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.
Floral Still Life Oil on Canvas, Signed, European, Mid-20th Century
Located in Rødding, DK
An oil on canvas floral still life, signed with an indeterminate monogram, European, mid-20th century. The composition centres a globular blue-and-white ceramic vessel — rendered wit...
Canvas
Hans Øllgaard, Abstract Modernist Landscape, Oil on Canvas
Located in København, Copenhagen
Hans Øllgaard (b. 1911, d. 1969). Abstract modernist landscape. Oil on canvas, 1950s-1960s. Signed. In very good condition. The canvas measures: 85 x ...
Canvas
Scandinavian Modernist, Oil on Canvas, Cubist Still Life, Dated 1975
Located in København, Copenhagen
Scandinavian modernist. Oil on canvas. Cubist still life. Dated 1975. The canvas measures: 59 x 51 cm. The frame measures: 6 cm. In excellent condition. Signed and dated.
Canvas
Vintage 1940s mid century still life painting of lush red flowers in a vase
Located in Ebberup, DK
Original vintage Danish still life oil on canvas painting of lush red flowers in a vase placed on a delicate white table cloth. The background is muted and creates a contrast to the ...
Paint
Dreamy Acrylic Painting on Linen, Scandinavian Modern, Signed Sara N Bergman
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sara N Bergman is a Swedish artist living on the Kulla Peninsula. Her art moves in the borderland between illustration, painting and visual poetry. Her work is characterized by a dre...
Acrylic, Linen
Willard Lindh, Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Landscape, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Willard Lindh (1918-2007), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape, 1960s. The canvas measures: 65.5 x 51 cm. The frame measures: 0.6 cm. In excell...
Canvas
Oil Painting on Canvas, Geometric Abstract, Signed, 1950s, Sweden
By Tore Nyberg
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This oil painting on canvas by Swedish artist Tore Nyberg, created in the 1950s, exemplifies mid-century modern aesthetics through its use of overlapping geometric forms rendered in ...
Canvas
Unknown Swedish Artist, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Landscape, Dated 1963
Located in København, Copenhagen
Unknown Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape. Dated 1963. The canvas measures: 67 x 38 cm. The frame measures: 5.5 cm. Signed. ...
Canvas
Modernist Oil Painting by Harry Booström, Sweden, 1959
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Oil painting on board by Harry Booström, dated 1959. Striking and expressive composition with bold contrasting colors.
Wood, Paint
Nils Johansson, Sweden, Oil on Board, Abstract Composition
Located in København, Copenhagen
Nils Johansson (1922-2014), Sweden. Oil on board. Abstract composition. Mid-20th century. The board measures: 45 x 37 cm. The frame measures: 2 cm. ...
Other
Composition By Rune Hagberg, Sumi Ink, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rune Hagberg was a self-taught Swedish artist whose work was deeply informed by Zen Buddhism and a sustained engagement with silence, reduction, and introspection. Born in Uppsala, h...
Paper
$4,112Sale Price|20% Off
Oil Paint with Blue Shades by Hans Osswald, 1964
Located in Forest, BE
This must be one of Hans Osswald best works. We have several in our collection. The artwork is painted on a wood panel. Lots of texture, relief and movements. Some traces of time on the art work. Still very nice. Signed on bottom. Hans Osswald 1919-1983 Hans August Osswald (originally Andersson) was born on 29th August 1919 in Örebro. He was a Swedish painter and book illustrator. Osswald first exhibited at Louis...
Reclaimed Wood
Mid-Century Danish Oil Painting “Fish Market Copenhagen” Søren Christian Bjule
Located in Berlin, DE
A atmospheric Danish oil painting by Søren Christian Bjule, depicting a fish seller at a market in Copenhagen, dating from around the 1950s. The composition shows a woman at her stal...
Canvas, Paint
Alvar Jonson, Swedish Painter, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Landscape
Located in København, Copenhagen
Alvar Jonson (1914-1985), Swedish painter. Oil on canvas. Abstract landscape. "Red Evening", 1960s. The canvas measures: 35 x 27 cm. The frame measures:...
Canvas
Mid-20th Century Oil on Canvas Landscape Mountains of Greenland, Signed
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Copenhagen, an impressive oil on canvas painting of Greenland, featuring mountains and water. This oil painting features a calm landscape scene painted in blues, browns, ...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$1,622Sale Price|20% Off
Brutalist Wall Relief Cityscape in Textured Wood, Signed, 1970s
Located in London, GB
Brutalist Skyline Wall Relief by Dorrit Kähler, Scandinavia, 1970s–1980s. A striking Brutalist wall relief depicting a city skyline viewed from a waterfront perspective. Constructed ...
