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.
Newly Refinished - Mid Century Swedish Modern Sculpted Walnut Coffee Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage design...
Walnut
Christensen & Larsen Geometric Coffee Table
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Christensen & Larsen, coffee table, lacquered wood, glass, Denmark, 1970s. This coffee table by Christensen & Larsen has a very direct and geometric shape. At first glance it is a s...
Glass, Wood
Folke Ohlsson Model 1304-T Roman Travertine Top Coffee Table for Dux
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: New Roman Travertine Stone, Walnut-Stained Oak Wood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history...
Stone, Travertine
Coffee Table by Georg Valfrid Ryman in Glass and Stained Beech, Sweden, 1945
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A rare illuminated coffee table designed by Georg Valfrid Ryman and produced by A.B. Glaskonst, Sweden, in 1945. The circular top features a sandblasted and engraved glass panel depi...
Glass, Beech
Scandinavian Coffee Table in Ash with Striped Top and Organic Legs
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Coffee table, ash, Scandinavia, 1950s Beautiful coffee table in ash with striped top. This table features a stunning top with parallel arranged stripes in two colored ashwood. Natur...
Ash
Hans Wegner AT-15 Solid Teak and Oak Coffee Table for Andreas Tuck
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Balen, BE
Minimalistic and elegant, oiled teak and oak coffee table by Hans J. Wegner, Model AT15 produced by Andreas Tuck. The materials used in this coffee table are solid teak and oak wood...
Brass
$1,920Sale Price|20% Off
Large Danish Modern Teak Steel Rectangle coffee table by Johannes Aasbjerg
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Danish Modern Teak and Steel Rectangle coffee table by Johannes Aasbjerg for Aasbjerg & Ortoft. Beautiful Teak coffee table with Geometric shape on square steel and teak legs. ...
Steel
Mid Century Modern, Oak Nesting Tables by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf, EG Kvaliteet
Located in Rødding, DK
Solid oak and ceramic tile-top nesting tables by Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s. Each top is inset with a grid of hand-decorated ceramic tiles carrying individually rendered circul...
Ceramic, Oak
Mid-Century Modern, Oak Tile-Top Nesting Tables, Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Rødding, DK
A solid oak nesting tables in the manner of Henning Kjærnulf, Denmark, 1960s. The defining feature is the inset ceramic tile surface — each top composed of a tightly grid-set field o...
Ceramic, Oak
Mid Century Modern, Brutalist Solid Pomeranian Pine Coffee Table, Denmark, 1970s
By Hans Frydendal 1, Christian IV
Located in Rødding, DK
A solid pine plank-top coffee table by Hans Frydendal for Christian IV, Denmark, 1970s. The top is constructed from wide knotty pine planks, the grain running in tight parallel lines...
Pine
Exceptional Swedish Modern Cloud-Form Mahogany Coffee / Side Table, 1940s
By Josef Frank
Located in The Hague, NL
This exceptional coffee / side table was produced by a Swedish master cabinetmaker in the 1940s. The sculptural tabletop bears a remarkable resemblance to early Josef Frank work for ...
Mahogany
Danish Teak Coffee Table Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Scandinavian 60s coffee table with mosaic by Danish designer Arne Hovmand Olsen for Mogens Kold Mobelfabrik. Structure in solid teak and veneer, inlaid with a ceramic mosaic on the...
Ceramic, Teak
Bruno Mathsson 'Annika' Coffee Table in Birch
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, coffee table model 'Annika', birch, Sweden, 1966 Beautiful and elegant coffee table designed by Bruno Mathsson. This Annika coffee table has ...
Birch
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Coffee Table by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The "Avenir" is a beautifully simple cylindrical cocktail table that highlights the natural mappa burl wood to create a sculptural, functional accent for any room. The tow tiered sha...
Burl
$2,630Sale Price|20% Off
Hans Wegner Coffee Table Model 'AT-10' Teak and Cane, Made in Denmark, 1950s
By Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Antwerp, BE
A midcentury design from Hans J. Wegner model AT-10 coffee table for Andreas Tuck in Denmark, 1950s. A piece of craftmanship features a solid teak top with a beautifully detailed ra...
