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.
Helge Vestergaard Jensen Rocking Chair designed 1959
By Niels Roth Andersen, Helge Vestergaard-Jensen
Located in London, GB
Designed in 1959 by Helge Vestergaard-Jensen, this edition was made by the Niels Roth Andersen, Alderman of the Copenhagen Guild of Furniture Makers from the mid-90s until his retir...
Hardwood
Rocking Chair Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rocking chair for children. Produced in Denmark.
Cane, Rattan
Scandinavian Rocking Chair by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin, Denmark, 1960s
By Frank Reenskaug, Bramin Mobler
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish vintage rocking chair designed as model '182' by Frank Reenskaug for Bramin in the 1960s. This chair has a teak and has been reupholstered in a beige decorative fabric.minor f...
Fabric, Teak
Oak Rocking Chair Model ML33 by Hans J.Wegner for Mikael Laursen
By Hans J. Wegner, A. Mikael Laursen
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This particular rocker is in fabulous original condition, the Oak has a lovely colour, and even the red velvet upholstery appears to be original. Pobably produced in the early 1950s,...
Velvet, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Black Teak Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage rocking chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko 1950s, Finland. A wonderful rocking chair from black lacquered beech and natural brown teak with comfortable armrests. Ideal for a fireplace as a cosy chair...
Beech, Teak
Rocking Chair in Oak with Wool Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rocking Chair in Oak with Newly Reupholstered Wool Fabric by Hans Wegner, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Oak and newly reupholstered in wool fabric Style: Mid century, Sca...
Oak, Fabric
Hans Wegner Rocking Chair Model GE-273 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare keyhole rocking chair model GE-273 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Canvas, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The unique Danish modern design of this midcentury rocking chair makes a striking addition to home or business seating area. Sculptural spoke seat back adds to the distinctive Scandi...
Walnut
1970s Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair, Solid Pine, Carved Details
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Carl Malmsten
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rocking chair made of solid pine, with carved details. Made in Sweden in the 1970s
Pine
Vintage Black Wicker Rocking Chair with Colourful Cushion
Located in Helsinki, FI
A sculptural mid-century Finnish rocking chair crafted in black wicker from the 1960s-70s. The chair features an elegant, organic silhouette with gently curved arms and a high, envel...
Rattan, Fabric, Wicker
Mademoiselle Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek
Located in Lejre, DK
The Mademoiselle rocking chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek, is an iconic piece of furniture that exudes elegance and si...
Birch
$1,950 / item
Sole Rocking Armchair Grey - Solid Oak Wood
Located in Ankara, TR
Sole Rocking Armchair, with its elegant oak frame and ergonomic seating, will make you feel wonderful. It’s versatile enough to be used in many corners of your living spaces. It will...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
$1,122Sale Price|19% Off
Vintage Danish Modern Rocking Chair in Wood and Monstera Leaf Pattern Fabric
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This high rocking chair was made in Denmark during the 1960s. The frame is made of wood in a dark shade of brown. The seat and backrest are upholstered with high-quality gabardine with a fashionable pattern of Monstera deliciosa leaves. It is a densely woven, durable and waterproof fabric made of Egyptian cotton, which was invented and patented by Thomas Burberry at the end of the 19th century. The armchair is very comfortable. It will be perfect match for many arrangements, and the Swiss cheese...
Fabric, Wood
$1,289Sale Price|20% Off
1950-60s, Danish highback rocking chair in original very good condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950-60s, Danish highback rocking chair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Oak wood, furniture wool. Manufactured by a Danish furniture manufacturer in about 1...
Wool, Oak
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Lounge Rocking Chair by Johannes Andersen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Very nice all original teak rocking chair by Johannes Andersen, Denmark C1965. Sculptural solid teak arms with a central upholstered body in period abric which coulse an upgrade. Sol...
