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.
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Dark Brown Patinated Outdoor Sconce
By Örsjö Industri AB, Hans-Agne Jakobsson
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' dark brown patinated outdoor sconce. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the class...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Alabaster, Metal, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An alabaster and metal pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Minor imperfections on alabaster; wear consistent with age and use. Chain and canopy possibly replac...
Alabaster, Metal
Scandinavian Modern Brass Pendant by Boréns, Borås
By Boréns Borås
Located in Vienna, AT
Polished brass frame with a pressed glass shade, fitted with one porcelain E27 socket up to 100W. Manufactured in the late 1960s by Boréns, Borås, Sweden.
Brass
Five-Arm Brass and Glass Chandelier Model 101/5 by Itsu, Finland, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Karis, Nyland
A clean and balanced mid-century chandelier in brass and opaline glass. The structure is defined by five gently curved arms extending from a central stem, each holding a conical glas...
Brass
Large ceiling light by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Model 1925.
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rare and large ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Model 1925. Circa 1940th. Horizontal metal bar on brass hanging and large opaline glass bawl shade. Original dark ...
Metal
Scandinavian Teak and String Pendant with Brass Details, Sweden 1980s
Located in Helsinki, FI
An elegant Scandinavian pendant lamp from the 1980s, most likely of Swedish origin, combining warm teak, delicate string detailing softly diffusing the light and refined brass accent...
Brass
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Wall Light for Örsjö in Painted Bronze
By Örsjö Industri AB, Jonas Bohlin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Wall Light for Örsjö in Painted Bronze Executed in bronze painted metal with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refined and clean geometric design that is ...
Metal
Yki Nummi 'Lokki' white acrylic pendant for Innolux Oy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yki Nummi 'Lokki' white acrylic pendant for Innolux Oy. Designed in 1960, Nummi's innovative 'Lokki' is one of the best-known finnish design Classics. The name Lokki comes from the...
Metal
Swedish Designer, Chandelier, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and etched glass chandelier designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 31” H x 24.5” Diameter Dimensions of Canopy: 2“ H x 3.5” Diameter Stem...
Brass
Poul Henningsen PH 3/2.5 Outdoor Wall Light for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen PH 3/2.5 outdoor wall light for Louis Poulsen. The design is based on Poul Henningsen's revolutionary reflective three-shade system, developed in 1925-1926, which di...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Swedish Designer, Wall Light, Copper, Glass, Sweden, c. 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow-colored glass and copper wall light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Heavy oxidation present to copper Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (Inch...
Copper
Green Glass Pendant Lamp By Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Sweden 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare square shaped green glass and clear glass (inside) both connected with a teak pole. Designed in the 1960s by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Glassworks in Sweden. Light grey tinted...
Brass
$17,506 / set
Pair of wall lamps, unknown designer, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A pair of striking wall lamps from the early 1940s, produced for Brukshotellet in Wikmanshyttan, inaugurated in 1943. Possibly unique. Despite the unknown designer and maker, the lam...
Metal, Brass
1 of the 2 Stunning Ceramic Wall Lights, Denmark, 1970
Located in Rijssen, NL
One of the Two spectacular circular ceramic wall lights, with beautiful accents. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1970s. A unique and playful set, real statement pieces in the room. ...
Ceramic
Rare Model 10220 Counterweight Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1940/1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare model 10220 counterweight pendant, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1940/1950s. Brass and glass. The pendant has a counterweight which can be used to adjust the he...
Brass
Harald Notini, Floor Lamp, Brass, Leather, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, leather and white fabric floor lamp designed by Harald Notini and produced by Böhlmarks, Sweden, 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Sold with lampshade. Dimensions ...
Brass
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB, Jonas Bohlin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö. Executed in rich verdigris patinated metal with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refined and clean geome...
Metal
Large Eight Arms Solid Pine Chandelier with Glass Shades by Luxus Sweden, 1960s
By Luxus Vittsjö, Uno & Östen Kristiansson, Luxus of Sweden, Uno Kristiansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This "like new" solid pine wood, eight arm chandelier was created in this “golden age of Scandinavian design”, a period that saw the revival of an elementary, undecorated visual lang...
Blown Glass, Pine
Scandinavian Ceramic Table Lamp, Tue Poulsen, Mid-Century Modern, Denmark, 1970s
By Tue Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
A beautifully rustic Danish table lamp by ceramist Tue Poulsen, handcrafted in his own studio during the 1970s. The piece is distinguished by his signature “Tue stripes”, giving the ...
