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.
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Desk Organizer, Nordisk Andels-Eksport
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very functional Danish modern 6 drawer letter tray/ office desk organizer by NAE/Nordisk Andels-Eksport, circa 1970's. This beautiful organizer is perfect for storing your letters or...
Teak
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
DANSK Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage Dansk Modernist Bear Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated bear...
Silver Plate
Vintage Vanity or Desk Set in Brass: Jars & Napkin Holder
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Vintage desk or vanity set consisting of a stylish (bend circle) napkin holder a lidded and an open jar/vase/cup. Everything executed in solid brass and displaying patina consistent ...
Brass
Pedersen & Hansen Desk Organizer
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pederen & Hansen design teak desk top organizer. High quality materials and execution perfect for keeping an organized desk or work space. In very good original condition.
Teak
Mid-Century Swedish Modern Ice Paperweights by Kosta Boda V Lindstrand 5 Pcs
By Kosta Boda, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful hand carved and etched glass Art Glass Paperweights or just decorative pieces from Kosta Boda artists such as Vicke Lindstrand and others. 4 pieces by Kodta Boda and 1 by a...
Art Glass
Vintage Nybro Sweden Hunter and Moose Large Crystal Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Nybro Sweden Hunter and Moose Large Crystal Art Glass Heavy Paperweight. Made in Sweden by Nybro, this vintage large glass paperweight ...
Crystal
Orange Vinyl Record Stand by Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1900s
Located in Stockholm, SE
This orange vinyl record stand was produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden during the second half of the 20th century. Executed in molded plastic, the pie...
Plastic
Danish Oak Desk Office Organizer with Shelves
Located in New York, NY
A Danish modern, Scandinavian Modern, Mid-Century Modern style, blonde oak wood desk, office, library, etc., organizer with book space and paper/mail/letter tray holder shelf areas, by Pedersen & Hansen, circa late-20th century, Denmark. Three (3) horizontal and three (3) vertical storage...
Oak
Zinc Plated Elephant Paperweight in Box by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice zinc plated elephant paperweight by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. . The piece is in very good condition and signed on the underside. #4989
Zinc
$165Sale Price|42% Off
Vintage Full Crystal Photo Frame from Lindshammar Sweden, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An ovale picture frame made from clear partially textured full crystal. Designed at and manufactured by Lindshammar in Sweden. The removable stickers to its front reads: Full crystal...
Crystal
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The cat and pig are made of plated zinc and are signed on the underside. Please see my other Gunnar Cyren ...
Zinc
Vintage Nybro Poland Large Etched Bald Eagle Crystal Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Nybro Poland Etched Bald Eagle Large Glass Heavy Paperweight. Made in Poland by Nybro, this vintage large glass paperweight features an American Bald Eagle Figure Bird Sculpture. Handcrafted Large Bas Relief Eagle Large Glass Plaque. Circa 1980. Handmade in Poland. Label attached, fine polish...
Crystal
Orrefors Sweden Martti Rytkönen Crystal Elephant Orrefors Glass Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Orrefors Sweden Crystal Elephant, the Zoo Collection by Martti Rytkönen. This beautiful Orrefors crystal elephant paperweight from Sweden designed by Martti Rytkönen is a true minima...
Crystal
$140Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Swedish Ahus Glass Paperweights, Signed Studio Åhus 1992 HD-AZ
By Studio Ahus
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
2 Modern Swedish Åhus glass paperweights. The signed paperweights are frosted glass with colorful interior and frosted glass surface. The larger pie...
Glass
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda, Sculpture / Paper Weight in Clear Art Glass
Located in København, Copenhagen
Göran Wärff for Kosta Boda. Sculpture / paper weight in clear mouth-blown art glass with inlaid bubbles. Swedish design, 1970/80s. Measures: 11 x 7.5 cm. In excellent condition. ...
Art Glass
Art Glass Egg Sculpture Paperweight by Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden 1970s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Scandinavian Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden 1970s Art Glass Egg Sculpture Paperweight. This stunning studio art glass piece, signed and numbered, dates back to the 1970s. It features a transparent, sloped egg shape with frosted sides, except for a clear, flat window at the front. Through this window, you can admire a beautiful red and gold spiral decoration inside. A label on the front reads "Studioglas Strombergshyttan Sweden, 24 karat pure gold. The bottom is etched signed Strömbergshyttan and numbered. It stands approximately 6" high 2.75" across at the widest area Made in Sweden, circa 1970s. This gorgeous paperweight art glass sculpture is in wonderful vintage condition. About: The Strömberg factory, originally established in Sweden in 1876 as Lindfors, was purchased by Edward Strömberg in 1933. Before acquiring Lindfors, Edward had managed Orrefors and later Eda glassworks. Upon taking over, he renamed the factory Strömbergshyttan, which means "Strömberg's cabin" or "hut." Edward worked alongside his wife, Gerda Strömberg, a designer, and several workers from Eda, including Knut Bergqvist...
