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.
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Petite teak nightstands with single drawer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish Modern Petite teak nightstands with single drawer made in Denmark, ca. 1950s. A nice pair of nightstands or side tables in the style of Børge Mogensen. Delicately de...
Teak
Pair of Scandinavian modern waterfall birch single drawer nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern waterfall birch single drawer nightstands. Great set of birch nightstands with a single drawer all solid birch with a natural blonde finish. Very clean in...
Birch
Pair of danish modern teak nightstands by Kofod Larsen Denmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of danish modern teak nightstands by Kofod Larsen Denmark. Pair of Danish modern nightstands or side tables. One drawer on top over a drop front cabinet with concave handles. Da...
Brass
Bodafors, Nightstands, Wood, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
By Bodafors
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wall-mounted wood and brass nightstands produced by Svenska Möbelfabrikerna Bodafors, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12....
Brass
Pair of Yellow Scandinavian modern Pine single drawer nightstands brass handle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Yellow painted Scandinavian modern Pine single drawer nightstands with brass handles. Made in Sweden circa 1970s. Located in Brooklyn NYC. Sold as a pair (2) nightstands. ...
Brass
Weave Bedside 45 from Ringvide, Oak Wood Natural Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the bedside serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
Weave bedside 60 from Ringvide, Oak Wood Natural Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the bedside serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Scandinavian modern teak nightstands by DUX Sweden Folke Ohlsson
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern teak nightstands by DUX Sweden Designed by Folke Ohlsson. Single drawer teak nightstands Made in circa 1960 in Sweden. Labeled underneath. 24.5" x 18.5"...
Teak
Weave Bedside 60 from Ringvide, Smoked Oak Wood, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the bedside serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful pair of mid century danish teak 3 drawer nightstands by Nils Jonsson
By Nils Jonsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair of teak mid century modern 3 drawer nightstands made in Denmark. Designed by Nils Jonsson for HJN Mobler. Square body and plinth base. Single cubby and lower 3 drawers...
Teak
$2,880Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair Mid century danish modern light teak single drawer Nightstands by Art Furn
By Art Furn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Very Clean Mid century danish modern single drawer nightstands by Art furn. Simple basic Danish modern design teak single drawer nightstands. Has carved upper and lower handl...
Teak
Weave Bedside 45 from Ringvide, Birch Wood Natural Oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet mod...
Birch, Oak
Swedish Nordens Flora Illustrations on Pair of Nightstands
By Josef Frank
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of nightstands from the 1940's. The nightstands are in an oak wood with patinated brass pulls. In very good condition with light wear from age and use. Each nightstand feature...
Oak, Paper
$1,960Sale Price / set|30% Off
Pair of danish modern single drawer teak nightstands with lower cabinet
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of danish modern single drawer teak nightstands with lower flip down storage area. Brown teak wood with (2) handles on each with tapered legs. Simple Danish design circa 1970 ma...
Teak
Pair of Scandinavian modern single drawer nightstands White lacquer and cane
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern single drawer nightstands birch wood and White Lacquer and white cane sides. Great set of single drawer nightstands circa 1970 made in Sweden. Located Bro...
Laminate, Birch
Pair of Swedish Modern Pine Bedside Tables, Mid 20th Century
Located in Andes, NY
A pair of Scandinavian solid pine bedside tables with sweet spherical detailing from the mid 20th century. The design emphasizes the classic scandi modern design aesthetics of clean ...
Pine
Pair Scandinavian Modern Style Italian Cherry Bedside Chests of Drawers
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Scandinavian Modern Style Italian Cherry Bedside Table. Steam bent cherry wraps around the face of the nightstands with an elegant curvature. Minor wear through out, pair i...
Cherry
Pair of Mid Century Danish Modern Rosewood Campaign Style Night Stands
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful rosewood chests from the Scandanavian modern period. Campaign Style with recessed hand lol es on the sides. Metal corners for protection ok f damage and wear. One with 2 dr...
Metal, Brass
Westnofa Rosewood Nightstand
Located in Fulton, CA
Beautiful rosewood wood grain in this Scandinavian Modern night stand by Westnofa Furniture. Norway, circa. 1960's. Excellent original finish with nice glow to patina. Retains Westn...
Rosewood
Pair Mid century Danish modern 3 drawer teak nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair Mid century Danish modern 3 drawer teak nightstands. Great pair of Scandinavian nightstands with teak carved handles and tapered legs. Made in Denmark located in Brooklyn NYC. ...
Teak, Birch
Vintage Pair of Rosewood Danish Modern Bedside Table Nightstands
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage pair of nightstand end table cabinets in rosewood, made in Denmark circa 1970's. This set features natural rich rosewood veneer grains and is a classic example of Danish mode...
Rosewood
Minimalistic Rosewood Night Stand or Small Cabinet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Minimalistic rosewood night stand or small cabinet. Gorgeous wood veining. Chic and understated.
