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
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.
Henning Kjærnulf, Oak Sideboard, Danish Mid-Century, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner, Arne Vodder
Located in Odense, DK
A sculptural Danish Modern sideboard / credenza designed by Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Crafted in solid oak, the piece features the designer’s ch...
Brass
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Credenza with Tambour sliding doors
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Brande Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare and refined sideboard signed by the famous Danish designer IB Kofod-Larsen for Brandes Møbelfabrik, a Scandinavian design classic of the 1950s. Made of teak, this piece has a mi...
Birch, Teak
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Low Chest or Bench Style of Kai Kristiansen
Located in Topeka, KS
Marvelous vintage Scandinavian Modern teak low chest or bench composed in the style of Kai Kristiansen. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will ...
Teak
Weave 196, Credenza from Ringvide. Solid Oak wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave 196 Oak natural oil Weave credenza, made of solid oak wood and laminated oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scandinavian...
Birch
Weave Double Sided Credenza, from Ringvide, Oak Wood, Natural Oil
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Double sided Credenza, made of solid birch wood and veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the Weave serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén...
Birch, Oak
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Long Teak Credenza or Dresser by Westnofa
Located in Philadelphia, PA
You can use this in any room of the house! A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction made by Westnofa Furniture in Europe. It features a sleek front with 6 dee...
Teak
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern sliding door Teak Credenza by Ib-Kofod Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern sliding door Teak Credenza by Ib-Kofod Larsen. Great sized credenza with 3 front sliding doors that have sculpted finger pulls. Behind the doors are 2 Adjus...
Teak
Weave Bedside 60 from Ringvide, Birch wood natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet mod...
Birch, Oak
$4,875Sale Price|25% Off
Beautiful Scandinavian modern teak credenza by Fredrik Kayser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Scandinavian modern teak credenza by Fredrik Kayser. Amazing construction with 3 sliding doors with 2 adjustable shelves and 3 drawers on the right behind them. Sits on a s...
Birch, Teak
Kurt Østervig Sideboard in Walnut
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Kurt Østervig, sideboard, walnut, Denmark, 1950s Sophisticated walnut sideboard by Kurt Østervig. The quality of this piece is reflected in the very well made seamless wood joints a...
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Danish Long Teak Credenza with Tambour Doors
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A beautifully designed teak credenza with top notch construction. It features two sliding tambour doors, two drawers and two shelf spaces. Marked made in Denmark. Original clean cond...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Rosewood Credenza Sideboard with drawers and Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Rosewood high Credenza Sideboard with 3 storage drawers and Cabinet with Adjustable shelves. Has 4 felt lined drawers. Made circa 1960s. Very clean inside and out ...
Birch, Rosewood, Pine
$3,000Sale Price|25% Off
Danish Modern teak credenza with sliding doors by ib Kofod Larsen
By Faarup Møbelfabrik, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern credenza with sliding doors and 3 adjustable shelves by ib Kofod Larsen. Circular door slide handles. Minimalist design. Made By Faarup Møbelfabrik made in Denmark. Loc...
Teak
Ib Kofod Larsen Teak Credenza for Faarup Mobelfabrik Model 66
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in San Diego, CA
A masterwork of Danish modern design, this Ib Kofod Larsen Model 66 Credenza by legendary designer Ib Kofod Larsen for Faarup Møbelfabrik exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and sc...
Teak
$1,398Sale Price|50% Off
Danish Teak Wood Sideboard with 19 Drawers, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Teak wood sideboard, has 19 internal drawers and three sliding doors; The external doors are equipped with a key lock. Danish design, 1970s. Conditions: In good condition, it show...
Teak
$7,600Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Swedish Sculptural Dresser, William Hinn
Located in Riverdale, NY
Wonderful curved and sculptural dresser or credenza from the 1950s Sweden with an exposed biomorphic frame of exquisitely hand-sculpted solid walnut...
