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.
$14,700 / item
Illum Wikkelsø 'Ox' Lounge Chairs in Beige Sheepskin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Illum Wikkelsø, 'Ox' lounge chairs, sheepskin, wood, Denmark, 1960s An exquisitely designed easy chair upholstered in sheepskin by esteemed Danish designer Illum Wikkelsø, this 'Ox ...
Sheepskin, Wood
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chairs Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chairs model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 and 1950s/60s This iconic chair, made wi...
Steel
Swedish Modern Lounge Chair by Carl Cederholm, Firma Stil & Form, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking lounge chair by Carl Cederholm. Generously proportioned and beautifully shaped oak frame with gracefully curved armrests and backrest in an organic form that follow the silh...
Wood, Velvet, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Otto Schulz "Boet" Lounge Chair, Mid-20th Century Design
By Otto Schulz
Located in Kramfors, SE
Easy chair ”Boet” designed by Otto Schulz from the mid 20th century. The chair is a prime example of the Scandinavian 20th century design with elegant proportions and sleek finishes....
Hardwood
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chairs 'El Dorado’, limited edition, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was de...
Brass
Pair of Hans J. Wegner CH22 Lounge Chairs, Carl Hansen, 1967
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Balen, BE
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1950, the CH22 was among the inaugural collection produced by Carl Hansen & Søn and remains one of the designer's most celebrated lounge chairs. Cha...
Papercord, Beech, Paint
Mid-20th Century, Pair of Danish Lounge Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant pair of Danish lounge chairs from the 1950s, newly upholstered in soft natural shearling lambswool. The chairs feature a sculptural wingback silhouette with gently curved arm...
Sheepskin, Wool, Oak
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Niels Vodder, Mogens Voltelen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, 'Copenhagen II' lounge chair, model 'MV60', solid oak, leather, brass, Denmark, design 1960, made 1960s/70s The MV60 lounge chair, also known as Co...
Brass
Pair of Danish Scandinavian Modern Beech Lounge Chairs, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
This pair of lounge chairs was produced by an Danish cabinetmaker during the 1940s. Each chair is built on a solid beech frame, with boldly scrolled arms terminating in a rounded, ha...
Fabric, Beech
Rare Marianne Boman-schleutker for Boman Easy Chair in Pink Velvet and Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Marianne Boman-schleutker for Oy Boman Ab, easy chair, model 'Marianne', velvet, birch, Finland, circa 1941 Designed by the Finnish female interior architect Marianne Boman-Schleut...
Velvet, Birch
1960s Harp Lounge Chairs by Jorgen Høvelskov, Hand-Crafted Ash & Rope
By Jørgen Høvelskov, Christensen & Larsen
Located in Portland, OR
A very nice early and original pair of “Harp” chairs in Ash with cotton/linen cording. A spectacular design- elegant and yet somewhat masculine with a lightness as well as versatilit...
Rope, Ash
Otto Schulz Lounge Chair in Green Pierre Frey Tweed and Beech, Sweden, 1940s
By Jio, Otto Schulz, La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare lounge/easy chair was designed by Otto Schulz and produced by Jio Möbler in Jönköping, Sweden in the late 1940s. The design is distinguished by its curved, enveloping bac...
Fabric, Linen, Upholstery, Beech
$15,400 / item
Berga Mobler Lounge Chairs in Pierre Frey Teddy Mohair
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, armchairs in Pierre Frey Teddy mohair fabric, beech, Denmark, 1940s This bold and curvy armchair is based on a solid construction with a tender touch due to the soft t...
Fabric, Beech
Handcrafted Swedish Folk Art Pine Lounge Chair 1930s - Reupholstered Sheepskin
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning rustic armchair, a so-called “Sportstuga” (summer cottage–style) piece, probably made in Sweden in the 1940s. The chair is crafted from veneered plywood with sturdy, well-...
Sheepskin, Pine
Iconic Hans Wegner ‘Flag Halyard’ Lounge Chair Early Edition Model GE225
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner, ‘Flag Halyard’ lounge chair model ‘GE225’, rope, steel, dark green lacquered steel, leather, wood, sheepskin, Denmark, 1958 This iconic chair, made with 250 metres o...
