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.
Vintage Diamond Pattern Glass Ceiling Lamp from Vitrika, 1960s
By Vitrika
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This pendant light was designed and manufactured by Danish design trio Vitrika in the 1960s. The name Vitrika, or Vi-Tri-Ka means 'The three of us can do it'. The lamp features a geo...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Style Vintage Desk Lamp of Brass with Patina Denmark 1950s
By Bent Karlby, Paavo Tynell, Fog and Morup, Jo Hammerborg
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage desk lamp from the 1950s in the style of Paavo Tynell most likely made in Denmark. It's made of brass with a characteristic conical shade. The lowest part of the stem is mo...
Metal, Brass
$12,140 / item
Hand Crafted Monika Pendant, Ø80cm/31.5in
By Naomi Paul
Located in London, London
OMI collection are statement pendants, GLÜCK, SONNE and MONIKA. This is the original Naomi Paul lighting collection, launched in 2011. A diffused atmospheric light. In its largest si...
Brass
Large ceiling light by Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large flush mount ceiling lights designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman. " Cannon Shell" series. Opaline glass shade on brass hardware. Existing wires, rewiring available upon request.
Brass
Rare Ceiling Lamp, Model T-603 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare ceiling lamp model T-603, designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, during the 1960s, is a remarkable example of mid-centu...
Brass
Mid Century Modern Danish Stained Glass Triple Pendant Chandelier C1955
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very special and rare stained glass triple pendant lamp from Denmark. Three stained glass leaded 4 sided shades with independent chains suspending the fixtures shades at different he...
Metal, Lead
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and etched glass chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31” H x 24.5” Diameter Dimensions of Canopy: 2“ H x 3.5” Diameter Stem...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Pendant Light by Hans Bergström, Metal, Circa 1940
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vintage Scandinavian pendant. Circa 1930/40th. Designed attributed to Hans Bergstrom. Slightly tapered metal wires cage with probably original paper shade. Rewiring available upon ...
Metal
Pair of Danish Modern 1950s LYFA Wall Lamps in Patinated Brass
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Lyfa, Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 2 LYFA wall lamps manufactured in Denmark in the 1950s. All original condition in beautifully patinated brass and white lacquered inside. The lamps have an adjustable rounded ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pink fabric pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of canopy (inches): 2.75” H x 3.25” Diameter Socket takes stand...
Fabric
$890Sale Price|36% Off
White Bumling Pendant by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Vienna, AT
Mint condition, plastic shade with diffuser fitted with two E27 sockets, one can be switched separately on the lamp. Made by Ateljé Lyktan in the 1970s.
Steel
Small Jo Hammerborg 'Orient' Pendant Lamp for Fritz Hansen in Aluminum and Oak
By Fritz Hansen, Jo Hammerborg
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Small Jo Hammerborg 'Orient' Pendant Lamp for Fritz Hansen in Aluminum and Oak. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timel...
Aluminum
Rare ´Millionaire´ Poul Henningsen Table Lamp, Denmark 1930s
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Henningsen & Louis Poulsen - Mid-Century Modern Design A beautiful 5/ 3 'Millionaire' table lamp by Poul Henningsen (1894-1967). The lamp is rare due to its size and age - ...
Brass, Copper
$3,394 / set
Pair of Glass Table Lamps by Carl Fagerlund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of crystal glass table lamps by Carl Fagerlund, made from dark blue colored glass in a tapering conical shape, almond shaped at the base. Beautiful translucent color, elegant de...
Glass
Large Jo Hammerborg 'Orient' Pendant Lamp for Fritz Hansen in Black and Rosewood
By Jo Hammerborg, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large Jo Hammerborg 'Orient' Pendant Lamp for Fritz Hansen in Black and Rosewood. Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining tim...
Aluminum
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Copper, Glass, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-colored glass and copper wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Heavy oxidation present to copper Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (Inch...
Copper
Set of Danish Modern Pendant Lights by Jo Hammerborg, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Modern Copper Pendant lights designed by Jo Hammerborg for Fog & Mørup in the 1960s. * Set (2) of copper lacqured pendant lights. Orange / white on the inside. * Designer: J...
Copper
Table Lamp in Brass and Cognac Leather by Einar Bäckström, circa 1940s
Located in Örebro, SE
Table lamp model 5014 in brass and cognac leather by Einar Bäckström circa 1940s. Signed on the bottom. Rewired. We recommend this lamp to be rewired following the buyer's country's...
Brass
$1,400 / item
LUhans Indoor Outdoor Sconce 'Pat Cop'
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of our Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, this LUhans patinated un-lacquered copper indoor outdoor sconce is inspired by Scandina...
Copper
Idman Chandelier / Pendant Ceiling Light, Finland, 1950s
By Mauri Almari, Paavo Tynell, Gunnel Nyman
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Chandelier / Pendant Ceiling Light by Idman, Finland, 1950s. Good vintage condition. Local re-wiring recommended prior to use. Fast shipping worldwide.