Ceramic
Model 50603 Chandelier, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 50603 chandelier, manufactured by Idman Oy, Finland, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
Perforated Brass Shade & Opaline Glass Wall Light by Valinte Oy, Finland, 1950s
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare Finnish wall light designed and produced by Valinte Oy in the 1950s, exemplifying the refined functionality and material quality characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian lig...
Brass
Rare Jo Hammerborg / Fog & Mørup Table Lamp Model Senior
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass / teak base fitted with 2 E27 sockets up to 60W each double glass shade green and white. Designed by Hammerborg model „Senior“ E7163/1 and produced by Fog & Mørup Denmark, 1960...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'C1280' Chandelier in Brass and White Glass 8.2ft
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans-Agne Jakobsson for Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, chandelier, model 'C1280', brass, glass, Sweden, 1960s Designed by the renowned Swedish master Hans-Agne Jakobsson, this ...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and opaline glass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 18.75” H x 7.75” D Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb Number of Sockets: ...
Brass
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
Floor lamp model G123 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Floor lamp model G123 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson for his own firm, Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, in Markaryd during the 1960s. The slender brass stem and weighted brass base are paire...
Brass
$4,084 / 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
Large Sculptural Tripod "Bridge" Floor Lamp Severin Hansen, Denmark, 1950's
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful floor lamp model "Bridge" by Danish designer Severin Hansen made at Haslev Furniture in the 1950s. The lamp base and stem is made of stained beech with brass details. The s...
Beech
Brass Structured Glass Pendant by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
Located in Vienna, AT
Brass frame with heavy pressed glass elements fitted with 6 E27 sockets. Manufactured in Sweden by Orrefors and designed in the 1960s by Carl Orrefors. Perfect original condition.
Brass
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconces
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Verdigris patinated outdoor sconces. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed ...
Metal
American Designer, Large Floor Lamp, Cork, Brass, Fabric, USA, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A large brass, cork and beige fabric floor lamp designed and produced in the US, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 81.75” H x 21.3” Diameter Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulbs Number...
Brass
$793Sale Price|20% Off
Space Age Optima Pendant Lamp in UFO Style by Hans Due Fog & Mørup Denmark
By Hans Due, Jo Hammerborg, Fog & Mørup
Located in Brussels, Brussels
1970s Danish Ufo style Pendant lamp, model "Optima". Design by Hans Due for Fog & Morup in 1972. Incredible thin from the side, sleek and futuristic design. White with red insert ...
Metal, Aluminum
Set of Danish Modern Pendant Lights by Jo Hammerborg, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Modern Copper Pendant lights designed by Jo Hammerborg for Fog & Mørup in the 1960s. * Set (2) of copper lacqured pendant lights. Orange / white on the inside. * Designer: J...
Copper
Midcentury "Arsenal" Ceiling Light, Vicke Lindstrand, Orrefors, Sweden, 1937
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning ceiling light by Vicke Lindstrand, model called “Arsenal”. Six glass discs with etched lines enclose an amber colored center. Chrome details.
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Model EN 31 Floor Lamp, Itsu, 1950s
By Itsu
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model EN 31 floor lamp, manufactured by Itsu, Finland, 1950s. Brass and painted metal frame, leather wrapping details on the frame, beautiful fabric shades. Good ...
Metal, Brass
Flush mount, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Flush mount, manufactured in Finland, 1950s. Plastic shade. Brass details. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
$5,548 / set
Pair of Bergboms Brass Table Lamps, Model B-024
By Bergboms
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Elegant pair of Swedish modern table lamps by Bergboms, model B-024, produced in the 1960s. A refined example of Scandinavian minimalism, these lamps combine clean architectural line...
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Brass Chandelier, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s. Height: 150 cm (can be extended up on request) Diameter: 70 cm
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-Tratten' Raw Copper Outdoor Sconce
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Mini-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 copper insi...
Copper
Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights, Five Pieces, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern wall lights, five pieces sold separately, Finland, 1950s. Brass frame, colored glass shade. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
Pair of Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Sconces, 4 Pairs Available
Located in New York, NY
Pair of shield form crystal sconces with a stylized embossed crocodile pattern on satin brass frames. Professionally rewired for use in the USA.
Crystal, Brass
Böhlmarks Table Lamp, Model 15474 by Harald Notini, Sweden, 1940s
By Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik, Harald Notini
Located in Karlstad, SE
An elegant table lamp designed by Harald Notini for Böhlmarks, model 15474. The lamp features a flared brass shade balanced on a fluted wooden stem, resting on a circular brass base....
Brass
Verner Panton 'Panthella 160' Portable Lamp for Louis Poulsen in Opal Pale Blue
By Verner Panton, Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Verner Panton 'Panthella 160' Portable Lamp for Louis Poulsen in Opal Pale Blue. Executed in acrylic pastels to cast a soft light, this third generation of the Panthella 160 portabl...
