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.
Set of Two Illum Wikkelsø "Capella" Chairs in Rosewood, 1950
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of 2 chairs from the Capella series, designed by Illum Wikkelsø, produced by Niels Eilersen in Denmark, designed in 1959, solid rosewood frame with loose cushions in or...
Wool, Rosewood
$34,311 / set
Hans Wegner Pair of JH-512 Oak Folding Chairs, 1949
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, England
Hans Wegner JH-512 Folding Chairs, Oak One of Danish master Hans J. Wegner's most important and iconic works. The Model 512 chair was produced by ma...
Rattan, Oak
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist "Lilla Eva" Lounge Chair
By Kerstin Horlin Holmquist, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Turners Falls, MA
Kerstin Horlin-Holmquist “Lilla Eva” model lounge chair. Designed for the Paradise Collection, which was created by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmquist during her time as a designer at Nordisk...
Upholstery, Beech
Set of Petra Lounge Chair & Pouf-Sheepskin Honey 50mm/Oak-by Viggo Boesen for &T
Located in Dubai, AE
Petra VB3 Based on an original design by Danish designer Viggo Boesen in 1938, Petra is a lounge chair with a high-set, winged-backrest and unparalleled comfort. The Petra lounge c...
Oak, Sheepskin
Pair Palissade Cantilever Lounge Chair Low-Hot galvanized Steel-Ronan Bouroullec
By Ronan Bouroullec, HAY
Located in Dubai, AE
Retaining the original’s symmetrical design language, the Palissade Cantilever Lounge Chair offers a lighter expression of the iconic outdoor range, bringing a fresh perspective whil...
Steel
Danish Armchair in Original Leather and Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Armchair, leather and walnut, Denmark, 1940s. This dining chair has incredible sensuous details. This is for instance visible in the swirling armrests or the tapered and curved legs...
Leather, Walnut
Pair of Siesta Lounge Chairs by Ingmar Relling for Westnofa, 1970s
By Westnofa Furniture, Ingmar Relling
Located in Rødding, DK
A pair of Siesta lounge chairs by Ingmar Relling, produced by Westnofa Furniture, Norway, 1970s. Original Westnofa labels present on both frames. The Siesta is one of the most endur...
Leather, Beech
Pair of Scandinavian black Leather and Curved Beech wood lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Black Leather and Curved Beech wood lounge chairs Beech bentwood frames with black leather cushions. Leather shows signs of use and worn in nicely. Made in Denma...
Leather, Beech
1970s, Danish loungechair by Farstrup, furniture leather, canvas, bent wood.
By Farstrup
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish loungechair by Farstrup. Original brown furniture leather, canvas, bent wood. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured b...
Leather, Canvas, Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Ari Lounge Chairs by Arne Norell, 1966
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in New York, NY
This is the design-rich ARI Chairs by Scandinavian designer Arne Norell. Norell's significance in design history is evidenced by his 1973 award of 'Showpiece of the Year' from the Br...
Steel
$14,500 / set
Pair of 1940s Otto Schulz Easy Chairs
By Otto Schulz
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of luxurious "Schulz" easy chairs by Otto Schultz for Jio Möbler, Sweden. Very early edition featuring large and curved back rests professionally re-upholstered in a grey velvet...
Velvet, Wood
Scandinavian Teak Easy Chairs Arne Vodder Glostrup Denmark, 1950
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Arne Vodder
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is an arm variation of the more common Vodder armrest design, not as angular, looks more like a Grete Jalk armrest. Marked as distressed because the cushions and pillows are OR...
Teak
1950’s Lounge Chair By Carl Malmsten
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1950’s lounge chair designed by renowned Swedish designer Carl Malmsten. Beautiful organic design. Beech legs. Vintage upholstery. Produced by AB Record
Beech
Poul Kjærholm 'PK80' Daybed for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK80' Daybed for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craftsmansh...