Walnut
Henning Kjærnulf for EG Møbler, Solid Oak Sideboard, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Henning Kjærnulf, Arne Vodder
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful mid-century sideboard designed by Henry Kjærnulf for EG Kvalitetsmøbel, crafted in solid oak during the 1960s–70s. This piece exemplifies the refined Scandinavian design ...
Oak
Weave 196, Credenza from Ringvide. Solid Birch wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave 196 Birch natural oil Weave credenza, made of solid birch wood and laminated birch veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scand...
Birch
Midcentury Danish Modern Sideboard Credenza by Sannemannn Moble. Circa 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Credenza Sideboard by Sannemannn Mobler, Denmark. Circa 1980s Features a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Design, with clean lines and a b...
Teak
Swedish sideboard model "Primo" for Breo Möbler, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak sideboard with three doors and integrated top drawers, clean lines and slender legs. "Primo" model, Breo Möbler production, Sweden, 1960s. Scandinavian 1960s sideboard model "P...
Oak, Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Credenza with 3 Sliding Doors, 1970s Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern Teak credenza with 3 sliding doors and (2) felt lined drawers with interior shelving. Nice light teak and modern danish design. Has carved inset handles on all 3 slidin...
Teak
Rosewood Tambour Door Credenza by Dyrlund
By Dyrlund
Located in Denton, TX
Rare Danish modern rosewood tambour door credenza with center dovetailed drawer section and adjustable shelf on each side.
Mahogany, Oak, Rosewood
Peter Løvig Nielsen Teak Credenza, Hand-Crafted Scandinavian Modern
Located in Round Top, TX
Teak credenza with center adjustable shelf. Beautiful original condition and ready to use. Amazing grain throughout, with original sticker to finished back; Denmark 1960s. Designed ...
Teak
Danish Brutalist Oak Credenza or Console Henning Kjaernulf
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Danish Brutalist Oak Credenza or Console by Henning Kjaernulf. Shelves behind doors. 79.5w 19.5d 34h
Oak
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Unique Mid century danish modern teak credenza with key
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern teak credenza with key. This teak credenza features (2) center cabinet doors with curved handles that has a center shelf behind it. Also has a symmetrical d...
Birch, Teak
Credenza from Ringvide, Weave Frame, Birch Wood, natural oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Credenza, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designe...
Birch, Oak
Red 4-Door Customizable Low Sideboard in Wood, Design Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Landivy, FR
This 4-door sideboard is presented here in ash wood and is also available in French oak. No assembly is required from your side, our furniture is fully mounted in our workshop. 2 he...
Ash, Wood
$2,997Sale Price|50% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern 4 door teak credenza sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Scandinavian modern teak credenza sideboard. Made in Norway, c. 1965. Wonderful light teak wood with (4) upper short drawers and (4) lower cabinet doors. The ca...
Birch, Teak
1950's Scandinavian Brazilian Rosewood Sideboard with Center Bar
By Bruno Hansen
Located in Oakland, CA
This handcrafted Danish sideboard from the 1950s is made of dark Brazilian rosewood with stunning grain patterns. The sliding doors open to reveal a center bar with an interior light...
Rosewood
$2,000Sale Price|50% Off
Mid century Scandinavian Danish 3 door painted credenza with Key
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian Danish 3 door painted credenza or sideboard. Has 3 top drawers with 3 lower doors with Key. Behind doors are 3 flat drawers and 4 adjustable shelves. All solid Oak custo...
Oak, Lacquer
$4,800 / item
1980s Danish Modern Rosewood Credenza by Drylund
By Drylund
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous and functional Danish Modern Credenza by Drylund, circa 1980. The piece has three functional cabinets, with the right two designed with open bays and the left with 4 spaciou...
Wood
Credenza from Ringvide. Weave Frame, oak wood, natural oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Sideboard, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas...
