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Scandinavian Modern Vanities

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
Petite Danish Modern Teak Mirrored Vanity by Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Petite, Danish modern, teak vanity, dressing table by Arne Vodder for Ølholm Møebelfabrik features compass legs, black glass top and tilt...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Glass, Mirror, Teak

Coiffeuse - Wrighton - Anglais
By F. Wrighton & Sons Ltd
Located in ESTRABLIN, FR
Élégante coiffeuse de la marque anglaise Wrighton en teck datant des années 1960. Poignées en teck massif aux formes organiques, typiques du style scandinave. Petit format avec plusi...
Category

1960s English Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Hardwood

Niels Clausen Danish Rosewood Petite Vanity
Located in Oakland, CA
Brazilian rosewood vanity by Niels Clausen, 1958, Denmark. This petite vanity with tilting mirror is crafted of beautifully grained Brazilian rosewood with a raised edge, two pull-ou...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Scandinavian dressing table with mirror
Located in Brescia, IT
Grooming scandinavian vintage with mirror. Its slender, square legs add a light, modern touch, while the rounded corners of the tabletop give it a cozy, delicate look. One detail ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Teak

Midcentury Modern Wall Mounted Dressing Table from Luxus, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful wall dressing table by Uno and Östen Kristiansson, made from oak. Cool details in the joinery and the sculpted handles on the drawers.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Rare Alvar Aalto Dressing Table, circa 1930
Located in Dronten, NL
Almost a century later, from its original days of manufacturing, a dressing table designed by Alvar Aalto is extremely hard to find. This particular piece is completely original, wh...
Category

1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Birch

Danish Dressing Table in Teak by Melvin Mikkelsen 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Dressing table in teak by Melvin Mikkelsen Møbler Denmark, 1960s. All in original condition. Very good quality.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Teak

Danish Dressing Table in Navy Blue Leather and Red Lacquered Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dressing table, leather, glass, wood, Denmark, 1940s. With a dark blue leather surface with red lines this dressing table has a rare texture and appearance. The front with two stora...
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Leather, Glass, Wood

Vintage Danish Mid Century Modern Teak Vanity
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a rare Scandinavian modern vanity in teak with its mirror manufactured in Denmark in the 1960's. This lovely piece, recently imported from Europe to California before its ref...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Teak

Scandinavian Dressing Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dressing or vanity table, teak, mirror, Scandinavia, 1950s. This refined, delicate dressing table is made in Scandinavia in the 1950s. The piece features the quintessential bow tie ...
Category

1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Teak

Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Teak Vanity Table with Mirror
Located in Helsinki, FI
Vanity / dressing table in teak and oak. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Oak, Teak

Carl Malmsten Birgitta 1950s Oak Dressing Table
Located in London, GB
Carl Malmsten Birgitta dressing table, 1964 Exquisite dressing table produced by Bodafors, Sweden in oak. Adjustable mirror with brass fittings, 3 front drawers with original k...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Oak

Vintage IKEA Teak Vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Teak vanity by Arne Wahl Iversen for Ikea, circa 1960s. Compact vanity with solid wood trim and dovetail construction. Platform lifts to reveal mirror and fitted interior storage. U...
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Teak

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Teak Dressing Table with Mirror&Hand Painted Tabletop
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
The modernist dressing table with a mirror was made in Scandinavia during the 1960s. It is finished with teak wood in a warm shade of brown. It has two drawers. A mirror is in a geom...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Teak

Set of Vanity with Mirror in Mahogany and Brass by Frode Holm, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of Vanity with Mirror in Mahogany and Brass by Frode Holm, 1950s Additional Information: Material: Mahogany, brass Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Produced by Illums Boligh...
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mahogany

Danish Modern Teak Three Drawer Vanity Chest by Nils Jonsson
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern dresser chest in teak designed by Nils Jonsson circa 1960s. Equipped with three storage drawers accessorized with sculpted inset pulls and dovetail construction. Features a hidden mirror...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Teak

Dressing Table by Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dressing table by Aksel Kjersgaard, made from oak. Cool, graphic lines. Mirror with three sections, foldable. Nice, round sculpted handle drawers.
Category

