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.
Rare Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Pair of '9405' Wall Lights in Brass and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, pair of wall lights, model ‘9405’, brass, glass, Finland, 1940s A Rare Model from the 94 Series Among the rarer lighting designs created by Paavo Tyne...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall lights, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This ...
Copper
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall lights, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This ...
Copper
Set of Swedish Pine Wood Sconces by Solbackens Svarveri, Sweden, 1980s
Located in Værløse, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Wood Sconces made by Solbackens Svarveri in the early 1980s. * Set (2) of pine wood night lamps / sconces with light beige fabric shades * Manufacturer: Solback...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
$60,000 / set
A Pair of Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell (1890-1973) Model Number 9460. Polished brass. Produced by Idman, circa 1950th. Both stamped "Idman". Dimensions: H 7" × L 14.2" × W 4....
Brass
Set of V149 Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Sconces with Amber Glass Shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Set (2) of brass sconces with round amber colored glass shades * Designer: Hans-Agne Jakobs...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Light
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall light, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful bright copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson....
Copper
Scandinavian Modern Wall Lamps in Jute Rope & Opaline Glass by Markslöjd, 1970s
By Markslöjd
Located in Odense, DK
A rare pair of Scandinavian Modern wall lamps produced by Markslöjd, Sweden, in the 1970s. Crafted from stained beech with caramel-colored opaline glass shades, they combine clean Sc...
Jute, Opaline Glass, Wood
Pair of Vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson Adjustable Brass Scones C2796/1 Sweden 1970s
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Markyard
Located in Helsinki, FI
A striking pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson Swedish modern wall lamps / Scones model C 2796/1 by Markyrad from the 1970s, crafted in solid brass with hard plastic wall brackets. These scu...
Brass
Rare Carl-Axel Acking '5017' Wall Light with Organic Shades in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall light, model ‘5017’, brass, lacquered brass, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and constructively decorative, these wall lights a...
Brass
1960s Bent Karlby Model 23.3010 Adjustable Plug-in Wall Lamp for Lyfa
By Bent Karlby, Lyfa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Bent Karlby Model 23.3010 Adjustable Plug-in Wall Lamp for Lyfa A delightful wall light executed in black lacquered metal with a mount that allows the shade to pivot up or dow...
Metal
Homann & Kjær for Louis Poulson Wall Lamps ‘Nyhavn’ in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alfred Homann & Ole V. Kjær for Louis Poulsen, wall lamps model ‘Nyhavn’, copper, Denmark, design 1976 The ‘Nyhavn’ wall lamp by Alfred Homann and Ole V. Kjær was designed in 19...
Copper
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Wall Lamps, 1960s Adjustable Cone Shades in Black
Located in Hannover, DE
This stylish set of two wall lamps embodies the timeless charm of 1960s Scandinavian modernism. The lamps impress with their clean lines and functional aesthetic, which are character...
Brass, Iron
Swedish Designer Pine Wall Sconce Pleated Shades, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely solid hand-carved pine wood wall sconce designed and produced in Sweden in the 1960's. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, beautifuly hand-ca...
Fabric, Plastic, Pine
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan 'King' Wall Lights in Copper and Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan, 'King' wall lights, copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1973 There’s something quietly witty about this design by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan: a lam...
Copper
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan 'Knight' Wall Light in Copper and Blown Glass
By Ateljé Lyktan, Hans Bergström
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, 'Knight' wall light, variation on model '1012' copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1940s This rare wall light designed by Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan...
Copper
Set of Brass & Opaline Sconces by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1950s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Brass Sconces with White Opaline Glass Shades made by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1950s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with tall cone-shaped white opaline glass shades * Design...
Brass
Pair of Model 50-082 Wall Lights, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1950s
By Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 50-082 wall lights, design Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by Orno Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Marked. Adjustable shades. Good vintage condition, pa...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of adjustable brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 9.5”H x 7"W x 13.0"D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 4.0"H...
Brass
Paavo Tynell, Pair of wall lamp model 10330 for Taito, circa 1950.
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Paavo Tynell important wall light model 10330 made in the 50's for Taito. This example is the biggest version of the model. This pair of wall lamps features a sculptural, folded for...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Wall Lamp "Kuben" Elidus, From The 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Wall lamp – Kuben – from Elidus lighting – 60s/70s. Yellow-lacquered sheet metal and checkered grid in silver-colored plastic. Design: Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Label marked: Elidus – Typ...
