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.
Kaare Klint Original Rare Set of Ten '3758A' Armchairs in Niger Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', Niger leather, mahogany, brass, Denmark, design 1930, made 1950s These dining chairs in Niger leathe...
Brass
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Ten '3758A' Armchairs in Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of ten armchairs, model '3758A', fabric, leather piping, mahogany, Denmark, design 1930 These dining chairs in light creme fabric wi...
Leather, Fabric, Mahogany
Rainer Daumiller Set of Six Armchairs in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller, set of six armchairs, pine, Denmark, 1970s. Beautiful set of organic and natural armchairs in solid pine designed by Rainer Daumiller. A simplistic design with a r...
Pine
Set of 6 Henning Kjærnulf “Razorblade” Dining Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, 1960s
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional set of 6 dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, in the 1960s. Known as the celebrated “Razorblade” model, these chairs are distingu...
Wool, Oak, Sheepskin
Danish Dining Chairs in Teak and Orange Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Duba Møbelindustri, dining chairs, teak plywood, chrome-plated metal, fabric, Denmark, 1970s. These Danish dining chairs from the 1970s feature a teak plywood frame paired with vib...
Metal, Chrome
Set of four Danish Kai Kristiansen model 42 rosewood & leather dining chairs
Located in Liberty, NY
Stunning classic set of four mid century 1960's Danish rosewood model 42 dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. The sculptural rosewood frames display beautiful craftsmanship, with the ba...
Leather, Rosewood
$1,400 / item
Danish Dining Chairs in Wood and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, reupholstered in sheepskin, Denmark, 1960s These elegant Danish dining chairs are crafted from blonde wood and feature soft, beige sheepskin upholstery. Design...
Sheepskin, Beech
Henning Kjærnulf vintage set Razorblade Dining Chairs High Back, Denmark 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Sculptural set of 6 classic high back 'Razorblade' dining chairs, designed by Henning Kjærnulf and manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmøbel, Denmark, 1960s. Solid stained oak frames in ver...
Velvet, Oak
Set of Eight Niels Moller Danish Teak Model 75 Dining Chairs Circa 1960s
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
Located in Peabody, MA
Set of eight model 75 dining chairs in solid teak by the Danish designer Niels Moller, for J.L. Mollers, ca. 1960s.
Upholstery, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Set of Early Production Carl Hansen & Sons Wishbone Chairs, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
A rare set of 6 model "CH-24" / "Wishbone" chairs from the early years of the Carl Hansen & Sons production of Hans J. Wegner iconic chair. The chairs have an amazing deep patina to ...
Papercord, Oak
Danish Mid Century Modern, Set of 8 Dining Chairs in Oak & Wool, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Set of eight dining chairs in the style of Henning Kjærnulf, produced in Denmark during the 1960s. The set containts six dining chairs and two armchairs, all crafted in solid oak wit...
Textile, Oak
Set of 8 Henning Kjærnulf “Razorblade” Dining Chairs in Oak & Mohair, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional set of 8 dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf for E.G. Møbelfabrik, Denmark, in the 1960s. Known as the celebrated “Razorblade” model, these chairs are distingui...
Wool, Mohair, Oak
Iconic Scandinavian Set of Six Teak Dining Chairs by Kai Kristiansen, 1956
By V. Schou Andersen, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Antwerp, BE
An absolutely stunning set of six Danish vintage Teak dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen. Handcrafted by cabinetmaker Villy Schou Andersen in Denmark, original edition of 6 dining cha...
Wool, Teak
$1,400 / item
Danish Dining Chairs in Wood and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, beech, reupholstered in sheepskin, Denmark, 1960s These elegant Danish dining chairs are crafted from blonde wood and feature soft, beige sheepskin upholstery. Design...
Sheepskin, Beech
$1,400 / item
Danish Dining Chairs in Oak and Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining chairs, oak, reupholstered in sheepskin, Denmark 1960s These elegant Danish dining chairs are crafted from oak and feature soft, beige sheepskin upholstery. Designed without ...
Sheepskin, Oak
Danish Set of Six Dining Chairs in Blonde Wood and Dark Grey Leatherette
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six dining chairs, beech, faux leather, Denmark, 1960s. Modest and elegant set of six dining chairs. Its design shows clear lines and an open backrest. The dark grey leather...