Steel
Pair of Mid-Century Swedish Armchairs by Bruno Mathsson, Model "Eva", 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of iconic "Eva" lounge chairs designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Mathsson, Sweden. First introduced in the 1930s, the Eva chair remains one of the most celebrated...
Leather, Beech
Mats Theselius for Källemo Ab Limited Edition Lounge Chair 'El Dorado' in Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chair 'El Dorado’, brass, birch, nubuck leather, Sweden, 2002 This distinct 'El Dorado’ lounge chair by Mats Theselius was designed in 2002 for...
Brass
Scandinavian Lounge Chair, Presented at the 1952 Önskehem Exhibition, Sweden
Located in Hammarö, SE
A rare and sculptural Scandinavian Modern armchair documented as part of the celebrated Önskehem exhibition in Sweden in 1952. The Önskehem exhibitions played a pivotal role in shapi...
Textile, Beech
Hans J. Wegner Ox Chair Model EJ 100, black original leather
By Erik Jørgensen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An immortal classic, the EJ-100, Ox chair designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1960, and is regarded as one of Wegners more important chairs. It was Wegner's fascination with Picasso that i...
Stainless Steel
Stressless Leather Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Ekornes c. 1970's
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Ekornes Stressless lounge chair and ottoman, in baseball glove brown leather, on bentwood bases. The chair and ottoman swivel on the disk form base, the chair back reclines t...
Leather, Bentwood
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Lounge Chair in Original Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ib Kofod-Larsen, lounge chair model U-56 'Elizabeth', oak, red leather, Denmark, designed in 1956 This elegant armchair is designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956. These are Kofod-Larse...
Leather, Oak
Danish Late Art Deco Lounge Chair with Cabriole Legs
By Georg Kofoed
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful very stylish Danish low lounge chair from the 1930-40's. We are unaware of the designer and maker for this chair but they are a bit in the style of famed maker, Georg Kof...
Wool
Hans J. Wegner set of Early Edition CH25 Lounge Chairs in Oak & Papercord, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully aged and increasingly rare pair of early edition CH25 lounge chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Søn in Denmark during the 1960s. Crafted in...
Papercord, Oak
Danish Modern "Safari" Lounge Chair in Saddle Leather by Aage Bruun, 1960s
By Aage Bruun & Son
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and exceptionally preserved Danish Modern “Safari” lounge chair designed by Aage Bruun, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in solid beechwood with thick saddle leather sling construc...
Leather, Beech
Pr. Mid Century Wegner Style Folding Rope Lounge Chairs Circa 1950/70's
Located in New York, NY
Often referred to as Wegner like, these mid century folding lounge chairs have become iconic in their own right. Made in either Yugoslavia, or possibly Czechoslovakia, the chairs fea...
Rope, Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair in Teak and Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kircodan, lounge chair, teak, leather, Denmark, 1960s This chair reflects the hallmarks of 1960s Danish modern design: a streamlined silhouette, an emphasis on natural materials, an...
Leather, Teak
Danish 1940s Lowback Easy Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic Danish early 1950's Easy lounge chair. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. Strong presence and generous size. Padd...
Wool, Beech
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Leather high lounge chair Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian Modern Hunter Safari high lounge chair by Torbjørn Afdal. Solid wood frame in dark brown Stain brass hardware with tan leather cushions and brown leather arm...
Brass
B.J. Hansen Lounge Chair in Teak and Black Upholstery
By B.J. Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
BJ. Hansen, lounge chair, leatherette, teak, metal, Norway, produced in Sjøholt, 1960s. This high-quality wingback chair is based on a solid construction featuring round and bold s...
Metal
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling Lounge Chair in Bicolor Purple Pierre Frey Mohair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bo Wretling for Otto Wretling, lounge chair, Pierre Frey Teddy mohair, Umeå, Sweden, 1930s Designed by Bo Wretling and produced in the Otto Wretling workshop, this rare lounge chair...