Rosewood
$1,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Scandinavian modern oak nightstands with single drawer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern oak nightstands with a single drawer on 4 tapered legs. Has narrow upper cubby storage area with lower drawer. Made in Sweden circa 1970s. Located in Broo...
Pine, Oak
Pair of Nightstands in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Sweden
By Børge Mogensen, Karl Anderson
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of nightstands in oak with adjustable shelves. Designed by Danish architect Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson cabinetmakers. Made in Sweden in the 1960s. Great condition.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Oak Bedside Tables "Model 430" by Ry Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Danish modern bedside tables from the 1960s by Hans J. Wegner. Made in oakwood by original maker Ry Møbler, Denmark. Typical of Wegner's designs from this period is the min...
Oak
$1,020Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Danish Teak Bedside Nightstand End Table by Søborg Møbler
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern bedside table nightstand manufactured by Soborg Mobler, circa 1960s. This unique piece is made of teak and offers plenty of storage space including one dovetail dr...
Teak
Pair Ib Kofod Larsen for Brandi Moblefabrik Brazilian Rosewood Nightstands
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Brande Møbelfabrik
Located in Oakland, CA
An elegant pair of nightstands designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Brande Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1958. Finely crafted from old-growth Brazilian rosewood, each cabinet features book-matche...
Rosewood
Vintage Danish 1970s mid-century Oak Bedside Table Night stand
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
This oak bedside table is a simple and functional piece inspired by Scandinavian design from the 1970s. It has a clean look that works well in both modern and classic interiors. Mad...
Brass
Swedish 1950s Bedside Tables in Mahogany & Brass by Halvdan Pettersson in Tibro
Located in Örebro, SE
A pair of circular bedside tables in mahogany, faux leather and brass, designed and manufactured by Halvdan Pettersson, Tibro, Sweden, circa late 1950s. The design reflects Swedish ...
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Nightstands, One Drawer, 1970s
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern 1-Drawer Teak Nightstands/End Tables Offered is a piece of time and design: a Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern 1-Drawer Teak Nightstands/End Table...
Teak
Matching Pair of Mid Century Danish Modern Night Stands or End Tables in Teak
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1970s very unique pair of Danish modern nightstands in teak. These will add a funky twist to any Scandinavian bedroom design. They are both in very good condition showing some light ...
Wood
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Scandinavian solid Pine nightstands with carved details Sweden
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian solid Pine nightstands. Made in Sweden circa 1970. Has carved round details. Located in Brooklyn NYC. Dimensions: H 19" x W 22" x D 17"
Pine
$2,520Sale Price / set|40% Off
Pair of Mid century modern Scandinavian Beech 4 drawer nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Mid century modern blonde beech Scandinavian 4 drawer nightstands on a black lacquer plinth base. Beautiful light grained beech veneer with geometric symmetrical design each ...
Beech, Birch, Lacquer
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of teak danish modern nightstands with single drawer and adjustable shelf
By Drylund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of teak danish modern nightstands with single drawer and adjustable shelf. Great simple block style Danish nightstands or end tables. Tops are black lacquer on teak. Each nights...
Teak, Lacquer
$2,200 / item
LM Night Stands (each)
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The LM Night Stands embody the collection’s quiet, utilitarian spirit. Built with straightforward joinery and balanced proportions, they offer a sense of calm order beside the bed. T...
Ash, Fir, Walnut, Maple, Cherry
Swedish Rosewood Brass Nightstands After William Hinn Mid Century - A Pair
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A pair of rosewood and brass nightstands after the designs of William Hinn. Wonderful book matched grain across both pieces. A blind top drawer over a two door cabinet. The depth giv...
Brass
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian Modern Teak 3-Drawer Small Vintage Chest Marked Made in Denmark
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome small Scandinavian Modern teak three-drawer chest marked made in Denmark. It is in wonderful vintage condition with no outstanding flaws that we have detected. Please see ph...
Teak
Pair of Midcentury Nightstands in Rosewood by Niels Clausen, 1960s
By Niels Clausen, Niels Clausen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of nightstands in rosewood designed and made by Niels Clausen furniture in Denmark. Great condition.
Rosewood
Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Nightstands with Two Drawers, 1960s
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern nightstands crafted in teak, dating to the 1960s. Each piece features a clean architectural form elevated on hardwood legs, with two spacious...
Iron
$3,375Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Danish modern teak tambour door nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern teak tambour door nightstands. Great set of Danish nightstands with sliding front doors and has a single drawer and adjustable shelf behind the front doors. Goo...
Teak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of danish modern 3 drawer nightstands black lacquer and rosewood Dyrlund
By Drylund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Danish modern 3 drawer nightstands black lacquer and rosewood by Dyrlund. Great Unique set of Nightstands with hidden circle finger pulls. Black Lacquer tops and (2) front dr...