Faux Leather, Beech
Jacob Kielland-Brandt Dining Chair in Solid Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jacob Kielland-Brandt, dining chair, solid pine, Denmark, 1960s This remarkable chair is designed by Danish designer Jacob Kielland-Brandt in the 1960s. It has a strong expression, ...
Pine
Danish Set of Six Dining Chairs in Mahogany and Light Blue Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of six armchairs, fabric, mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This set of six dining chairs of Danish origin is characterized by excellent craftsmanship and elegant silhouettes. The frame ...
Fabric, Mahogany
Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk 'Boomerang' Dining Chair in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk, 'Boomerang' chair, model '370', teak, fabric, Denmark, 1960s. The Boomerang chair, model ‘370’, by Alfred Christensen, crafted in the 1960...
Fabric, Teak
Rainer Daumiller Set of Four Armchairs in Darkened Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Rainer Daumiller for Hirtshals Sawmill, set of four dining chairs, black lacquered pine, Denmark, 1970s Beautiful, organic and natural dining chairs in solid pine designed by Rainer...
Pine
Henning Kjærnulf "Razorblade" Dining Chair in Oak & Lambswool, Denmark, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful and sculptural oak dining chair designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, during the 1960s. Known as the iconic “Razorblade” model, the chair i...
Lambskin, Wool, Oak
Set of 6 Henning Kjærnulf Dining Chairs in Oak and Pierre Frey Tweed, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, La Maison Pierre Frey, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking set of six dining chairs was designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf in the 1960s. Produced by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in Denmark, these chairs represent a rare variant of Kjærn...
Fabric, Upholstery, Oak
Pair of Poul Volther mid century Danish teak dining chairs - Frem Rojle
By Poul Volther
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of Poul Volther for Frem Rojle mid century Danish teak dining chairs, crafted with very deep richly toned teak and have classic Danish cord seats, all in very nice vin...
Cord, Teak
Børge Mogensen Oak & Leather "Spanish" Arm Chairs Model BM3238, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful pair of vintage "BM 3238" arm chairs in oak and natural saddle leather. Designed in the 1950s by Borge Mogensen and produced by Fredericia Stolefabrik. Mogensen made these ...
Leather, Oak
Danish Set of Eight Armchairs in Brown Upholstery and Stained Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight armchairs, fabric, stained beech, metal, Denmark, 1960s This Danish set of dining chairs features an elegant profile with cur...
Metal
Set of 6 Henning Kjærnulf Dining Chairs, Oak and Rubelli Bouclé, Denmark, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This striking set of six dining chairs was designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf in the 1960s. Produced by Nyrup Møbelfabrik in Denmark, these chairs represent a rare variant of Kjærn...
Fabric, Bouclé, Upholstery, Oak
Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn 'Sawbuck' Dining Chair in Teak
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 'Sawbuck' dining chair, model CH29, teak, beige fabric, Denmark, design 1952 Hans Wegner's chair exemplifies a solid construction, despite its...
Fabric, Teak
Swedish "Utö" Pine Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
By Axel Einar Hjorth, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Single beautiful “Utö” dining chair, made from pine in an elegant design balancing rustic and modernism. Solid wood, sturdy feel. Lovely woodgrain. “Utö” is one of the series of fur...
Pine
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier Set of Four '3758A' Armchairs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kaare Klint for Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier, set of four armchairs, model '3758A', leather, mahogany, Denmark, design 1930 These dining chairs in light brown to cognac leather and m...
Leather, Mahogany
Nordic Set of Twelve Dining Chairs in Walnut and Velvet by Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of twelve dining chairs, velvet, walnut, brass, Denmark, 1940s This large set of twelve dining chairs, made by a Danish cabinetmaker in the 1940s, presents a careful balance be...
Brass
Customizable Modern Dining Chair in Dover Oak and White Boucle, Olga Collection
Located in Miami, FL
An Olga Scandinavian Modern style dining chair designed by Aciole Félix For Uultis, with Dover Oak whitewash finish, upholstered in white boucle fabric. The Olga dining chair...
