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.
Swedish, Candelabras, Masur Birch, Brass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and Masur birch candlesticks designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Signed "Signe". Holds three 0.75” diameter candles Overall Dimensions (inches): 7.0"H x 7.75...
Brass
Danish Designer, Small Candelabra, Silver Plate, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small silver plate candelabra designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 10.75” H x 8.5” diameter Holds 1” diameter candles
Silver Plate
$272Sale Price|60% Off
Handmade Scandinavian Modern Wooden Candelabra by Patrik Qvist, Sweden
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Handmade Scandinavian Modern wood candelabra by local artisan Patrik Qvist in small town Brålanda. Brass inserts for five candles, and interchanging circular and lined shapes. Beauti...
Wood
Walter Andersson, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed by Walter Andersson and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds .8” candles.
Brass
$845Sale Price|20% Off
Extra Large Modernist Vintage Sculptural Brutalist Metal Candleholder, Austria
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: solid metal handmade Decade: 1960s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was p...
Metal
Ystad Metall, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
By Ystad-Metall
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designed and produced by Ystad Metall, Sweden, 1940s. Holds .75" diameter candles.
Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Hold 0.35” diameter candle
Metal, Brass
Modernist Sculptural Auböck Style Brutalist Brass Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Brass Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. It i...
Copper
Hans Bergström, Candelabra "Ofir Octav" by Ateljé Lyktan, Scandinavian Modern
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Stockholm, SE
Hans BERGSTRÖM & Anders PEHRSON (1910-1996 & 1912-1982) for Ateljé Lyktan, Åhus. Sweden 1960/70s. Candelabra, model Ofir Octav in white lacquered metal with brass details and gla...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Candelabras Model 8013 by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland, 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Karis, Nyland
A refined pair of Model 8013 candelabras designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in the 1930s. Executed in nickel-plated brass, these elegant three-arm candleholders captur...
Brass, Nickel
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A black-painted iron candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. holds .9” diameter candles.
Iron
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Elm, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and elm candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.8” diameter candles
Brass
Swedish Designer, Small Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A small brass and black-painted metal chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Uses .4” candles.
Metal, Brass
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Copper, Elm, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A copper and elm candelabra designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Hold 0.65” diameter candles
Copper
Pair of Vintage Brass Candlesticks by Skultuna. Sweden, 1940s.
By Pierre Forssell, Josef Frank, Svenskt Tenn, Pierre Forsell, Skultuna
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of vintage beautiful brass candle holders with amazing patina. For ordinary (22 mm.) or large candles (50 mm.). Made by Skultuna Messingsbruk, Sweden, 1940s. Great original condition. Can be polished if you prefer that. Stamped with makers mark. Skultuna Messingsbruk, often just called Skultuna, is one of Sweden’s oldest industrial companies — in fact, one of the oldest still active manufacturers in the world. It was founded in 1607 by King Karl IX. The location for the factory was chosen carefully: it is in Skultuna, near Västerås, where the brook Svartån provides water power, there was access to raw materials (copper from the mine at Falun), and ample wood for charcoal. From the start, the foundry made things like brass plates, candlesticks, chandeliers, combining craft and design. Some early pieces are still preserved — for example, the oldest known Skultuna chandelier...
Brass
$560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Gunnar Ander Candelabras for Ystad Metall, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Gunnar Ander candelabras in metal with bronze tops. Manufactured by Ystad Metall. 1970s.
Metal, Bronze
Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Cast Iron, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted cast iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Fits 0.45” diameter candle
Iron
Josef Frank Vänskapsknuten Brass Candelabra for Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Josef Frank designed Vänskapsknuten (the Knot of Friendship) as a symbol of friendship and peace at a time when Europe was filled with turmoil. The very first sketch of the candelabr...
Brass
Large Pair of Just Andersen Style Six-Arm Hand Forged Iron Scrolled Candelabrum
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Wide Pair of Norwegian Modern handcrafted six branch scrolled black iron candlesticks, in the manner of Just Andersen. With Iron bobeches for c...
Iron
Gunnar Cyren Candle Holder
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish cast iron candleholder designed by Gunnar Cyren, circa 1960 Denmark. Candle Holder features eight candles sticks. Excellent condition with minor signs of age and use. Measure...