Metal
Børge Mogensen 'Spanish Chair' in Oak and Cognac Leather
By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia Stolefabrik
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik, 'Spanish Chair,' oak, leather, brass, Denmark, 1958. This well-known design by Børge Mogensen has a very strong appearance. The sincere co...
Brass
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen Early 'Egg' Lounge Chair in Black Leather
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, early 'egg' lounge chair, model 3316, leather, metal, Denmark, design 1958, produced 1966. This chair is one of the most iconic designs in the histor...
Metal
Pair Mid Century Arne Norell Swedish Black Leather Sling Safari Kontiki chairs
By Arne Norell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Vintage Arne Norell Kontiki sling Safari low lounge chairs Swedish Design. Designer and maker - Arne Norell (Sweden, 1917-1971). Mid century modern Vintage Rosewood and soft...
Brass
Original Danish 1950s Lounge Chair attributed to Madsen and Schubell
By Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell, Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sublime lounge chair from Danish midcentury era very similar to the iconic model "Pragh" designed by Ib Madsen and Acton Schubell in the early 1950s for their own company Madsen and ...
Wool, Teak
Pair of Midcentury “CH 27” Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of beautiful “CH 27” lounge chairs by Hans J. Wegner, made from oak and rattan. Beautiful pattern in the rattan and whimsical carved “horns” at the tops of the backs.
Rattan, Oak
$3,400 / item
Torbjørn Afdal Leather Arm Chairs, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful leather arm chairs designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960, with chocolate brown leather and stained hardwood frame, sling armrests in belt leather, strapped c...
Leather, Canvas, Wood
Swedish Designer, Lounge Chairs, Oak, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and red fabric lounge chairs designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Light fraying and minor stains on fabric, vintage fabric ideally reupholstered. Wear consistent...
Fabric, Oak
Pair of Swedish Grace Lounge Chairs by Carl Malmsten, Bodafors, 1920s
By SMF Svenska Möbelfabriken Bodafors, Carl Malmsten
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very elegant pair of Swedish Grace lounge chairs by Carl Malmsten, made from stained birch. Nicely executed with curved armrests and legs th...
Birch
Pair of Danish EAarly 1950s High and Low Back Easy Chairs
By Fritz Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A design that will just never go out of style. Classic pair of Danish early 1950's his and hers lounge chairs. Original grey wool fabric with diamond pattern. fabric. Strong presence...
Wool, Beech
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model 72-C Teak Lounge Chairs for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Teak Wood, New Down Feather, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Teak
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, 1994 The distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedish desig...
Iron
Carl Malmsten 'Redet' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl Malmsten, ‘Redet’ lounge chair, stained mahogany, reupholstered in Métaphores “Eden Citrine” fabric, Sweden, design 1936, production 1937. Crafted in 1937, the 'Redet' easy cha...
Fabric, Mahogany
$11,001 / set
Pair of Armchairs, Upholstered in Pure Mohair
By Flemming Lassen, Fritz Hansen, Mogens Lassen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A super pair of modern Danish style lounge chairs / armchairs. Beech frames and sprung seats. Newly upholstered in a golden brown, premium, soft, pure mohair fabric. Handmade in E...
Mohair, Beech
High-Back Lounge Chair in Oak & Lambswool, Danish Modern, Viggo Boesen, 1950s
By Alfred Christensen, Viggo Boesen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful Scandinavian high-wingback lounge chair from the 1950s, expertly crafted in oak and recently reupholstered in luxurious shearling lambswool. The chair embodies the essenc...
Lambskin, Sheepskin, Oak, Wool
Pair of Norwegian leather and chrome Harald Relling lounge chairs for Westnofa
Located in Liberty, NY
Beautiful pair of late 1960's - early 1970's Norwegian lounge chairs by Harald Relling for Westnofa. Has brown leather upholstered cushions that sit on a canvas sling which is stra...
