Skip to main content

Scandinavian Modern Furniture

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
190
to
15
158
31
190
190
190
1,765
1,350
229
103
78
58
48
46
31
29
28
19
19
18
14
12
10
33
136
26,526
5,151
376
21,607
3,421
23
13
154
1,283
2,083
4,995
8,564
2,290
426
60
52
45
38
29
185
161
98
61
13
13
9
7
6
5
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1990s
Danish Rosewood Circular Dining Table
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish dining table, circa 1990's. Sculpted pedestal base opens with the table top to increase the stability when extended. Perfect for 4 or 6 guests! Restoration unavailab...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Rosewood

Painting by Sven Hansson, Wood Relief on Paper, Sweden, 1997
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Sven Hansson, Sweden. 1997. Wood relief on paper. H: 39 cm/ 15 3/8'' W: 60 cm/ 2' Working in a purely geometric, non-figurative style, Sven Hansson was a Swedish paint...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paper

1990s Set of Eight Johannes Foersom Armchairs in Steel and Beech by Paustian
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of eight Danish stackable Johannes Foersom armchairs designed in 1998 in tube steel, beech, chrome and black leather made by Paustian. The chairs feature elegant organic round...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Steel

Tall Ceramic Floor Urn by Eva Bengtsson, Sweden, 1990s, Taupe, Vessel, Stoneware
By Eva Bengtsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor urn by Eva Bengtsson, Sweden, 1990s. Stoneware.
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Jan Loman Original Screen #7, 1994
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition. Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category

1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Jan Loman Original Screen #3, 1994
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signed Jan Loman original screen from his 1994 exposition. Jan Loman was born in Bolsward in 1918 and passed away in Beetsterzwaag at the age of 88. Loman was a sculptor, graphic...
Category

1990s Dutch Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Mats Theselius for Källemo AB Limited Edition 'Järn Mocca' Lounge Chair
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair, suede, patinated iron, stained beech, Sweden, after 1994 This distinct 'Järn/Mocca' lounge chair is created by the Swedis...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Miniature Vase, 1990's
Located in Delft, NL
Unique miniature vase by Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda. Collectable.
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 6 x "Mikado - chairs" by Foersom & Hiort -Lorenzen for Frederica
Located in Kiel, SH
a set of six sculptural chairs by Foersom & Hiort_Lorenenzen for Fredericia in used condition. Some chairs have small spots on it.
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

1990s Lisa Norinder Pair of Wooden Stools for Ikea, Sweden
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of beech plywood - Good/very good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Mats Theselius for Källemo Limited Edition Lounge Chair Älgskinnsfåtölj’
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mats Theselius for Källemo AB, lounge chair ‘Älgskinnsfåtölj’, patinated iron, stained beech, leather, Sweden, 1991. This distinct 'Älgskinnsfåtölj' lounge chair of Mats Theseli...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pair of Poul Kjaerholm PK15 Dining Office Chairs in Ash & Leather by PP Møbler
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Poul Kjærholm "PK15" dining office chairs in ash and brown leather upholstered seats. In good condition with light patina from age and use. Both chairs were produced by ...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Ash

Checkered Ceramic Stoneware Bowl by Thord Karlsson Produced in Sweden, 1990s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare checkered stoneware bowl by the Swedish ceramist Thord Karlsson produced in his own studio at Gotland, 1990s. In good original condition. Signed. Dimensions: 10.5 cm / 4.10" ...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Stoneware

Swedish Tripod Wooden Low Stool in Stained Pine
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and very nice wooden low tripod stool in stained pine produced by Bergsjö Sweden, 1990s. In good original condition. H: 33 cm / 13" Diameter: 27 cm 10.65"
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Bjørn Wiinblad for The Blue House. Large ceramic bowl shaped like a bird.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad (1918-2006) for Det Blå Hus (The Blue House), Denmark. Large unique ceramic bowl shaped like a bird. Glazed in green and yellow tones. Model S2. Signed and dated '94....
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

