Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Loveseats
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Birch
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Rosewood
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Beech
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Fur, Wood, Upholstery
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather, Maple
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Lambskin
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Lambskin
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Oak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Wood, Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather
Vintage 1960s German Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Brass
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather, Mahogany, Teak
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Steel
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Rosewood, Leather
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Beech
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1950s European Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Beech
Vintage 1940s European Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Beech
20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Late 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Sheepskin, Wood
Vintage 1970s Swiss Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Steel
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather, Beech
Vintage 1980s Swiss Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Teak
Vintage 1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Sheepskin, Oak
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Loveseats
Leather
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Chenille, Hardwood
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Sofas
Leather, Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Settees
Leather, Oak
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Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Loveseats For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Scandinavian Modern Animal Skin Loveseats?
A Close Look at Scandinavian Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
Finding the Right Loveseats for You
Antique and vintage loveseats are functional and totally charming furniture in homes large and small these days. They first appeared in the 17th and 18th centuries, though they were not yet known by this endearing term.
These petite, two-seat sofas were originally intended to comfortably sit a woman clad in what were the era’s large and elaborate dresses — ornate hooped garments with copious folds of fabric, embroidery and lace. However, because the original seats featured just enough space for two, they quickly became popular for couples that were courting. Loveseats meant that the couples could engage in close conversation, but furniture makers ensured that there was enough space between sitters to prioritize modesty.
In the early days of loveseats, the furnishings were minimalist in appearance and could often be found in an s-shape, with the two sides facing each other. The spare seating was initially little more than a wooden bench, as loveseats weren’t yet upholstered or cushioned. Design of the seating evolved over time, and this wide chair was eventually padded and tufted for comfort. During the 1800s, loveseats were a luxurious addition to the homes of the wealthy, and even today, antique 19th-century loveseats are still quite alluring. In any lavishly decorated parlor of the Victorian era, you might find a pair of partygoers tucked into a particularly plush iteration of these cozy perches, one boasting arched crests of carved mahogany over its sculpted seats, with front cabriole legs resolving in paw feet.
In modern homes, loveseats — even antique Victorian loveseats — pair well with oversize sofas or are ideal replacements for sofas, particularly if you’re working on organizing and furnishing a smaller space. A loveseat is a stylish addition to a home library or a reading nook and can easily be situated at the foot of the bed in your bedroom. In the living room, you may wish to position your vintage loveseat and couch around a central focal point, such as a distinguishing architectural feature or a fireplace. But be sure to leave some walking room between your seating and any nearby coffee tables or side tables. Allow for around two feet for guests to pass between a couch and chair or loveseat and at least a foot between a loveseat and coffee table.
Find a wide variety of antique, new and vintage loveseats today on 1stDibs.
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