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.
Mid-Century Modern Teak King-Size Headboard Mid Century Scandinavian
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage mid-century modern Teak King-size headboard crafted in the style of renowned designer T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings. Dating back to circa 1960s, this piece...
Teak
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Day or Single Beds in Teak
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Børge Mogensen
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, daybed/single beds, teak, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant en simplistic design by Børge Mogensen. Suitable to utilize as a day bed or a single bed. Th...
Teak
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Danish Modern Full teak Platform bed headboad with storage
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Stunning Mid century Danish Modern Teak Platform Full Size Bed. Beautiful Platform bed that sits on a platform base with footboard. It has (2) top teak sliding doors in the headboard...
Birch, Teak
Laurel Bed, Modern Walnut Platform Queen Bed with Ash Slats
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Inspired by Danish simplicity and organic design, the laurel bed features sculpted legs, modest angles, and sturdy joinery. The bed is constructed from Nort...
Wood, Walnut
Mid-century King Headboard in American Walnut with Integrated Nightstands
Located in Oakland, CA
King headboard is expertly crafted from American Walnut with clean geometric lines and integrated nightstands with drawer on either side of the angled headboard. W 104.13'' x D 16''...
Teak
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Scandinavian Teak Twin Size Murphy Bed with Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Danish Modern Scandinavian Teak Twin Size Murphy Bed with Cabinet. In the Style of Hans J. Wegner / RY Mobler. Teak cabinet with fold-down Murphy bed stored inside. Mattr...
Brass, Steel
“Kromvik” Chrome Bed Frame for by Knut Hagberg, IKEA, 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
An iconic “Kromvik” chrome single bed frame designed by Knut Hagberg for IKEA during the 1980s. With its sculptural tubular chrome construction and clean geometric lines, the design ...
Chrome
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform Queen Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
"Avenir" Walnut Burl Wood Platform King Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern teak twin size bed frame with headboard and footboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern teak twin size bed frame with headboard and footboard. Mid-Century Modern teak single Bed. Fits a twin size mattress that has a boxspring. Made in Denmark circa 1960 Be...
Teak
Lit double vintage style scandinave en teck des années 60 avec chevets suspendue
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Lit double vintage style scandinave des années 60, en teck, avec tête de lit, cadre, pied de lit, et chevets suspendus à tiroirs, lampes intégrées avec montage électrique refait à ne...
Teak
"Avenir" Blonde Burl Wood Platform King Bed by Christiane Lemieux
Located in New York, NY
The Avenir Bed showcases the natural beauty of mappa burl in a sculptural, architectural form. Influenced by Milo Baughman and T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, designers known for refined ge...
Burl
$2,096Sale Price|20% Off
“Kromvik” Chrome Bed frame with Original Sultan Base By Knut Hagberg, IKEA 1980s
By IKEA
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Knut Hagberg for IKEA in 1982, the “Kromvik” bed is a well-known example of Scandinavian postmodern design. The frame is executed in polished tubular chrome steel, formi...
Chrome
Jules Wabbes Rare Single Bed in Elm with Metal Details
By Jules Wabbes
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jules Wabbes, single bed, elm, metal, Belgium, 1960s This particular bed is specifically designed as a hanging bed for the ferry boat ‘Reine Fabiola’. From 1963 to 1964, Jules Wabb...
Metal
Vintage German Modern King size Veneer Deco bed frame with springs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Deco German Modern King size veneer bed Frame with springs headboard and footboard. Just add a Mattress. Fits King size mattress does not need a box spring. Located in Brookl...
Steel
Rare Poul M. Volther Single Bed in Teak and Cane 1950s
By Poul Volther
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Poul M. Volther, single bed, teak, cane, Denmark, 1950s This rare bed design is a creation of Danish designer Poul M. Volther, conceived in the 1950s. The bed strikes a balance betw...
Cane, Teak
1960s Fully Restored Danish Queen Size Rosewood Bed with Floating Nightstands
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s fully restored Danish queen size rosewood bed with floating nightstands by Sannemanns Møbelfarik. Sannemanns Møbelfabrik rosewood bedroom set consisting of strict Danish moder...
Rosewood
Set of 2 Beds by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik Denmark, 1950's
Located in Uithoorn, NL
Set of two beds in Teak and Rattan by Børge Mogensen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960’s. Beds: we all need them! We spend important hours in them...