Fabric, Teak
1960s Mid century design rocking chair - Czechoslovakia
Located in Praha, CZ
- sturdy and stable - original condition - wooden parts will be restored - small hole on textile,see the photos - suitable for a new upholstery or easy reapir jr
Metal
Ole Wanscher FD-160 Rosewood & Leather Rocking Chair, 1960s
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher
Located in London, England
Ole Wanscher - Model FD-160 Rocking Chair This rarely seen high-back rocking chair by master-designer Ole Wanscher was produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark in the early 1960s....
Rosewood, Leather
1960s Ole Wanscher Teak Rocking Chair For France & Son, Denmark
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A superb and hard to find teak rocking chair designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son, Denmark. An absolute triumph of a design, the slenderness and elegance of the frame is remark...
Teak
$1,950 / item
Sole Rocking Armchair Mustard - Solid Oak Wood
Located in Ankara, TR
Sole Rocking Armchair, with its elegant oak frame and ergonomic seating, will make you feel wonderful. It’s versatile enough to be used in many corners of your living spaces. It will...
Fabric, Wood, Oak
Mahogany Rocking Chair by Åke Axelsson, Sweden
By Åke Axelsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Crafted from solid mahogany with a seat and backrest upholstered in Swedish leather, this piece represents a refined example of Scandinavian Modern design. The combination of richly ...
Leather, Mahogany
Yellow Eero Aarnio Iconic Pastilli 'Pastille' Chair, Fibreglass Asko, 1960s
By Eero Aarnio, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
Eero Aarnio's Pastilli chair is a colorful, playful and a genious design by one of the Finnish design giants of our times. With it's shiny colour it looks almost like a giant candy....
Fiberglass
Rocking Chair by Lena Larsson for Nesto, 1960s
By Lena Larsson, Nesto
Located in bruxelles, BE
Wooden rocking chair in black color. Seat Height: 40 cm. Wear due time and age. For shipping, request us for receive the best price.
Wood
The J 16 Shaker Rocking Chair by Hans J. Wegner for FDB
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Shaker Style Scandinavian Modern rocking chair designed by Hans Wegner in beech wood with a woven paper cord seat. Made in Denmark by FDB, circa 1970s.
Papercord, Beech
Contemporary Rocking Chair "Meneo" Designed by Ángel Mombiedro, Spain, 2022.
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair designed by Angel Mombiedro. The chair features a curved structure throughout, supported by a metal frame. The seat and backrest are upholstered in dark blue velvet, providi...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chair by Illum Wikkelsø, 1960s
By Niels Eilersen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in London, GB
Scandinavian Modern rocking chair in ebonized wood model IW3 designed 1958 by Illum Wikkelsø.
Lacquer
Rocking Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard
Located in Berlin, DE
Wooden and wicker rocker designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard.
Wicker, Wood
Rocking Chair by Sigvard Bernadotte for France & Son
By France & Søn, Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Solid teak, upholstered rocking chair in vintage velvet fabric.
Upholstery, Teak
Vintage Scandinavian rocking chair in pine and black leather, from Denmark
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Vintage Scandinavian rocking chair in pine and black leather, from Denmark. A piece from the 1980s in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. It has likely been whitewashed in the pa...
Leather, Wood, Pine
Scandinavian Modern Black Vintage Rocking Chair by Lena Larsson, Sweden, 1958
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian modern black vintage rocking chair model Grandessa designed by Lena Larsson, Sweden, 1958. A charming and comfortable rocking chair in black and brwon colors. The rockin...
Beech, Ash
Rocking Chair Rocker Design by Sven Erik Fryklund by Hagafors
By Sven Erik Fryklund, Hagafors Stolfabrik 1
Located in Munich, Bavaria
A scandinavian rocking chair by Sven Erik Fryklund produced by Hagafors in Sweden. Teak wood and black lacquered beechwood. The armrests are well made ...