Steel
Danish Modern Wall Lights by Vitrika, Golden Art Glass & Brass, 1960s
By Orrefors, Vitrika, Lyfa, Fog & Mørup
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Danish modern double wall lights of solid golden art glass on shiny brass mount. Produced by Danish Vitrika with Orrefors glass in the 1960s. 6 items available, price per item. Wire...
Brass
Vintage Louis Poulsen 'Black Louis' Clamp Wall Lamp, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Multi-adjustable Wall light with clamp mount. The light can be directed in any direction. Everything is black besides the red on/off switch and It is called black Louis and was made ...
Aluminum
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan 'King' Wall Lights in Copper and Blown Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan, 'King' wall lights, copper, blown glass, Sweden, 1973 There’s something quietly witty about this design by Anders Pehrson for Ateljé Lyktan: a lam...
Copper
$5,541 / set
HANS AGNE JAKOBSSON V236 Pair of wall lamps
Located in Forest, BE
Pair of Scandinavian V236 wall lamps by the renowned Swedish designer Hans Agne Jakobsson. This rare model was designed in the sixties. Like many Scandinavian designers, he is strong...
Metal
Vintage Swedish wall light 1940th
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vintage Swedish wall light, Circa 1940th. Patinated brass with flexible arm and perforated shade. Newly rewired with candelabra socket.
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall lights, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This ...
Copper
White Porcelain Bathroom Wall Lights by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte for Ifö, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of sconces suitable as bathroom or outdoor lighting. They were designed by Prince Sigvard Bernadotte for the swedish company Ifö during the 1960s. White glazed porcelain mount...
Porcelain, Opaline Glass
Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and rattan wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1950s. Replaced lampshades. Slight difference to width of each backplate. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9...
Brass
$18,500 / item
Carl-Axel Acking '5019' Wall Lights in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall lights, model ‘5019’, brass, perforated brass, Sweden, 1939 In 1939, the young architect and designer Carl-Axel Ack...
Brass
Pair of Swedish Pine Wall Lamps by Markslöjd, 1970s, with Textile Shades
By Markslöjd
Located in Stockholm, SE
A charming pair of Swedish wall lamps in solid pine, produced by Markslöjd, showcasing the warmth and craftsmanship of Scandinavian design from the 1970s. Each lamp features a sculp...
Fabric, Pine
Pair of Model 3053 Wall Lights, Lisa Johansson-Pape, Orno Oy, 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 3053 wall lights, design Lisa Johansson-Pape, manufactured by Orno Oy, 1950s. Brass frame, wooden slat shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ag...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and rattan wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.65” H x 9.1” W x 35.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 6.5” H, 1....
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and white fabric wall lights designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 10"H x 7.75"W x 29.5"D Bulb Specifications: E-26 (Standard) Bulbs are ...
Brass
$550 / item
Pair of Swedish Brass Wall Lights
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Wall lamps, brass, Sweden, 1960s. Attractive and chic Swedish wall lamps with brass shades, adjustable stem and pull cords. A simplistic yet smart set of wall lamps. Kindly note th...
Brass
Rare Carl-Axel Acking '5017' Wall lights with Organic Shades in Perforated Brass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Carl-Axel Acking for Bröderna Malmströms Metallvarufabrik, wall lights, model ‘5017’, brass, lacquered brass, Sweden, 1940s Elegant and constructively decorative, these wall lights ...
Brass
Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model 9447 wall light, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Oy Taito Ab, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shade. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent...
Brass
Clamp Spot Lamp by Lad Team for Swiss Lamps International, Zürich 1970s
Located in Krefeld, DE
Clamp lamp spot silver metal designed by Lad Team for Swiss Lamps International, Zürich in the 1970s.
Metal
Hans-Agne Jakobsson ‘Rulle’ Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, ‘Rulle’ wall lights, copper, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful copper ‘Rulle' light by Swedish designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson. This ...
Copper
Large Swedish Wall Lights in Patinated Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Falkenbergs Belysning, large wall lamps, patinated copper, coated steel, Sweden, 1960s Grand Swedish wall lights in patinated copper. The cylindric shade directs the light downwards...
