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 Gunnel Nyman for Boman Secretaire in Pyramid Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Gunnel Anita Gustafsson-Nyman for Oy Boman Ab, secretaire, pyramid mahogany, Finland, ca. 1937 The Finnish artist Gunnel Anita Gustafsson-Nyman (1909–1948) is best known for her gl...
Brass
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Secretary Desk, Bar Cabinet Made in Denmark 1960s
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid-century Danish modern teak secretary desk or bar cabinet was made in Denmark in the 1960s. The cabinet has refined, compact proportions and is well constructed with ...
Brass
Mid 20th Century, Danis Modern Oak Drop‑Front Secretary Desk / Bureau
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant mid 20th century Danish oak drop‑front secretary desk / bureau featuring a classic fall‑front writing surface with beautiful, decorative brass handles that enhance its vin...
Brass
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Teak Secretary Desk
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage secretary desk in teak circa 1970's, made in Sweden. This piece is equipped with three deep storage drawers accessorized with sculpted wood handles. Features a roll top door ...
Birch, Teak
Danish Teak Secretary Desk with Hidden Vanity Mirror
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish teak secretary desk crafted of teak with book-matched grain across the drawers. The secretary features a pull-out writing surface over three drawers. A pair of sliding glass c...
Glass, Teak
Mid-century Torbjorn Afdal Danish Rosewood Secretary Desk
By Nesjestranda Møbelfabrik, Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish secretary desk designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Nesjestranda Møbelfabrik, Norway, 1965. Crafted from Brazilian rosewood, the secretary desk ...
Rosewood
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak Wood Secretary Desk, Chest of Drawers, 1960s
Located in The Hague, NL
This midcentury Danish modern teak secretary desk was made in Denmark, circa 1960. The Classic Scandinavian Modern design has clean Minimalist lines and elegant curves. The upper cab...
Teak
Erling Torvits secretary desk in rosewood Klim Mobelfabrik Denmark 1960
By Erling Torvits, Klim Møbelfabrik
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Very nice secretary desk in rosewood design by Erling Torvits and manufactured by Klim Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s. A beautifully proportioned Danish modern secretary that combines e...
Santos Rosewood
$3,053Sale Price|20% Off
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Secretary Desk 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Secretary desk / cabinet, designed in 1950s by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark. Made in fine walnut early 1960s. Front with three drawers and a writing flap. Behind the...
Wood
Gray design Secretary desk designed in Paris by Eric Gizard, made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combin...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Antique Danish Pine Drop-Front Secretary with Upper Cabinet, Mid 19th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A charming Antique Danish drop-front secretary in solid pine, dating to the mid 19th century. The piece features a well-balanced architectural composition with a lower drop-front wri...
Iron
Danish rosewood secretary desk, Model 37, Arne Wahl Iversen/Vinde Møbelfabrik.
By Arne Wahl Iversen, Vinde Møbelfabrik
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
A very lovely Scandinavian secretary desk. It features three large drawers in the lower section (the top drawer is lockable) and a lockable drop-down door that serves as a writing su...
Santos Rosewood
H.W. Klein secretary cabinet in rosewood Bramin Denmark 1960
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This elegant secretary cabinet was designed by H.W. Klein and produced by Bramin, Denmark, circa 1960. A refined example of Danish modern craftsmanship, the piece combines clean arch...
Rosewood
Danish Teak Secretary by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By Erling Torvits, Klim Møbelfabrik
Located in Rosendahl, DE
This elegant vintage design secretary from the 1960s was designed by Erling Torvits for Klim Møbelfabrik and impresses with its timeless aesthetics and functionality. The secretary h...
Teak
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Arne Vodder Scandinavian Danish Modern Teak Desk Vanity Table Top Organizer
By Arne Vodder
Located in Wayne, NJ
Wonderful aged teak three-drawer organizer. Beautifully crafted, finished on all sides. This can also be for multiple purposes such as used as a desktop organizer , jewelry , Makeup...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak 4 Part Triple Stacked Secretary Display Cabinet Dry Bar
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Scandinavian Modern teak 4-part triple stacked display cabinet, or secretary, or dry bar made in Denmark. Beautiful condition...
Glass, Teak
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen.
By Vinde Møbelfabrik, Arne Wahl Iversen
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavian secretary in rosewood by Arne Wahl Iversen. Small lamp in central part.
Rosewood
$4,697Sale Price|20% Off
Bruno Mathsson reading stand, Karl Mathsson 40's Sweden modernist collector
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Forest, BE
Table de lecture en bois et acier nickelé. Daté du début des années 1940. La tablette en bois a été restaurée mais la patine du piétement reste non touché et dans son état le plus proche de l'origine. Ajustable en hauteu. Il y à de beaux détails en laiton. Produite dans les ateliers de son père Karl Mathsson...
Steel, Nickel
Johannes Sorth Rosewood Shelving Unit for Bornholm
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning rosewood cabinet by Johannes Sorth for Bornholm c.1960s, Denmark. The upper section of the piece features an open shelf with tambour sliding doors below. Inside the doors ar...