Beech, Teak, Lacquer
Collden, Rocking Lounge Chairs, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1970s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine and white fabric rocking lounge chairs produced by Collden, Sweden, c. 1970s. Overall Dimensions: 37.125"H x 28.875"W x 43.75"D Seat height: 17 All upholstered furni...
Fabric, Pine
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Oversized Teak Rocking Chair by Hans Wegner for Tarm Stole
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish Modern oversized teak rocking chair / rocker by Hans Wegner for Tarm Stole, circa 1970s This chair is even more impressive in person....
Upholstery, Teak
Classic Hans Wegner Danish "J16" Rocking Chair for FDB Mobler
Located in Peabody, MA
Hans Wegner “J16” rocker in beech with corded seat for FDB Mobler, Denmark. Created in 1944, this has been one of Wegner’s most widely recognized designs. Marked with a production da...
Papercord, Beech
Oak Rocking Chair "Razorblade" by Henning Kjærnulf, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
A masterful oak rocking chair — the celebrated "Razorblade" model — by Danish designer Henning Kjærnulf, representing one of the most distinctive and collectible forms to emerge from...
Bouclé, Oak
Göperts Möbler, Rockings Chairs, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pine and green fabric rocking lounge chairs produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use. Iron reinforcements to old repairs pr...
Fabric, Wood, Pine
Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Black lacquered beech structure seating in blond wood, designed in the late 1950s by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland. Traces of use on the armrests and on the footrest.
Beech, Bentwood
$35,301 / set
Pair of Swedish Rocking Chairs in Sheepskin, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Sweden, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in sheepskin, excellent condition.
Sheepskin
Mocha, Gold & Pink Saddle Swing Handmade Crochet Outdoor Hammock Seat
By iota
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
The IOTA Saddle Swings are lightweight and compact. They are good for enjoying the outdoors and kids love them too. You can easily take the hammock like s...
Polyester, Teak, Acrylic
Arnold Madsen Oak and Lambskin Rocking Chair
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Clam chair designed by Arnold Madsen for Madsen & Schubell in Denmark in 1944, extra rare in the rocking version. Vintage original armchair produced in the 40's in Denmark. Ov...
Sheepskin, Oak
Steneby Hemslöjdsförening Attribution, Rocking Chair, Pine, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A stained pine rocking lounge chair attributed to Steneby Hemslöjdsförening, Sweden, c. 1930s. Dimensions: 25.5” H x 19.6” W x 37.5” D Seat Height: 15”
Pine
$35,301 / set
Pair of Swedish Rocking Chairs in Sheepskin, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Sweden, 1950s. Newly reupholstered in sheepskin, excellent condition.
Sheepskin
Fauteuil rocking-chair suédois de Karl Axel Adolfsson pour Gemla vintage en bois
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Fauteuil rocking-chair vintage des années 50 60, du designer Karl Axel Adolfsson pour la marque suédoise Gemla (étiquette présente “Gemla, Made in Sweden”), modèle Isabella, structur...
Wood
Scandinavian vintage rocking chair in white lacquered wood
By FDB Møbler
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1950s rocking chair in white lacquered wood. Simple lines with decorative details at the top of the backrest. Vintage Scandinavian rocking chair from the 1950s, made of...
Wood
Swedish Rocking Chair in Sheepskin, 1950s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Reupholstered in honey colored sheepskin, black lacquered elm wood. Produced in Sweden, 1950s.
Sheepskin
Axel Einar Hjort Style Swedish Hand-Made Pine Rocking Chair
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish hand-made pine rocking chair in the style of Axel Einar Hjorts furniture. The rocking chair is in good vintage condition consistent with the age and has minor traces of use. ...
Pine
$4,589Sale Price|25% Off
Rare Axel Einar Hjorth Rocking Chair for Nordiska Kompagniet. Signed 1928
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Ystad, SE
Rare Rocking Chair by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1928 A highly collectible and early documented example of Axel Einar Hjorth’s work for Nordiska Kompaniet, da...