Cane, Teak
Brutalist Solid Pine Two Tier Coffee Table, Scandinavia, 1970s
By Rainer Daumiller, Roland Wilhelmsson
Located in Karis, Nyland
A sculptural Scandinavian coffee table crafted from solid pine in the 1970s, designed in the manner of Rainer Daumiller or Roland Wilhelmsson. The piece features thick rounded tablet...
Pine
"Utö" table by Axel Einar Hjorth fro NK
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in Long Island City, NY
The "Utö" table designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet, in 1932. Sweden. Stained pine, light scratches. Featured in the book " Axel Einar Hjorth Mobel Arkitekt".
Pine
$817Sale Price|20% Off
skandinavian modern huge round coffee table by KONDOR Möbel-Perfektion 1960s
Located in Landshut, BY
This item represents a significant chapter in the history of the German furniture industry. A coffee table by KONDOR Möbel-Perfektion This piece of furniture features a top layer of ...
Wood, Walnut
Modernist Vintage "Klot-Johan" Coffee Table, Johan Eriksson, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Amazing coffee table by Erik Johansson, called “Klot-Johan” after the creator’s nickname. Curly birch veneer table top and base with original finish. Black lacquered wooden globes...
Birch
Contemporary Coffee Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Smoke Glass
By Kristian Sofus Hansen, Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Coffee Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Coffee Table, Black Oak and Smoke Glass Custom...
Blown Glass, Oak
Swedish Designer, Coffee or Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A wooden coffee or side table designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s.
Wood
Danish Mid-20th Century Modern, Low Coffee Table, Wood Frame & Ceramic Tile Top
By Haslev Mobelsnedkeri, Britt Sallingboe, Magnus Olesen, Alvar Aalto, Tue Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant coffee table is a classic example of Danish Mid-Century Modern design, celebrated for its clean lines, functional construction, and harmonious use of natural materials. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Beech
Contemporary Coffee Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Bottle Green
By Norr11, Tommy Hyldahl, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Coffee Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Coffee Table, Black Oak and Bottle Green Glass ...
Blown Glass, Oak
Mid Century Teak Coffee Table by Westnofa Made in Norway, C 1960/1970s
Located in New York, NY
Classic Scandinavian mid century coffee / cocktail table made in Norway by Westnofa, circa 1960's. The table is in good original condition, it shows some cosmetic wear, and signs of ...
Teak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son Teak & Cane Coffee Table
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Buffalo, NY
Designed in 1956 by celebrated Danish architects and designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, this iconic Model FD516 coffee table exemplifies the refined cr...
Brass
Tue Poulsen Square Tile Top Coffee Table of Wengé by Erik Wørts Danmark 1960s
Located in Oirlo, LI
A striking example of Danish Modern craftsmanship, this rare coffee table was designed by the renowned duo Tue Poulsen and Erik Wørts and produced by Willy Beck in Denmark during the...
Brass
Contemporary Coffee Table 'Naked' by Norr11, Amber Glass
By Tommy Hyldahl, Norr11, Kristian Sofus Hansen
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary Coffee Table "Naked" by Norr11 designed by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Model shown on the main picture : Naked Coffee Table, Black Oak and Amber Glass Custom...
Blown Glass, Oak
Swedish Midcentury Modern Coffee, 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful swedish wooden coffee table from the 1950s with teak veneer, legs in birch with brass caps.
Wood
$2,583Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnel Nyman, Finnish 1940s Coffee Table for Oy Boman Ab
By Gunnel Nyman, Boman OY
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Decorative coffee table in beautiful elm veneer by Gunnel Nyan for OY Boman Ab, FInland. The coffee table id a very rare piece by one of the first woman desig...
Elm
Mid Century Large Solid Rectangular Coffee Table in Pine, Danish Modern, 1960s
By Sven Larsson, Roland Wilhelmsson
Located in Odense, DK
A striking and generously proportioned rectangular coffee table in solid pine, crafted by a Danish cabinet maker in the 1960s. The design combines simplicity and strength, with a thi...
Pine
Mid-Century Modern Floating Surfboard Coffee Table, 1990s
Located in Raymondville, TX
A vintage mid-century modern surfboard coffee table made in Sweden circa 1995. This classic MCM piece features an oak finish, an elongated oval surfboard-shape 'floating' top, a maga...
