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.
Contemporary Counter Stool 'Lavitta' 65 by Poiat, Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski for Poiat Dimensions: 44 x 50 x 65 cm Model shown on main picture: - Wood: Oak - Height: 65 cm ----- The l...
Oak
Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch & Red Paint, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic red model 60 stool in birch and beautiful patina. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1940s, this design has definitely stood the test of time, as it is still in produ...
Birch
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, White Oil Oak
By DK3, Poul Cadovius
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Counter Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3 Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.85 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.65 cm Wood: – Oa...
Oak
Danish Modern Oak Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s.
By Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak and Papercord Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern footstool in solid oak with woven Danish paper cord seat Model No...
Papercord, Oak
Set of Four Midcentury Barstools in Patinated Leather by Piet Hein, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of four of high stools in metal with patinated leather seats. Designed by Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen. Made in Denmark, great condition. Ideal for the kitchen or in a bar.
Metal
Pirana ky, Stool. Pine, Finland, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool produced by Pirana ky, Finland, 1960s
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1970s. Seat height 15.25”
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. seat height: 13.4"
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Seat and legs present with light wear and scratching as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 14.68"H x 11.7...
Pine
Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60, Beige Linoleum and Black Legs, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
An Artek stool in birch and beige linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always ...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Stool, Wood, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood stool, produced by a Swedish designer, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.5" Height x 15.5" Diameter All items ship from High ...
Wood
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Dk3, Natural Cordel, Black Lacquered Oak
By Poul Cadovius, DK3
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Bar Stool PIA by Poul Cadovius for Dk3, Materials: Solid oak frame, paper cordel seat Dimensions: B.47 x D.51 x H.100 cm Seating: B.47 x D.42 x H.80 cm Wood: – Oak ...
Oak, Papercord
Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A small birch stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. seat height 8.25”.
Birch
$7,600 / set
Swedish Designer, Stools, Pine, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine stools designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Moderate wear present across legs and top as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.87" Height x 15.68" Diameter...
Pine
David Rosén, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1940s.
By David Rosén, NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine stool designed by David Rosén and produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1940s. seat height: 16.5”
Pine
Swedish Designer, Stool, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch stool designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Seat Height (inches): 17.75"
Birch
Upholstered teak stool, 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
A circular chair with four tapered legs featuring brass finials and a padded cushion that has recently been reupholstered. Scandinavian production, 1950s. Produced in Scandinavia in...
Brass
Rud Thygesen, Stools, Oak, Laminate, Denmark, 1960s
By Magnus Olesen, Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak and beige laminate stools designed by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen and produced by Magnus Olesen, Denmark, 1960s.
Laminate, Oak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s.
Pine
A Pair of Swedish Stained Birch and Sheepskin Stools, Ca 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Swedish birch and sheepskin stools, Circa 1940s, each with a rectangular sheepskin seat raised on splayed circular fluted legs.
Birch
Beautiful Bertel Gardberg Pine Doughnut Sauna Stool, Normark 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
A "Sauna" stool designed by Bertel Gardberg in Finland in the 1950s. The stool is varnished pinewood and it has 4 parts: three legs and a round hollow seat with a hole in the middle. Simple, elegant and quite minimalistic. The piece is in great condition with signs of wear and use consistent with age. The stool is very sturdy and sits firmly in place. Although this was mainly intended as a sauna stool, it can of course be used in almost any room in the household. The design, which is based on old traditional folk stools, will stand out in any interior. As is evident from the pictures and video, no need for nails or screws here. Bertel Gardberg (1919-2007) was a well renowned Finnish designer and a silversmith. His multiple recognitions include multiple Grand prizes at the Milan Triennale's, some prestigious Finnish honorary titles and a number of other recognitions. In the 1950s Garberg acted as the head designer for the Galeries Lafayette in...
Pine
Foldable Stool, Reupholstered in Longhaired Sheepskin, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Foldable stool in solid beech, reupholstered seat in sheepskin. Made by an unknown Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1950s. A great object for the Scandinavian interior home. The overall ...
Sheepskin, Wool, Beech
Danish Iskos-Berlin for Muuto Leather Fiber Counter Stools Wood Base - Set of 3
By Iskos - Berlin Design, Muuto
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous set of 3 Fiber counter-height stools by Copenhagen-based design duo Iskos-Berlin for the Danish brand Muuto. These elegant Fiber counter-height stools feature an ergonomic s...