Fabric, Wood, Upholstery
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen Pair of Dining Room Chairs
By Frederik Sieck, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen, pair of dining chairs, model '3200', faux leather, lacquered wood, metal, Denmark, design 1962, execution 1967 This industrial clear set of the mode...
Metal
$3,375Sale Price / set|25% Off
Set of 8 Scandinavian modern birch dining chairs in boucle
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 8 Scandinavian modern birch dining chairs in boucle Upholstery. Sold as a set of 8 chairs
Bouclé, Birch, Plywood
Set of four N. O. Møller Dining Chairs, solid teak, full grain leather
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Set of four N. O. Møller dining chairs with frame of solid teak. Seats new upholstered with tan aniline leather Model 75, made by J. L. Møller, Denmark, 1960s.
Leather, Teak
Dietiker Ono, Modern Swiss Dining Chair, in American Walnut Wood by This Weber
By Dietiker
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Ono is a classic piece of Swiss design and the lightest of all wood chairs, weighing only 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg). Designed by This Weber. Manufactured with care from American Walnut wood...
Walnut, Leather
Set of 4 Danish Modern Pine Dining Chairs with Armrests & Lambswool, 1970s
Located in Odense, DK
A charming set of four Danish dining chairs crafted in solid pine, dating from the 1970s. The chairs embody the warm, honest materiality and functional clarity associated with Nordic...
Lambskin, Wool, Pine
Danish Mid-20th Century, Dining / Desk Chair in Lambswool, Eva Koppel, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
A refined dining / desk chair from the mid-20th century, distinguished by its elegant wood frames and softly sculpted back. Attributed to the Danish couple Nils & Eva Koppel, made in...
Lambskin, Wool, Wood
Set of four oak and wool dining room chairs by Henning Kjaernulf, 1960's
Located in Balen, BE
A set of four quarter-sawn oak dining chairs by Henning Kjaernulf. They still have their original wool upholstery in traditional Danish Olmerdug fabric. Amazing wood selection and gr...
Wool, Oak
Set of 8 Hans Wegner Model W1 Oak Dining Chairs, 1950s
By C.M. Madsen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans Wegner - Model W1 Dining Chairs A set of 8 Model W1 dining chairs designed by Danish master Hans Wegner in the early 1950s. This design was produced by cabinetmakers C. M. Mad...
Leather, Oak
Set of 10 ROSEWOOD and patinated niger leather dining chairs, by Kurt Østervig
Located in Uccle, BE
Set of 10 Skagen dining room chairs ( model 27 ) by Kurt Østervig. The Skagen chairs are exemplified by their beautiful clean lines that seamlessly curve into elegant forms. It is a...
Goatskin, Leather, Walnut
Early Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn '695' Dining Chairs in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Josef Frank for Svenskt Tenn, set of ten dining chairs, model '695', faux leather, walnut, brass, Sweden, design 1935 A refined set of ten dining chairs designed by Josef Frank for ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Dining Chairs, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A set of four dark-stained birch dining or side chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 30.625” H x 16.4” W x 17.25” D Seat Height: 17.25”
Birch
20th Century, Set of 4 "Kotka" Dining Chairs by Tomas Jelinek for IKEA, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Odense, DK
This beautiful set of four Kotka dining chairs, designed by Tomas Jelinek for IKEA in the 1980s, exemplifies a period when IKEA focused on natural materials, thoughtful construction,...
Leather, Pine
Mid-century Danish Arne Vodder Brazilain Rosewood Dining Chairs set of Six (6)
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Oakland, CA
Set of six (6) Brazilian rosewood dining chairs designed by Arne Vodder for Sibast Mobelfabric, model 430, circa 1958 Denmark. Crafted of high quality Brazilian rosewood with finely ...
Leather, Rosewood
Set of 4 “Tellus” Teak Dining Chairs by Torstein Nilsen, Norway, 1980s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A set of four Tellus dining chairs designed by Torstein Nilsen for A. Huseby & Co, Norway, circa 1980. Crafted from solid teak, the chairs feature elegantly curved backrests with a ...
