Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
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.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Pair of Acrylic and Brass Swedish Cones Wall Sconces
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of chic and pure wall sconces made of brass settings and a piece of bent white acrylique forming two cones each housing a light source.
Price displayed for the pair, not a set ...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of V-169 Wall Sconces by Hans Agne Jakobsson with Blue Glass
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Pair of Scandinavian design brass wall sconces model V-169 by Hans Agne Jakobsson with dark blue glass.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Large Wall Light by Gunnar Cyren for Orrefors
By Orrefors
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large wall light designed by Gunnar Cyren for Orrefors, Sweden, circa 1960th.
Handblown crystal glass on polished brass hardware.
Existing wiring, rewiring available upon request.
...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
Pair of Large Wall Fixtures, Attr. Carl Fagerlund, Sweden 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of large (H 80 cm) wall fixtures. With three bulbs and glass shades on each fixture. Brass base.
Sweden 1950s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110
Rulle
Outdoor Sconce in White
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110 'Rulle' Outdoor Sconce in White
An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in white painted m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110
Rulle
Outdoor Sconces in White
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of Hans-Agne Jakobsson C627/110 'Rulle' Outdoor Sconces in White
An exclusive made for U.S. and UL listed authorized re-edition of the classic Swedish design executed in white ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
1940s lamp with extendable arm
Located in Brescia, IT
This vintage Scandinavian wall lamp is an elegant example of functional and refined design. Equipped with an extendable wooden arm, it offers versatility in light placement. The wood...
Category
1940s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Wall Chandelier by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing wall chandelier by Hans-Agne Jakobsson, made in brass with opaline glass shades. Slender, tapering shades in a very cool design. Beautiful, warm sheen when lit.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Vintage wall sconce with golden arm
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian wall lamp with gold metal swivel arm.
This vintage furnishing accessory is an elegant example of functional and refined design that offers versatility in light placement...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Peter Celsing Wall Lamps Produced by Fagerhults Belysning AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Wall lamps designed by Peter Celsing. Produced by Fagerhults Belysning AB in Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Wall Lamps in Brass by Falkenbergs Belysning AB in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps in brass. Produced by Falkenbergs belysnings AB in Sweden.
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Arne Jacobsen AJ Wall Light for Louis Poulsen in Dusty Blue
Located in Glendale, CA
Arne Jacobsen AJ wall light for Louis Poulsen in dusty blue.
The AJ series was part of the lighting Jacobsen designed for the original SAS Royal Hotel. ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Zinc, Steel
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Wall Lamps Model V-149/2 in Brass and Glass
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps model V-149/2 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian lamp with teak arm
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage wall sconce with wooden arm and lampshade made of sheet metal and black plastic.
A lamp that, thanks to the conical shape of the shade and decorative openings on the edge, ...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Vintage lamp with arm
Located in Brescia, IT
Retro-style wall lamp with extendable arm (Maximum length 78cm) wood and conical fabric lampshade.
The lampshade is conical in shape, covered in light beige fabric, with a very sim...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Wooden wall sconce with swivel arm
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak wood wall sconce, Danish manufacture from the 1960s. Swivel arm with metal lampshade.
Danish wall sconce from the 1960s made of teak wood. The arm is adjustable and can rotate ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Early Wall Lamps Model V-80 by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early wall lamps model V-80 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Scandinavian blue wall sconce
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage wall lamp with blue conical shade and brass details. It is perfect for those looking for elegant lighting with a vintage feel.
The lampshade is conical in shape, made of mat...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Jørgen Bo Wall Lamps Model Sonet Produced by Fog
Mørup in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps model Sonet designed by Jørgen Bo. Produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark.
The listed price is for each lamp, there are 8 lamps available.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Tratten
Wall Lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Cone shaped wall lamp by Hans Agne Jakobsson for AB Markaryd, Sweden 1950s. This is model ‘Tratten’ in beautifully patinated copper...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Copper
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Wall Lamp in Cristal
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Pair of vintage p715 suspensions by Sigvard Bernardotte and Acton Bjorn for Nordisk Solar . New socket and textile cord.