Birch, Oak
Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson 'Öresund' in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Karl Andersson & Söner, 'Öresund' cabinet, Oregon pine, Denmark, 1960s A neat and uncomplicated sideboard designed by the Danish master Børge Mogensen in the sixt...
Pine
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Sculptural Danish Teak H.P. Hansen Sideboard Credenza
By H.P. Hansen
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid Century Modern sideboard credenza by H.P. Hansen in teak, circa 1960s, made in Denmark. This showcase piece features sliding doors accessorized with sculptural handles. Offers pl...
Teak
Pair of Mid Century Scandinavian Sideboards in Teak and Rattan by Alf Svensson
By Alf Svensson, Bjästa Möbelfabrik
Located in Karlstad, SE
Two sleek and sophisticated sideboards, crafted by the renowned designer Alf Svensson and produced by the esteemed Bjästa Möbelfabrik of Sweden, gracefully adorn this piece from the ...
Teak, Rattan
Weave Bedside 45 from Ringvide, Birch wood, black oil, Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave bedside table Bedside table, made of solid birch wood and laminated birchveneér or solid oak wood and oak veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet mod...
Birch, Oak
Hansen & Pedersen, Danish Mid Century Modern, Freestanding Teak Credenza, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning Danish Modern freestanding sideboard / credenza by Hansen & Pedersen, crafted in the 1960s from warm, rich teak wood. The piece features sliding doors with organically sha...
Ceramic, Teak
$3,375Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian modern 3 door blonde maple credenza by Skovby Denmark
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern 3 door blonde maple credenza by Skovby. This credenza has very simple design and lines in blonde maple finish. Has 3 front cabinet doors with drawers and adjustab...
Maple
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century danish modern low wide Teak Dresser credenza 4-Drawer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century low wide Kibaek Mobelfabrik teak tabour door credenza or dresser. This credenza has 1 drawer and 2 shelves on left and on the right is 3 drawers behind the tambour slidin...
Teak
Danish credenza designed by Hans Olsen for Bramin Møbelfabrik, Denmark.
By Hans Olsen
Located in Oakland, CA
Designed by Hans Olsen, this credenza is handcrafted from old-growth teak. It features four drawers with recessed pulls and two sliding cabinet doors with beautifully book-matched gr...
Teak
Danish Mid Century Oak Brutalist Credenza Gangso Mobler
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rare Poul H. Poulsen for Gangsø Møbler oak sideboard credenza circa 1970s, with large ceramic tile fronted doors. 84.5w 18d 30h
Ceramic, Oak
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Credenza by Axel Christensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Credenza by Axel Christensen. Very clean and elegant credenza in teak with 4 sliding doors and adjustable shelves with 4 felt lined flatware drawers. U...
Birch, Teak
Hans Wegner Oak and Rattan Credenza for RY Mobler
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner design oak and rattan credenza for RY Mobler, Denmark. High quality materials and construction technique by the master of Danish furniture design. Fitted interior compris...
Rattan, Oak
1970s Danish Highboard by Henning Kjærnulf with Carved Oak Details
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Striking highboard in oak with rich carved details. ByHenry Kjærnulf. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with Mid-Century Modernism. Made by EG møbler in t...
Oak
Weave double sided credenza, from Ringvide. Birch wood, natural oil.
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave Double sided Credenza, made of solid wood and veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the credenza serves as a great example of Scandinavian contemporary design. Designed...
Birch, Oak
1960's Mid-century Danish Teak Credenza with Doors and Drawers
Located in Oakland, CA
1960s Danish teak credenza crafted with three sliding doors and series of four drawers, each adorned with angled triangular pulls, raised on tapered legs. The interior is made of cub...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Oak Credenza Model 21 by Gunni Omann
By Gunni Omann
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid century Long low Danish modern Oak credenza or sideboard Model 21 By Gunni Omann. Has 2 sliding front doors and behind them is 4 drawers with felt on the left and adjus...