Wood, Paint
Gösta Fougstedt, Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Composition, 1965
Located in København, Copenhagen
Gösta Fougstedt (1906-1975), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Modernist composition. Dated 1965. The canvas measures: 81 x 54 cm. The frame measures: 0.5 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Canvas
Frans Lundberg (1903–1993) – Swedish Modernist Floral Still Life, Oil on Board
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
The composition depicts a loosely arranged bouquet of flowers in a simple, light-colored vase, rendered with bold, energetic brushstrokes and a rich, contrasting colour palette. Bri...
Paint
Hans Øllgaard Modernist Oil Painting of Summer Landscape with Coast, Danish 1960
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large oil on canvas painting by Danish artist Hans Øllgaard (b. 1911, d. 1969) depicting a summer landscape ca. 1950s or 60s at the time of harvesting ha...
Canvas, Pine
$7,767Sale Price|20% Off
Black Collage, Oil Paint in the Style of Pierre Soulages by Hans Osswald 1960s
By Pierre Soulages
Located in Forest, BE
This must be one of Hans Osswald best works. We have several in our collection. This black one is made of different materials and creates an interesting relief. oil painted black wit...
Fabric, Plywood, Paper
Bertil Berntsson, oil on canvas 1962. Woman body shape. From family collection
By Pierre Soulages, Bertil Berntsson
Located in Forest, BE
This is some of the largest paintings Bertil Berntsson executed with oil on canvas in 1962. Coming with a good provenance as I bought it from the family of the artist. It represents ...
Canvas
Mid-20th Century Danish Oil on Canvas Of Danish Lake on Sjælland
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
As found in Copenhagen, an impressive oil on canvas painting of a Danish lake scene, probably Arresø on Sjælland. This oil painting features a calm water scene painted in blues, ora...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$21,418
Oil Painting by Bengt Orup
By Bengt Orup
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking modernist oil painting on canvas by Bengt Orup, with dramatic contrasting colors and stylized motif of three vivacious fish.
Wood, Paint
"Midsummer Blue" Swedish Abstract Expressionist Painting by Peter Astrom, 2006
By Peter Astrom
Located in New York, NY
"Midsummer Blue", Swedish abstract expressionist watercolour collage painting on paper. Framed in white lacquered wood frame, measuring 41" length x 29.25" width x 1.25" depth. Painting measures 35.25" length x 24" width, unframed. Signed Peter Astrom...
Paint, Paper
Swedish artist. Oil on canvas. Coloristic modernist landscape. Dated 1965
Located in København, Copenhagen
Swedish artist Modernist landscape. Oil on canvas. A coloristic and expressive modernist landscape, where vibrant greens, reds, and yellows merge into organic fields. The compositio...
Canvas
Painting by Bertil Öhlund, Sweden, 1958
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Oil on canvas. Original wooden frame. This striking abstract composition by Swedish artist Bertil Öhlund is executed in 1958, a period when his work became increasingly focused on g...
Canvas, Wood
Hans Øllgaard, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Danish Summer Landscape
Located in København, Copenhagen
Hans Øllgaard (b. 1911, d. 1969). Oil on canvas. Modernist Danish summer landscape with haystacks. Dated 1968. Signed. In very good condition. Measure...
Canvas
$1,403Sale Price|20% Off
Swedish Painting of Dancing Women in Green Landscape by R. Dagstrom 1960's
Located in London, GB
Dynamic Figurative Painting of Dancing Women by R. Dagström, Sweden, 1960s, a vibrant and expressive figurative painting. The composition depicts five contemporary women dancing acro...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
$211Sale Price|74% Off
Mixed Media on Paper, Scandinavian Modern, Signed, 1978, 34x24 cm
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Margareta Treutiger, 1978 Mixed technique on paper The work signed by the artist's signature, title and date Work dimensions 34/24 Unframed work Ebba Margareta Treutiger (1930-2021)...
Paper
Swedish Abstract Oil Canvas Painting by Bertil Berntsson, Sweden 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful Swedish abstract oil on canvas artwork with a pine wooden frame by Bertil Berntsson from the 1962. In good vintage condition with patina from aging. Signed and dated lowe...
Pine, Canvas
Painting by Rolf Wertheimer, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Oil on canvas, wooden frame. Unsigned. Rolf Wertheimer was a versatile artist working across painting, sculpture, drawing, and photography. Trained at Académie Libre in Stockholm an...