Chrome
Pair of Scandinavian Brown Leather and Curved Rosewood low lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Brown Patina Leather and Curved rosewood bentwood lounge chairs with brown leather tufted cushions with patina. Leather shows signs of use and worn in nicely. Ma...
Leather, Rosewood, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early version of the A38 “high back” Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains sel...
Sheepskin, Birch
Easy chairs model “Bodö” by Svante Skogh for AB Hjertquist & Co, Nässjö, 1957
By Svante Skogh
Located in Karlstad, SE
A well-balanced pair of Swedish easy chairs from the late 1950s, designed by Svante Skogh. The Bodö model is defined by its clean, architectural frame in warm-toned wood, with angula...
Leather, Oak
Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA GE530, Denmark, 1970s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Hans J. Wegner - Lounge Chair and Ottoman GETAMA GE530 , Denmark Classic GE530 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, featuring a clean design and high-quality craftsmanship in ...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern, Lounge Chairs in Green Wool, 1940s, set of 2
Located in Rødding, DK
A matched pair of oak lounge chairs in the Danish Modern tradition, upholstered in an original green patterned wool and produced by an accomplished Danish cabinetmaker in the 1940s —...
Fabric, Oak
Scandinavian Danish black leather Safari sling lounge chair with ottoman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Modernist safari chair with a teak frame featuring sculpted arms straight rounded stretchers and straight round supports. Has a thick black leather sling seat and a matc...
Leather, Teak
$1,980Sale Price / set|44% Off
Pair of Scandinavian Mid Century modern Cognac Leather Low Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Cognac Leather lounge chairs with black lacquer legs. Leather show nice patina with signs of use and age. Very comfortable chairs gr...
Leather, Lacquer
Danish Modern Easy Chairs in Teak with Slat Backs 1950's
By Arne Vodder
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Danish modern pair of very comfortable easy lounge chairs from the mid 1950's in the style of Arne Vodder and Hans Wegner's classic well-known modern designs. Modern lines w...
Wool, Beech
Hans Wegner High Back Lounge Chair, Model GE-375, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful high back chairs by Hans Wegner with solid oak frame and cushions in beige wool (seemingly reupholstered at a later date), produced by GETAMA in 1969, model GE 375, detacha...
Wool, Oak
Expertly Restored - Folke Ohlsson Model-1032 Reclining Chair w/ Ottoman for Dux
By Dux of Sweden, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dimensions 39.50in H x 28.75in W x 33.50in D Seat Height: 17in Ottoman: 16.50in H x 23.50in W x 16.50in D Materials: Walnut Wood, New Tweed Fabric, New High-Density Foam ___________...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut
Arne Norell 'Merkur' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather and Mahogany
By Norell Möbel AB, Arne Norell
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Arne Norell for Norell Möbel AB, lounge chair, model 'Merkur', leather, mahogany, Sweden, 1960s The Merkur easy chair, a design by Swedish designer Arne Norell (1917-1971), epitomi...
Leather, Mahogany
Danish Modern Henning Kjaernulf Oak pair of razorblade Armchairs, 1970's
Located in Uccle, BE
A pair of razorback lounge chairs by Danish designer Henning Kjaernulf. This is his iconic design. Made of oak and reuphostered in toile chiné. Manufactured by EG Kvalitetsmøbel.
Fabric, Oak
Gote Mobler Nassjo Mid Century Swivel Lounge Chair and Ottoman Sweden c. 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Mid Century swivel lounge chair with matching ottoman, in original black leather upholstery. The lounge chair swivels and features a lock mechanism, the ottoman also swiv...
Leather, Wood
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Brown Leather Lounge chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian modern Brown Leather lounge chairs with dark stained wood legs. Leather shows a lot of patina with signs of use and age. Very comfortable c...
Leather, Wood
Madsen & Schubell Sheepskin Pragh Chair & Stool c1950s
Located in London, England
Madsen & Schubell - Pragh Chair & Stool, 1948 The iconic Pragh chair was designed and produced in 1948 by Danish duo Arnold Madsen & Henry Schubell. The Pragh was a natural successo...
Sheepskin, Beech
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.