Rosewood, Lacquer
1960s Set of Two Danish Rosewood Nightstands or Chests of Drawers
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Set of Two Danish Rosewood Nightstands or Chests of Drawers
Rosewood
Pair of Scandinavian modern nightstands birch and White laminate
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern nightstands birch and White laminate and white metal handles. Great set of single drawer nightstands circa 1970 made in Finland. Located Brooklyn NYC 1122...
Birch, Laminate
Pair of Swedish Modern Night Stands by Niels Clausen, 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
Cabinets by Niels Clausen for his own company NC Møbler produced in Odense, Denmark, circa 1960. Each wide cabinets has two slim drawers with elegant scal...
Hardwood
Vintage Danish Modern One Drawer Teak Nightstands, a Pair
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Vintage Danish Modern one drawer teak nightstands with dovetailed drawer joinery. Good vintage condition. Measure 13.75"W x 13.75"D x 19.75"H.
Wood, Teak
Danish Modern Nightstands by Niels Clausen, Rosewood, 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking, highly collectible pair of Danish Modern nightstands by Niels Clausen.The bedside tables were crafted in richly figured rosewood with graphic drawer fronts in blue and w...
Rosewood
Danish Wall Hanging Bedside Tables in Pine, 1970s/80s, Set of 2
Located in Store Heddinge, DK
A set of two floating bedside shelves in solid pine wood. Their thick, rounded design gives them a brutalist yet minimalistic look. The smooth-gliding drawer offers space for essenti...
Pine
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
Beautiful pair of mid century danish modern teak single drawer nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair of teak mid century single drawer nightstands made in Denmark by PBJ Mobler. Narrow single drawer with handle. Dovetail construction with felt lined drawers with divid...
Teak
Pair of Scandinavian modern nightstands birch and black laminate
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian modern nightstands birch and black laminate. Great set of single drawer nightstands circa 1970 made in Finland. Located Brooklyn nyc. Sold as a pair (2) nights...
Birch
Danish Teak Nightstands Tables with Drawer, 1960s Modern Design
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite pair of Danish teak end tables circa 1960s. These sculptural Mid-Century Modern pieces embody the elegance and restraint of fine Scandinavian craftsmanship. Each table is...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Single Drawer Bedside Table
Located in Germantown, MD
A Single drawer Danish Modern Teak Bedside Table Nightstand with adjustable height shelf. Measures 20.25" in width, 15" in depth and 22" in height.
Teak
Beautiful pair of mid century danish modern teak nightstands by Nils Jonsson
By Nils Jonsson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful pair of teak mid century single drawer nightstands made in Denmark. Designed by Nils Jonsson for HJN Mobler. Single cubby and lower drawer with inset handle. Square solid t...
Brass
Pair of Danish Modern Sven Age Madsen Tambour Door Teak Nightstands
Located in Wilmington, DE
Pair of Danish Modern Sven Age Madsen Tambour Door Teak Nightstands Offered is a piece of time and design: a Pair of Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Nightstands by Sven Age Madsen. ...
Teak
Danish Teak Bedside Side Table Commode
Located in Vienna, AT
Teak bedside table, commode with three dovetailed drawers on slender, tapered, removable legs. Made in Denmark in the 1960's. Excellent used condition.
Teak
$3,840 / set
LM Night Stands (pair)
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The LM Night Stands embody the collection’s quiet, utilitarian spirit. Built with straightforward joinery and balanced proportions, they offer a sense of calm order beside the bed. The design is pared down to its essentials—solid wood, clean lines, and subtle detailing that reveals the care in their making. A single drawer provides functional storage without interrupting the simplicity of the form. Made to order in a range of hardwoods and finishes, the LM Night Stands pair...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Walnut, Fir
Niels Clausen Nightstands for N.C. Mobler, Denmark
By Arne Vodder
Located in San Francisco, CA
Niels Clausen design rosewood nightstands for N.C. Mobler, Denmark. Sophisticated design by a Danish design master executed in Brazilian rosewood with his signature drawer pull desig...
Rosewood
Swedish Designer, Nightstands, Teak, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of teak nightstands designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Dimensions: 24” H x 16.625” W x 15” D
Teak
Vintage Swedish Scandinavian Modern Pair of Teak Nightstands with Drawer
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Scandinavian teak nightstands, with a single drawer and shelf underneath. The pair is made in Sweden around 1960. Good vintage condition with some minor traces and marks of u...
Teak
1970's set of Two Fully Restored Danish Teak Nightstands
By PBJ Møbler
Located in Knebel, DK
1960´s fully restored Danish teak nightstand. Small Danish 1960´s nightstand / dresser / lamp table / table for your entry, side table... the potential use of this small table can...
Teak
Petite Danish Modern Single-Drawer Floating Nightstand / End Table in Teakwood
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single suspended/wall-mounted nightstand or bedside table in teak (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Minimal, elegant form with deeply sculpted pull opening to reveal a single, dovetailed drawer....
Teak