Iron
Swedish Designer, Candelabras, Iron, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of iron candelabras designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. fits 0.75” diameter candles
Iron
Swedish Designer, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra designer and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Holds .5” candles.
Brass
Gusums Bruk Attribution, Candelabra, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass candelabra attributed to Gusums Bruk, Sweden, c. 1940s. Hold 0.75” diameter candles
Brass
Kähler Gingerbread Advent Candleholder - Scandinavian Ceramic Design
By Kähler
Located in New York, NY
A tasteful Christmas classic in handcrafted ceramics shaped by tradition. Kähler Gingerbread is a series of modern gingerbread houses and ornaments from Kähler, where the combination...
Ceramic
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron Swivel 7 Arm Candle Holder. Featuring a enameled black cast iron tree form with adjustable an...
Brass, Iron
Danish designer. Brass candelabrum with eight curved arms. 1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Danish designer. Brass candelabrum with eight curved arms, trumpet-shaped holders and conical base. Manufacturer / retailer: Illums Bolighus, Denmark. Origin: Denmark. Material: Bra...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, unique candelabre made in iron in the late 60's.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Unique Paavo Tynell Candelabre. After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a s...
Iron
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda. Four-armed iron candelabra with glass prisms
Located in København, Copenhagen
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda Four-armed iron candelabra with hanging glass prisms, blown in amber and clear glass with a face motif. Designer: Erik Höglund Manufacturer: Kosta Boda, ...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cast Iron & Brass Eight Candlestick Candelabra
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jens Harald Quistgaard Cast Iron & Brass 8 Arm Candle Holder, Circa 1960. Featuring a balanced, curved enameled black cast iron open candlestick form base, with varied height can...
Brass, Iron
Danish Modern Tall Spiral Multi positions Rare Teak Candle Holder Candelabra
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
An incredible striking solid teak multi candles candelabra impressive piece , amazing craftsmanship fits candles .5" diameter it flatens for easy shipping , in excellent condition .
Teak
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, Pair
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of sculptural silver plated coiled candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. Each candleholder has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4...
Silver Plate
Danish Modern Seven-Arm Brass Candelabrum by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural seven-arm candelabrum designed by Svend Aage Holm Sørensen (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of black lacquered metal 'branches' and brass circular base and candle cups. Tarn...
Metal, Brass
Finnish Candle Holder, 1930/1940s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Finnish candle holder, 1930/1940s. Forged iron. Beautiful flower and fire details. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Iron
Scandinavian Modern Modular Brass Candelabra with Glass Shades
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern candelabra constructed from modular three-legged elements and tubular extensions, stacked to form a striking sculptural table centerpiece. The composition feature...
Brass
Swedish Candleholder by Erik Hoglund and Hubbard Ander, 1960s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage - Decoration - Home Decor Measures : 28,5x16cm H:33cm Material : Iron - Glass Interesting Hoglund for Yastad for arm candelabra constructed of metal and glass. Swedish Mode...
Iron
Candle Holder In The Style Of Paavo Tynell, 1940s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Candle holder in the style of Paavo Tynell, 1940s. Brass. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
$1,127Sale Price|20% Off
2, 8 Kg Hagenauer Style Brutalist Copper + Brass Candleholder, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper and brass Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produc...
Copper
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". Good vintage c...
Silver Plate
Scandinavian Mid-Century Candelabra in Brass by Arthur Pe, Kolbäck, Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A Mid-Century Candelabra for 4 candles in solid brass (weight 3 lbs / 1.37 kg). Created and made by Arthur Petterson, he signed his candleholders “Arthur Pe Kolbäck...
Brass
Swedish Hand-Carved Pine Four-Arm Christmas Candelabra by Stig Johnsson, 1979
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully hand-crafted Swedish four-arm wooden candelabra designed by Stig Johnsson and produced by Smålandsslöjd, Värnamo, in 1979. Made from richly grained pine, the piece show...
Pine
Set of 3 Mid-Century Candelabras in Brass by Arthur Pe, Kolbäck, Sweden
Located in Brussels, Brussels
A set of three Mid-Century Candelabras for 2 candles each in solid brass. Created and made by Arthur Petterson, he signed his candleholders ...