Teak
$1,800 / set
Circa 1960s Danish Dining Chairs- Set of 4
Located in Duxbury, MA
Circa 1960's Danish style dining chairs, set of 4 Cord wrapped seats, some damage shown in photos
Cord, Wood
1960s Set of 6 Mid-Century Danish Design Teak Dining Chairs
Located in Wesseling, DE
Elegant set of six Danish dining chairs crafted in the 1960s. The chairs feature beautifully shaped backrests with a gently curved silhouette, highlighting the refined craftsmanship...
Teak
Henning Kjaernulf Razorblade Oak Set of 6 Dining Chairs, 1960's
Located in Uccle, BE
Henning Kjærnulf oak dining chairs reupholstered in a toile chinée. Nice and pure. Made by EG Möbler in 1960's.
Fabric, Oak
$3,344Sale Price / set|24% Off
Set of 4 Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Møbler Teak Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
By K.S. Mobler, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and refined set of four Danish Modern dining chairs designed by Kai Kristiansen for K.S. Møbler, Denmark, circa 1960s. These beautifully proportioned chairs exemplify the ...
Papercord, Teak
Midcentury Modern dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s, set of six
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of six striking dining chairs by Henning Kjærnulf, including two armchairs. Made from oak in a rustic design, with beautifully sculpted backrests. Upholstered in original wool fa...
Oak
Beautiful Vintage Set of 6 Danish modern rosewood dining chairs black upholstery
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Set of 6 Danish modern rosewood dining chairs with black upholstery. Clean solid medium dark rosewood Danish dining chairs. Curved wood construction with curved upholstrered ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid Century Modern, Oak Dining Chairs Brutalist style, Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
This set of eight dining chairs in style of Henning Kjærnulf. Each chair is constructed in solid oak, with the back uprights terminating in a distinctive notched, peaked profile abo...
Fabric, Oak
J L Moller Model 66 Dining Arm Chairs
Located in Springfield, OR
A wonderful and rare set of 6 arm chairs by Danish company J L Moller. This is the model 66 chair designed by Neils Moller in teak. These retain their original finish and are in exce...
Papercord, Teak
Set of 6 Henning Kjærnulf “Razorblade” Dining Chairs in Oak & Mohair, 1960s
By Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
An exceptional set of 6 dining chairs designed by Henning Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, in the 1960s. Known as the celebrated “Razorblade” model, these chairs are distingu...
Wool, Mohair, Oak
12 Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Leather Dining Chairs by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen
By Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik, Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular and rare set of 12, Twelve dining chairs by Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen in Teak and newly reupholstered in high quality brown Faux Leather. 10 side chairs and 2 captains chairs ...
Faux Leather, Teak
Arne Jacobsen Fritz Hansen Series 7 Butterfly Chair in Oak Veneer, circa 1960s
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in New York, NY
Vintage example of the iconic Butterfly chair designed. By Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen as part of the Classic Series 7 line. The chair is in the less common oak veneer finish, sho...
Chrome
Cantilever Armchair Designed by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1975
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in Antwerp, BE
Vintage cantilever armchair designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen for Magnus Olesen, Labeled Made in Denmark. Curved laminated beech wood design with light grey- green upholst...
Upholstery, Beech, Plywood
Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk Armchairs in Teak and Green Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk, dining chairs, model 223, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1960s These armchairs are designed by Kurt Olsen for Slagelse Mobelvaerk and epitomize comfort a...
Fabric, Teak
$1,400 / set
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen Pair of Chairs
By Frederik Sieck, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Frederik Sieck for Fritz Hansen, pair of chairs model 3200, skai, black lacquered wood, metal, Denmark, design 1962 This industrial pair of chairs was designed by the Swedish design...
Metal
6 Scandinavian Modern Teak Dining Chairs Uldum Mobelfabrik att Johannes Andersen
By Uldum Møbelfabrik, Johannes Andersen
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern set of 6 teak dining chairs by Uldum Mobelfabrik Attributed to Johannes Andersen with golden chenille fabric. Beautiful condition, keep...
Fabric, Teak
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
If anyone is brave, humble and adept enough to recolor these mid-century masterpieces, it’s Ilse Crawford. Here, she gives us the details on her five earthy paint choices and tells us how she feels about design collaborations.