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.
$610Sale Price / item|50% Off
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Hardwood Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Bernt Petersen
Located in London, GB
1960s Bernt Peterson, 3 Large Mahogany Side-Tables, Made by Rud Rasmussen. In great structural condition. Re-polishing in progress.
Hardwood
1950s Arne Hovmand-Olsen Pair of Teak Side Tables
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in London, GB
Arne Hovmand-Olsen: A pair of teak side tables. Manufactured and marked by Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik, 1950's. H. 46 cm. L. 39 cm. W. 36 cm. (2) Restoration and Re-polishing included in...
Teak
French Designer Handcrafted Pedestal Table in Solid Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Pedestal table is designed by the famous designer Eric Gizard in Paris. Used most of the time to display your valuable items, Eric likes thinking about it also as a sculptor's s...
Ash
$2,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 3 Danish Scandinavian Modern Teak Pedestal Plant Stand End Side Tables
By FBJ Møbler
Located in Wayne, NJ
Danish modern set of 3 teak pedestals , plant stands , small side or accent tables If you are in the New Jersey, New York City Metro Area, please contact us with your delivery zipco...
Teak
$2,440Sale Price / set|40% Off
Nest of Three Solid Wood Tables, One Large and Two Small
Located in London, GB
Nest of Three Solid Wood Tables, One Large and Two Small. Two sets available. Large table H. 53. L. 87. W. 38 cm. The other tables (x2) H. 49. L. 40. W. 38 cm.
Hardwood
$2,441
H 43.2 in W 11.8 in D 11.8 in
Stylish and Great Antique, Ebonized Flower, Plant or Sculpture Stand / Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Wonderful column for displaying a work of art or otherwise. This antique and attractive design pedestal is perfect for showcasing an antique sculpture, vase or bust. Most colors wil...
Wood, Beech, Paint
$1,600 / item
H 18.9 in Dm 17.72 in
Tree Trunk Side Table Solid Mango Wood Bleached Finish Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully organic round side table. Its neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. This table was crafted from a solid trunk of mango wood. To achiev...
Wood, Fruitwood
$2,080 / item
H 25.6 in Dm 17.72 in
Tree Trunk Side Table Solid Mango Wood Natural Finish Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully organic round side table. Its neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. This table was crafted from a solid trunk of mango wood. The mix o...
Wood, Fruitwood
Tree Trunk Side Table Solid Teak Wood Natural Finish Modern Organic
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
A wonderfully organic round side table. Its neutral pigment and subtle wood texture makes it perfect for any space. This table was crafted fro...
Wood, Teak
$2,731
H 40.1 in W 12 in D 12 in
Antique Early 1900s Hand Carved Oak Pedestal Display Stand, Floral Sculptered
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning display column with a warm and beautiful patina. If you are looking for an antique column pedestal for displaying a vase, a plant, ...
Oak
Mango Wood Pedestal or Side Table Burnt Finish
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This mango wood pedestal was burnt multiple times and the finished with a clear coat to achieve its color. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases or other items...
Teak
Grain Painted Side Table / Pedestal
Located in Seattle, WA
Faux painted side table or stand with generous shelf behind door. great detail all the way around.
Wood, Paint
$2,673
H 46 in Dm 25.5 in
Classical Style and Hand-Painted Antique Wooden Display Stand Column Pedestal
Located in Lisse, NL
Large, impressive and all handcrafted, 19th century wooden column. Thanks to its classical and perfectly geometrical design, this column pedestal can be used and enjoyed in all kind...
Pine
$1,295 / set
H 20 in W 23 in D 16 in
Vintage Danish Trio Teak Nesting Tables Attributed to Arne Hovmand-Olsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This lovely set of three nesting tables in teak are not only handsome, they are incredibly versatile. With curved corners, raised edges, and exquisite joinery, they offer several sub...
Teak
Secession Plant Stand
Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj
Secession plant stand with brass fittings. Professionally stained and repolished.
Brass
Teak Wood Pedestal Crafted in Java, Indonesia
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
This teak wood pedestal was crafted by moulding 4 blocks of solid teak wood together. A strong and robust pedestal that is both beautiful on its own or displaying sculptures, vases o...
Teak
$1,594Sale Price|30% Off
H 29.53 in Dm 17.33 in
19th Century French Pedestal Table in Veneered Wood Louis XV Style
Located in Sofia, BG
Elegant round pedestal table in veneered wood and bronze elements, arched legs joined by a crotch plate, built-in marble tray, Louis XV style. France, circa 1870. Measures: H 75, D...