Measures: Ø 15 cm. H20 cm. Total H 30 cm.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Opal, Brass
$2,814 / set
Börje Claes Brass Adjustable Wall Lamps for Norlett Elit, Sweden 1970s
By Börje Claes
Located in Utrecht, NL
Swedish Modern, with its simplified lines and lack of excessive ornamentation, was a counter reaction to the earlier, more decorative design movements such as Art Deco. In comparison, as this pair of wall lamps demonstrates, the mid-century era brought streamlined modernism to Sweden as well.
Börje Claes designed this polished brass wall lamp model with both table and floor lamp versions. In these wall lamp versions he combined a classical shape with carefully thought out proportions and Swedish craftsmanship. Similarly to the other versions, the necks’ characteristic curve holding the brass shades define this model. To accompany the defined curves, the backplates have a circular shape that mirrors the shape of the shade. The inside of the shade has a patinated metal look to enhance the light the lamp emits with a beautiful effect. While there is a clear attention on the design elements, functionality was of equal importance in the classic “Svensk design” manner, in which form must follow function in order for something to be considered ‘god design’ (sic.). As such, the lamps’ trumpet shades can be adjusted freely on the vertical axis through a so-called knee joint by the German company OMI. In line with the Functionalist trend of the time, the designer abandoned ornamentation in favour of form. Nonetheless, the warmth and beauty inherent in Swedish design is maintained, as well as high-quality craftsmanship provided by Swedish manufacturer, Norlett Elit...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Sven Mejlstrøm Wall Lamps Produced by Mejlstrøm Belysning in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Minimalist wall lamps designed by Sven Mejlstrøm. Produced by Mejlstrøm Belysning in Norway. Listed price is / lamp.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Hans Bergström Wall Lamp Produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamp designed by Hans Bergström. Produced by Ateljé Lyktan in Åhus, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Teak
Acrylic Wall Lamps by Luxus, Sweden, Set of 4
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Set of wall sconces designed by the Swedish brothers Uno & Östen Kristiansson for their own company Luxus. Manufactured at Vittsjö in Sweden during the late 1950s / 1960s. The wall l...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Acrylic, Teak
Rare Large Paavo Tynell Wall Lamp
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A large wall lamp by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Finland ca. 1930's
A very early modernist lamp designed for a Sanitarium in Helsinki.
Adjustab...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
$6,800 / item
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Large Quantity of Wall Lamps in Chrome and Opal Glass
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Large quantity set of wall lamps designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden. Provenance: Sporthallen in Eskilstuna, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Chrome
Danish Metal Wall Sconce
Located in Brescia, IT
Original 1960s wall lamp made of gilded metal.
A modern and functional lamp that thanks to the magnet in the lampshade allows you to
direct the light according to one's needs.
Ele...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Set of Five Wall Lamps in Brass
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of five wall lamps in brass probably produced in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
$1,437 / item
‘SAGA’ WALL LIGHTS by Kai Korbing
Located in London, England
These beautiful wall lights provide slight directional lighting due to the slanted glass shade attached. Beautiful patina evident on the solid brass hardware. An incredibly striking ...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Bloom Wall Lamp in Black Noir by Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen for Warm Nordic
Located in Viby J, DK
"An exquisite little wall lamp with a rigorous design, designed in the 1950s by the internationally acclaimed grand master of Danish lighting design, Svend Aage Holm-Sørensen. The la...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Steel
Swedish Wall Lamp in Brass and Metal by Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan
Located in Karlstad, SE
Rare wall lamps by Hans Bergström for Ateljé Lyktan, Sweden.
These lamps are great examples of the impressive design that characterize Swedish lighting in the 1930s-1940s. With thes...