Art Glass
Martti Rytkönenfor Orrefors Valentino Heart Shape Votive Paperweight
By Orrefors
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Valentino heart shape votive paperweight from Orrefors, designed by Martti Rytkönen.Valentino Votive candle holder from Orrefors is shaped like a heart...
Crystal
Mid-Century Modern Georg Petersens Danish Mobelfabrik Desk Organizer
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century teak Georg Petersens Mobelfabrik desk organizer. Circa 1960's. Danish teak desktop organizer with multiple dividers and storage cubbies. ...
Teak
Marble Desk Pen Holder Organizer
Located in New York, NY
A substantial marble desk pen/pencil/marker holder organizer, in the modern style, Midcentury Modern design period, circa mid-20th century. Organizer can hold small pieces of paper, ...
Marble
Big Silvered Bronze Vienna Dog Sculpture, Paperweight, 1900s
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Big silvered bronze Vienna dog sculpture, 1900s. Very good detailed silvered bronze dog sculpture. Perfect as desk paperweight. We have specialized in the ...
Bronze
Vicke Lindstrand Vase Produced by Kosta in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass vase designed by Vicke Lindstrand. Produced by Kosta in Sweden. Signed ‘Kosta 46451 Lindstrand – Minne från Tempo'.
Glass
$775
H 1.13 in W 4.38 in D 6.38 in
Vintage 1980s Gucci Desk Set Accessories - Leather Pen + Paper Holder & Tray
By Gucci
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice 1980s Gucci - Italy designed leather desk accessories set, includes pen holder, note paper holder and small tray. The leather pieces have the classic green and red stripe, with ...
Ceramic, Leather, Suede
Georg Petersens Mid Century Teak Desk Organizer Denmark
By Georg Petersens Møbelfabrik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak top of the desk organizer with four letter slots , two storage cubies and an open top shelve . This well designed accessory is the perfect piece for easy access to your papers...
Teak
Desktop Organizer in Teak, Made in Denmark, 1950s
Located in Lejre, DK
Desktop organizer in solid teak. Great quality with fine details. Made in Denmark in the 1950s.
Teak
Vintage Bamboo And Rattan Letter Holder Desk Organizer
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bamboo Letter Holder or Desk Organizer. Three compartments on top and two large shelves on bottom. Good condition and sturdy, ready to use. 11" wide
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,775Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.6 in W 2.09 in D 10.44 in
Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather Desk Accessory 1970's
By Hermès
Located in Lausanne, CH
Vintage Hermès, Paris, an elegant desk accessory. The paperweight is in the shape of a decimal ruler, silver-plate with detachable black leather tab. Made circa 1975, signed.
Silver Plate
$400
H 4 in W 2.75 in D 2.75 in
Fratelli Toso Murano Clear Red Italian Art Glass Puppy Dog Paperweight Figure
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Very cute vintage Murano hand blown red and clear Italian art glass puppy dog sculpture / paperweight. The figurine is documented to the Fratelli Toso company. The puppy dog still re...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$500
H 2.13 in W 2.75 in D 4.25 in
Murano Gold Flecks Black Spots Italian Art Glass Turtle Figure Paperweight
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks with black spots Italian art glass turtle figurine / sculpture. The piece is made in the manner of the Gambaro & Poggi company, an...
Gold Leaf
Postmodern Patinated Brass Double Desk Letter Tray Paper Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Double letter tray in patinated brass finish with black enamel lining by Mc Donald Products of Buffalo New York. Very nice accent to any executive desk
Brass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 2.5 in
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s and measures appr...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The giraffe and elephant are made of plated zinc and are signed on the...
Zinc
Danish Desk Organizer by Georg Petersens
Located in Philadelphia, PA
later edition of Georg Petersens Cherry Organizer. Classic Design as well as a handy item for your desk!
Cherry
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 1.75 in
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.5 in W 2.63 in D 0.75 in
1970s Dansk Polar Bear Silver Plated Paperweight Animal Sculpture Scandinavian
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Dansk silver-plated polar bear paperweight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan on the underside. Great collectors' piece and a Gift idea for the Holiday Season...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design silver-plated cat paperweight, Animal Sculpture. Marked on the underside. Great collectors' piece. A-607-335
Silver Plate, Metal
Vintage Scandinavian Paper Waste Bin in Teak and Birch, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A wellmade hexagonal/crown shaped office waste basket in birch veneer and featuring solid teak frame. Unknown Scandinavian furniture maker circa...
Birch, Teak
Sold
H 9.5 in W 15 in D 10 in
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka Artglass, Battatti, 'Potatoe' Nuutajärvi Finland
By Oiva Toikka, Nuutajärvi Notsjõ
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern Oiva Toikka, (1931-2019) Artglass, Battatti, (potatoe) Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, Finland. Now. Who does not want a pink artglass potato sculpture feature on the desk? Th...
Art Glass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.75 in D 0.75 in
DANSK Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated camel made by Dan...
Silver Plate
Vintage Solid Teak Danish Modern Letter Tray Desk Organizer
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern letter organizing tray in teak exported by Nordisk Andels-Eksport. This space saving desktop accessory is perfect for tidying up office supplies, documents, mail, ...
Teak