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.
Vintage Hans Hedberg White & Turquoise Egg, Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
An egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 25 cm (10") tall including the stand. It´s in very good condition except fro...
Ceramic
Bunch of Blue Grapes, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Large bunch of grapes designed by Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) Swedish ceramist who had his studio in Biot, near nice in France. The grapes comes with a stand in acrylic glass that is ...
Ceramic
Stoneware Egg Sculpture White & Brown Concrete by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 25 cm (10") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition and it has a ...
Ceramic
Asta Strömberg for Strömbergshyttan Glass Aquarium Block Sculpture, Sweden, 1950
By Asta Stromberg, Strombergshyttan
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural Swedish mid-century modern glass block aquarium designed by Asta Strömberg and produced by Strömbergshyttan, circa 1950. This exceptional piece captures the...
Art Glass, Teak
Fish fossil in golden frame from Disco Island, Godthåb fjord in Greenland 50mill
Located in København K, 84
This remarkable fish fossil, elegantly presented in a gilded frame with a deep blue fabric background, originates from the remote and geologically significant Disco Island, located i...
Gold Leaf
Monumental 19th Century Scandinavian Burl Wood Vessel – Organic Sculpture
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A truly extraordinary find — this monumental burl wood vessel, hand-carved in the 1800s in Hälsingland, Sweden, is a rare fusion of nature’s wild artistry and human craftsmanship. Ho...
Wood
Vintage Hans Hedberg Egg Sculpture, Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 25 cm (10") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition and it has a ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Organic Sculpture in Burl Wood Mid 20th Century
By Henry Moore
Located in Meer, VAN
Large Organic Sculpture in Burl Wood Mid 20th Century. A unique and monumental mid century burl wood sculpture with a fantastic freeform and organic appearance. Very distinct and in...
Wood, Burl
$1,450
H 13.75 in W 24.5 in D 8.25 in
Large Late 19th Century Wood Scandinavian Painted Swan Decoy Centerpiece
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Very charming vintage wooden hand-carved swan sculpture with a detailed bill and raised wings. This European folk art swan features an aged white ...
Wood, Paint
19th Century French Sculpture
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century French sculpture features a young drummer, captured in a moment of intense focus and energy. Rendered in rich patinas of bronze, the figure is dressed in historical...
Bronze
Giant Diplomytus and Cockerellites Fish Fossil Plate
Located in New York, NY
This large fossil plate is incredibly unique, featuring a long Diplomystus dentatus along with two Cockerellites (Priscacara) liops, fossilized in its natural matrix. The entire piec...
Other
$1,250,000 / set
H 100.5 in W 36 in D 36 in
A Monumental Pair of French 19th Century Children Urns Torcheres Urn Sculptures
By René Rozet 1
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Monumental Museum Quality Pair of French 19th Century Figural Gilt and Patinated Bronze Rosso Granite Marble Flambeaux Urns Torcheres, each depicting a pair of standing allegorical and whimsical playful children (Putti) holding a flaming urn, by René Rozet...
Granite, Bronze
Swedish Art Deco Strombergshyttan Art Glass Footed Vase 1940s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking heavy art glass vase features streamlined, sculptural form with slightly raised rim, done in thick clear glass; the vase is not decorated with an etched motif, letting the g...
Crystal
$802Sale Price|22% Off
H 4.34 in W 5.91 in D 1.38 in
Cenedese Murano Italian Art Glass Two Fishes Aquarium Block
By Cenedese
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful Murano glass art block depicting two colored fishes in an aquarium with its own algae and corals. Amazing rare piece attributed to Gino Cenedese. The label confirms the n...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
$1,110Sale Price|40% Off
H 20 in W 6 in D 2 in
19th Century Vintage Spanish Colonial Wood Santo Saint Sculpture
Located in Bradenton, FL
19th C Spanish Colonial Wood Santo / Saint / Angel sold as found in vintage condition showing normal signs of wear and tear. Wonderful worn origi...
Wood
Starfish fossil from Morocco, on custom stand
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Starfish from Morocco Custom stand from wood and steel
Stone
19th Century Wood Carved Angel Sculpture, Spain, 1800
Located in Madrid, ES
Spanish carving sculpture of an angel in flight. The piece is totally handcrafted in carved and polychromed wood with gold leaf details.
Wood
Monumental 19th Century Benin Oba Warrior Bronze Sculpture! Africa
Located in Peoria, AZ
MAGNIFICENT! BENIN OBA 19TH CENTURY BRONZE WARRIOR SCULPTURE! SUPERB EXAMPLE OF OBA METALWORK! DIMENSIONS: APPROXIMATELY 13" TALL CIRCA 1860-1900 Offered is a rare 19th cen...