1960s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Vintage Danish Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Vanity by Sigfred Omann
Located in San Marcos, CA
Here is a stunning dressing table/vanity in rosewood designed by Sigfred Omann in the 1960's and manufactured in Denmark. Beautiful rosewood grain through. This exquisite piece feat...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Unique Cabinetmaker Rosewood Dressing Table Made in Denmark circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Freestanding Brazilian rosewood ladie's desk, frame with oblique stretchers. Front with two drawers, above pull-out writing leaf. Top with three drawers, room for storage and two cab...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dark Wood Dressing Table with Oblong Mirror, 1970s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist dressing table with a mirror was manufactured in Sweden during the 70s. The console was finished with dark rosewood with very strong structure and distinctive graining. It makes this piece look very decorative and luxurious. The piece of furniture has three deep drawers with metal handles and two flat shelves...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Metal

Rare Midcentury Vanitie Designed by Halvdan Petterson, Made in Sweden
Located in Lejre, DK
Vanitie in mahogany and vinyl with brass hardware. Designed by Halvdan Petterson for Tibro Furniture. Made in Sweden in the 1940s. Great original con...
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Brass

EM Desk by DUVALD Contemporary Vanity Desk Handcrafted in Denmark. Mirror.
Located in Gentofte, DK
EM Desk manifests a unique design language and functionality, combining in one desk both work and vanity with an elegant and soft aesthetic expression. This exclusive hand crafted pi...
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Other

Carl-Johan Boman Vanity Produced by Boman Oy in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare freestanding vanity designed by Carl-Johan Boman. Produced by Boman Oy in Finland. Dimensions (W x D x H): 106 x 50 x 113,5 ( 65 ) cm.
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Ash

Vanity Attributed to Frode Holm Produced by Illums Bolighus in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare vanity attributed to Frode Holm. Produced by Illums Bolighus in Denmark. Measure: Height 128 (70.5) cm.
Category

1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Steel

Vanity Table by Edward Wormley
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A cherry dressing table or vanity, with a beautifully bevelled drawer, Lucite pull and gallery edges, over double-forked base with chromed suppor...
Category

1960s American Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Steel

Original Bureau / Vanity in teak by Børge Mogensen, Denmark.
Located in København K, DK
Hidden bureau / drawer with a fold up mirror, in teak with oak legs. Designed in the 1950s by Børge Mogensen and manufactured by Søborg Møbler, Denmark. Depth when open 84 cm
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Oak, Teak

Kai Kristiansen Danish Modern Rosewood Vanity for Aksel Kjersgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern vanity dressing table in rosewood designed by Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark. Features sleek circular recessed pulls that open three dovetail storage drawers and includes one center fixed shelf. The floating mirror is adjustable and accessorized with chrome plated steel hardware. This versatile piece fits as a bedroom vanity or small office desk...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Steel, Brass

Scandinavian Modern Santos Rosewood Dressing Table and Stool
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This little dresser is stunning quality with two drawers, very much in the style of Arne Vodder with 'bow tie' handles. the right hand drawer having a deep area for storing your make...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Kai Kristiansen 1950s Rosewood Dressing Table
Located in London, GB
Kai Kristiansen Model 40 Rosewood Dressing table with folding 3-piece mirror. This dressing table was made from highly figured exotic rosewood by Aksel Kje...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Rosewood

Danish 1960s Rosewood Dressing Table and Stool
Located in London, GB
Danish Cabinetmaker Dressing table, circa 1960 Dressing table made from highly figured exotic rosewood with fold-down mirror on brass fittings. Matching rosewood stool reuphols...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Vanities

Materials

Hardwood

Scandinavian Modern vanities for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern vanities for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage vanities created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with hardwood, teak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern vanities 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 vanities, popular names associated with this style include Arne Wahl Iversen, Aksel Kjersgaard, Ikea, and Carl Malmsten. 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 vanities differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,495 and tops out at $5,451 while the average work can sell for $1,495.

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