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 rosewood chest of drawers, Denmark, 1970s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Danish rosewood chest of drawers, Denmark, 1970s Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: rosewood dimensions: height: 48 cm, width: 100 cm, depth: 43 cm
Rosewood
Scandinavian teak chest of drawers from the 1950s/60s
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak chest of drawers characterized by elegant details and solid construction. The cabinet features three spacious drawers, each with metal handles. The first drawer is equippe...
Metal
Danish cabinet Denka rosewood effect
Located in Brescia, IT
Danish 1950s-60s cabinet, rosewood-effect laminate, hinged doors with recessed handles and tapered legs. Compact line and elegant proportions for the Denka cabinet in rosewood-effec...
Rosewood
Scandinavian teak and oak Sonett cabinet, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s teak and oak cabinet made by Sonett (Tenhult), with hinged doors and adjustable interior shelf. Scandinavian cabinetry from the 1960s produced by Sonett, a Swedis...
Oak, Teak
Secretair in Teak of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak secretaire from the 1960s epitomizes the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it combines functionality with aesthetic ap...
Teak
Scandinavian low teak entry cabinet
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s teak entry cabinet with two drawers and carved handles. Scandinavian 1960s teak low entry cabinet with linear frame and two front drawers. Carved handles and the contrast betw...
Teak
Chest of Drawers by Arne Vodder
By Sibast
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Chest of drawers in teak with round legs of steel and teak. Maker Sibast Furniture.
Teak
$10,389 / item
Oak Chest of Drawers Tall Sculptural Design
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Sculptural Design creation Oak chest of drawers with a round shaped silhouette that reveals the wood flexibility and beauty and wakens the desire of feeling its shape by tou...
Iron
Scandinavian mahogany sexton with brass handles
Located in Brescia, IT
1940s-50s mahogany sextet with shaped brass handles, capacious drawers, and balanced proportions. Elegant Scandinavian sestina dating from the 1940s to the 1950s, made of mahogany w...
Mahogany
Swedish teak sexton by Ingvar & Ekström for Bodafors
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish 1962 teak chest of drawers, six graduated drawers and carved handles. A rigorous example of highly manufactured Nordic modernism. Teak sextina designed by Ingvar & Ekström f...
Teak
Contemporary / Modern White "Lustrosa" Cabinet and Natural Wood 2-Drawer Dresser
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Lustrosa" 2-drawer chest featuring a white finished wood cabinet containing 2 drawers with a natural walnut finish, each with two top mounted drawer pulls, res...
Metal, Brass
Danish beech and teak chest of drawers by Børge Mogensen
Located in Brescia, IT
Danish 1960s beech and teak chest of drawers, manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner, with cone-carved handles. Danish chest of drawers designed by Børge Mogensen and manufactured b...
Beech, Teak
Side Table / Bureau Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare side table / bureau by unknown designer. Produced by Glas & Trä Hovmantorp in Sweden.
Leather, Rosewood
Small Scandinavian chest of drawers with black profiles Bodafors
Located in Brescia, IT
1960s chest of drawers manufactured by Bodafors, with original markings, contrasting black profiles, and exposed brass screws. Small Scandinavian chest of drawers from the 1960s man...
Teak
Cassettiera scandinava in teak con gambe nere
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s teak chest of drawers with three drawers, double brass handles and black lacquered tapered legs; understated and graphic Mid-Century elegance. Orthogonal lines and softened ed...
Teak
Vintage Scandinavian chest of drawers with double top drawer
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s chest of drawers with double top keyed drawers, teak frame, and slender black legs. Scandinavian chest of drawers from the 1960s characterized by clean lines and ...
Teak
$1,825 / set
Chest of drawers with mirror, 1960s Denmark
Located in Chorzów, PL
A mirror set with a chest of drawers from the 1960s. The furniture comes from Denmark. Dimensions: Mirror: height 118 cm / width 77 cm Chest of drawers: height 40 cm / width 101 c...