Stainless Steel
$2,600
Ingvar Hildingsson Stool
Located in New York, NY
Pine stool by Ingvar Hildingsson stool Made in Sweden.
Pine
Bröderna Andersson stool Sweden 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage stool with beech wood frame and capitonné leather upholstered seat. Bröderna Andersson production, Sweden 1960s. Vintage stool produced in Sweden in the 1960s and associated...
Leather, Beech
Pair of ‘Jonte’ pine stool by Gilbert Marklund for Furusnickarn AB, Sweden 1970s
By Furusnickarn AB, Gilbert Marklund
Located in GORINCHEM, NL
A pair of “Jonte” stools designed by Gilbert Marklund, Sweden, circa 1960s. Crafted from solid pine, these stools demonstrate Marklund’s thoughtful approach to form, material, and c...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Öresund Design by Børge Mogensen Stool
Located in Kramfors, SE
Scandinavian modern Öresund design by Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner. The stool is from the 1960s and made in light oak. Good vintage condition consistent with age and use...
Bouclé, Oak
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, c.1950s, Finland. This pine stool features a dark stained rectangular seat and four splayed legs. Dimensions 17" width x 12.25" d...
Pine
Scandinavian teak stool with upholstered seat, 1960s/'70s
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian-made stool made of teak, with upholstered seat covered in floral-patterned fabric. 1960s/70s. Featuring a refined balance between formal rigor and decorative sensibilit...
Fabric, Teak
Swedish Designer, Stool, Pine, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine wood stool designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1970s. Light wear and scratching present to legs and top as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.37"H x 17.87"W ...
Pine
$1,035 / item
Scandinavian White Painted Counter Stool
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The counter stool with woven rattan offers a refined balance of modern simplicity and organic texture. The Stool has a crisp, true white painted teak frame paired with a handwoven na...
Rattan, Wood
Sgabello scandinavo in teak di Svante Skogh
By Svante Skogh
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1950s/60s teak stool by Svante Skogh for Slutarps Möbelindustri, original red/pink striped wool upholstery and brass details. Slender lines and balanced proportions for...
Teak
Scandinavian Stool 'Le Roi' by Norr11, Natural Oak
By Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
'Le Roi' Stool by Norr11 Dimensions : Diameter: 36 cm Height: 44 cm Model shown on the picture: Color: natural oak Natural French Rattan --- The Le Roi Coffee Table is constructed...
Rattan, Oak
3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960s
By Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus Vittsjö
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 Leg Beechwood Stool by Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus - Vittsjö Sweden 1960's Rare three leg beechwood and leather stool designed by Uno & Östen Kristiansson. Produced by Luxus...
Metal
$2,400 / set
1940's Vintage Swedish Pair of Stools
Located in New York, NY
Charming rustic pair of Swedish Vintage stools from the 1940's. Beautiful sculptured shape on the seat with 3 rounded legs. Very comfortable and ...
Wood
Collection of Nine Artist Stools with Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Set of nine stools in oak, beech and teak with patinated leather, designed and made in Denmark. Original condition.
Leather, Oak, Beech, Teak
Midcentury Stool in Beech, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in beech with fabric seat. Designed and med in Denmark, 1950s.
Beech, Fabric
$1,949Sale Price|20% Off
Early Hans J. Wegner Solid Oak GE-240 "Cigar" Stool / Ottoman for Getama Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ystad, SE
Early Stool / Ottoman, Model GE-240 “Cigar,” by Hans J. Wegner for Getama. Denmark, 1955. A rare and early solid oak stool designed by Hans J. Wegner as a complementary piece to the...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Stool "the Pig" by Erik Höglund for Kopparfly, Sweden, 1950s
By Erik Höglund, Bovirke
Located in Odense, DK
Playful stool by Swedish designer Erik Höglund made of beech, hemp webbing and leather. Model nicknamed "The pig". Made at Kopparfly, Sweden in the 1950s and retailed in Denmark by B...
Leather, Beech
Swedish Wooden Mid Century Wabi Sabi Four Legged Stool in Stained Pine, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century rustic wooden four legged stool in pine with beautiful wabi sabi patina produced by an anonymous designer in Sweden, 1940s. In good original condition with p...
Pine
Adjustable Artist Stool in Oak and Patinated Leather, Denmark, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Artist stool in beech and patinated leather, designed and made in Denmark. Great condition.
