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.
$1,890 / item
Chapman Double Unit Storage Cabinet Walnut White
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Anne Modular Cabinet by Anne Krook for Horreds, Sweden, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
The Anne modular cabinet designed by Anne Krook for Horreds in Sweden during the 1990s forms part of a highly adaptable Scandinavian storage system defined by clarity, proportion, an...
Glass, Acrylic, Wood, Lacquer
$13,500 / item
Sliding Door Case by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian modern modular cabinet by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Made of solid Burmese teak and features sliding doors, one fixed shelf and two adjustable shelves. D...
Sycamore, Teak
$1,890 / item
Chapman Double Unit Storage Cabinet Maple White
Located in Cincinnati, US
One unit or four? Doors or drawers? Go sexy with black and walnut or keep it light and fun with maple and pink? The chapman credenza allows you the freedom to choose exactly what sui...
Steel
Niels Clausen Rosewood Nightstand c1960s
Located in London, England
Rarely seen and highly collectible bedside cabinet from Niels Clausen for his own company NC Mobler. This piece has solid turned rosewood legs with a cabinet built from oak and venee...
Rosewood
Master Cabinet in Teak by Marianne Von Münchow
By Marianne von Munchow, David Blomberg
Located in Hägersten, SE
Cabinet designed by Marianne von Münchow. Made by Master cabinetmaker, possibly at Sala Möbelfabrik. Made mostly of solid teak: doors, legs and sides. Incredibly well made with a lot...
Brass
Office Cabinet with Bookcase
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian cabinet made of teak and oak. An original piece of furniture whose special feature is the drop-down opening of the doors. The cabinet was originally con...
Oak, Teak
Peter J. Lassen, Cover Cabinet, 01 White Suspension Rail, Montana, Denmark.
By Montana
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The COVER cabinet have two cabinet doors with two shelves inside. The cabinet is one of Montana's classic storage solutions and is an ideal fit for any room in your home. The cabin...
Wood
$7,114 / item
Oak Sideboard Cabinet
Located in Paris, FR
Crafted from high-quality and certified materials, his gorgeous sculptural Oak sideboard emphasizes the traditional joinery techniques. With the structure and interiors in 100% so...
Oak
$2,578Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Rosewood & Green Felt Highboard with Bar
By Jens Ærthøj Jensen
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This large cabinet was designed by Ærthøj Jensen and Tage Mølholm for the Danish Herning factory during the 1960s. It is made of noble rosewood. The dark color of the wood contrasts perfectly with the lighter door elements. The piece of furniture has four shelves, a closed cabinet with smaller shelves and a vertically closed bar...
Metal
$3,400 / set
Hansen & Guldborg Designed Rosewood Cabinets
By HG Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This exquisite pair of vintage modern cabinets feature a rich rosewood finish, beech interiors, and spacious storage options for any interior. Unique array of adjustable shelves and ...
Rosewood
$12,000 / set
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Teak Cabinets
By Soborg Mobler, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen design cabinets for Soborg Mobler, Denmark. Rare pair of solid teak cabinets with adjustable interior shelves and attractive sliding doors. Origin...
Teak
Antique Cabinet Made In Hand Polished Mahogany With Intarsia From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
Antique cabinet from the 1920s, crafted in hand-polished mahogany with detailed fruitwood inlay. This beautiful cabinet combines high-quality materials with the classic craftsmanship...
Mahogany
Mogens Koch Cabinets and Bookcases in Oak for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets and bookcases in oak Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/45 NØ...
Oak
Mogens Koch Cabinets and Bookcases in Oregon Pine for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinets and bookcases in Oregon pine. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKER...
Pine
Häkli Mid-Century Birch Cabinet, Finland 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Finnish mid-century linen cabinet by Häkli, showcasing clean lines and practical design. The cabinet features a compact yet spacious form with two doors opening to a well-organized i...
Birch
$3,082Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto Cabinet 217 Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 217 cabinet with sliding doors, from 1950s by Alvar Aalto. In wonderful condition. The cabinet has one large shelf inside. The Artek 217 cabinet, desi...
Wood
French 1-door 3-drawer tobacco leaf colored wooden sideboard by E. Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each dr...
Wood, Ash
French handcrafted 1-door 3-drawer wooden red sideboard by E. Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each dr...
Wood, Ash
Cabinet with Tambour Door by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak cabinet with a drop down tambour door concealing letter trays, filing compartment and shelving.
Oak
Red customizable handcrafted 2-door wooden cabinet by E. Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French designer 2-door light yellow customizable high wooden small sideboard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French designer 2-door chocolate gray customizable high wooden small sideboard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal 2-door light blue high wooden cabinet, by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door tobacco colored low wooden cabinet, designed by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door red low wooden cabinet, designed in Paris by Eric Gizard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
2-door chocolate gray low wooden customizable cabinet, handcrafted in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door dark blue low wooden customizable cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door gray blue low wooden customizable cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door sea-blue low wooden customizable cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door light-blue low wooden customizable cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French 2-door white low wooden customizable cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard, Paris and 100% handcrafted in France. It is made of French solid ash wood, veneer adh and lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 door...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal 1-door 3-drawer green low wooden sideboard by E. Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French handcrafted 3-drawer yellow low wooden cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal designer 1 door 3-drawer light gray low wooden cabinet
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal design 1 door 3-drawer dark blue low wooden cabinet
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal 1 door 3-drawer white low wooden small sideboard
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French artisanal 1 door 3-drawer gray blue low wooden cabinet
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer sideboard is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each ...