Brass
Poul Henningsen PH 5 Pendant for Louis Poulsen in Hues of Blue
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen PH 5 Pendant for Louis Poulsen in Hues of Blue Poul Henningsen introduced his iconic 'PH 5' pendant light in 1958. Six decades later, the 'PH 5' remains the bestsell...
Aluminum, Steel
Edvard Hagman Scandinavian lantern pendant lamp, brass & glass, Sweden 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Swedish 1940s pendant lamp, produced by the manufacturer Edvard Hagman. Crafted from solid brass with a cylindrical glass diffuser mounted beneath a disc-shaped upper shade. The gl...
Brass
Pair of Table Lamps by Søholm Keramik, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Søholm Keramik, Bornholm, Denmark, 1960s. Very good condition. Please note: the color/pattern of the table lamps slightly differs.
Stoneware
Rare Model 10220 Counterweight Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare model 10220 counterweight pendant, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass and glass. The pendant has a counterweight which can be used to adjust the he...
Brass
Pair Swedish Designer Sconces, Sweden, 1980s, Wall Lights made of Japanese Paper
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Pair of rare swedish designer wall lights made of Japanese paper and metal, Sweden, 1980s. Both sconces in good vintage condition, no damages. Each sconce takes one E27 screw base ...
Metal
Opal and teak ceiling pendants by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö Sweden
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Hägersten, SE
Ceiling pendant model "Droppen" designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced in Sweden by Luxus during the 1950s. Made from long drop shaped opal glass shades with teak fittings. V...
Opaline Glass
Swedish Modern, Double Wall Sconce, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Stamford, CT
Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Double Wall Light or Sconce, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1980s A modernist double wall light in the manner of Louis Poulsen and produced in Sweden in the later...
Brass
Opaline and Teak Chandelier by Uno and Östen Kristiansson for Luxus
By Aloys F. Gangkofner, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö, Peill & Putzler, Wilhelm Wagenfeld
Located in München, DE
Wonderful Swedish opal glass chandelier from the 1960s. Great and exceptionally minimalistic design with a fantastically elegant look. Very nice teak details. Very rare version in...
Opaline Glass, Teak
$1,350 / item
LU Louis SM Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The handsome LU Louis SM Sconce is a smaller version of our LU Louis Sconce, an all brass wall sconce in lightly patinated brass with patterned perfora...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Rope, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster, brown rope and brass pendant light likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.75"H x 17.5"W x 17.5"D Stem Length (inches): 6.0"...
Alabaster
Pair of Swedish Designer Pine Wall Sconces Pleated Shades, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely pair of solid hand-carved pine wood wall sconces designed and produced in Sweden in the 1960's. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, beautiful...
Fabric, Plastic, Pine
1940s Finnish Geometric Glass and Metal Lamp in the Manner of Paavo Tynell
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1940s Finnish Geometric Glass and Metal Wall or Ceiling Lamp in the Manner of Paavo Tynell Sourced in Scandinavia and in the manner of Paavo Tynell. An elegant light executed in fac...
Metal
Poul Henningsen Rose PH5 Mini Pendants for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen 'Hues of Rose' PH 5 mini pendant for Louis Poulsen. Poul Henningsen originally introduced the full-sized PH 5 pendant light in 1958 as a classic new product. A sand...
Aluminum
Swedish Wall Lamp made of Pine Wood with Yellow and White Fabric Shade
Located in Hannover, DE
A wonderfully beautiful wooden wall lamp from the 1970s and 1980s. The lamp is made from several individual parts, allowing the lamp neck to be adjusted. The yellow and white striped...
Cotton, Pine
$17,406 / set
Pair of wall lamps, unknown designer, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A pair of striking wall lamps from the early 1940s, produced for Brukshotellet in Wikmanshyttan, inaugurated in 1943. Possibly unique. Despite the unknown designer and maker, the lam...
Metal, Brass
Svend Aage Holm Sørensen Verdigris Green Brutalist Pendant of Brass Denmark 60s
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Svend Aage Holm Sørensen Onion brutalist brass pendant by Holm-Sørensen and Pedersen belysning Aps from 1960´s The onion sharped brass shade has a green verdigris patina whic...
Brass
$1,650 / item
Large Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Falkenberg Belysning, large wall lamps, patinated copper, Sweden, 1960s Grand Swedish wall lights in patinated copper. The cylindric shade directs the light downwards. The authentic...
Copper
Carolin Pendant Lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson
By Vereinigte Werkstätten München, Jo Hammerborg, Lyfa, Fog & Mørup, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in München, DE
Wonderful and very rare Swedish pendant lamp from the 1960s. The lamp with the floating shade is a real asset and an absolute favorite for every home. A very pleasant and warm ligh...
Metal
Poul Henningsen PH 5 Pendant for Louis Poulsen in Grey
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen PH 5 pendant for Louis Poulsen in grey. Poul Henningsen introduced his iconic PH 5 pendant light in 1958. Six decades later, the PH 5 rema...
Aluminum
Unique 1970s Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp by "AP" Stoneware, Bornholm, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful unique Scandinavian Modern table lamp handmade by "AP" ceramics at the island of Bornholm, Denmark in the 1970s. Salt glazed stoneware with abstract decor in earth colors. Pleated light...
