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.
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Solid Teak Dining Table with Drop-leaves
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in London, GB
Listed here are two chests of drawers sold separately. These pieces are part of a large group of bedroom furniture designed by Hvidt & Mølgaard and made by Søborg Møbler in th...
Teak
Danish Modern Rosewood 'Egyptian Table' Coffee Table by Mogens Lassen, 1940s
By Mogens Lassen, Rud Rasmussen, A. J. Iversen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Luxurious coffee table by Mogens Lassen, made from rosewood. Circular tabletop with beautiful woodgrain and rounded profiled edges. Neat sled base with X-shaped legs and cool brass e...
Brass
Small dining table by Carl Axel Acking and master cabinetmaker Torsten Schollin
By Torsten Schollin, Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Hägersten, SE
Small dining or entry table attributed to Carl-Axel Acking. Made by master cabinetmaker Torsten Schollin. Made from mahogny with great attention to details in execution as well as ma...
Teak
Organic Live Edge Elm Coffee Table by Carl-Axel Beijbom, Sweden, 1967
By CA Beijbom, Simmlingegården
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elmwood coffee or console table by Carl-Axel Beijbom, made from an elmwood slab with beautiful variations in the wood. Beautiful, oiled surface. Sturdy, sculpted legs that pick up th...
Elm
1960s Danish Coffee Table by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Coffee table by Hans J. Wegner, in a clean, balanced design. Striking Wenge tabletop and round stained oak legs.
Oak, Wenge
DOOQ New Organic Modern Handmade Portuguese Nusa Center Table
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nusa is our latest table collection, where Southeast Asian inspiration meets modern craftsmanship. Each table intricately weaves an ancient marqueterie technique, seamlessly blending...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Finn Juhl Judas Dining Table for Niels Vodder, Brazilian Rosewood, Silver Inlay
Located in Kansas City, MO
Finn Juhl designed "Judas" dining table made by Niels Vodder and retailed by Illums Bolighus of Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s. This is one of the most important and rare dining tables o...
Silver
Frits Henningsen solid oak table circa 1930-50s
Located in London, GB
This 1950s oak table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
Poul Cadovius and Bjorn Wiinblad for Cado Mid Century Pedestal Dining Table
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius, Susanne Fjedldoe Mygge
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Stunning Hand Painted Circular Dining Table on a Brushed Metal Tulip Base, With Epoxy Resin Varnished Top - 1970's Made in Denmark by Poul Cadovius, Bjørn Wiinblad & Susanne Fjeldsøe MyGge...
Steel
Ceramic Tile and Teak Occasional or Coffee Table by Bjørn Wiinblad, Denmark
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing unique stoneware and teak coffee table by the acclaimed artist Bjørn Wiinblad. Beautiful tiles shifting in color between grey, blue and green with a golden yellow overlaying ...
Ceramic
Poul Cadovius Rosewood Coffee Table Designed For France & Son Circular 1960s
By Cado, Poul Cadovius
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Poul Cadovius Beautiful Rosewood Coffee Table Designed For France & Son Circular Top Inlaid With Brushed Chrome Floral Decoration Made In Denmark 1960's Poul Cadovius (1911 - 2011) was one of the most colourful and successful persons in the history of Danish furniture industry. He was originally educated as an upholsterer but became very interested in design at an early stage, and in 1945 he established his own furniture manufacturing company Royal System. A few years later, in 1948, he designed the iconic shelving system ROYAL...
Steel
Danish Mid Century Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen FD-516 Coffee Table
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Rochester, England
Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, the FD-516 coffee table was manufactured by France & Søn in Denmark. Constructed from Teak, the coffee table has a large rectangul...
Teak, Rattan
$13,515Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Dining Table by Dyrlund of Denmark.
By Poul Hundevad, Dyrlund
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare and mechanically brilliant flip flap or lotus rosewood table. The choice of grain in the Rosewood is nothing short of beautiful and exactly what you would expect fr...
Steel
Swedish Designer, Center Table, Oak, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
An extendable oak center or dining table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s.
Oak
Swedish Midcentury Walnut Coffee Table by Josef Frank, Firma Svenskt Tenn, 1950s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking round coffee table by Josef Frank, model 2139, designed in 1952. Early 1950s edition, made from walnut with an exceptional and beautiful table top with root veneer in an org...
Walnut
DOOQ Organic Modern Handmade Portuguese Pink Tiles Nouvelle Vague Center Table
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Exceptional in its craftwork, Nouvelle Vague is a center table that rejects traditional conventions in favor of experimentation. Round ceramic handmade pieces, painted in a unique cr...
Ceramic, Wood
1930's Swedish Oval Pedestal Table
Located in New York, NY
A 1930's Swedish Deco occasional table with oval top in bookmatched birch veneer and faceted pedestal base with feet, contrasting in Macassar ebony.
Birch
Scandinavian Square Center Table, Storage Box
Located in London, GB
A Scandinavian modernist square center or coffee table - storage box. Beautifully angular sleek design with lovely colouring. Produced in Denmark circa 1950's by unknown cabinet mak...