Rosewood
Danisk teak chest of drawers or small sideboard, 3 large drawers 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Stunning Scandinavian chest of drawers. Three large drawers offer ample storage. A beautifully crafted piece with a simple yet elegant design. Designer: Danish Manufacturer: Stamped...
Teak
1970s, Danish chest of drawers, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish chest of drawers. Beech wood, brass handles and plugs on the legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish furnitu...
Brass
Small Scandinavian mahogany chest of drawers 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage Scandinavian 1950s-60s mahogany chest of drawers, with three drawers and carved throat handles with a strong graphic character. Vintage Scandinavian 1950s-60s mahogany chest...
Mahogany
$12,823 / item
Drawing cabinet by Mogens Koch
By Mogens Koch
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Drawing cabinet in solid teak w. 6 drawers. By Mogens Kohc / Rud. Rasmussen
Teak
Midcentury File Cabinet in Teak, Danish Design, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
File cabinet in teak and oak, designed and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Brass
Danish rosewood-effect chest of drawers Denka
Located in Brescia, IT
1950s-60s chest of drawers with three drawers, recessed double-slotted handles, and turned legs. Rosewood-effect grain laminate, understated Danish lines. Compact proportions define...
Palisander
$6,620 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Organic Vintage Brown Teak Chest or Commodes 1960s, Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern organic vintage chest of drawers or commodes from teak designed and manufactured, 1960s, Denmark. An amazing chest with three (3) drawers and much storage space ...
Teak
Kai Winding Bureau / Secretaire Produced by Cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark
By Kai Winding
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare bureau / secretaire designed by Kai Winding. Produced by cabinetmaker P. Jeppesen in Denmark. Dimensions (W x D x H): 100 x 46.5 (83) x 104 (68) cm.
Brass
Vintage Danish Sewing Table, Teak Wood, 60s
Located in Tarm, 82
Sewing table, scandinavian design. Produced in about 1960. Teak wood and rattan. Elements of the wheel - brass.
Wicker, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Bureau Produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bureau designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen. Produced by Seffle Möbelfabrik in Sweden.
Oak
$7,944 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Walnut
Häkli Scandinavian Modern Secretary Chest, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, FI
Elegant Scandinavian Modern secretary chest manufactured by Häkli in Finland during the 1950s. This versatile and beautifully proportioned piece combines a chest of drawers, writing ...
Birch
Chatol Made In Light Mahogany With Brass Handles From 1920s
Located in Lejre, DK
This chatol with three drawers is furniture craftsmanship from the 1920s. Crafted in light mahogany and adorned with brass handles and fittings, it exudes both elegance and functiona...
Mahogany
Ejvind A. Johansson Bureau Model 91 Produced by Gern Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare chest of drawers / bureau model 91 designed by Ejvind A. Johansson. Produced by Gern Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Rosewood
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Lovely Petite Danish Modern Rosewood Bachelors Chest Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely petite Danish modern rosewood bachelors chest. Rosewood veneer with solid rosewood handles. Perfectly matched drawer fronts and fully finished mahogany inside the drawers with...
Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chest of Drawers and Shelves in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian chest of drawers and shelves in teak. 2 shelves. 2 sliding doors. 1 inner modular shelve. 2 drawers. 1 slidin...
Teak
$3,816 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Oak
Large Danish chest of drawers, week-table, 7 drawers in teak, Henning Jørgensen
By Fredericia, Henning Jørgensen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian chest of drawers/storage unit. Seven large drawers, the top one locks (key included). An elegant piece of furniture of very high quality craftsmanship; note the f...
Teak
Kai Kristiansen Bureaus Model Nr 50 by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of bureaus model nr 50 designed by Kai Kristiansen. Produced by Feldballes Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Rosewood
$5,343 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Oak
$5,069 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 4 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Walnut
$5,948 / item
Tall Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Cabinet
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
Very elegant timeless Apothecary style chest of drawers cabinet that provides a practical storage space for dining rooms and offices. It is composed by drawers of different dimensio...
