Scandinavian Mid Century Bench
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Fabric, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Aluminum
Vintage 1960s Swedish Benches
Teak
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Benches
Elm
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Benches
Pine
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Rustic Benches
Elm
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Steel
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Teak
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Wood, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Sheepskin, Pine
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Teak
Vintage 1960s Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Fruitwood
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Benches
Velvet, Palmwood
20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Rosewood
20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Teak
20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Oak, Teak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Iron
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Benches
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Oak
Antique Mid-19th Century Hungarian Benches
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Hemp, Beech
Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Upholstery, Birch
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Cane, Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches
Walnut
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Bouclé, Rosewood
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Pine
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Brass
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Teak
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches
Oak
- 1
Scandinavian Mid Century Bench For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Scandinavian Mid Century Bench?
A Close Look at Scandinavian Modern Furniture
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
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Scandinavian design and Nordic design originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
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.
Finding the Right Benches for You
Don’t underestimate a good bench — antique and vintage benches are storage pieces, stylish accents and statement-making additional seating.
Today, benches are a great option to maximize seating in your house and outdoor space. The perfect option to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in foyers and entryways, benches can also transform dining areas, making it possible to host a hungry family with limited space. Whether you’re sprucing up your entertaining with upholstered Empire-style benches or adding more options to a dining room that’s seen a farmhouse makeover, this humble furnishing has only become more versatile over the years. Designers have recognized the demand for a good bench, crafting the convenient seating alternative from a range of materials, including wood, iron and even concrete.
Mid-century modern benches from George Nakashima, Charlotte Perriand and the pared-down Platform bench by George Nelson for Herman Miller are classics of innovation, but maybe you’re looking for an unconventional design approach to your home's seating. Opt for something totally outside the box — an antique pine church-pew bench paired with a vintage wool throw and stationed under the mounted coatrack in your mudroom is a distinctive touch.
For your outdoor oasis, a wrought-iron patio bench is the obvious choice but not the only option. An enclosed back patio would do well to inherit a rattan bench with cushions, but it can be susceptible to weathering and should be covered or moved indoors when not in use.
Whatever your seating arrangement needs are, find vintage, new and antique benches for every space on 1stDibs.
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