Rosewood
Stunning Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet , Denmark
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish modern, two piece, book matched rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad ... Birch wood interior,,, features a 26 inch height bottom cabinet with sliding doors, a...
Birch, Rosewood
$3,698 / item
Red Large Secrétaire, Design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Swedish Modern Bureau by Otto Schulz for Boet, 1940s
By Otto Schulz, Boet
Located in Karlstad, SE
Very rare bureau by Otto Schulz for Boet, circa 1940. This bureau is covered in cream white vinyl attached with pearl nails, significant for the designer. The skewed front is made o...
Wood
$4,600Sale Price|28% Off
Mid-Century Modern Secretaire by A. B. Petterson & Nilson, Sweden
Located in Astoria, NY
A. B. Petterson & Nilson Swedish Mid-Century Modern Drop-Front Secretaire, Parcel-ebonized wood with ornamental inlay, metal pulls, makers label to back. 43.5" H x 37" W x 19" D...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Teak Cabinet with Sliding Doors and Roll-up Flap
By Åtvidabergs Snickerifabrik
Located in Madrid, ES
Scandinavian made cabinet veneered with teak. Top part with roll-up flap, bottom with two sliding doors, behind which are storage compartments with a shelf. Key included.
Teak
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
solid pine secretary desk by WASA, Germany 1990s
Located in ECHT, NL
Secretary desk made by German company Wasa in 1992. it is made from solid pine. It has a lid that folds down to function as a work top. Behind the lid there are shelves and drawers....
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Danish Secretary in Teak
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Danish secretary in teak.
Teak
Tobacco Leaf Lacquered Large Secrétaire, Design by Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
$6,975 / item
Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Oak
Located in Paris, FR
Beautifull handmade Nordic style compact desk made of solid oak wood offering a real storage solution with three drawers, one secret compartment and two l...
Oak
Poul Hundevad Rosewood Secretary Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern, two piece, rosewood, bookcase secretary cabinet by Poul Hundevad features a 26 inch height bottom cabinet with sliding doors, adjustable shelves and green felt lined, ...
Rosewood
Blue gray secretary desk in wood, with storage - design Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION and is designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, c...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Vintage Scandinavian Modern Teak Drop Front Desk Secretary in a Box, 1960-2000
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome MCM (a.k.a. Mid-Century Modern) vintage Scandinavian Modern drop front desk or secretary in a box. It is in wonderful vintage condition. There...
Teak
Sea Blue Large and Design Secretaire in Ash Wood by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Swedish Modern Bureau by Åby Möbelfabrik, 1940s
By Åby Möbler
Located in Karlstad, SE
Beautiful bureau by Åby Möbelfabrik, Sweden, circa 1940. This bureau is made of elm and elm root veneer. It consist of three drawers and one folding v...
Elm
Light blue French secretary desk, designed by Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combinin...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
$7,680 / item
Scandinavian Style Secretary Desk in Walnut
Located in Paris, FR
Beautifull handmade Nordic style compact desk made of solid walnut wood offering a real storage solution with three drawers, one secret compartment and tw...
Walnut
Scandinavian secretaire with hidden mirror, 1960s
Located in Brescia, IT
Sleek, geometric lines, three drawers and flap. Interior equipped with brass card holder, small drawers and compartment with mirror. Tapered legs. Elegant 1960s teak secretaire with...
Teak
1960s oak secrétaire by Børge Mogensen
Located in Brescia, IT
Oak secrétaire designed by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbler with drawers, flap, original key and interior compartments. Scandinavian secrétaire from the 1960s designed by Børge Moge...
Oak
Teak writing desk, Danish design, 1960s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Teak writing desk, Danish design, Very good condition, after professional renovation. Wood: Teak Dimensions: Height 95 cm, width 89 cm, depth 42 cm.
Teak
Large blue Secretary Desk - design Eric Gizard, Paris - made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The overall dimensions of the b...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
White Large Secretaire Desk, Design by Eric Gizard in Paris, made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
White secretary desk - design Eric Gizard Paris - PEFC certified wood
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Secretary desk in solid and veneer ash wood is designed by famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard The Kube itself (without the feet height) is Width 90 cm / 35.4'' x Height 90 cm / 35.4'' x Depth 46 cm / 18;11'' Measures: Height of the feet is 35 cm / 13.8'' Useful Height behind the lower hinged doors is 37 cm / 14.6'' Overall width of each compartment behind the hinged doors is 42 cm / 16.5'' and useful width is 38 cm / 15.0'' due to the hinges. The vertical interior divider can be moved during the manufacture process to allow the installation of printers with a width> 42 cm / 16.5''. The upper working part is fitted with a flap door on a "push-loose" opening for an efficient work with your laptop and smartphone. The storage space inside the cube and behind the flap is for your screen or to store your paperwork in the removable shelves. The 2 horizontal shelves and the 2 vertical storage...