Oak, Walnut
Swedish oak chest of drawers by String Design AB
Located in Brescia, IT
Swedish 1960s oak chest of drawers by String Design AB with carved handles and original label. Swedish oak chest of drawers produced in the 1960s by String Design AB, a company foun...
Oak
Danish Rosewood chest of drawers by Kai Kristiansen/Feldballe Møbelfabrik 1960.
By Kai Kristiansen, Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb little Scandinavian chest of drawers. Four large drawers and a light base. This piece of furniture features a sleek, elegant, and functional design. Excellent craftsmanship. L...
Rosewood
Chest of drawers, with mirror, in rosewood by Paul Geoffroy for Edition Char
By Paul Geoffroy, Atelier Charron
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb large Scandinavian-style dressing table/chest of drawers, very elegant and functional. It features three large drawers with black lacquered handles on the lower section and, o...
Glass, Rosewood
Contemporary / Modern White "Lustrosa" Cabinet and Natural Wood 5-Drawer Chest
Located in Queens, NY
Contemporary / Modern "Lustrosa" 5 drawer chest featuring a white finished wood cabinet containing 5 drawers with a natural walnut finish, each with two top mounted drawer pulls, res...
Metal, Brass
Seating and Storage Hallway Piece in Three Types of Scandinavian Pine
By Örn Duvald
Located in Gentofte, DK
'Entry' This piece was formed out of three types of pine; oregon, douglas and scots pine and exhibits each sort beautifully different and contrastive characters. This is an archetyp...
Copper
Modular Wall Unit Landform Night System 5 with Drawers and Desk Made with Oak
Located in Seroa, PT
Composition Description Panel 400 + Panel 600 - 380 x 6 x H200 cm Mate oak wood veneer (SCF-24) Chest of drawers - 180 x 50 x H60 cm Mate Beige lacquered (SCL-03) With black metal handles (SCM-16) Desk with 2 drawers - 180 x 50 x H18 cm Mate beige lacquered (SCL-03) Designed to suit the needs of your living spaces, the Landform Night System sets up all the necessary elements for an area that prioritises conviviality, rest, and entertainment. This piece combines bookcases, display cases, modular systems, and TV cabinets. Finding the perfect balance between com fort, functionality and design is the main goal of a furniture system aimed at study and work. This solution features a dark brown oak mate wood veneer panel, a taupe lacquered storage unit...
Oak, Lacquer
$8,795 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 10 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Walnut
$6,258 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 8 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Oak
$5,475 / item
Chest of drawers model Cosmopol. 5 drawers
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Cosmopol is an elegant and minimalist furniture line inspired by the values of Scandinavian functionalism. Entirely made in France, each piece is individually produced according to ...
Walnut
$11,555 / item
Walnut Wood Chest of Drawers Tall Sculptural Design
Located in Paris, FR
Stunning Sculptural Design creation Walnut chest of drawers with a round shaped silhouette that reveals the wood flexibility and beauty and wakens the desire of feeling its shape by ...
Iron
$9,482 / item
Walnut or Oak Chest of Drawers Dresser Chiffonier
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
Chiffonier chest of drawers commode dresser with exterior in solid wood and interior in natural veneered mdf. Possible to choose among oak or walnut wood . Base made of iron with m...
Oak, Walnut
Swedish Designer, Chest of Drawers, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and rosewood chest of drawers designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Includes one key. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.8"H x 39.25"W ...
Birch
Price Upon Request
Danish Modern Teak Hanging Shelf with Drawer
Located in Kensington, MD
Beautiful Teak Wall Mounted Shelf with Storage Drawer — Minimalism at Its Best. Use it as a nightstand for an uncluttered look. Perfect in an entryway with a mirror mounted above.
Teak