Wood, Oak
Danish Modern Bentwood oak coffee table by Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen
By Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sorensen, Magnus Olesen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Square Danish Bentwood oak Botium coffee Table by Magnus Olesen 1970s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dining table in steam bent light oak legs and table top. Designed by Rud ...
Birch, Bentwood
"Avenir" Blonde Burl Wood Round Cocktail Table by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The "Avenir" is a beautifully simple cylindrical cocktail table that highlights the natural mappa burl wood to create a sculptural, functional...
Burl
Tue Poulsen Ceramic Tiles Coffee Table by Master Cabinetmaker Willy Beck
Located in Utrecht, NL
Exquisite large coffee table of hand made and beautifully coloured glazed tiles - each with unique structures and deep color nuances - by Tue Poulsen (Denmark 1939 - Danish sculptor,...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Scandinavian Modern Teak with a Cane Shelf C1970
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Beautiful and a elegant piece of Scandinavian Modern. A Sculptural cocktail table in teak with a caned shelf Which sits 11 inches and is slightly smaller than the top. Top is 68 x 24...
Cane, Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Domino' Coffee Table in Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 'Domino' coffee table, teak, birch, Finland, 1954. This Finnish coffee table is designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The table features a solid rectangular tab...
Birch, Teak
$1,237Sale Price|25% Off
Midcentury Scandinavian Walnut Coffee Table, Refinished
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid 20th century Scandinavian dark walnut coffee table, c. 1960s. Beautiful table with a long and lean form having a centrally tapered stretcher and out-turned feet defining its uni...
Walnut
$1,174 / item
'Gear Square' Coffee Table by Norr11, Clay
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Gear Square Coffee Table by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear Square was introduced to the Gear series to fulfill the need for a square coffee table for sofa arrangements, ...
Concrete
$3,520Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Scandinavian Modern Low Long Coffee table or bench with single drawer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Scandinavian Modern Low Long Coffee table or bench with single drawer. beautiful low coffee table or bench with Black canvas straps on lower Left side and single drawer on lower...
Canvas, Wood, Pine, Lacquer
Danish Midcentury Brutalist Round Coffee Table of Solid Oak by Cabinetmaker 1950
By Axel Einar Hjorth, Otto Færge 1
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish brutalist style round coffee table of solid oak with a heavy tabletop on four square legs. On each of the four legs is a hand-carved relief. Manufactured by a Danish cabinetma...
Oak
Neo-Egyptian Copper Coffee Table by Vad Trevarefabrikk, Norway, 1970
Located in Dronten, NL
Striking Neo-Egyptian copper coffee table produced by Vad Trevarefabrikk, Norway, circa 1970. This sculptural piece exemplifies the Scandinavian reviva...
Copper
Model 252 Barcelona Coffee Table, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Knoll, Early 2000s
By Knoll, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 252 Barcelona glass table/coffee table, design Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, manufactured by Knoll, Early 2000s. Polished chrome frame, glass t...
Chrome
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Solid Teak Coffee Table by Moredo
By Moredo
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous Danish modern solid teak coffee table by Moredo, circa 1960s. The table is in wonderful vintage condition with beautiful teak grain and measures 32"W x 32"D x 17"H. The tabl...
Teak
$786 / item
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Clay
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed as a simplified block-like...
Concrete
Mid Century Rectangular Pine Coffee Table by Roland Wilhelmsson, Ågasta, 1969
Located in Odense, DK
Swedish modern rectangular coffee table in solid pine. Made by Roland Wilhelmsson as part of hes own production made for Ågesta. Stamped and signed 1969. Great craftmanship and such ...
Pine
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare vintage coffee table produced by Artek in Finland, dating to the late 1950s–1960s. The table combines a warm teak tabletop with solid birch legs, a material pairing characteri...
Wood, Birch, Teak
Scandinavian wood and ceramic table, Sweden, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Scandinavian wood and ceramic table, Sweden, 1970s. An elegant Scandinavian-style coffee table featuring a solid wood frame with clean lines and a rectangular glazed ceramic top. T...
Ceramic, Wood
$830 / item
'Gear Table' by Norr11, Low, Chalk
By Norr11
Located in Paris, IDF
Gear Tables by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Gear is a collection of sculptural coffee tables, inspired by Ancient Greek columns. Gear is designed ...
Concrete
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sleek coffee table designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto circa the 1950s. Known for combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, Aalto’s techniqu...