Birch, Oak
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century danish modern rosewood credenza with bookcase shelf unit
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century danish modern tall rosewood credenza with bookcase has Key. Lower (2) door credenza with (4) drawers the other side has adjustable shelves. The top tall wall unit bookcas...
Rosewood
Credenza from Ringvide, Weave Frame, Birch Wood, black oil. Scandinavian
By Lukas Dahlén
Located in Visby, SE
Weave frame Credenza, made of solid wood and laminated veneér. Modern yet classic, bold yet modest the cabinet serves as a great example of scandinavian contemporary design. Designed by Lukas Dahlén. The minimal yet expressive sideboard weave is made of solid birchwood and birchveneér. Inspired by the most common kind of wood and weed weaving the Weave sideboard...
Birch, Oak
IB Kofod-Larsen Rosewood Sideboard, Mfg. Faarup Mobelfabrik / Denmark 1960s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Faarup Møbelfabrik
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Rosewood credenza designed by IB Kofod-Larsen for Faarup Mobelfabrik. Very Rare model. Circa 1960’s. Retains original finish and patina, The book-match rosewood graining is ...
Rosewood
Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen Cabinet and Side Chairs
Located in Oakland, CA
An elegant three-piece ensemble, handcrafted in Denmark by master cabinetmaker Rud. Rasmussen. The collection includes a traditional Scandinavian cabinet in Oak, showcasing dramatic ...
Oak
Vintage MCM Danish Arne Hovmand-Olsen Teak Credenza
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This exceptional Mid-Century Modern credenza is a quintessential example of Danish design by the renowned Arne Hovmand-Olsen. Crafted from richly grained teak wood, the piece showcas...
Teak
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Desk in Walnut for Gubi
By Gubi, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Glendale, CA
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Desk in Walnut for Gubi Designed by Grossman in 1952, but named the 62 desk as it was deemed to be ten years ahead of its time, this is an autho...
Steel
Borge Mogensen Cabinet Credenza with Sliding Doors Scandinavian Modern Oak Teak
Located in Chicago, IL
Borge Mogensen chest of drawers. Oak and Teak. Measures: 33"H x 53"W x 22"D Two sliding doors The interior on one side has three removable treys, the other side contains two shel...
Steel
Scandinavian vintage oak sideboard with tin drawers
Located in Brescia, IT
Oak sideboard with hinged doors and tin side drawers with a clean, geometric design typical of the 1960s/70s. Scandinavian oak sideboard made in the 1960s/70s, characterized by sobe...
Oak
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Excellent Gunni Omann Teak Credenza for Axel Christiansen Danish Modern
By Gunni Omann
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Excellent teak credenza designed by Gunni Omann for Axel Christiansen. Super long at 95" this piece has tons of storage space with fully adjustable shelves and four dovetailed drawer...
Teak
Otto Schulz Sideboard, Circa 1930-40
By Otto Schulz
Located in New York, NY
A Swedish credenza and mirror by Otto Schulz (1882-1970), Produced by BOET, Stained birch and birch of rectangular form with three narrow drawers above three deep drawers, the deep d...
Birch
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Six-Drawer Dresser
By Gubi, Greta Magnusson Grossman
Located in Glendale, CA
Greta Magnusson Grossman 'Series 62' Six-Drawer Dresser Designed by Grossman in 1952, but named the '62 dresser as it was deemed to be ten years ahead of i...
Steel
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Beautiful Mid Century Danish Modern Teak 2 tier Credenza Sideboard Cabinet
By Arne Vodder, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful Mid Century Danish Modern Teak 2 tier Credenza Sideboard Cabinet. Top section features three sliding doors with concave circle pulls revealing 5 drawers on the left and adj...
Birch, Teak
Vintage walnut sideboard 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
German production 1960s walnut, with three doors and drawers: warm grain, horizontal lines, low carved legs. German production from the 1960s, walnut sideboard with a desoign that e...
Nutwood