Teak, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Teak Coffee Table
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This simple yet stylish vintage teak coffee table features Danish modern design, tapered legs, and rich natural finish. Danish markers mark on the bottom of the table, please confirm...
Teak
Club Table attr. Otto Korhonen, Finland, 1930s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Club table attributed to Otto Korhonen, Finland, 1930s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina consistent with age and use.
Birch, Paint
Danish Modern Center Table in Solid Teakwood & Ceramic Tiles by Ox-Art, 1973
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful unique center table in solid teakwood with top in ceramic tiles by Ox-Art. Made in Denmark in 1973. Brutalist style. Signed 1973.
Ceramic, Teak
Rosewood Coffee Table by Bernt Petersen for Wørts Møbelsnedkeri, Denmark, 1960s
By Bernt Petersen, Henrik Wørts Møbelsnedkeri
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant rosewood coffee table by Bernt Petersen, with a smooth top. Amazing slender design with beautifully sculpted feet.
Rosewood
Modern Round Table 'Lavitta' by Poiat, Black Oak, 100cm
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Lavitta round table (100 cm) designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Collection Lavitta 2016 by Poiat Model shown on picture Dimensions :...
Oak
DOOQ New Organic Modern Handmade Portuguese Nusa Side Table
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nusa is our latest table collection, where Southeast Asian inspiration meets modern craftsmanship. Each table intricately weaves an ancient marqueterie technique, seamlessly blending...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Contemporary Dining Table POV 462, Solid Oak or Walnut, Round or Square, 140
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 462 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Round, square, or rounded square Top size: 120cm, 130cm,140cm, or 150cm Wood types: ...
Oak, Walnut
NEW! DOOQ! Modern Handmade Portuguese Nusa Center Table in Wood
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nusa is our latest table collection, where Southeast Asian inspiration meets modern craftsmanship. Each table intricately weaves an ancient marqueterie technique, seamlessly blending...
Wood, Oak, Walnut
Large Danish teak coffee table or bench by Peter Lovig Nielsen, 1960.
By Lovig Dansk
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Scandinavian coffee table featuring a stunning U-shaped base. A piece with a clean, elegant design that can serve as a coffee table, an entryway or living room bench, or a bench for ...
Teak
Contemporary Dining Table POV 462, Solid Oak or Walnut, Round or Square, 120
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining Table POV 462 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Round, square, or rounded square Top size: 120cm, 130cm,140cm, or 150cm Wood types: Solid oa...
Oak, Walnut
Modernist Rosewood Coffee Table with Stone Top by Erling Viksjø, Norway, 1960s
By Erling Viksjø, AS Conglo Design
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful round coffee table in rosewood with terrazzo stone top and a contrasting brushed brass edge. The stones and shards of different sizes and colors are molded in concrete, cre...
Stone, Concrete, Brass
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Dining Table Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen 1950s
By Arne Jacobsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian modern vintage dining table or center table by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, which was created and manufactured in Denmark 1950s. The dining table shows a brass base w...
Brass
DOOQ! NEW Organic Modern Handmade Nouvelle Vague Dinner Table in Yellow, D=120cm
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Nouvelle Vague Dinner Table Yellow Glossy Tiles Powder Matte Lacquered Wood Top in Travertine Exceptional in its craftwork, Nouvelle Vague is a dinner table that rejects traditional...
Ceramic, Wood
$3,461Sale Price|40% Off
Frits Henningsen solid elm table circa 1940-50s
Located in London, GB
This 1950s elm table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
Pair 1950s Rud Rasmussen Hardwood D-Shaped Centre Tables with Brass Tipped Legs
Located in London, GB
Pair 1950s Rud Rasmussen Mahogany D-Shaped Centre Tables with Brass Tipped Legs. Restoration in progress, although pictures may show condition prior to this.
Hardwood
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Squared Birch Side Table Alvar Aalto 1946 Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage square like form side table from plywood and birch dining table or side table by Alvar Aalto designed circa 1946 Finland manufactured circa 1960. A wonder...
Birch, Plywood
Organic Live Edge Elm Coffee Table by Peter Beijbom, Sweden, 1981
By CA Beijbom, Simmlingegården
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking elmwood coffee table by Peter Beijbom, made from an elmwood slab with lovely woodgrain. Beautiful, oiled surface. Sturdy, sculpted legs that pick up the organic design of th...
Elm
Børge Mogensen Console / Library Table by Erhard Rasmussen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare console / library table designed by Børge Mogensen. Produced by Erhard Rasmussen in Denmark.
Cherry, Pine
$1,768Sale Price|22% Off
Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This rosewood dining table from the 1960s is an iconic example of Danish furniture design. The table is created with care and expertise, and its timeless aesthetic fits perfectly wit...
Rosewood
$385Sale Price|40% Off
Danish Modern Square Teak Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a great Danish coffee table in great condition!
Teak
Swedish Neoclassical Coffee Table in Birch and Root Veneer, Sweden, 1930s
By AB Förenade Möbelfabrikerna Linköping
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning console or coffee table. Made from stained birch with a table top in root veneer, beautifully shaped like a flower-form outline with profiled edge. Legs with decorative scul...