Aluminum
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Brass, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and fabric string pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.75” H x 7” Diameter Dimensions of Canopy: 2.5” H x 3.75 ” D St...
Brass
$429Sale Price|38% Off
1980s Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Sconce by IKEA, Bamboo Design
By IKEA
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Round hand-braided Nordic modern bamboo wall light manufactured by IKEA in the 1980s. White lacquered metal mount and original wiring with switch and plug-in. Label on mount. Great v...
Metal
Brass and Light Beige Lampshade Three-Light Adjustable Height Pendant Light
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful adjustable height three-light brass pendant lamp with fabric lampshade, Germany, circa 1980. Made in the Scandinavian Modern style, this impressive pendant light features a...
Metal, Brass
Paavo Tynell Pair of "Chinese hat" floor lamps model 9602, Tayto 1950s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of Paavo Tynell Model 9602 Floor Lamp designed by renowned Finnish lighting designer Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, Circa 1950. Known as the “Chinese ...
Brass
Midcentury Classic, chandelier "Tulip" in brass & glass by Fog & Morup, Denmark
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful Midcentury Danish Classic, a six-armed brass and opaline glass chandelier designed and produced by Fog & Mørup, Denmark c. 1960s. Brass with nice patina, glass in good c...
Brass
Stoneware Table Lamp by Einar Johansen for Søholm, Denmark 1960s
By Søholm Stentøj, Einar Johansen
Located in Utrecht, NL
During the 1960s, Danish ceramicists and lighting designers increasingly explored the relationship between sculpture and functionality. Manufacturers such as Søholm, one of Denmark’s...
Stoneware, Fabric
Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sconces, Brass, Wood, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and wood sconces designed by Hans Agne Jakobsson and produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB, Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s. Dimensions of Back Plate (inches) : 9.06 x 0.96 x...
Brass
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' Verdigris Patinated Outdoor Sconces
By Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson 'Tratten' verdigris patinated outdoor sconces. An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of t...
Metal
Sisal and Teak Pendant Lamp by Temde
By Temde Leuchten, Jean Rispal, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Fog and Morup, Ib Fabiansen
Located in München, DE
Exceptionally beautiful and very rare pendant lamp from the 1960s. The design is very unusual. The shape and materials create a warm and very pleasant light. Especially beautiful tea...
Raffia, Plastic, Teak
Edvard Hagman Scandinavian lantern pendant lamp, brass & glass, Sweden 1940s
Located in Forserum, SE
A Swedish 1940s pendant lamp, produced by the manufacturer Edvard Hagman. Crafted from solid brass with a cylindrical glass diffuser mounted beneath a disc-shaped upper shade. The gl...
Brass
Edvard Hagman, Pendant Light, Brass, Glass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A brass, beige opaline glass pendant light produced by Edvard Hagman, Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.05"H x 8.625"W x 8.625"D Stem Length (inches): 1.75" Dimens...
Brass
Swedish Designer, Pendant Light, Glass, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
An etched glass and brass pendant light designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 30.0"H x 9.5"D Dimensions of Cano...
Brass
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Raw Copper Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB, Jonas Bohlin
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Jonas Bohlin 'Oxid' Raw Copper Outdoor Wall Light for Örsjö. Executed in raw unlacquered copper with an opaline glass diffuser. An incredibly refin...
Copper
Pair Swedish Designer Sconces, Sweden, 1980s, Wall Lights made of Japanese Paper
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A Pair of rare swedish designer wall lights made of Japanese paper and metal, Sweden, 1980s. Both sconces in good vintage condition, no damages. Each sconce takes one E27 screw base ...
Metal
Ceiling light by Carl Erik Bodén for Glössner & Co, Sweden, 1940s
By Glossner AB
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant ceiling light designed by Carl Erik Bodén for Glössner & Co in Sweden during the 1940s. The lamp features a clear outer glass shade with finely etched motifs depicting wo...
Brass
Poul Henningsen 'PH 5 Mini' Monochrome Pendant for Louis Poulsen
By Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Henningsen PH 5 Mini Pendant for Louis Poulsen. Poul Henningsen originally introduced the full-sized PH 5 pendant light in 1958 as a classic new product. No one knew at the ti...
Aluminum, Metal
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Flush Mounts, Finland, 1950/1960s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Scandinavian Modern flush mounts, manufactured in Finland, 1950/1960s. Fabric upholstery, brass details. Due to the thick fabric shade, the ceiling light emits a beautiful, s...
Brass