Skip to main content

Scandinavian Modern Posters

SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE

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

  • 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

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
to
1
1
1
1
9
7
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens Poster Copenhagen, Denmark, 1981
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Bjorn Wiinblad Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen, Denmark framed poster. Vintage poster printed by Permed & Rosengreen and designed by Bjorn Wiinblad depicting an harlequin advertising Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, the colors are bold and vivid. Bjorn Wiinblad poster...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Original 1950s Aqua-Lung U.S. Divers Company Scuba Diving Poster
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This is a rare scuba diving poster from the US Divers Company. We have three different posters available. Please see our other items. Framed posters in pi...
Category

1950s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage School Chart, a German Poster Depicting the Human Flea, Early 1900's
Located in Langweer, NL
This school chart has been made by Dr. Schlüter & Dr. Mass. The German title of this poster is "Der Menschenfloh" Von Prof. Dr. A. Hase. Verlag von Paul Parey in Berlin. Early 1900's...
Category

Early 20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Linen

"Colorado" Vintage United Airlines Travel Poster by Joseph Feher
By Joseph Feher
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Offered is a vintage travel poster for United Airlines from the 1950s. This advertisement poster shows Colorado as one of United Airlines' alluring travel destinations. The design features a scene of Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs. The work was designed by artist Joseph Feher...
Category

1950s North American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Original 1902 American Playhouse Poster
By U.S. Litho Company
Located in Peekskill, NY
This was an estate find and part of a beautiful collection of rare excellent turn of the century posters. They were hidden away for over a 100 years. About the poster: You'd think that a play called 'The New Baby' might feature said child in its promotional material. But here's the thing, there really isn't a baby at the center of the comedy, and that's the crux of this entertainment. The plot concerns a husband who is so bored with country life that he dreams up the idea of having an illegitimate son in London as a way to get into town for an occasional 'night off'. When his wife decides that the child should be adopted, the expected comic tissue of falsehoods and misunderstandings frays and hilarity ensues. Adapted from German by A. Bourchier, the farce opened in London in 1896 to what a local critic termed 'much mirth'. Several years later, when the play had crossed the Atlantic and entered the repertory of David de Wolf - cleverly called the Baby's 'chaperone' on the poster - and his troupe of travelling players, that understated review was translated into the more American howling success'. The cast and director would've been totally unfamiliar with the British hinterlands, so this splendid design concentrates on the hi-jinks of the characters and their situation.' At the start of the 20th century, America was in the full glory of its cultural adolescence, bursting with energy and optimism. In 1900 in New York there were 33 legitimate Broadway theatres, and many more would be built within the next decade to meet growing audience demand. New York's exploding population was also enjoying increased mobility. In 1904, the city opened its first underground commuter railroad lines. Thanks to these 'subways,' tens of thousands living far from the theatre district could catch a Broadway show and still sleep in their own beds. Add in the ever-increasing numbers of tourists who came into the city by rail and steamship, and it was easy to see why Broadway could now support more productions and longer runs than ever before.' We believe this magnificent and awe inspiring poster typifies the best of musical history and musical posters...
Category

Early 20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1979 New York City Stuyvesant High School Spring Concert Poster
Located in Garnerville, NY
Stuyvesant High School concert poster. Bright rainbow background with black lettering. Circa 1979. The Annual Spring Concert...Good overall condition with wear commensurate with age ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage 1972 Munich Olympics poster by Jacob Lawrence
Located in Los Angeles, CA
W25.5 H40.5 Original vintage poster from the germany olympics for the year 1972. Poster shows well overall with no major areas of wear, minor scratches and areas of distress have b...
Category

1970s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1955 Picasso Exhibition Poster
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1955 Musee des Arts Decoratifs Picasso exhibition poster. Printed by Mourlot. Dimensions: 27.25"H x 19.5"W.
Category

1950s French Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1955 Picasso Exhibition Poster
1955 Picasso Exhibition Poster
H 27.25 in W 19.5 in D 2 in
"More Ships- Come on! War Savings are Warships..." Vintage WWII British Poster
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a vintage WWII British War Savings Poster. This colorful blue and yellow poster features a British bulldog wearing an HMS Victory sailor cap. S...
Category

1940s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Italian Re-Release James Bond 'Thunderball' Poster, c.1971
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A rare and original Italian re-release (1971) poster by Rotopress Roma from the James Bond 007 blockbuster, Thunderball. Thunderball is a 1965 spy film and the fourth in the James Bo...
Category

20th Century Italian Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Vintage Airline Poster of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand, ca.1960
Located in Langweer, NL
Vintage poster of New Zealand / Go There by NAC. Wellington: R.E. Owen, ca. 1960s. Photographic lithograph of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

1967 Hopetown International Moto Cross Poster by Earl Newman
By Earl Newman
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A vintage 1967 Dirt Diggers Hopetown motorcycle Grand Prix and International Moto Cross poster by California artist Earl Newman. Signed in the plate this was one of the earliest uses...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Poster West McLaren Mercedes, FIA FORMULA 1, 1998
Located in Manzano, IT
Poster West McLaren Mercedes, FIA FORMULA 1, 1998 H107 x W76 x D1.5 - Kg5 Style Italiano moderno Periodo del design 1990 – 1999 Production Period 1990 – 1999 Year Manufactured 1998 C...
Category

1990s Italian Scandinavian Modern Posters

Materials

Iron

Scandinavian Modern posters for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern posters for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage posters created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with paper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern posters made in a specific country, there are Denmark, Europe, and Scandinavia pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original posters, popular names associated with this style include and Bjørn Wiinblad. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for posters differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,950 and tops out at $1,950 while the average work can sell for $1,950.

Recently Viewed

View All