Steel
Danish Cabinetmaker Lounge Chair with Mohair Upholstery, Denmark 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Danish lounge chair is an early example of Scandinavian mid-century modern design as well as outstanding craftsmanship with a quality that honours the materials and th...
Wood, Mohair
$1,760Sale Price / set|20% Off
Westnofa Scandinavian Rosewood Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Ingmar Relling
Located in Pasadena, TX
Westnofa Scandinavian rosewood lounge chair & ottoman by Ingmar Relling A Mid-Century Modern lounge chair and ottoman made in Nor...
Leather, Rosewood
Custom Made Model 54 Sheepskin Lounge Chair and Ottoman
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design Model 54 lounge chair & Ottoman set A custom made lounge chair and ottoman developed and hand-made using the highest quality materials. The 54 chair is a contempor...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak, Walnut
Pair of Commissioned Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, Sheepskin, Merivaara 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of chairs by Tapiovaara that are quite rare and were designed for a private residence. Tapiovaara had quite a lot of commisions through his interior design office. The chairs ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of CH44 Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1960s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed in 1965 by Hans J. Wegner. This pair is from the 1970s, produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark. Very good original condition.
Rope
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and white fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Reupholstered in brand new white fabric. Seat Height (inches): 16.75" Arm Height (inches)...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson "Scissor" Sculptural Lounge Chair for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Walnut-Stained Beech Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New Springs, New High-Density Foam _____________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like ...
Foam, Wood, Fabric, Beech
Illum Wikkelsø Lounge Chair in Blue Upholstery and Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, armchair, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s This well-designed armchair shows an unusual elegance and great eye for detail, combined with outstanding craftsmanship, which ...
Fabric, Oak
$8,512 / item
Custom Made Model 54 Lounge Chair
Located in London, England
Dagmar design Model 54 Lounge Chair A custom made lounge chair developed and produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality mate...
Walnut, Wool
Scandinavian Midcentury "Biri" Lounge Chairs by Harry Moen and Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Karlstad, SE
These lounge chairs are early pieces from the iconic Biri series, designed specifically for Norwegian mountain cabins by Harry Moen and Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo Tegnekontor. The co...
Leather, Pine
$1,176Sale Price / item|20% Off
1950s, Danish lounge chair, original condition, furniture velour, ash wood legs.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish lounge chair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Red furniture velour, ash wood legs with brass wheels on the front legs. Springs in the seat. Man...
Velvet, Ash
Eric Bertil Karlén Lounge Chair in Ember-Toned Upholstery and Elm, Sweden, 1940s
By Eric Karlén, Firma Rumsinteriör
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge chair was designed by Eric Bertil Karlén and produced by his company Firma Rumsinteriör in Sweden in the 1940s. The elegant shape of the design is emphasized by the ...
Wool, Linen, Upholstery, Elm
Little Petra Lounge Chair in Sheepskin with Oak Frame by & Tradition
Located in Vancouver, BC
Initially introduced back in 1938, Little Petra won instant praise at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition, subsequently winning awards at exhibi...
Sheepskin, Oak
Hans Wegner for Getama Rare ‘GE 440’ Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Getama, lounge chair with ottoman, model ‘GE 440’, fabric, oak, lacquered steel, Denmark, design 1968–1969 This rare lounge chair and ottoman set represents an ex...
Steel
Oversized Swedish Modern Lounge chair in grey velvet, 1940s
Located in Uppsala, SE
Oversized Swedish Modern Lounge chair in grey velvet from the 1940s. Most likely the original fabric or maybe an early reupholster. New off-white sheepskin upholstery with natural li...
Velvet, Birch
$2,350 / set
Danish Modern Leather & Rosewood Arm Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this all-original pair of circa 1960s Danish Modern Arm Chairs. They feature the original black leather upholstery with naturally aged patina and legs made ...
Leather, Rosewood
$47,068 / set
Danish Modern "Papa" Bear set of 2 armchairs, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner, A.P. Stolen
Located in Uccle, BE
This unique set features two early Papa Bear AP 19 chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner and crafted by A.P. Stolen in Denmark around 1951. Priced as a pair, we are also open to selling...