Copper, Steel
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Glass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, glass and off-white fabric wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 8.375” H x 11” W x 5.75“ D Back Plate Dimensions (Inches): 3”...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Iron, Glass, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An iron and opaline glass wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17” H x 10.5” W x 12.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches): 3.5” H x 3.5” ...
Iron
Swedish Wall Lamp made of Pine Wood with Yellow and White Fabric Shade
Located in Hannover, DE
A wonderfully beautiful wooden wall lamp from the 1970s and 1980s. The lamp is made from several individual parts, allowing the lamp neck to be adjusted. The yellow and white striped...
Cotton, Pine
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass wall light designed and produced in Sweden c. 1940s Dramatic patina on brass consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 4.25"H x 10.65"W x ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Sconce, Brass, Glass, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and yellow glass with flowers sconce / wall light designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.12"H x 2.6"W x 3.02"D Dimensions of back plate (inc...
Brass
$4,083 / set
Wall lamps by Bergboms, Sweden, 1950s
By Bergboms
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Pair of wall lamps attributed to Alf Svensson for Bergboms, produced during the mid-20th century. Made from brass with perforated shades and white lacquered interiors. Adjustable in...
Brass
Vintage Lisa Johansson-Papé Outdoor Scone 140-015 , Copper and Glass, Orno 1950s
By Orno Oy, Lisa Johansson-Pape
Located in Helsinki, FI
An outdoor wall lamp designed by Lisa Johansson-Pape and manufactured by Orno Oy, in the 1950s in Finland. In fully original condition featuring a nice patina. The item is stamped by...
Copper, Metal
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Raw Copper Outdoor Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' raw copper outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in raw unlacquered copp...
Copper
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Outdoor Sconce in Painted Bronze
By Örsjö Industri AB, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' outdoor sconce in painted bronze. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in a painted ...
Metal
Wall Light, Maria Lindeman, Idman Oy, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light, designed by Maria Lindeman, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Opaline glass shade, brass and painted metal frame. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age ...
Metal, Brass
$2,696Sale Price|20% Off
Wall Light, Mauri Almari, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Mauri Almari
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light, designed by Mauri Almari, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Brass frame with gorgeous leaf details. Milk glass shades. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wea...
Brass
Set of V149 Brass Sconces designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, 1960s, Sweden
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Swedish Modern Brass Sconces with Deep Red Glass Shades designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in the 1960s. * Pair (2) of brass sconces with deep red glass shades * Designer: Hans...
Brass
Svend Mejlstrøm, Wall Lights, Brass, Paper, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and off-white parchment paper wall lights designed by Svend Mejlstrøm and produced by MS Belysning, Denmark, c. 1950s. Very light oxidation present throughout brass....
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'S-1591' Corner Wall Light in Copper and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, corner wall light, model 'S-1591', copper, handblown glass, Sweden, 1950s/1960s. An elegantly shaped wall light, model S1...
Copper
Pair of Swedish Designer Pine Wall Sconces Pleated Shades, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A lovely pair of solid hand-carved pine wood wall sconces designed and produced in Sweden in the 1960's. Clean lines and organic design from the Scandinavian Modern period, beautiful...
Fabric, Plastic, Pine
1950s Large Scandinavian Outdoor Wall Light in Patinated Copper and Amber Glass
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s large Scandinavian outdoor wall light in patinated copper and amber glass. Designer unknown. Executed in richly patinated copper and textured amber glass. A highly sculptural d...
Copper
$1,378Sale Price / item|35% Off
Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110 'Rulle' Darkly Patinated Outdoor Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110 'Rulle' darkly patinated outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in darkly ...
Metal
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Darkly Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö
By Jonas Bohlin, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Darkly Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö. Executed in richly patinated metal with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refined and clean geometric design...
Metal
Pair of Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Raw Brass Outdoor Wall Lights for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB, Jonas Bohlin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Raw Brass Outdoor Wall Lights for Örsjö. Executed in raw unlacquered and unpolished brass with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refined and clean ...
Brass
Swedish mid-century telescope wall lamps, teak and brass, 1950s
Located in Forserum, SE
A pair of Swedish modernist wall lamps made from solid teak with pivotal telescope arm adjustable in height. A model known as fishing rod lamps. Brass details and cone shaped shades ...
Brass