Leather, Beech
Midcentury Stool Model PH43 Designed by Poul Hundevad, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in oak and patinated leather, designed and made by Poul Hundevad. Made in Denmark 1950s
Leather, Oak
$2,558 / item
Ingvar Hildingsson stools, Sweden
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sheepskin stool produced by Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Signed "IH". Designed 1970s. Set of 4 available, listed price is for a single stool.
Elm
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Stool by Fritz Hansen, Denmark
By Fritz Hansen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Poul Kjærholm PK 91 Stool by Fritz Hansen, Denmark The PK91 stool by Poul Kjærholm, made by Fritz Hansen, folds up in one smooth move—perfect for ...
Steel
Danish Modern Oak Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s.
By Peder Kristensen, Glyngøre Stolefabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak and Papercord Stool by Peder Kristensen for Glyngøre Stolefabrik, 1960s. Danish Mid-Century Modern footstool in solid oak with woven Danish paper cord seat Model No...
Papercord, Oak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Model Lukki Stool for Artek Celebration Model, 2015
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Ilmari Tapiovaara model Lukki stool for Artek, celebration model. Birch, beech and steel. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Ilmari Tapiovaara design...
Steel
Scandinavian Modern Swivel Working Stool in Steel & Leather by KEVI, Denmark
By Kevi
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage swivel office stool in steel and leather manufactured by KEVI, Denmark in the 1960s. The chair can be height adjusted. This model was produced in limited numbers and is a rar...
Steel
Hingvar Hildingsson stool made in birch circa 1980. Sweden.
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Hingvar Hildingsson stool made in birch circa 1980. Produced in Sweden, the stool is stamp and marked by the artist. Dimensions : H: 34 cm / L: 24 cm.Ingvar Hildingsson stool are bas...
Birch
Mid-Century Danish Tripod Stool in Beech, Reupholstered in Lambswool, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Danish modern tripod stool in solid beech, reupholstered seat long haired lambswool. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in the 1960s. A great object for the Scandinavian interior home...
Wool, Lambskin, Sheepskin, Beech
Swedish Stool in Pine by Torsten Claeson, 1930s
Located in Karlstad, SE
A rare stool in pine by Torsten Claeson, Sweden. This stool was presented in 1939 at the Röhsska Museum as "sports cottage furniture"; a type of furniture that became popular at the...
Pine
In Between Sk7 Counter Stool, Black Lacquered Oak by Sami Kallio for &Tradition
Located in Dubai, AE
Inspired by the Scandinavian heritage of design and furniture craftmanship, In Between is a result of Sami Kallio’s solid grounding in traditional wood- working techniques and his ey...
Oak
Danish Modern Stool / Sidetable in Teakwood and Black Leather, 1960s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Cool little stool or side table made in Denmark in the 1960s. The stool is made from solid Bangkok teakwood with an amazing grain. It featur...
Leather, Teak
Swedish Mid Century Wooden Low Tripod Stool in Pine Produced in Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare wooden mid century three legged low stool in pine produced in Sweden 1960s. In good original condition. Stamped "SG" under neath the seating. Dimensions: H: 33 cm / 13" Diamet...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Stool by Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, 1950
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian stool of Olof Kettunen to J. Merivaara Oy, circa 1950. Red lacquered plywood seat. Black lacquered steel foot. Original paint. Has its labels.
Plywood
Midcentury Stool in Oak, Made in Denmark 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated oak, designed made by a danish cabinetmaker.
Oak
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3)
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Arne Jacobsen 'Egg' Footstool for Fritz Hansen in Leather Upholstery (Cat. 3). Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timele...
Metal, Aluminum
Scandinavian Bar Stool 'Lavitta' 75 by Poiat, Dark Oak
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Counter stool Lavitta 75 by Poiat Designers: Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Lavitta 2020 Model shown: Dark oak Dimensions: H. 75 x 50 x 44 cm The latest member of t...
Oak
Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak and Brass Bench Stool, Denmark 1960
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century Teak bench stool Denmark 1960 solid and stable metal base. brass details.
Metal, Brass
Vintage Danish Teak Footstools by Sigfred Omann for Ølholm 1950s .Set of 2.
By Sigfred Omann, Ølholm Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak footstools by sigfred Omann for Ølholm Møbelfabrik 1950s Set of 2. Pair of identical Danish Scandinavian Modern foot rests manufactured by Ølholm Møbelfabrik, Den...
Teak
Antti Nurmesniemi 'Sauna' Stools Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 4 ‘Sauna’ stools designed by Antti Nurmesniemi. Produced in Finland.
Birch