Category
20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass, Metal
Dated 1954 Unique Wall Light / Sconce / Candlestick by Henrik Sørensen, H. 50cm
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning artwork in glazed ceramic / stoneware by renowned Norwegian artist/painter Henrik Sørensen (Torsby, Sweden 1882 - Oslo, Norway 1962). This UNIQUE handcrafted Scandinavian Mo...
Category
1950s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Ceramic
$1,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Hans Agne Jakobsson Brass Wall Sconce Model T-526 for Markaryd, Sweden
Located in Voorburg, NL
Amazing brass wall sconce model T-526. Designed by Hans Agne Jakobsson AB for Markaryd, Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful Swedish Blue handmade glass combined with characteristic brass. Wall ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
1980s Swedish Wall Lights – Set of Three Geometric Squares In Red Blue and Black
Located in Stockholm, SE
Wall light, anonymous,
Sweden, 1980s.
White metal and square shaped shades.
Measures: L 119 cm/ 3' 1"
H 58 cm/ 1' 11".
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
1950s Monumental Swedish Wall Lamps – Brass Frame with Cylindrical Glass Shades
Located in Stockholm, SE
Monumental wall lamps, anonymous,
Sweden, 1950s.
Copper and opaline glass.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Copper
Lamp with extendable arm
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage wall lamp with extendable arm (maximum length 130cm) made of wood and cone-shaped yellow metal shade.
The wooden frame, with its accordion mechanism, allows the extension of...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Scandinavian 1960s wall sconce - Wall lamp
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage metal wall sconce.
Scandinavian 1960s aplique, featuring a swiveling arm to direct the light and an all-metal frame. The simple and functional design reflects the typical st...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Wall Lamp in Cristal
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern pair of wall lamp in cristal. Price for the pair.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal
$2,275 / set
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Wall Lamp in Rosewood
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian wall lamp in rosewood. Sold with shade.
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Rosewood
Two Uno Kristiansson, Wall Scones in Pine for Luxus. Made in Sweden 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two wall lights in pine designed by Uno and Östen Kristiansson, 1970s
Uno and Östen Kristiansson were two prominent Swedish designers who worked for the company Luxus, which they fou...
Category
1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Acrylic, Pine
Boris Lacroix Table Lamp / Wall Lamp Produced by Falkenbergs Belysning in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare table / wall lamp designed by Boris Lacroix. Produced by Falkenbergs Belysning in Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass
Jo Hammerborg Wall Lamps Model Kastor by Fog
Mørup in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps model Kastor designed by Jo Hammerborg. Produced by Fog & Mørup in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Sven Mejlstrøm Wall Lamps by Mejlstrøm Belysning in Norway
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall lamps designed by Sven Mejlstrøm. Produced by Mejlstrøm Belysning in Norway.
Category
1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Pair of Big Wall Lamps Produced in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
A pair of big and rare wall lamps in black lacquered metal. Produced in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Lacquer
$3,593 / item
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Wall Lamps Model V-323/2
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of wall lamps model V-323/2 designed by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. Produced by Hans-Agne Jakobsson AB in Markaryd, Sweden.
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum
$3,593 / set
Pair of Brass and Crystal Wall Lamps designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors
Located in Voorburg, NL
Highly rare and sophisticated pair of brass wall lamps produced in Sweden in the 1970s. Designed by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors Glasbruk. Each lamp h...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Rare Wall Lights, Valinte Oy, 1950s
By Valinte Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of rare wall lights, manufactured by Valinte Oy, 1950s. Wooden slat shades. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. The wall lights are sold together a...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Wood
$8,863 / set
Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage wall lights and sconces created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting, wall decorations and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern wall lights and sconces made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original wall lights and sconces, popular names associated with this style include Hans-Agne Jakobsson, Louis Poulsen, Örsjö Industri AB, and Orrefors. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for wall lights and sconces differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $135 and tops out at $40,000 while the average work can sell for $1,978.
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