1990s Lisa Norinder Pair of Wooden Stools for Ikea, Sweden
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of beech plywood - Good/very good original condition with minor signs of use
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Bjørn Wiinblad for The Blue House. Ceramic plant pot holder shaped like a bird.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Bjørn Wiinblad (1918-2006) for Det Blå Hus (The Blue House), Denmark. Unique ceramic plant pot holder shaped like a bird. Glazed in green and yello...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Lion miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 8cm W, 6.5cm H, 2.5cm D Condition: Mint Period: 1990’s Material: Glass Color: Orange
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Postmodern Plywood Stacking Chairs with Bended Steel Back Legs for Ikea, 1990s
By IKEA
Located in Den Haag, ZH
These vintage postmodern chairs were designed for Ikea in the 1990s. Undeniably the designer must have been inspired by the Ligne Roset RIO dining chairs...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Chrome

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda miniature sculpture Bird , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda miniature sculpture Bird , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden Egg miniature sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien fo Kosta Boda Sweden miniature sculpture Stair ”Entrance” 1993
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta boda Sweden Miniature sculpture Fish , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 9cm W, 4.5cm H, 2.5cm D Period: 1990’s Condition: Mint Material: Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Secretary desk 1152M in solid oak, Dyrlund, Denmark, 1990's
Located in La Tour-de-Peilz, CH
Without ever skimping on quality, this company, founded in 1960, once again shows the high level of standards that it applies to all its achievements. If Dyrlund prides itself on ha...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Oak

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Ceiling Pendant Verona 485 by Sven Middelboe, 1990s
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Scandinavian Modern ceiling pendant Verona 485 by Sven Middelboe, 1990s. Large pendant in white aluminium with seven circular shades, each shade is angled so the light is ref...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Round vase With Green Glass Clock, Designed By Lene Regius From 1990s
Located in Lejre, DK
Lene Regius' round vase with black top, green glaze and orange patterned engravings from around the 1990s represents a unique period in ceramic design. The...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Henrik Tengler Armchairs, Model Chairman
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Henrik Tengler armchairs in steel and backrest of mahogany. Upholstered with original red leather. Made by Hansen & Sørensen.
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Stainless Steel

Unique Modern Finnish Design Armchair
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is most definitely an unusual design for a Finnish armchair. It is the only piece we have seen, and even though we did extensive research to identify the designer, we couldn´t. ...
Category

1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Birch

Tripod Stool in solid Pine wood by Gröning Design Sweden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful Tripod Stool designed in the manner of Ingvar Hildingsson, Sweden. Solid pine wood and finished with a clear lacquer. The stool is in very good condition and stamped with G...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda vase ‘Oktober’ , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 12,5cm W, 7,5cm D, 23cm H Condition: Good Material: Glass Designer: Kjell Engman Manufacturer: Kosta Boda
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Satellite bowl , 1990’s Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 21,5cm diameter, 12,5cm H Condition: Mint Material: Glass Designer: Bertil Vallien Manufacturer: Kosta Boda
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Danish Modern Cherry CH24 Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, 1990s
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Cherry CH24 Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner, 1990s. Designed in 1949 by Danish designer Hans Jørgensen Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, ...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Cherry

Finn Pedersen Painting Oil on Wood
By Finn Pedersen
Located in Valby, 84
Painting by the danish artist Finn Pedersen. The painting is made with oil paint on wood and carries the original frame, the painting is signed by Fin...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wood

Trinidad Teak Dining Chairs by Nanna Ditzel 1990s Set of 8
Located in Asaa, DK
Trinidad teak dining chairs by Nanna Ditzel for Fredericia Stolefabrik Denmark 1990s When designing the Trinidad Chair Model 3298 in 199...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Teak

Christa Julin Ceramic Bowl
Located in Valby, 84
Unique Christa Julin ceramic bowl made by the Danish ceramic artist Christa Julin in the 1990s. The bowl is in good condition with a beautiful blue glaze, the glaze has a great stru...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Unique Wooden Floor Toteme Sculpture in a Wabi Sabi and Brutalist Style
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and great decorative wooden toteme sculpture in a wabi sabi and primitive style with a black stained foot. In good condition. Goes well with mid century modern furniture...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Driftwood

