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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. 

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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: Early 1900s
Art Noveau Bronze vase by Gerda Backlund, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Art Noveau vase in patinated bronze, designed by Gerda Backlund. Slender, curvesome form with relief decor of grasses draping around the base, unfolding ferns around the to...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Art Noveau Bronze vase by Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Art Noveau vase in black patinated bronze, designed by Hugo Elmqvist. Elegant clean form with relief decor of leaves, flowers and dragonflies around the mouth.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Art Noveau Bronze vase by Hugo Elmqvist, Sweden, ca 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Art Noveau vase in patinated bronze, designed by Hugo Elmqvist. Stately form with a heavy base, decorated with a dynamic relief of seaweed and crabs.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Bookcase Solid in Patinated Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great origi...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Martin Nyrop, Desk, Oak, Brass, Denmark, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and brass desk, designed and produced for the Copenhagen City Hall by Martin Nyrop Denmark, c. 1900
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish Antique Chest of Drawers in Black Painted Pine Produced in Early 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare antique cabinet / chest of drawers in later black painted pine wood produced in Sweden early 1900s. In good vintage condition with small sign...
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Herman Kähler, Vase, Glazed Earthenware, Denmark, C. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed earthenware vase with a floral motif, designed and produced by Herman Kähler, Denmark, c. 1900.  
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Herman Kähler, Vase, Glazed Earthenware, Denmark, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed earthenware vase with a floral motif, designed and produced by Herman Kähler, Denmark, c. 1900.   
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Herman A. Kähler Table Lamp
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler table lamp in partly glazed ceramic.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Tall Cabinet in Solid Patinated Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Tall cabinet in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great o...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Stool Solid in Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Stool in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great original...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Bookcase in Solid Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great origi...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Rare Wall Display Cabinet in Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Very rare wall display cabinet in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Bispebjerg hospital in 1913. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabin...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine, Glass

Bookcase Solid in Patinated Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great origi...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Bookcase Solid in Patinated Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Bookcase in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great origi...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Herman A. Kähler Vase
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler vase in glazed stoneware. Signed.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Herman A. Kähler Table Lamp
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler table lamp in partly glazed ceramic.  
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Herman A. Kähler Table Lamp
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler table lamp in partly glazed ceramic.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Early Modern Side Chair in Patinated Mahogany in Style of Fritz Hansen, Denmark.
Located in Odense, DK
Charming side chair from around 1900. The chair is made from solid mahogany with a stunning patina. In the style of Martin Nyrop, Fritz Hansen and other early Danish Modernism. Great...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Swedish Craft, Farmers Low Table or Bench, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A pine low table or bench designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Original Magazine Rack Designed Thonet, Model No 1
Located in Lejre, DK
Magazine rack in beechwood. Designed by Thonet, 1900s. Made in Austria. Great original condition.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Beech

Antique Anatomical Chart Architecture of the Human Anatomy by E. Hoelemann
Located in Atlanta, GA
A great antique anatomical chart depicting the different sense organs. the chart is sheet number VI as part of the architecture of human anato...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Paper

Rug Designed by Emma Salzman, Finland, Early 1900s
By Emma Salzman
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rug designed by Emma Salzman, Finland, early 1900's. Rya technique. Handwoven wool. Measurements: H: 349 cm/ 11' 5 7/16" W. 185 cm/ 6 26/32"
Category

Early 1900s Finnish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Wool

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1965 Danish Arne Jacobsen Saint Catherines Desk in Oak by Fritz Hansen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Arne Jacobsen Saint Catherines Desk in Oak by Fritz Hansen The desks are marked with a Fritz Hansen label from July 1965 and have...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

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Swedish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Pine, Sweden, 1900s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine chest of drawers designed and produced in Sweden c. 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Mogens Koch Four Bookcases for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch four bookcases in pine. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DANMARK.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

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Mogens Koch Four Bookcases for Rud Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Four Bookcases for Rud Rasmussen
H 29.93 in W 119.69 in D 10.83 in
French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
Located in London, GB
This French 1900's Oak child's school desk is a rare find that exudes immense character. The desk bears the markings of many children who have used it over the years, adding to its c...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak

French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
French, Oak Child's School Desk c. 1900's
H 29.14 in W 20.48 in D 19.3 in
Mogens Koch Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch two wall-mounted bookcases of mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mogens Koch Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
H 14.97 in W 29.93 in D 10.83 in
Painted Swedish Provincial Rococo Display Cabinet
Located in Washington, DC
Original blue paint, carved wood display cabinet with unique original display shelving. Very sturdy cabinet in two pieces. Original shelvin...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Brass

Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch three bookcases in mahogany + plinths. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. The reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 11.03 in
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900
Located in Delft, NL
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 20 cm hig...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Glass

Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch three bookcases in mahogany + plinths. Executed by Rud. Rasmussen. The reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/COPENHAGEN/...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
Mogens Koch Three Bookcases for Rud, Rasmussen
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 11.03 in
Mogens Koch Bookcases in Mahogany for Rud. Rasmussen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Mogens Koch pair of bookcases in mahogany. Executed by Rud Rasmussen. Reverse with paper labels ‘RUD. RASMUSSENS/SNEDKERIER/KØBENHAVN/DENMARK.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Bronze Art Deco Vase by SVM Handarbete, Sweden, 1930s
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by SVM, Svenska Metallverken AB, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. Stamped 'HANDARBETE' ...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak & Oak Writing Desk
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak & oak Danish desk, circa 1950's. Oak frame contrasts beautifully with the book matched teak veneer top. Finished on both sides, place this in the center of a room and it will lo...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Oak, Teak

Previously Available Items
Early 20th Century Carved Wood Settee
Located in London, GB
A carved wood long settee. Sweden, Circa 1900 75 cm high by 205 cm wide by 57 cm depth, seat height 47 cm.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Early 20th Century Carved Wood Settee
Early 20th Century Carved Wood Settee
H 29.53 in W 80.71 in D 22.45 in
Table Pine and Patinated Leather Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Table in pine and patinated leather. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great or...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Pine

Swedish Designer, Etagere, Pine, Sweden, c. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A solid pine etagere or small shelf designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1900.
Category

Early 1900s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Desk in Mahogany and Patinated Leather, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in mahogany and patinated leather. Designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Martin Nyrop Cabinet, Rud. Rasmussen, Model "6433" in Solid Pine, Danish Modern
Located in Odense, DK
Large cabinet by Danish architect Martin Nyrop (1849-1921) for cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen in 1905. Model '6433' in solid pine. This cabinet was designed for Copenhagen City hall ...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Tall Cabinet in Solid Patinated Pine Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Tall cabinet in patinated solid pine. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great o...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

Table in Pine and Patinated Leather Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Table in pine and patinated leather. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers.  
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Pine

Herman A. Kähler Vase
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler vase in glazed stoneware. With silver mounting. Signed.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Herman A. Kähler Vase
Herman A. Kähler Vase
H 2.56 in Dm 2.96 in
Desk Pine and Patinated Leather Designed by Martin Nyrop for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Desk in pine and patinated leather. Designed by MAA. Martin Nyrop as interior for Copenhagen town hall in 1905. Made in Denmark by Cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen cabinetmakers. Great ori...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Leather, Pine

Herman A. Kähler Vase
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Herman A. Kähler vase in glazed stoneware. Signed.
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Herman A. Kähler Vase
Herman A. Kähler Vase
H 4.93 in Dm 5.12 in
Herman Kähler, Large Vase, Green Glazed Earthenware, Denmark, C. 1900
Located in High Point, NC
A very large vase. Designed and produced by Herman Kähler. Signed HAK. As is Kählers signature, the clay was sourced on the island of Bornholm. On this vase, a green glaze has been applied. Kähler is an important ceramicist known for his modern designs inspired mainly by Danish folk art...
Category

Early 1900s Danish Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

Martin Nyrop Cabinet, Rud. Rasmussen, Model "6433" in Solid Pine, Danish Modern
Located in Odense, DK
Large cabinet by Danish architect Martin Nyrop (1849-1921) for cabinetmakers Rud. Rasmussen in 1905. Model '6433' in solid pine. This cabinet was designed for Copenhagen City hall ...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Scandinavian Modern Furniture

Materials

Pine

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.

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