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.
Bruno Mathsson Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen Super-Ellipse White Dining Table
By Fritz Hansen, Bruno Mathsson, Piet Hein
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bruno Mathsson and Piet Hein for Fritz Hansen, 'Super-Ellipse' extendable dining table or conference table, laminated wood, chrome-plated steel, aluminum, Denmark, design 1968 This...
Aluminum, Steel, Chrome
$8,600Sale Price|21% Off
Bruno Mathsson 'Maria' Drop-Leaf Folding Table in Walnut, Sweden, c 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautifully crafted and refinished 'Maria' drop-leaf / gateleg dining table by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, circa 1950s to 1960s, executed in richly figured walnut with an elegant warm ...
Walnut
Danish Large Dining or Conference Table in Oregon Pine
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference or large dining table, Oregon pine, Denmark, 1960s Impressive in its size, this Danish table can be used in multiple settings. As a very large dining table to fit many r...
Pine
Large Danish Boat Shaped Conference Table in Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Conference table, oak, Denmark, 1950s. A sizeable dining table executed in oak. The boat-shaped tabletop is made of one piece, featuring a beautiful grain. The base consists of four...
Oak
Hans Wegner Dining / Conference Table Produced by Andreas Tuck in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Unique dining / conference table designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Andreas Tuck in Denmark.
Steel, Chrome
Contemporary Dining Table POV 467, Solid Oak or Walnut, 300
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 467 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Measures: Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid o...
Oak, Walnut
1960s Hans Wegner Desk, steel legs and frame, oak top and drawers
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in London, GB
Hans Wegner Desk with chromed steel legs and frame, oak top and drawer cabinets. Front with six drawers and two pull-out leaves. Made by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, 1960–1970's. H....
Steel, Chrome
Contemporary Dining Table POV 464, Solid Oak or Walnut, 240
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining Table POV 464 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Wood types: Solid oak or American walnut (more wood types and stains availab...
Oak, Walnut
Contemporary Dining Table POV 466, Solid Oak or Walnut, 260
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 466 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Measures: Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid o...
Oak, Walnut
1960s Danish Hardwood Desk made by a Cabinet Maker
Located in London, GB
1960s Danish Rosewood Desk made by a Cabinet Maker. This desk displays exceptional craftsmanship and exceptionally dark variegated rosewood. The drawer construction shows that the de...
Hardwood
Danish cabinetmaker desk with unfolding double top circa late 1940s
Located in London, GB
Special one-off cabinetmakers piece with unfolding double top extending table for meetings with up to 5 seats. Some damage to drawer handles. This has always been my favourite pie...
Brass
Conference Table in Rainbow Teakwood Stone, Scandinavian Modern Conference Table
By Stephanie Odegard Collection, Paul Mathieu (French)
Located in New York, NY
Conference Table hand carved in sandstone. This Scandinavian Modern Conference Table by Paul Mathieu is hand carved from solid blocks of rainbow teak wood stone, a rare sandstone tha...
Sandstone, Stone
"Arcadia" White Oak Minimalist Waterfall Dining or Conference Table
Located in Frankfurt, KY
A dynamic structure with a unique expression; White Oak planks expertly joined creating a seamless waterfall effect for the tabletop and legs. With this special table, Michael Madley makes a virtue of the heritage and inner secrets of the white oak tree. The 150 to 200 year old oak trees tell a very special story. The hard winters, dry summers, storm and wind they have lived through leave traces seen in the annual rings, knots, and natural texture. This texture is expertly preserved and locked with White Oak butterfly joints and custom-blended Michael Madley Naked Oil...
Bronze
Super Ellipse' Conference or Dining Table by Piet Hein for Bruno Mathsson
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare 'Super Ellipse' conference or dining table designed by Piet Hein with a top in figured birch burl and tapering chromed steel legs. Besides the ...
Chrome, Steel
$5,487Sale Price / set|20% Off
1930s Frits Henningsen Pair of Sofa tables
Located in London, GB
This pair of tables by Frits Henninsgen from the 1930/40/50s has always fascinated me. Normally, tables either have veneered or solid wood surfaces. These tables have both. And stran...
Hardwood
Nanna Ditzel Desk Rio Rosewood Søren Willadsen 1958 Denmark Danish Modern Cites
By Nanna Ditzel, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Munster, NRW
This elegant design by Nanna & Jørgen Ditzel by Søren Willadsen serves as a desk, a writing table, library table, or even a console tab...
Wood
$1,890Sale Price|24% Off
Danish Hardwood Conference Table
Located in Vienna, AT
Solid hardwood with veneer made in the 1960s in Denmark. Signed "Kvalitet, form Funktion" Very good original condition.
Hardwood
1970s Borge Mogensen Fully Restored Folding Oak Conference / Dining Tables
Located in Knebel, DK
Refinished oak folding tables designed by Børge Mogensen in 1971 and made by Fredericia Stolefabrik. The flexible folding tables were originally designed as a conference tables cons...