Rattan, Teak
Bamboo Rattan Headboard & Footboard by Dux of Sweden, Mid-Century
Located in Bochum, NRW
Make a bold and organic statement with this vintage DUX of Sweden bamboo full headboard and footboard set, a rare example of mid-century Scandinavian artistry. Intricately designed w...
Bamboo, Rattan
$1,600
Danish Teak Headboard
Located in Highland, IN
This strikingly simple and elegant headboard of solid old-growth teak shows the influence of Shaker design on mid-century Danish designers. Likely crafted by S. Winters Møbelsnedkeri...
Teak
Lit bébé vintage en bois de chêne et rotin des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Lit bébé ou petit enfant vintage des années 60, style mignon et joli, en bois de chêne et rotin, sommier à treillis métallique, bon état général avec des signes du temps qui passe, q...
Rattan, Wood
Falster Møbelfabrik King Size Headboard
Located in Highland, IN
This big king-size Danish modern headboard by Falster Møbelfabrik combines subtle design, excellent craftsmanship, and beautifully figured wood...
Teak
Falster Denmark Rosewood Extra Wide 108" King Headboard Maurice Villency 1975
By Maurice Villency, Falster Møbelfabrik
Located in Forest Grove, PA
An impressive Brazilian Rosewood extra wide headboard made by Falster of Denmark and sold through Maurice Villency on 12/16/1975. The field of the...
Chrome
$6,480 / item
Nestle Bed
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The Nestle Bed is an exercise in simplicity and proportion. Built entirely from solid hardwood with exposed joinery, it celebrates structure rather than concealing it. Clean lines an...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Pine Bed Frame, Sculptural Design, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare and large double bed, produced in Sweden, presents a bold and sculptural interpretation of rustic modernism, blending traditional craftsmanship with a distinctive architect...
Pine
$4,947 / item
Natural Rattan King Size Bed Frame
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The King Size Bed Frame brings a relaxed yet refined presence to the bedroom, defined by clean architectural lines and a textured woven finish. The...
Rattan, Wood
Jens Risom Mid-Century Danish Teak Bed Headboards & Footboards
By Jens Risom
Located in Queens, NY
4 SETS of Mid-Century Danish single / twin size teak rectangular bed headboards and footboards with mustard yellow vinyl cushions (JENS RISOM)(PRICED PER SET)(Similar headboards: DUF...
Teak
$3,615Sale Price / set|20% Off
Børge Mogensen Teak & Rattan Bed Frames, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
Located in Madrid, ES
Pair of teak wood bed frames with rattan headboard from the 1950s. Designed by Børge Mogensen and manufactured in Denmark. Stamped by maker. Easy to dismantle for shipping and then assemble. Beautiful pieces for guest or children bedrooms...
Rattan, Teak
$6,250 / item
LM Platform Bed
Located in Mount Rainier, MD
The LM Platform Bed is straightforward and composed, defined by clean lines, precise joinery, and balanced proportions. Nothing is hidden or unnecessary—...
Ash, Cherry, Maple, Oak, Walnut, Fir
Pair Of Danish Modern Rosewood And Cane Twin Headboard Bed Frames
By Kai Winding
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This pair of lovely mid-century Scandinavian Modern rosewood and cane twin headboards with bed frames have been attributed to such designers as Kai Winding and Poul Hundevad, made in...
Cane, Rosewood
Mid-Century Walnut and Cane Bed Frame, Scandinavian Design, 1950s
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Bed Frames in Walnut and Cane, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Walnut and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced in Denmark Dimensions ...
Walnut, Cane
Mid-Century Scandinavian Bed Frames in Elm and Teak, Denmark, 1965
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
These rare bed frames, produced in Denmark in 1965 and originally retailed through the prestigious Illum Bolighus, are a striking representation of mid-century Scandinavian craftsman...
Elm, Teak
Danish Mid-Century Rosewood Headboard with Inlaid Veneer, Circa 1955
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century king-size rosewood rectangular headboard with inlaid veneered panels. Some surface wear. Headboard only, does not include rails or footboard.