Ceramic
Elegant table lamps '5014' by Einar Bäckström, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Table lamps designed by Einar Bäckström and made in his own workshop in Sweden during the 1940s. Model '5014' has and elegant and classic design. Made in brass and wrapped in cogna...
Metal, Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Ceiling Lamp, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Model TN 42 designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in Markaryd, Sweden, 1970s.
Aluminum
Swedish Rose Shade Swan Neck Art Deco Style Lamps, 1960s
By Ateljé Lyktan, Markslöjd, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Svenskt Tenn, Josef Frank
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of sculptural modern table lamps produced by Markslöjd in Sweden in the 1960s. Tiers of solid beech wood shaped like a swan neck placed on a solid circular base on four feet. Original rose colored draped, coolie shades that can be adjusted in different directions on flexible brass mount. Max 60W for E27 bulb. Switch on white cord. Shades are easily changed if needed. Label under base. A lovely pair of Swedish grace lamps...
Brass
Midcentury Classic, chandelier "Tulip" in brass & glass by Fog & Morup, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful Midcentury Danish Classic, a six-armed brass and opaline glass chandelier designed and produced by Fog & Mørup, Denmark c. 1960s. Brass with nice patina, glass in good c...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Brass Table Lamp with White Opaline Glass Sphere
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Simplistically composed Scandinavian Modern table Lamp. It features a heavy solid brass base and white opaline ball shade. It has an on/of switch to its cord. It was made in Sweden o...
Brass
$10,000
Chandelier by Gert Nystrom
By Gert Nystrom
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vintage chandelier designed by Gert Nystrom, model "Ark". This example manufactured in 1960s by Fagerhult, Sweden. Dimensions: H. 33 cm....
Blown Glass
$3,481 / set
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson Wall Lights, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brass wall lamps model model V-239 designed and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s.
Brass
Pair Danish Søholm Stentøj ceramic table lamps stoneware Haico Nitzsche
By Gunnar Nylund, Soholm Pottery, Einar Johansen, Maria Philippi, Haico Nitzsche
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Pair of Danish Mid-Century stoneware table lamps of the 1970s, design by Haico Nitzsche. Sculptural lamp in earthy colored stoneware with impressed organic pattern of stylised leaves...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Louis Poulsen "A-lamp" Wall Sconces Patinated Brass, 1930s, Denmark
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Very rare Scandinavian Modern wall sconces model "A-lamp" in solid brass. Manufactured by Louis Poulsen, Denmark in the 1930s. In the style of Poul Henningsen whose famous PH-lamps w...
Brass
Floor Lamp “K10-11” by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor Lamp “K10-11 ” designed by Tapio Wirkkala for Idman, Finland, circa 1950th. Rare, original lacquered finish on shade, patina on brass parts. Stamped "Idman". Rewiring availabl...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Pendant Ceiling Light in Diamond Pattern Glass, Vitrika 60s
By Vitrika
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish hanging light designed and manufactured by the Danish design trio Vitrika in the 1960s. The name Vitrika, or Vi-Tri-Ka means 'The three of us can do it'. The lamp features ...
Brass
Verner Panton 'Panthella 400' Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Verner Panton, Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'Panthella 400' table lamp for Louis Poulsen. The Panthella collection was designed by Verner Panton in 1971 and remain one of his most popular lighting designs. Panton developed the Panthella table lamp...
Steel
Ceiling Lamp in Brass and Glass by Paavo Tynell, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The ceiling lamp model 20428, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Idman in Finland during the 1940s, is a rare and refined example of early Scandinavian modern lighting. This fl...
Brass
Harald Notini, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, leather and white fabric floor lamp designed by Harald Notini and produced by Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Sold with lampshade. Dimensions ...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Model EN 31 Floor Lamp, Itsu, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model EN 31 floor lamp, manufactured by Itsu, Finland, 1950s. Brass and painted metal frame, leather wrapping details on the frame, beautiful fabric shades. Good ...
Metal, Brass
$8,900 / set
Paavo Tynell, Wall Lights, Brass, Finland, 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito OY, Finland, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 15.75” H x 3.78” W x 12.21” D Back Plate Dime...
Brass
$1,550 / item
LU Louis Sconce AS
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsome LU Louis sconce AS. An all brass wall sconce in an aged silver finish with patterned perforations by Lumfardo Luminaires. Made contemporary in...
Brass, Nickel
Hans Bergström Floor Lamp in Brass by ASEA, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This exceptionally rare floor lamp, designed by Hans Bergström and produced by ASEA in Sweden, is a refined example of mid-century Scandinavian lighting design at its most elegant an...
Brass
$1,600 / item
Large LUhans Indoor Outdoor Sconce
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Part of our Lumfardo Luminaries contemporary collection, this larger version LUhans patinated un-lacquered copper indoor outdoor sconce is inspi...
Copper
Pendant Light with Large White Glass Shade attributed to Pukeberg, Sweden
Located in London, GB
A simple and elegant pendant light with a white glass shade attributed to Pukeberg Glassworks of Sweden, first half twentieth century. The pendant features a generous oval shade, n...
Chrome