Bronze
$1,558
H 6.11 in W 6.3 in D 10.63 in
Brutalist Earthenware Vase in Yellow, and Orange by Hans Hedberg, Biot France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brutalist Vase in Yellow, and Orange by Hans Hedberg, Biot France. Asymmetric form in high-fired earthenware with mottled glaze in red, orange, and brown-black tones. Monogram signe...
Earthenware
$10,700
H 49 in W 37 in D 1.63 in
50 Million Year Old Fossil Fish Mural from the Green River Formation, Wyoming
Located in Logan, UT
This elegant fossil mural features a Diplomystus dentatus, a Mioplosus labracoides, and four Knightia eocaena. These natural fossil fish are approximately 50 million years old. The w...
Limestone
Harmfull Ceramics Sculpture by Alina Rotzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Harmfull ceramics sculpture by Alina Rotzinger Dimensions: H 35 x W 30 x D 20 cm. Materials: high temperature ceramics, oxide pigments and dead flowers. Composed by Alina Rotzin...
Other
$38,400
H 48.75 in W 72.75 in D 1 in
50 Million Year Old Fossil Fish Mural from the Green River Formation, Wyoming
Located in Logan, UT
Act fast to claim this exquisite piece of natural history, as our fossils will no longer be available through 1stDibs after October 31. A dynamic array of fossil fish flow through t...
Limestone
Stunning Ceramic Egg - Hans Hedberg, Biot Contemporary Art
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
An egg with a magnificent glaze in orange and red designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. It is 11.5 cm (4.6") tall (including the base...
Ceramic
Stunning Ceramic Apple - Hans Hedberg, Biot
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning apple designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. It is 12.5 cm (5") tall and about 12.5 cm (5") wide. It is in excellent condit...
Ceramic
Sold
H 27.17 in W 19.69 in D 9.45 in
A pair of Red Cherries Ceramic & Bronze Sculpture by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of really rare ceramic cherries with a twig in bronze designed by Hans Hedberg in his studio in Biot. The sculpture is 69 cm high included the twig in bronze. Both the cherrie...
Ceramic
A Red Stoneware Egg Sculpture by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A red Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 20 cm (8") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition and it h...
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.65 in Dm 5.52 in
Sculpture Brown & Green Speckled Egg in Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 24,5 cm (9.8") high including the stand. It do have a lovely brown speckled col...
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.45 in Dm 5.52 in
Sculpture Black Marble Speckled Egg in Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 24 cm (10") high including the stand. It do have a lovely black color with almo...
Ceramic
Stoneware Egg Sculpture Orange & Gray-Tone by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 24.5 cm (9.8") high including the stand. It´s in very good condition except fro...
Ceramic
Vintage Hans Hedberg Green Egg Sculpture, Scandinavian Modern Ceramics
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 30 cm (12") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition and it has a lovely glaze. Hedberg worked with several famous artists, among Picasso, Léger and Matisse. It is signed and in very good condition, it has some minor white...
Ceramic
Stoneware Egg Green & Black-Tone Glaze by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 30 cm (12") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition and it has a ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 25.2 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Really Rare Red Cherry, Ceramics & Bronze by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A really rare ceramic cherry with a stem in bronze designed by Hans Hedberg in his studio in Biot. It is 64 cm high included the stem in bronze and it is in very good condition. ...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.82 in Dm 6.3 in
Egg in a Lovely Speckled Green-Tone Glaze Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 30 cm (11,6") high including the stand. It´s in excellent condition. Hedberg ...
Ceramic
Egg in a Lovely Speckled Glaze, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 31,5 cm (12,2") high including the stand. It´s in mint condition. Hedberg work...
Ceramic
Egg in Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France, Scandinavian Modern
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 20,5 cm (8,2") high including the stand. It´s in mint condition. Hedberg worke...
Ceramic
Sold
H 17.72 in Dm 13.78 in
Large Pear Sculpture, Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France Scandinavian Modern
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Just a stunning pear made by Hans Hedberg (1917-2007) Swedish ceramist who had his studio in Biot, near Nice in France. The pear is as close to a real one as you can come. Hans Hedbe...
Ceramic
Egg in Ceramics by Hans Hedberg, Biot, France, Scandinavian Modern
By Hans Hedberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Egg designed by the Swedish ceramicist Hans Hedberg, who lived and worked in Biot, France. This egg is 25 cm (10") high including the stand. It´s in very good condition except from s...
Ceramic