the...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Acorn Pattern Serving Spoon Denmark circa 1915-1919
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sterling silver serving spoon in the Classic Acorn pattern. Designed by Johan Rodhe for Jensen and introduced in 1915, the Acorn pattern is iconic of the European Arts & Crafts ...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Acorn Pattern Breakfast Spoon Service Mixed Set / 8
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An assembled sterling silver breakfast service, consisting of a pastry server, two jam spoons and five mocha spoons - a set of eight in the Classic acorn pattern. Measure: One pasty server 6.5 in. L x 1 3/8 W Five mocha spoons 3.75 in. L x .75 in. H. Initialed with a B on the verso. Two jam spoons 4 3/8 in. L x 1 in. H Designed by Johan Rodhe for Jensen and introduced in 1915, the Acorn pattern is iconic of the European Arts & Crafts movement of the early 1900s. The mocha and jam spoons are showing the Georg Jensen, Denmark mark used circa 1933-1944. The pastry server is marked, USA Royal Danish International Silver...
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Enamel Guilloche Fork Spoon Appetizer Serving Set David Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and fine set of sterling silver and purple eggplant enamel guilloche appetizer fork and spoon from Norwegian designer and silversmith, Davi...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Georg Jensen. Six 'Cypress' lunch knives in sterling silver and stainless steel.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen, set of six lunch knives, Cypress. Set of six lunch knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Cypress model from Georg Jensen. The design features a slender t...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Georg Jensen. Four Cypress lunch knives in sterling silver and stainless steel.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen, set of four lunch knives, Cypress. Set of four lunch knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Cypress model from Georg Jensen. The design features a slender...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Two 'Cypress' lunch knives in sterling silver.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen, two lunch knives, Cypress. Two lunch knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Cypress model from Georg Jensen. The design features a slender tapered form an...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Two small 'Caravel' lunch knives.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, two small lunch knives Caravel. Two lunch knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel for Georg Jen...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. 'Caravel' lunch knife in sterling silver.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, lunch knife Caravel. Lunch knife in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. The design ...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Set of six 'Caravel' dinner knives.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, set of six dinner knives Caravel. Set of six dinner knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel for...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Set of four 'Caravel' dinner knives.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, set of four dinner knives Caravel. Set of four dinner knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel f...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Four 'Caravel' dinner knives.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, set of four dinner knives Caravel. Set of four dinner knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel f...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Three 'Caravel' dinner knives.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, three dinner knives Caravel. Three dinner knives in stainless steel and sterling silver in the Caravel model designed by Henning Koppel for Georg Jen...
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Georg Jensen, Sigvard Bernadotte, Modern sterling silver bowl
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen. Sigvard Bernadotte (1907-2002). Modern sterling silver bowl, dessin no. 823 Sterling silver bowl with round fluted feet, designed by Sigvard Bernadotte. Made in ...
Two Georg Jensen Dishes in Sterling Silver, Design: Henning Koppel
Located in København, Copenhagen
Two Georg Jensen dishes in sterling silver, design: Henning Koppel. Model: K11. Hallmarked. In perfect condition. Length : 10.5 cm, width 9.0 cm.
Lotus by Sorensen Danish Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 70 pieces Modern
Located in Big Bend, WI
Lotus by W&S Sorensen Danish silver Scandinavian Modern flatware set, 70 pieces. This set includes: 8 dinner knives, 8 3/4" 8 dinner fork...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Acanthus Pattern Serving Spoon, Denmark, circa 1917
By Georg Jensen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed by Johan Rodhe for Jensen and introduced in 1917, the Acanthus pattern is iconic of the European Arts & Crafts movement of the early 1900s. Showing the initialed mark of Geo...
Sterling Silver
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen, Modernist Sterling Silver Jug
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Modernist sterling silver jug. 'The Pregnant Duck'. Model number 992. Designed by Henning Koppel in 19...
Sterling Silver
Vera Ferngren for GAB, Sweden, Three Coasters in Silver and Bakelite
Located in København, Copenhagen
Vera Ferngren for GAB, Sweden Three coasters in silver and bakelite. Sweden, N9 = 1963. Measures: 6 cm. X 1.5 cm. Stamped. In perfect cond...