Rosewood
$1,757Sale Price|45% Off
'Cleopatra' Daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping Netherlands, c. 1953, Signed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stylish 'Cleopatra' daybed by A.R. Cordemeijer for Auping, Netherlands, was designed and produced in circa 1953. Signed on the springs as can be seen in the photos. Featurin...
Metal
Lit simple vintage style scandinave en teck des années 60
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Lit 1 personne vintage style scandinave des années 60, en teck, très bon état général avec une retouche bois. Dimensions du couchage : L 190 x l 90. Ref 221 044 Hauteur : 85 cm Large...
Teak
Campbell Bed, Transitional Modern King Bed with Ash Slats and Sculpted Joinery
By Carter Ellis
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Featuring a large sculpted frame for comfort and ascetic, the Campbell Bed is meticulously hand shaped with gauge and file to feature large coves and sculpted joints. Pegged mortice and tenon joinery allow for a floating headboard...
Wood, Walnut
Danish Modern Daybed Frame, Teak, Angled Panels, 1960s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Danish Modern Daybed Frame, Teak, Angled Panels, 1960s. This Scandinavian teak daybed frame is built with two paneled ends featuring book-matched...
Beech, Teak
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Woven Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's
By Josef Frank
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bed Frames in Mahogany and Cane by Josef Frank, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Mahogany and cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Svenskt Tenn in Sweden Dimens...
Mahogany, Cane
Poul Volther Diva Daybed Sofa Gemla, Denmark, 1959
By Poul Volther
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice sophisticated daybed sofa Model 981 designed by Poul M Volther and manufactured by Gemla, Denmark, 1959. This sofa is called 'Diva' and has a solid oak structure which can ...
Leather, Oak
Danish Modern Daybed Frame, Teak, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Danish Modern Daybed Frame, Teak, Denmark, 1960s. This teak daybed frame is built with book-matched veneered end panels set into a solid teak fra...
Hardwood, Beech, Teak
Rare Children's Bed by Flemming Lassen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare children's bed in solid patinated Oregon pine from 1935. By Flemming Lassen and Erhard Rasmussen.
Pine
Danish Modern Teak Twin Headboard Bed Frame
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern twin size headboard made in Denmark, circa 1970's. This piece showcases an inviting bedroom backdrop featuring natural warm teak grains and a sleek edge frame.
Teak
$24,000
Long Headboard from Denmark
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A long wall mount integrated cabinet.
Wood
$436Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Style Cane Full-Size Headboard
Located in Trenton, NJ
This vintage full-size headboard reflects the Scandinavian-inspired direction that influenced much of Mid-Century Modern bedroom furniture during the late 1960s and 1970s. Its balanc...
Cane, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Pair of Twin Beds, Bent Teak Plywood, 1950s
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
Scandinavian Modern Pair of Twin Beds, Bent Teak Plywood, 1950s. This pair of twin beds is built from bent teak plywood with a warm figured grain running across the curved headboard...
Beech, Teak, Pine, Plywood
Vintage Danish Modern Twin Headboards in Teak Wood, 1970s
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of vintage Danish Modern twin headboards, nicely framed with striking wood grains, crafted in Canada in the 1970's. Signed, of heirloom quality and ready for use.
Teak
$4,275 / item
Natural Rattan Queen Size Bed Frame
By Bramble
Located in Westwood, NJ
The Queen Size Bed Frame brings a relaxed yet refined presence to the bedroom, defined by clean architectural lines and a textured woven finish. The bed features a minimalist rectang...
Rattan, Wood
Double Bed in Oak by Kurt Østervig 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
Kurt Østervig double bed in oak. With drawers and leather handles. Denmark, 1960s. Without matrass. - H. 65 cm / W. 261 cm / D. 204.5 cm / lying area total: 170 x 200 cm / attached b...
Oak
King Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile
King Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scandin...
Textile
Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Barcelona, ES
A Pair of 20th Century Swedish Headboards by Josef Frank in 1939. Made for Firma Svenskt Tenn.
Rattan, Mahogany
Queen Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile
Double Scandinavian Modern Porto Bed Made with Textile, Handmade by Stylish Club
Located in Seroa, PT
Measurement Units MATTRESS (200x200 / 180x200 / 160x200) W 208 / 188 / 168 x D 222 x H 116 cm The Porto collection is a captivating inspiration from the timeless elegance of Scan...
Textile