Ash, Wood, Lacquer
$5,683 / item
Scandinavian Minimalist Style Wood Desk
Located in Paris, FR
Great Nordic style compact desk made of solid wood, oak or walnut (chosen by the buyer) offering storage solution with one drawer. Great lines, elegant designer's creation, made in a...
Oak, Walnut
Danish Teak Secretary Cabinet by Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Danish Modern teak secretary cabinet by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Manufactured by Søborg Møbelfabrik in Denmark, circa 1950s. Made from solid teak with drop-down surface...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Sideboard
By Bodafors
Located in New York, NY
A multifunctional piece, this piece was primarily used to hold the traditional and festive Smörgåsbord, the centerpiece of every holiday, as well as storing the dishes, table linens ...
Teak
Dark blue secretary desk in wood, scandinavian design by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
ÉGÉE collection This secretary desk is part of the ÉGÉE collection designed by Eric Gizard in Paris. Eric combines the sleek and refined codes of Scandinavian design with natural materials and muted and "trendy" colorful lacquers. This collection is made of French solid and veneer ash wood. This ÉGÉE desk is ideal for an efficient home or remote work with your laptop and smartphone. The storage space behind the flap is for your screen and you can easily store your paperwork in the removable shelves. The 2 horizontal shelves and the 2 vertical storage...
Ash, Wood, Lacquer
Secrétaire a rullo Bröderna Gustafssons
By Bröderna Gustafssons
Located in Brescia, IT
Secrétaire scandinavo in teak con chiusura a rullo, maniglie e gambe in legno rossastro con puntali in ottone. Etichetta originale del fabbricante. Elegante secrétaire anni ’50 in t...
Teak
Chocolate Gray French large Secrétaire, Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Light Blue Large Secretaire with Storage Designed by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The overall dimensions of the b...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
$3,521 / item
Green French Secretaire, design Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This Secretaire desk is designed by famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The dimensions of the Box itself are width 90 cm / 35.4'' x height 90 cm / 35.4'' x depth 46 cm / 18;11'' Height of the feet is 35 cm / 13.8'' Useful Height behind the lower hinged doors is 37 cm / 14.6'' Overall width of each compartment behind the hinged doors is 42 cm / 16.5'' and useful width is 38 cm / 15.0'' due to the hinges. The vertical interior divider can be moved during the manufacture process to allow the installation of printers with a width> 42 cm / 16.5''. The upper working part is fitted with a flap door on a "push-loose" opening for an efficient work with your laptop and smartphone. The storage space inside the cube and behind the flap is for your screen or to store your paperwork in the removable shelves. The 2 horizontal shelves and the 2 vertical storage...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Scandinavian Modern Teak Secretary by Gunnar Falsig 1960s
By Gunnar Falsig, Holstebro Møbelfabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Modern teak secretaire by Gunnar Falsig 1960s. Mid-century Modern Danish secretaire with curved front. Very elegant and versatile, both a writing desk and a chest of dr...
Teak
Meuble secrétaire scandinave danois vintage Tibergaard en teck des années 50 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Meuble de rangement secrétaire scandinave danois vintage des années 50 60, du designer Gunnar Nielsen Tibergaard (avec estampille Made in Denmark, Designed by Tibergaard), très belle...
Teak
Yellow large French Secretaire, design Eric Gizard in Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is designed by the famous parisian Designer Eric Gizard and delivered fully mounted. The overall dimensions of the b...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Red Secretary Desk, designed in Paris by Eric Gizard, made in France
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combin...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Blue French secrétaire desk with storage units, designed by Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION and has been created in a KUBE concept for optimized storage spaces. The ÉGÉE collection is designed by the Parisian designer Eri...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
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
Green Lacquered Large French Secrétaire, Designed for a Durable Teleworking
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This large secretary desk is mounted in our French workshops and delivered fully assembled. The overall dimensions of the box itself are Widt...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Yellow Secretary Desk with storage, design by Eric Gizard - Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary Desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combin...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Secrétaire with decorated turned legs, 1950s
Located in Brescia, IT
Secrétaire scandinavo in teak con inserti in rovere, tre ampi cassetti, piano estraibile e chiusura a rullo. Gambe tornite decorate. Elegant 1950s Scandinavian secrétaire in teak wi...
Teak
Tobacco Leaf Coloured Secretaire Desk, design Eric Gizard, Paris
By Éric Gizard
Located in Pontaubault, NORMANDIE
This secretary desk belongs to our ÉGÉE COLLECTION designed by the Parisian designer Eric Gizard. Eric adopts for this collection the refined codes of Scandinavian design, combin...
Wood, Ash, Lacquer
Danish Mid-Century Modern Secretary Desk with Bookcase and Chest of Drawers
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautifully crafted Danish Mid-Century Modern secretary desk, produced in Denmark during the 1960s. Executed in richly figured rosewood veneer, this elegant piece combines a writin...
Wood