Wicker, Oak
Roland Rainer Tall Rocking Chair Hagafors Stolfabrik Mid Century Austria 1950s
By Hagafors Stolfabrik 1, Roland Rainer
Located in Forest Grove, PA
A Scandinavian Mid century tall back rocking chair designed by Roland Rainer for Hagafors Stolfabrik. Made in Austria in the 1950s with solid wood and a beautiful wood veneer seat.
Wood
1970s, Danish highback rocking chair, oak wood, furniture wool, original.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960-70s, Danish highback rocking chair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Solid oak wood and furniture wool fabric. Manufactured by Danish furniture manufactu...
Wool, Oak
1960s Varjosen Puunjalostus Beech Rocking Chair, Finland
Located in Praha, CZ
- sturdy and stable - signs of use, patina,see the photos jr
Beech
$1,193Sale Price|20% Off
1960-70s, Danish design by Farstrup Stolefabrik, reupholstered rocking chair.
By Farstrup
Located in Tarm, 82
1960-70s, Danish design by Farstrup Stolefabrik. Reupholstered rocking chair. Yellow furniture wool, renewed beech wood. Reupholstered by craftsman. Manufactured by Danish furniture ...
Wool, Beech
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Organic Beech Rocking Chairs Duo Frank Reenskaug
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage rocking chairs from beech with renewed green loose cushions by Frank Reenskaug from Bramin Mobler circa 1960 Denmark. A fabulous duo rocking chairs from ...
Fabric, Beech
Henning Kjærnulf Oak & Leather Rocking Chair, Scandinavian Modern
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Rocking chair by Henning Kjærnulf new upholstered with shearling. Refreshing design with bold Baroque coming together nicely with mid-century modernism. Model: Razorblade Made by ...
Leather, Oak
Swedish Rocking Chair in Sheepskin, 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Reupholstered in nature colored sheepskin. Produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Sheepskin
Sculptural Unique Rocking Chair by Finnish Matti Martikka in Solid Pine, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning one of collectible item by Finnish Matti Martikka. A rocking chair made in solid pine from fallen tree trunks. This stump chair is acquired from a museum at his home town of Lappeenranta. A unique opportunity to acquire a rare decorative object. Other of his pieces has been sold at some of the largest auction houses in the world and shown at different museums. "Matti Martikka from South Karelia was a locally known carpenter. His carpentry hobby began with small everyday objects made for home use, but eventually the interior design of the home was dominated by ever larger wooden...
Pine
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Black Brown Wood Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage rocking chair from teak in brown and black color by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland 1950s Finland. An amazing vintage rocking chair in sleek design i...
Teak
Hans J. Wegner Nøglehullet Lounge Rocking Chair, Black Leather, 1970s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair / rocking chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Frame of soap treated beech. Model Nøglehullet, made by GETAMA.
Leather, Beech
Swedish designer pine rocking chair by Steneby Hemslöjdsförening, 1930s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare rocking chair by anonymous designer for Steneby Hemslöjdsförening in Sweden during the 1930s. Made in pine with a loose cushion. Great piece that embodies the style of so ca...
Wool, Pine
$1,362Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Design, 60s, Rockingchair, Oak Wood, Natural Fiber, Original Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design from about 1960s, rockingchair, oak wood, seat - natural straw fiber, original very good condition. Chair checked by professional upholsterer, craftsman.
Straw, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Rocking Chair by GETAMA, Black Leather, Danish Design
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair / rocking chair new upholstered with black aniline leather. Frame of soap treated oak Model Nøglehullet, made by GETAMA.
Leather, Beech
Karl-Axel Adolfsson “Isabella” Rocking Chair for Gemla, Sweden 20th Century
Located in Utrecht, NL
Rooted in the atmosphere of the vast, serene forests of Sweden, furniture design emerging from the region has been deeply interwoven with natural elements, and the utilisation of Swe...
Fabric, Wood, Bentwood