Oak
Danish Designer, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and light grey fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Minor fabric imperfections along armrests Vintage fabric in distressed condition, reupholstery ...
Fabric, Oak
Arne Norell ‘Ari’ Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Original Black Leather Sweden, 60s
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Comfortable lounge chair and ottoman designed by Arne Norell. This award winning lounge chair is made of high quality matt polished steel and original black leather. The set is in ni...
Steel
Pair of "Falcon" Easy Chairs by Sigurd Resell, Norway, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced by Vatne möbler in Norway, 1970s. Leather cushions in good condition with minor signs of usage.
Leather
Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair by Fritz Hansen, Leather, Danish Design, 1960s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen lounge chair model Egg. New upholstered with butter walnut aniline leather. Four star base. Made by Fritz Hansen. This iconic chair is one of the most famous chairs in the world and is recognized by design lovers in all countries. It is the classical midcentury Scandinavian designer...
Leather
Birte Iversen Classic Danish 1950s Lounge Chair
By A. J. Iversen, Birte Iversen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant 1950s small scale lounge chair by Birthe Iversen made in Denmark by A. J. Iversen. The Super elegant lines and silhouette epitomize Birthe Iversen's recognizable style. Very...
Wool, Oak
$3,422Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Teak and Black Leather CH28 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Scandinavian Teak Lounge chair has been designed in the 1950s by famed Danish designer Hans Wegner and known universally as Sawback Chair. It is manufactured by Carl Han...
Leather, Teak
1960s Arne Norell Leather “Mexico” Lounge Chair
By Arne Norell
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960’s Arne Norell “Mexico” lounge chair. Button tufted high quality original Red Buffalo leather. Very comfortable and beautifully designed. Produced by Norell Mobel AB, Sweden.
Leather
$10,150Sale Price / set|30% Off
Shearling Sheepskin Lounge Chairs, Style of Marta Blomstedt, 1940's Finland
Located in Culver City, CA
Could they be designed by Marta Blomstedt? Maybe. Are they fabulous? Absolutely! We ship internationally! Please see our shipping rates! This dreamy Finnish duo from the 1940s is g...
Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Low Brown Leather lounge Chairs with Chrome Legs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Low Brown Leather lounge Chairs with Chrome Legs. Brown leather upholstery with beautiful patina shows normal wear and age. Metal feet in chrome finish. D...
Chrome
Yrjö Kukkapuro 'Karuselli' Lounge Chair in Brown Leather and Fiberglass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Haimi, 'Karuselli' lounge chair, leather, fiberglass, Finland, 1960s. Organic shaped lounge chair by Finnish designer Yrjö Kukkapuro. This chair consist of a moul...
Leather, Fiberglass
Verner Panton Fiberglass Lounge Chairs in Brazilian Cowhide and Leather, Pair
By Horlacher, Verner Panton
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
Wow. These chairs are extremely cool. A rare pair of Verner Panton lounges. Panton was passionate about the shapes you could make with plastic and creating futuristic forms. No doubt...
Cowhide, Leather, Fiberglass
$5,800 / set
Hans Olsen Club Chairs & Ottoman, 1960
By Hans Olsen, CS Møbler
Located in Los Angeles, CA
pair of stunning green leather armchairs and ottoman by Hans Olsen, Denmark 1960, fluted arms upholstered in leather, original soft leather upholstery with loose feather down cushion...
Leather, Rosewood
Rare Børge Mogensen for Fredericia ‘Safari’ Armchair Cognac Leather Oak
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, ‘Safari’ armchair model 2221, saddle leather, oak, brass, Denmark, 1960s This rare armchair reminds of the classical foldable 'director-ch...
Brass
Pair of Esko Pajamies Lounge Chairs in Raf Simons Fabric, Merva Finland, 1960s
By Esko Pajamies, Merva Merivaara., Kvadrat, Raf Simons
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptionally rare pair of lounge chairs was designed by Esko Pajamies and produced by the Finnish company Merva in the 1960s. The rectangular shape of the seat, armrests and ba...