Glass, Birch, Plywood
Sculptural Rosewood Coffee Table by Sven Ellekaer for Heltborg Mobler
By Heltborg Møbler, Sven Ellekaer
Located in Dronten, NL
An icon of Danish Modern design, this substantial coffee table by Sven Ellekaer for Heltborg Mobler offers a masterclass in organic form and rare material. Crafted from rich, book-m...
Rosewood
Coffee Table by Unknown Designer in Mosaic and Limed Oak, Denmark, 1940s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Decorative coffee table produced in Denmark during the 1940s. The circular mosaic top features a striking motif of a seated female figure, framed by a solid limed oak rim. Raised on ...
Oak
Johannes Andersen Coffee Table, Cf Christenson Silkeborg
By Johannes Andersen and C. F. Christensen
Located in Vienna, AT
Organic shaped coffee table with tapered solid wood legs, designed in the 1060s by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg in Denmark. Very good original condition.
Hardwood
Henning Norgaard Rosewood Coffee Table, 1960s
Located in London, England
Henning Norgaard - Coffee Table, 1960s A striking, modernist coffee table from lesser-known Danish designer Henning Norgaard. This series was produced in a variety of sizes all with...
Glass, Rosewood
Swedish Modern coffee table / side table, 1940s
By Carl-Erik Johansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exquisite Swedish coffee table from the 1940s is a true masterpiece of mid-century design, combining elegance with innovative craftsmanship. The table features a raw glass top, ...
Metal
1960s Danish Coffee Table by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck
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
Rare 'Model 75' Coffee Table by Holger Georg Jensen for Kubus, 1960s
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Highly decorative ‘Model 75’ coffee table designed by Holger Georg Jensen around 1960. Made of solid teak with a sculptural base and a beautiful round top with a fantastic sunburst v...
Teak
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn Coffee Table
By France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, coffee table, black lacquered oak, Denmark, 1960s This black lacquered oak coffee table is designed by the Danish designer duo Ol...
Oak, Lacquer
$2,752Sale Price|28% Off
Italy 21st Century Grey Oak Coffee Table in Scandinavian Modern Style
Located in Brescia, IT
Italy 21st Century rectangular oakwood coffee table realized in Scandinavian Modern Style. The elegant and soft grey color, in addition to the clean lines, make this piece an example...
Oak
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
Danish Modern Rectangular Brutalist Coffee Table in Oregon Pine, 1970s.
By Roland Wilhelmsson, Pierre Chapo
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Rectangular Brutalist Coffee Table in Oregon Pine, 1970s. Impressive Scandinavian coffee table in solid pinewood with large articulated finger joints and clear lacquer...
Pine
As a practical focal point in your living area, antique and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables are an invaluable addition to any interior.
Low tables that were initially used as tea tables or coffee tables have been around since at least the mid- to late-1800s. Early coffee tables surfaced in Victorian-era England, likely influenced by the use of tea tables in Japanese tea gardens. In the United States, furniture makers worked to introduce low, long tables into their offerings as the popularity of coffee and “coffee breaks” took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
It didn’t take long for coffee tables and cocktail tables to become a design staple and for consumers to recognize their role in entertaining no matter what beverages were being served. Originally, these tables were as simple as they are practical — as high as your sofa and made primarily of wood. In recent years, however, metal, glass and plastics have become popular in coffee tables and cocktail tables, and design hasn’t been restricted to the conventional low profile, either.
Visionary craftspeople such as Paul Evans introduced bold, geometric designs that challenge the traditional idea of what a coffee table can be. The elongated rectangles and wide boxy forms of Evans’s desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.
If you’re shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home — be it an antique Georgian-style coffee table made of mahogany or walnut with decorative inlays or a classic square mid-century modern piece comprised of rosewood designed by the likes of Ettore Sottsass — there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Both the table itself and what you put on it should align with the overall design of the room, not just by what you think looks fashionable in isolation. According to interior designer Tamara Eaton, the material of your vintage coffee table is something you need to consider. “With a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,” she says. “With wood and stone tables, you think about what’s on top.”
Find the perfect centerpiece for any room, no matter what your personal furniture style on 1stDibs. Browse a vast selection of antique, new and vintage coffee tables and cocktail tables today.