Birch
1939 World's Fair Marked Center Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare, museum quality, table with a solid teak top on laminated maple legs. Retaining a partial label from the 1939 World's Fair.
Teak, Maple
Occasional Table 'PK61' Designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen
By E. Kold Christensen, Poul Kjærholm
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table PK61 designed by Poul Kjaerholm for E. Kold Christensen, Denmark, 1956. Steel and Porsgrunn marble with fossils. H: 33 cm/ 13" L: 85 cm/ 33 1/2" W: 85 cm/ 33 1/2"
Marble
Graphic Scandinavian Teak Coffee Table with Glass Top, 1960s
Located in Voorburg, NL
Scandinavian teak two-tiered coffee table with a glass top manufactured in the 1960s. The glass top is nicely etched around the sides. Very nice graphic design with clean and simple ...
Glass, Teak
Nordiska Kompaniet, Center Table, Oak, Sweden, 1920s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak center or side table produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1920s. Dimensions: 27.5” H x 31.7” Diameter
Oak
Rosewood and Inlaid Wood Coffee Table by Tapio Wirkkala for Asko
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning coffee table by Tapio Wirkkala, with a rosewood top inlayed with an oval shape of contrasting wood that has a growth ring-like pattern. Exquisitely restored. Sturdy base mad...
Beech, Rosewood
Swedish Modern Rosewood Coffee Table by Carl-Axel Acking
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking rosewood coffee table with a black marble stone, tabletop with profiled edges. Masterfully executed craftsmanship presumably made by master carpenter Hjalmar Wikström with g...
Stone
Pentacle Table by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A privately commissioned circular teak dining table or center table by Scandinavian Modern designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. Crafted in Burmese teak wood, the circular ...
Brass
Frits Henningsen solid oak whitewashed coffee table circa 1930-50s
Located in London, GB
This 1950s oak table made by Frits Henningsen in the 1940s-50s is a perfect example Frits Henningsen's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Whereas most designers and cabinetmake...
Hardwood
DOOQ Organic Modern Travertine and Olive Ash Portuguese Tables L'anamour
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
L’anamour is a set of coffee and side tables, which complement and complete each other. The connection between them is as perfect as a poet-muse relationship, with emotions flying hi...
Travertine
DOOQ Organic Modern Handmade Green & Nude Nouvelle Vague Center Table
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Exceptional in its craftwork, Nouvelle Vague is a center table that rejects traditional conventions in favor of experimentation. Round ceramic handmade pieces, painted in a unique craquele glaze are placed around a lacquered center top, creating a sense of movement that evokes the motion of the waves. Our Nouvelle Vague collection is crafted using portuguese hand made tiles...
Ceramic, Wood
DOOQ Scandinavian Modern Travertine and Olive Ash Center Table L'anamour, Rouge
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
L’anamour is a set of coffee and side tables, which complement and complete each other. The connection between them is as perfect as a poet-muse relationship, with emotions flying hi...
Travertine
Modern Round Table 'Lavitta' by Poiat, Dark Oak, 100cm
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Lavitta round table (100 cm) designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Collection Lavitta 2016 by Poiat Model shown on picture Dimensions :...
Oak
Swedish Coffee Table by Reiners Möbler, 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced in Mjölby, Sweden, 1950s. Very good condition.
Elm, Walnut
DOOQ Scandinavian Modern Travertine and Olive Ash Wood Tables L'anamour, Rose
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
L’anamour is a set of coffee and side tables, which complement and complete each other. The connection between them is as perfect as a poet-muse relationship, with emotions flying hi...
Travertine
Contemporary Dining Table POV 462, Solid Oak or Walnut, Round or Square, 150
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 462 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Round, square, or rounded square Top size: 120cm, 130cm,140cm, or 150cm Wood types: ...
Oak, Walnut
$6,305Sale Price|20% Off
Peana Low Coffee Table, Bench in Natural Oak Wood Finish by Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Peana Low Coffee Table, Bench in Natural Oak Wood Finish by Joel Escalona Peana, which in English translates to base or pedestal, is a series of tables and different surfaces inspir...
Oak, Wood, Hardwood
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Mahogany
DOOQ Organic Modern Handmade Portuguese Soft Green Nouvelle Vague Center Table
By DOOQ
Located in Lisbon, PT
Exceptional in its craftwork, Nouvelle Vague is a center table that rejects traditional conventions in favor of experimentation. Round ceramic handmade pieces, painted in a unique cr...
Ceramic, Wood
Modern Round Table 'Lavitta' by Poiat, Black Oak, 120cm
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Lavitta round table (120 cm) designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Collection Lavitta 2016 by Poiat Model shown on picture Dimensions :...
Oak
Modern Round Table 'Lavitta' by Poiat, Natural Oak, 100cm
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Lavitta round table (100 cm) designed by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Collection Lavitta 2016 by Poiat Model shown on picture Dimensions :...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Black Metal Vintage Dining Table Center Table, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern black vintage dining table or center table, which shows a hair pin metal base and a newly lacquered glossy fiberglass to...
Metal