Steel, Chrome
Pair of Easy Chairs by AB Erik Ek's Snickerifabrik, Malmö, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
"Fåtölj nr 186". Excellent condition. Newly reupholstered in honey colored sheepskin. Sold in Sweden through the retailer Gösta Jonsson.
Sheepskin
Ib Kofod-Larsen, set of 2 "Candidate" lounge chairs in afromosia, 1960
Located in Vicenza, VI
Elegant pair of "Candidate" armchairs designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen and made of solid afrormosia (African teak) for Olof Perssons Fatöljindustri (O.P.E.) in Sweden, circa 1960s. Danish...
Fabric, Wool, Wood, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Palomino Sheepskin & Walnut Reclining Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Selig
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Beautiful reclining lounge chair and ottoman designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig freshly upholstered in hand sewn rich Oatmeal / Ivory Shearling. An early Mid Century Scandinavian ...
Sheepskin, Walnut
Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Lounge Chair in Velvet Fabric 1940s
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in London, England
Orla Molgaard-Nielsen - Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen Denmark, c1940s A fine, classical armchair designed by architect Orla Molgaard-Nielsen and produced by Fritz Hansen Eft. in All...
Velvet
Scandinavian Modern Teak & Oak Lounge Chair with Cane Back by Hvidt & Molgaard
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This airy and sculptural chair design was created by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard for France & Daverkosen in the 1950s, this chair was also produced in the 1950's. The frame is hewn...
Wool, Cane, Oak, Teak
Danish Designer, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and white fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 16.75” Arm Height (inches): 24.94" All items ship from High Point, North Car...
Fabric, Oak
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pink fabric and wood lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Vintage fabric in fair condition. Overall Dimensions (inc...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Designer, Lounge Chair, Oak, Fabric, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and red fabric lounge chair designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Minor fabric imperfections along arm rest trims. Small crack in wood of center left backrest. Vintag...
Fabric, Oak
Set of Petra Lounge Chair & Pouf-Sheepskin Moonlight/Oak- by Viggo Boesen for &T
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Dubai, AE
Petra VB3 Based on an original design by Danish designer Viggo Boesen in 1938, Petra is a lounge chair with a high-set, winged-backrest and unparalleled co...
Sheepskin, Oak
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model 'Spade' Produced by France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 'Spade' designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Rosewood
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
Leather Lounge Chair & Ottoman Set Mid-Century Modern OY BJ Dahlqvist AB Finland
Located in Wayne, NJ
Finish leather and Bent wood Lounge Chair & Ottoman. Mid-Century Modern by OY BJ Dahlqvist AB Finland . The ottoman measures 17" high, 23" wide...
Leather
Swedish TeVe chair by Alf Svensson for Ljungs Industrier, Dux, 1950s
By Ljungs Industrier Sweden, Alf Svensson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Forserum, SE
A TeVe lounge chair, designed by the Swedish architect Alf Svensson in 1953 for the manufacturer Ljungs Industrier (Dux). Crafted from solid beech with brass details and featuring or...
Brass
$8,825 / set
Midcentury Scandinavian Bruksbo Safari Chairs
By Bruksbo
Located in Karlstad, SE
A pair of very rare safari chairs by Brukso / Stranda, Norway. These chairs are not only a pleasure for the eye, but also very comfortable. They are uphol...
Leather, Beech
Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm, Lounge Chair, Model FK 86
By Walter Knoll, Jørgen Kastholm & Preben Fabricius
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Preben Fabricius & Jørgen Kastholm tulip lounge chair in indian red leather Frame of brushed steel. Made by Walter Knoll. Price per chair
Stainless Steel
Gemla, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Velvet, Sweden, 1940s
By Gemla
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of wood and red velvet lounge chairs produced by Gemla, Diö, Sweden, c. 1940s. Vintage fabric ideally replaced. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches...
Velvet, Wood
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.