Wood, Ash
French designer artisanal chocolate-gray 1-door 3-drawer wooden cabinet
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 1-door and 3-drawer cabinet is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid ash wood, veneer and lacquered doors in MDF panels. Each door and each dr...
Wood, Ash
Cabinet with Sliding Doors in Light Mahogany of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This cabinet with sliding doors in light mahogany is a characteristic example of Danish design from the 1960s. With its elegant and functional design, it fits perfectly with the peri...
Mahogany
Jens Risom Cabinet in Rosewood Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark
By Jens Risom
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare small cabinet designed by Jens Risom. Produced by Gutenberghus in Denmark. Large desk is also available.
Steel
Mogens Koch Cabinet for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch cabinet in Oregon Pine. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DANMARK.
Pine
File Cabinet Attributed to Arne Vodder Produced by Vamo Sønderborg in Denmark
By Arne Vodder
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare file cabinet attributed to Arne Vodder. Produced by Vamo Sønderborg in Denmark.
Oak, Teak
$6,106 / set
Two Cabinets by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Two cabinets in ash by Mogens Koch. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/DENMARK.
Ash
Scandinavian Designer Black Natural Wood Cabinet Dry Bar
Located in Paris, FR
This Bar Cabinet pays tribute to the National Spirit of Scandinavia. Elegant piece through the characteristic wooden slats, the creased lines and the smooth architectural design. All in perfect harmony with the necessary functionalities of a bar cabinet, evidencing 2 shelves with bottle storage height and depth for larger objects and the lower shelve for smaller objects such as glasses. This cabinet is made of sustainable birch plywood using CNC cut with innovating waste efficiency technology. We are using the highest quality woods with natural non-toxic glues and paint. This piece is assembled and finished by professional craftsmen. We offer free shipping to Europe...
Birch
French 2-Door Wooden Customizable TV Cabinet - design E. Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This TV stand with 2 sliding doors is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid and veneer ash and lacquered MDF doors. T...
Ash
Sea Blue Scandinavian 2 Door Wardrobe Cabinet in Ash Wood
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
Shelf Cabinet designed by the parisian Designer Eric Gizard is equipped with 2 adjustable lacquered shelves and 2 doors with a push loose opening. The Kube itself (without the fe...
Wood, Ash
White 2-Door Cabinet ÉGÉE in Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
Shelf Cabinet designed by the parisian Designer Eric Gizard is equipped with 2 adjustable lacquered shelves and 2 doors with a push loose opening. Measures: The Kube itself (with...
Wood, Ash
French handcrafted white wooden 2-Door TV cabinet, design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This TV stand with 2 sliding doors is designed by Eric Gizard - Paris. It is 100% made in France with solid and veneer ash and lacquered MDF doors. To pull the door, use the r...
Ash
French handcrafted white 2-door scandinavian cabinet by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This 2-door sideboard is 100% made in France in ash and with lacquered doors in MDF panels. The 2 doors open with a "push-to-release" pressure. A shelf in solid ash is placed b...
Ash
Axel Bäck Cabinet Produced by Eksjö Möbelfabrik in Sweden
By Axel Bäck
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare cabinet designed by Axel Bäck. Produced by Eksjö Möbelfabrik in Sweden.
Brass
Scandinavian modern style Porto Tv Cabinet made with walnut and iron, Handmade
Located in Seroa, PT
The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design. Symmetry is a key feature of the Porto collection, with each piece designed to cr...
Iron
MELT Cabinet in Gradient Stained Pine by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
In the MELT cabinets industrially treated pine transforms into an unique art composition. The cabinet has been inspired by metamorphosis of the movement of water. By melting the ice ...
Pine
$11,068 / item
MELT Cabinet in untreated pine by Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Fiskars, FI
In the MELT cabinets industrially treated pine transforms into an unique art composition. The cabinet has been inspired by metamorphosis of the movement of water. By melting the ice ...
Pine
Laulu, Scandinavian Modern Design Wooden Cabinet with Matti Klenell
Located in Halikko, Finland
Thanks to the skilled CNC wood milling know-how in the made by Choice factory, located outside Salo in a building once used by the Finnish home electronics co...
Birch
Mogens Koch Set of Cabinets in Pine for Rud, Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch set of three cabinets in Pine. Removabel drawers in Maple. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Maple, Pine
Four-Drawer Office Cabinet Attributed to Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A birch cabinet resting on a recessed plinth base with four (4) drawers that lock and have integrated pulls. Designed in the 1940s and produced for decades, this cabinet was likely p...
Birch
Scandinavian modern Ryan Tv Cabinet made with walnut and iron, Handmade
Located in Seroa, PT
The Ryan collection is a design concept that is truly unique and inspiring. This collection embodies the Nordic design aesthetic, blending a differentiated tactile sensation that will set it apart from any other collection. Thanks to its Nordic design, the Ryan TV cabinet...
Iron
Mogens Koch Cabinet for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch wall-mounted cabinet in pine. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen Reverse with paper label ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DANMARK.
Pine
Modular Floor Cabinet by Ejner Larsen Aksel Bender Madsen for Willy Beck, 1950s
By Willy Beck, Ejner Larsen, Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant, finely crafted and spare modular floor cabinet in solid rich teak having an upper section with adjustable open shelves and three floating dra...
Teak