Kay Fisker, Beak Jug in Sterling Silver, Pear-Shaped Body
By Kay Fisker
Located in København, Copenhagen
Kay Fisker 1893-1965. Beak jug in sterling silver, pear-shaped body with curved handle. Stamped 1.0 L, Kay Fisker and A. Michelsen. Weight circa 624 gr. Height: 24.5 cm. In perfe...
Sterling Silver
MCM Sterling Silver "Argo" Cake Server by Magnus Stephensen for Georg Jensen
By Georg Jensen, Magnus Stephensen
Located in San Diego, CA
Minimalist MCM sterling silver "Argo" cake server by Magnus Stephensen for Georg Jensen, circa 1960s. The server is in very good vintage condition and measures 9"L x 2.75"W. . Hall...
Sterling Silver
Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen, Rare Casserole in Sterling Silver
Located in København, Copenhagen
Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen. Rare casserole in sterling silver with handle and lid knob in ebony. Model number 909C. Measures: 32 x 10 cm (incl. handle). In excellent c...
Sterling Silver
Old Danish by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 6 Service 32 Pieces
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Georg Jensen sterling silver cutlery set in the "Old Danish" pattern by Harald Nielsen - 32 total pieces. Great starter set! This ...
Sterling Silver
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Stylized Set of Salad Servers in Sterling Silver and Enamel by N.M. Thune
By N.M. Thune
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant stylized set of salad servers and tongs made of sterling silver and enamel by Norwegian designer N.M. Thune, circa 1960s. The set is in very good vintage condition...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Old Danish by Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 40 Pcs Dinner
By Georg Jensen
Located in Big Bend, WI
Superb dinner size Georg Jensen sterling silver cutlery set in the "Old Danish" pattern, designed by Harald Nielsen-40 total pieces. This s...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Danish Silver Necklace with Porcelain Pendant by Royal Copenhagen 1960s
By Royal Copenhagen, Anton Michelsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish silver necklace with porcelain pendant by Royal Copenhagen 1960s. Scandinavian modern necklace in Sterling silver. Pendant in sil...
Sterling Silver
Glass and Sterling Silver Ice Bucket and Stand, Strombergshyttan, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Copenhagen, K
Glass and sterling silver ice bucket and stand by Strombergshyttan, Sweden, 1970s. Transparent aqua blue tinted thick glass vessel, mounted with ...
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen. Rare sterling silver bowl of high quality.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen, rare sterling silver bowl. Large and impressive bowl of high quality. Stamped with post 1944 hallmark. Model number: 878. In perfect condition. Dimensions: D 26.7 cm x...
Sterling Silver
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Colossal bowl in sterling silver. Approx. 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen. Colossal bowl in sterling silver on a three-legged base. Designed in 1948. Approximately from the 1960s. Modernist and sleek Danish design. Model 980...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Modernist Tapio Wirkkala Serving Trays in Alpaca & Teak, TW 225, 1960s
By Tapio Wirkkala, Kultakeskus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of serving trays, model TW 225, designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Kultakeskus in Finland in 1959. Combining sculptural simplicity with exceptional craftsmanship, the tr...
Teak, Alpaca
Woodlily by Frank Smith Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 53 Pieces
Located in Big Bend, WI
Woodlily (Glossy finish) by Frank Smith sterling silver flatware set, 53 pieces. This graceful pattern features a stylized leaf and openwork at the top of the handle around the stem,...
Sterling Silver
Aage Weimar, Denmark. Pair of modernist salt and pepper shakers.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Aage Weimar, Danish silversmith. A pair of modernist salt and pepper shakers in sterling silver. Sleek design. Mid-20th century. Hallmarked. Dimensions: D 4.0 cm x H 4.0 cm.
Sterling Silver
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Bowl from 1950s
By Georg Jensen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Georg Jensen sterling silver bowl from 1950's with stamp that belongs to the George Jensen store in Barcelona. Sterling silver, weighs 578 grams.
Sterling Silver
Magnus Stephensen for Georg Jensen, "Argo" Serving Spade in Sterling Silver
Located in København, Copenhagen
Magnus Stephensen for Georg Jensen. "Argo" serving spade in sterling silver. Measures: 23 x 6.5 cm. In very good condition. Stamped.
Sterling Silver