Mahogany
Vintage Brass Antler Table Base by Arthur Court
By Arthur Court
Located in Oakland, CA
A striking Mid-century table base by Arthur Court, crafted from cast aluminum with a polished brass finish. Designed in the form of buck antlers, this sculptural piece brings bold fo...
Brass
Solid Elm Side Tables / Pedestals from Denmark
Located in Oakland, CA
Chunky solid elm small side tables or pedestals, a wonderful architectural form that can be used for an multitude of uses in the interior, these were directly imported from Denmark.
Elm
Sold
H 35.5 in Dm 19.5 in
Tall Mid Century Danish Modern Round Circular Teak Drum Table / Display Pedestal
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A simple clean modern pedestal table from Denmark circa 1960's. It features beautiful grained teak wood construction. Great versatile piece in very good condition.
Teak
Swedish plant stand table 1970’s
Located in Valby, 84
Uncommon side table made in Sweden in the 1970’s made to be used as a plant stand or to have your favorite vase standing. The vase is made out of several turned wooden pieces by a skilled Swedish craftsman in solid beech wood. The table has similarities to the bobbin furniture...
Beech
Swedish plant stand table 1970’s
Located in Valby, 84
Uncommon side table made in Sweden in the 1970’s made to be used as a plant stand or to have your favorite vase standing. The vase is made out of several turned wooden pieces by a skilled Swedish craftsman in solid beech wood. The table has similarities to the bobbin furniture...
Beech
Sold
H 24.41 in Dm 12.6 in
Pair of Danish Modern Tables by Edmund Jørgensen in Beech and Walnut, 1950s
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful pair of beech and walnut plywood two-tier side tables by cabinetmaker Edmund Jørgensen made in the early 1950s at his own workshop in Copenhagen, Denmark. Each table has tw...
Beech, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Pedestal Style Side Table
Located in Trenton, NJ
Vintage Modern Rosewood Pedestal Table Dimensions: 18w 12d 23.5h Condition: age appropriate wear, vintage finish worn, scuffs/scratches, edge wear, discoloration, see photos.
Rosewood
Swedish Pedestalsin Marble & Metal by Sven Sahlberg for Fröseke
By Fröseke 2, Sven Sahlberg
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Lovely pedestal designed by Sven Sahlberg, manufactured by AB Nybrofabriken, Fröseke in Sweden during the 1950s. The table is made from black Belgian marble slab with black plastic...
Belgian Black Marble, Metal
Frits Henningsen Side Table of Elm
Located in London, GB
Frits Henningsen side able of Elm. Not restored to retain vintage appearance. Is structurally sound and good. Frits Henningsen (1889-1965) was and is known for his uncompromising and perfectionist approach to craftsmanship, his vibrant character and powerful designs. Today, several works of his are considered to be among the finest of the Danish furniture made in the 20th century ? and for good reason. After graduating, Henningsen traveled to work in Germany, France and England, which gave him the opportunity to capture expressions from each culture and stylistic idiom which he later reinterpreted with a more modern twist. Henningsen was known as an uncompromising designer and, unlike many other furniture designers of the time, he always crafted his own furniture, which he began in 1915 after having returned to Copenhagen from his travels abroad. Inspired by the Rococo, French Empire and 17th century English...
Elm
Frits Henningsen Side Table of Elm
Located in London, GB
Frits Henningsen side table of Elm. Not restored to retain vintage appearance. Is structurally sound and good. Frits Henningsen (1889-1965) was and is known for his uncompromising and perfectionist approach to craftsmanship, his vibrant character and powerful designs. Today, several works of his are considered to be among the finest of the Danish furniture made in the 20th century ? and for good reason. After graduating, Henningsen traveled to work in Germany, France and England, which gave him the opportunity to capture expressions from each culture and stylistic idiom which he later reinterpreted with a more modern twist. Henningsen was known as an uncompromising designer and, unlike many other furniture designers of the time, he always crafted his own furniture, which he began in 1915 after having returned to Copenhagen from his travels abroad. Inspired by the Rococo, French Empire and 17th...
Elm
Swedish Pedestals in Marble & Metal by Sven Sahlberg for Fröseke
By Fröseke 2
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Lovely pair of pedestal designed by Sven Sahlberg, manufactured by AB Nybrofabriken, Fröseke in Sweden during the 1950s. The tables are made from black Belgian marble slab with bla...
Belgian Black Marble, Metal
Sold
H 16.54 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
20th Mid Century Night Stands / Pedestals in Pine, Made by Danish Cabinetmaker
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Scandinavian night stands / side tables in solid pine, made in Denmark, ca 1970s. The night stands are nicely patinated and in a good vintage condition.
Pine