Brass
$1,056Sale Price|50% Off
Iron Candelabra by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen, early 1900s, Finland
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
A rare iron candelabra by Taidetakomo Hakkarainen Finland from the early 1900s. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use.
Iron
Modernist Sculptural Auböck Style Brutalist Copper Candleholder, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Austria. It ...
Copper
44cm Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist copper metal Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: copper and metal Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Aust...
Metal, Copper
Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist copper and metal Candleholder, Austria 1970s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: copper and metal Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1970s in Aust...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Hand Made Candelabra circa 1960, Nickel Brass, Finland
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
At the end of his carrier Paavo Tynell himself hand crafted a serie of candelabra that he made in nickel brass. From this collection this example has been hand crafted by Paavo Tynel...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell Massive Candelabre, Nickel Brass, circa 1960
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
After retirement, Paavo Tynell continued to conduct his own project and design by making those candelabre by himself in the late 60's. He produced a small collection of those in nick...
Brass, Nickel
Paavo Tynell Brass Candle Holders for Taito
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really nice candel holder design in the 50's by Paavo Tynell and produced by TAITO oy. Paavo Tynell designed a lot of other items in addition to lamps and chandeliers. These candle h...
Brass
Paavo Tynell Candelabra for Taito circa 1950 in Solid Brass
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Exceptional candelabra design by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito, this example has an incredible patina and has been produced in the early 50's. Everything is in really good condi...
Brass
Modernist Sculptural Hagenauer Style Brutalist Copper Candleholder, Austria 1950
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist candleholder Origin: Austria Material: Copper Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the ...
Copper
Pair Very Tall Brass Candle Holders by Georg Wojidkow Sweden, Modern 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Illums Bolighus, Torben Orskov, Georg Jensen, Paavo Tynell
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Pair of very tall and elegant vintage Swedish candle holders made from brass. They have a stylish modern design and were made by Georg Wojidkow & Co Malmö, ca. 1960s. Stamped: Geor...
Brass
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda, Large Candleholder in Cast Iron
Located in København, Copenhagen
Erik Höglund for Kosta Boda, large candleholder in cast iron with mouth blown glass. In very good condition. Measures 44 x 42.5 cm.
Swedish 3-Arm Mid-century Brass Candelabra in the Style of Josef Frank, 1960s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Swedish 3-Arm Mid-century Brass Candelabra in the Style of Josef Frank, 1960s Elegant Swedish three-arm Mid-century brass candelabra from the 1960s, designed in the style of Josef F...
Brass
$1,479Sale Price|30% Off
XL 3, 8kg Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Brass Floor Candleholder, Italy, 1950s
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Brutalist floor candleholder Origin: Italy Material: brass and metal (white tube stand) Decade: 1950s Description: This original vintage candleholder, was produc...
Copper
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall. Pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gunnar Ander for Ystad Metall, Sweden. A pair of candle holders in silver-plated brass. For six candles. Modernist design. Approximately 1970. In very good condition with rust on th...
Brass
Modernist Auböck Style Brutalist brass and leather Candleholder, Austria 1950s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: candleholder element Origin: Austria Material: brass and leather Decade: 1950s This original vintage candleholder, was designed and produced in the 1950s in Aus...
Brass
Erik Höglund Iron Chandelier with Blown Glass, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Erik Höglund
Located in San Francisco, CA
Erik Hoglund Iron chandelier with six arms for candles. Handmade strain and glass in shades of blue and clear from Kosta Boda. Erik Hoglund for Kost...
Iron
Modernist brass candelabra by Olov Barve, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candelabra designed and produced by Olov Barve. Barve was a trained smith and silver smith with his own workshop in Gotland, Sweden. Hand made from brass. All three candelabra signed...
Brass
5-Arm Stoneware Candelabra by Asbo Stentøj, Denmark, 1980s
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
5-Arm Stoneware Candelabra by Asbo Stentøj, Denmark, 1980s Playful yet elegant, this handcrafted 5-arm stoneware candelabra was made by Asbo Stentøj in Denmark during the 1980s. Fea...
Stoneware
Modernist Sculptural Brutalist Tripod Brass Candleholder, Germany, 1970s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Sculptural candleholder Origin: Germany Material: Solid brass Decade: 1970s This original vintage candleholder, was produced in the 1970s...
Brass