Canvas, Wood, Glass
Unique work by Per Kirkeby, Untitled, 1987, Gouache 54 cm x 43 cm in oak frame
Located in København K, 84
( Visible size: 40 x 30 cm ) Inspired by his early training as a geologist, Per Kirkeby made quasi-abstract paintings of landscapes. He was influenced by the gestural works of mid-ce...
Oak, Paint, Paper
Preben Fjederholt "San Cataldo" Oil on Canvas
Located in Kastrup, DK
Preben Fjederholt 1955 - 2000. San Cataldo Italy. Oil on canvas, without frame: 36 x 41. Provenance: Decedent's estate. The work is one of several in the artist's studio at the time of his sudden death on 3 July 2000. Measurement (cm) With frame H: 38 x 43 x 3 without frame: 36 x 41. Danish painter, from 1974 educated at the art academies in Odense, Aarhus and Copenhagen. Preben Fjederholt, who made his debut at Kunstnernes (The Artist's) Fall exhibition 1980, is an exponent of a neo-romantic and neo-symbolist depiction of reality in his atmospheric and colouristically muted paintings.
Canvas
Modernist Oil Painting by Bertil Öhlund, Sweden, 1958
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Oil painting by Bertil Öhlund with a graphic, surrealist motif, in beautiful pastel blue, yellow and apricot nuances. Bertil Öhlund (1923-2003) was a Swedish painter, graphic artist...
Wood, Paint, Canvas
$1,370Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian Maritime Painting Oil on Panel in Warm Colors by Noren Nils Martin
Located in Salzburg, AT
Maritime painting in oil on plate by Noren Nils Martin (1907 Västervik - 1998 Uppsala) The scene on the water is calm and is characterized by warm colors. The boat is already ashor...
Wood, Paint
$268Sale Price|20% Off
Oil on Canvas Painting, Framed Scandinavian Modern, 1950s, Sweden
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Lennart Lilja Oil on canvas Dimensions 74/64 Framed work Lennart Lilja (1924-2008). He was a Swedish artist. Student of Isaac Gründewald and Otte Sköld. In the 1950s he wrote plays ...
Canvas
Uno Svärd, Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Modernist Landscape, 1960s-1970s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Uno Svärd (1924-2002), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape, 1960s-1970s. The canvas measures: 98 x 40 cm. The frame measures: 0.5 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Canvas
Poul Ekelund, Denmark, Oil on Board, Modernist Landscape, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Poul Ekelund (1921-1976), Denmark. Oil on board. Modernist landscape, 1960s. The board measures: 29 x 19 cm. The frame measures: 10 cm. In excellent co...
Other
$273Sale Price|20% Off
Canvas "Ships in port"
Located in Chorzów, PL
Dimensions: Frame: height 77 cm / width 107 cm / depth 6 cm Image: height 66 cm / width 95.5 cm.
Canvas, Wood
Pär Lindblad, Swedish artist. Oil on cardboard. "In the Studio." Mid-20th C.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Pär Lindblad (1907-1981), a listed Swedish artist. Oil and tempera paint on cardboard. "In the Studio." Mid-20th century. Signed. Image dimensions: W 42.0 cm x H 37.5 cm. Total dim...
Other
1963 Bengt Berglund Porcelain Enamel Abstract Wall Hanging, Gustavsberg
By Gustavsberg, Bengt Berglund
Located in New Windsor, NY
Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg, Sweden enamel wall hanging. Signed and dated on reverse, Gustavsberg 63 and front lower left corner. Green backgrou...
Metal, Enamel, Steel
Ole Bjørn Krüger '1922-2007', Oil on Board, Composition, 1960s/70s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Ole Bjørn Krüger (1922-2007), Danish sculptor and ceramicist. Oil on board. Composition. 1960s / 70s. The board measures: 122 x 82 cm. In excellent condition.
Other
Margareta Sandberg-Hög, Swedish Artist, Oil on Board, 1960s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Margareta Sandberg-Hög (1924-2016), Swedish artist. Oil on board, 1960s. Abstract composition. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern. The board measures: 63 x 52 cm. The frame measure...
Other
Gouache Painting "Skuggor" by Tore Nyberg, Sweden, 1950
By Tore Nyberg
Located in Hägersten, SE
Painting by Swedish artist Tore Nyberg. Gouache on paper titled "Skuggor" made in 1950. Signed and dated. Very good condition with sign of age related wear. Tore Nyberg, 1911-1993...
Paint
Poul Ekelund, Denmark, Oil on Canvas, Landscape with Houses, 1965
Located in København, Copenhagen
Poul Ekelund (1921-1976), Denmark. Oil on canvas. Modernist landscape with yellow houses. Dated 1965. The canvas measures: 66 x 54 cm. The frame measure...
