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 DESIGNย
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 โ and, as importantly, elegant โ response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its fortรฉ. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson โ creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively โ but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kรฅge 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 countryโs facility with wood, particularly teak.ย
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen โ while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair โ 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 โ those that have earned iconic status over time โ and many new discoveries.ย
2021 Carl Hansen OW449 Colonial Coffee / End Table by Ole Wanscher in Oiled Oak
By Carl Hansen & Sรธn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a OW449 Colonial coffee / end table made with an oiled solid oak frame and oak top. The table, designed by Ole Wanscher and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark, dates to...
Oak
Scandinavian coffee table with black legs
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian coffee table from the 1960s with rectangular teak top and X-shaped wooden legs painted black. With its modern design and high-quality materials, this coffee table is a...
Teak
Coffee Table in Rosewood of Danish Design Manufactured, 1967
Located in Lejre, DK
This coffee table is a true testament to the timeless elegance of Danish design. Crafted from rich rosewood, it exudes warmth and sophistication, making it a stunning centerpiece fo...
Rosewood
Coffee Table in Rosewood Designed by Edmund Jรธrgensen, 1960s
By Edmund Jรธrgensen Mรธbelfabrik
Located in Lejre, DK
The coffee table is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of rosewood. It is a piece of furniture that exudes elegance and timeless beauty with its beautiful wood...
Rosewood
Pair Shim Coffee Tables D54-Black Powder Coated Steel-Jonas Trampedach for Hay
By HAY
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Designed by Jonas Trampedach, Shim Coffee Table is a versatile coffee table in steel featuring a three-legged design. The table legs feature a unique cut and bent construction that ...
Steel
Shim Coffee Table D54, Black, Powder Coated Steel by Jonas Trampedach for Hay
By HAY
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Designed by Jonas Trampedach, Shim Coffee Table is a versatile coffee table in steel featuring a three-legged design. The table legs feature a unique cut and bent construction that ...
Steel
Scandinavian Teak and Metal Coffee Table
Located in Brescia, IT
This coffee table combines the beauty of teak with the strength of metal to create a unique and elegant piece. Its modern design with a golden metal frame and smooth teak top make it...
Metal
Niveau Coffee Table H42- Ash /Tundra Grey Marble by Cecilie Manz for Fredericia
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
Niveau is an elegant and versatile line of coffee tables in sophisticated marble and sensuous wood, combining Scandinavian minimalistic lines with the beauty of natural materials. D...
Marble
Scandinavian birch coffee tables signed Carl Malmsten
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of birch wood bedside tables designed in the 1960s by Carl Malmsten, as noted by the stamp of authenticity. The soft lines of the top and legs make these elegant nightstands tim...
Birch
Insula Coffee Table M5190 - Aluminum, textured black lacquered for Fredericia
By Fredericia
Located in Bayrut, Beirut Governorate
The asymmetrical, yet balanced shape of the table top is balanced by the streamlined definition seen in the slim table top and angular frame. Almost like small islands, the tables ha...
Aluminum
$2,307 / item
Bogense - Marble Coffee Table - Grey Kenzo
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
This statement-making coffee table features a rectangular marble base with unique natural veining, topped with a sleek glass surface. Its modern silhouette and contrasting materials ...
Marble
$4,710 / item
Odense - Marble Coffee Table - Black Eagle
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
A sleek, modern coffee table with a luxurious marble base and a smooth extended round top. Ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to your living space, this piece combines natural marble with wood resulting in a contrast that perfectly blends together. The overall design is simple and modern, making it suitable for a variety of interior styles. Whether in minimalist modern homes or more luxurious settings, The plinth coffee table...
Marble
$4,710 / item
Odense - Marble Coffee Table - Grey Galaxy
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
A sleek, modern coffee table with a luxurious marble base and a smooth extended round top. Ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to your living space, this piece combines natura...
Marble
$4,710 / item
Odense - Marble Coffee Table - White Carrara
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
A sleek, modern coffee table with a luxurious marble base and a smooth extended round top. Ideal for adding a touch of sophistication to your living space, this piece combines natura...
Marble
NORDST Niko Coffee Table, Italian White Mountain Marble, Danish Modern Design
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ: ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: The NIKO series consists of sophisticated and sculptural aesthetics for any room with its characterist...
Travertine, Marble
NORDST TEDDY Side Table, Italian Grey Rain Marble, Danish Modern Design, New
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: Inspired by the shadows of a standard table during the sunset, TEDDY collection compiles a series of tables characterised by their steady and well bala...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
NORDST EMMA Coffee Table, Italian Grey Rain Marble, Danish Modern Design, New
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: NORDST EMMA Coffee Round Table from Italian Grey Rain Marble, Danish Modern Design, New Cross-style frame going up to the tabletop in four straight po...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
NORDST OLIVIA Coffee Table, Italian Green Lightning Marble, Danish Modern Design
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: Simple design characteristic of the contemporary Scandinavian furniture, combining a timeless look with a functional and lasting usage. Specially produ...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
NORDST JOB Coffee Table, Italian White Mountain Marble, Danish Modern Design
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: Modern coffee table with a pentagonal shape tabletop.Its four legs frame go through the marble tabletop to expose the nicely done metal work on the sur...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
NORDST GAARD Coffee Table, Italian Grey Rain Marble, Danish Modern Design, New
By NORDST
Located in Montelavar, Lisboa
๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐: NORDST GAARD Coffee Table from Italian Grey Rain Marble, Danish Modern Design, New Harmonious rupture between rigid frames and curved tabletops. A gam...
Travertine, Marble, Metal
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 โcoffee breaksโ took hold during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
It didnโt 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 โ 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 hasnโt 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 Evansโs desirable Cityscape coffee table, for example, will meet your needs but undoubtedly prove imposing in your living space.
If youโre shopping for an older coffee table to bring into your home โ 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 โ 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. โWith a glass coffee table, you also have to think about the surface underneath, like the rug or floor,โ she says. โWith wood and stone tables, you think about whatโs on top.โ
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.