Oak
1910 Heinrich Wenck Hardwood Partners Desk With Drawers, Doors & Keys
By Erik Wørts
Located in London, GB
Circa. 1910 Heinrich Wenck Mahogany Partners Desk With Drawers, Doors & Keys. Solid table top. Heinrich Wenck was throughout most of his career employed as an architect at the Da...
Hardwood
Contemporary Dining Table POV 466, Solid Oak or Walnut, 260
By TON a.s., Kaschkasch
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 466 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid oak or Amer...
Oak, Walnut
$3,090Sale Price|25% Off
1960s Danish Standing Desk made by a Cabinet Maker
Located in London, GB
1960s Danish Rosewood Desk made by a Cabinet Maker. This Standing Desk has the name of opera singer Frans Lasson stamped on the reverse, who probably specified the dimensions. Intere...
Hardwood
Erik Wørts: Freestanding "Mayor's" desk with profiled edges made 1953
By Erik Wørts, C.B.Hansen
Located in London, GB
Freestanding desk of Brazilian rosewood with profiled edges. Front with six drawers with carved handles. Made 1953 by C. B. Hansen with plaquette. H. 75 cm. L. 190 cm. W. 105 cm. Pr...
Rosewood
$10,658Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Gustav Bertelsen desk with brass shoes and six drawers
Located in London, GB
1950s Gustav Bertelsen Mahogany desk with brass shoes. Front with six drawers. H. 75. L. 155. B. 85 cm. This desk looks plain in the pictures but is in person a refined and beautifu...
Hardwood
Dining Table by Poul Kjærholm
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Dining table in Oregon pine with legs of steel. Two pieces in stock. Maker E. Kold Christensen.
Pine
Contemporary Dining Table POV 465, Solid Oak or Walnut, 220
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 466 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Measures: Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid o...
Oak, Walnut
Contemporary Dining Table POV 467, Solid Oak or Walnut, 300
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 467 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid oak or Amer...
Oak, Walnut
Set of Two Wegner Conference Tables in Teak and Metal with Airport Chairs
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Hans Wegner extension conference tables in teak by Andreas Tuck with rectangular teak tabletop and two integrated leaves on satin-chromed t...
Steel
1960´s Hans Wegner Fully Restored Extension Dining Table in Teak by Andreas Tuck
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Knebel, DK
1960´s Hans Wegner fully restored extension dining table in teak by Andreas Tuck The well designed and very well crafted rectangular rich grained teak tabletop with two integrated ...
Steel
Contemporary Dining Table POV 465, Solid Oak or Walnut, 220
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 466 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid oak or Amer...
Oak, Walnut
Contemporary Dining Table POV 467, Solid Oak or Walnut, 280
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining table POV 466 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid oak or Amer...
Oak, Walnut
$8,107Sale Price / item|20% Off
21st Century Sweden Table, Rosewood Veneer, Fenix Top, Made in Italy
Located in Nocera Superiore, Campania
The table consists of a "trestle" in solid chestnut wood veneered with Brazilian rosewood touch finish. Top in FENIX, a "nanotech" material that thermally repairs micro-scratches wit...
Chestnut, Rosewood
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Large Size Dining or Conference Table
Located in Paris, FR
The finish concept of SISU fits like a glove to this table description: greety bravery when sucess is against the odds. A “U” shape holds this table together forming a dynamic and ...
Birch
Contemporary Dining Table POV 467, Solid Oak or Walnut, 280
By Kaschkasch, TON a.s.
Located in Paris, IDF
Dining Table POV 467 signed by TON & Kashkash studio Top shape: Oval, rectangular, or round rectangular Top size: 220cm, 240cm, 260cm, 280cm or 300cm Wood types: Solid oak or Amer...
Oak, Walnut
"Egetræ" Scandinavian Modern Red Oak Single Slab Table With Solid Steel Legs
Located in Frankfurt, KY
A substantial, thick slab of Canadian Red Oak atop a cold-rolled steel base showcases the clean lines and minimal design of this dining or conference table. Featuring hand-crafted Re...
Steel
EDI Dining Table for 6 in Ash or Oak by Claesson, Koivisto & Rune
Located in Fiskars, FI
Solid wood Edi tables are always made by order, and the end result is a beautiful solution for any kind of space, with any chair.
Ash, Oak
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Small Size Dining Table
Located in Paris, FR
A “U” shape holds this table together forming a dynamic and asymmetrical piece. Each pair of legs is different, giving the table a different look on each side. It’s minimalistic ele...
Birch
Scandinavian Designer Natural Wood Medium Size Dining or Conference Table
Located in Paris, FR
The finish concept of SISU fits like a glove to this table description: greety bravery when sucess is against the odds. A “U” shape holds this table together forming a dynamic and ...
Birch
Periferia Round Dining Table, Medium Size, Oak Design by Kari Virtanen
Located in Fiskars, FI
The round Periferia dining table is simple and minimalistic, letting the well-made surfaces and beautiful, unique wood material to take the spotlight. The simple forms also make it a...
Oak