Canvas
Large Oil Painting On Canvas With Motif Of Fishing Boats Near Shore From 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
The large oil painting on canvas of fishing boats near the coast from around the 1930s is a wonderful work of art that captures the essence of seaside life in an era of true beauty a...
Canvas, Paint
Einar Person, Sweden, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, 1960's
Located in København, Copenhagen
Einar Person (1918-2006), Sweden. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. 1960's. The canvas measures: 40 x 32 cm. The frame measures: 6 cm. In excellent condition. Signed.
Canvas
$195Sale Price|77% Off
Lennart Lilja Oil on Canvas, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s, Unframed
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Lennart Lilja Oil on canvas Dimensions 32/41 Unframed work Lennart Lilja (1924-2008). He was a Swedish artist. Student of Isaac Gründewald and Otte Sköld. In the 1950s he wrote play...
Canvas
$206Sale Price|75% Off
Sagomöte Oil Painting on Board, Framed, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Lennart Lilja, Sagomöte Oil on the board Work signed by the artist Dimensions 43/62 Framed work Lennart Lilja (1924-2008). He was a Swedish artist. Student of Isaac Gründewald and Otte Sköld. In the 1950s he wrote plays and tried his hand as an actor. This resulted in a role in The Seventh Seal...
Wood
Danish Oil Painting - Stilleben in Pine Frame with Motive of Flowers and Bowls
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Stilleben by the Danish painter, Christian Daugaard, 1901-1993. painted circa. 1960s. He often painted with a naturalistic starting point. In landscape paintings from, among othe...
Paint, Oak
Oil Painting by Tore Nyberg, Sweden, 1957
By Tore Nyberg
Located in Hägersten, SE
Painting by Swedish artist Tore Nyberg. Oil on canvas made in 1957. Signed and dated. Good condition with sign of age related wear. Tore Nyberg, 1911-1993, was a Swedish artist. B...
Paint
Geometric Wood Relief Painting, Sven Hansson, Sweden, 1979
By Sven Hansson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painting by Sven Hansson, Sweden. 1979. Painted wood relief on board. Dimensions: H: 42 cm/ 16 1/2" W: 51 cm/ 20'' Provenance: the estate of the artist. Working in a purely geome...
Wood
Mid Century Scandinavian Oil Painting on Canvas, 20th Century, 66.5 cm
By Ib Geertsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Oil painting by Ib Geertsen, 1959 Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Dimensions (W x H): 51.5 x 66.5 cm Condition: Good vintage condition
Canvas, Pine
$512Sale Price|57% Off
Roald Ditmer, Abstract Composition, Oil on Canvas Paintings, 1999, Framed
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Roald Ditmer, Abstract Composition, 1999 Oil painting on canvas Work signed by the artist Work dimensions 89/68 Framed work Roald Ditmer was born in 1959. He is a Danish artist who ...
Canvas
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Watercolor Painting by Margareta Treutiger, Scandinavian Modern, 1978
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Margareta Treutiger, 1978 Watercolor The work signed by the artist's signature and date Work dimensions 32/24 Unframed work Ebba Margareta Treutiger (1930-2021). She was a Swedish a...
Paper
$405Sale Price|20% Off
Original Painting in Acrylic on Hand-Pressed Asian Paper by Björn Rönnquist
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
Björn Rönnquist, Composition, 1980s Original painting in acrylic on hand-pressed Asian paper. This work is signed by the artist. Sheet dimensions 41/29 The work is framed Dimensions ...
Acrylic, Paper
Modernist Oil Painting by Bertil Öhlund, Sweden, 1958
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Oil painting by Bertil Öhlund with a graphic, surrealist motif, in striking red, brown and purple nuances. Bertil Öhlund (1923-2003) was a Swedish painter, graphic artist and illust...
Canvas, Wood, Paint
Danish Artist Johannes Obel (1932) Abstract Oilpainting 1960s.
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine abstract oilpainting by the Danish artist Johannes Obel. Oil on canvas and framed. Signed „Johs. Obel“ Born 1932 and friend of the famous danish cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. ...
Paint
Sumi Ink Painting on Paper by Rune Hagberg, Scandinavian Modern, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rune Hagberg was a self-taught Swedish artist whose work was deeply informed by Zen Buddhism and a sustained engagement with silence, reduction, and introspection. Born in Uppsala, h...
Paper
Karl Brücher Henriksen Large Oil Painting from 1970
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large oil painting by Karl Brücher Henriksen from 1970.
Canvas