Desk model Copenhague CPH90 in oak designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, 1990s
By HAY
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk model Copenhague CPH90 in oak designed by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec manufactured by Hay. H: 75 W: 130 D: 65
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Brains Head orange glass
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Brains Head orange glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Boat Atelier Collection limited edition
Located in Delft, NL
Signed: On top Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien On the Bottom: Atelier 949009 / 1000 Dimensions: 17,5cm W, 4cmH, 5,5cmD With stand : 7,5cm H, 6,5cm D, 10 cm...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 2 Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda vase and candle stick
Located in Delft, NL
Set of 2 Gunnel Sahlin for Kosta Boda vase and candle stick
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden - Headman Blue
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda - Headman Blue
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Carlos R Pebaque vaas zweden 1993
Located in Delft, NL
Designer: Carlos R Pebaque Producer: Carlos R Pebaque Dimensions: 13 cm H x 15cm diameter Period: 1960’s Material: Glass Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture my heart , 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Sweden mini sculpture , 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Carlos Pebaque glass sculpture presse papier , 1990's Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 13cm H , 12cm Diameter Condition: Mint
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass presse papier Artist Collection
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 5cm H, 8cm Diameter Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden Manufacturer: Kosta Boda Designer: Bertil vallien Material : Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 2 Monica Backstrom for Kosta boda Sweden Moonlanding vases
Located in Delft, NL
Designer: Monica Backstom Producer: Kosta Boda Material: Glass Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

1990's Large Art Glass Bowl 'Cancan Series' by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Beautiful large melange art glass in orange and blue bowl designed by Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda in the 1990's from the 'Cancan' series. Allover in very good condition. The bowl is ...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Monica Backström unique glass sculpture, Kosta Boda, Sweden
Located in Delft, NL
Monica Backström unique glass sculpture, Kosta Boda, Sweden
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda sweden glass presse papier
Located in Delft, NL
Dimensions: 9cmW, 7cmD, 4,5cmH Condition: Mint Origin: Sweden Manufacturer: Kosta Boda Designer: Bertil vallien Material : Glass
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda Glas ‘Together’ Sculpture Limited edition
Located in Delft, NL
Clear glass with enclosed polychrome decoration of face, heart and two copper figures. Signed KOSTA BODA Glue. Ed 250, produced in a maximum of 250 copies. Dimensions: 21 cm H, 14cm...
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Kosta Boda leaf bowl by Ludvig Löfgren
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage Kosta Boda leaf bowl by Ludvig Löfgren
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass boat sculpture Limited edition Voyage
Located in Delft, NL
Bertil Vallien for Kosta Boda glass boat sculpture Limited edition Voyage
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden High Heel Shoe on Pillow figurine
Located in Delft, NL
Kjell Engman for Kosta Boda Sweden High Heel Shoe on Pillow figurine
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Poul Henningsen and Kurt Nørregaard Grand 'LP Centrum' Pendant
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul Henningsen and Kurt Nørregaard for Louis Poulsen, pendant 'LP Centrum', aluminum, Denmark, 1990 This illuminating fixture was meticulously crafted using the mathematical 'Lituu...
Category

1990s Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Monica backstrom for Kosta Boda Presse papier, 1990’s
Located in Delft, NL
Monica backstrom for Kosta Boda Presse papier, 1990’s
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Kjell Engman Art Glass Carafe, Late 1990s, 1999
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
Art glass carafe by Kjell Engman at Kosta-Boda, Sweden, late 1990s. Filigree glass with yellow base and body, purple neck and red handle. Measures: Height 9.5"(24cm), width 5.3" (13....
Category

1990s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Scandinavian Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, lighting, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Rörstrand, and Rug & Kilim. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $12 and tops out at $350,000 while the average work can sell for $2,379.

Recently Viewed

View All