Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
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
Jacob Kjaer Armchair in Mahogany
By Jacob Kjaer
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Jacob Kjaer armchair in mahogany and niger leather.
Executed by Jacob Kjaer, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Pair of Danish Armchairs, Teak, fabric and leather, model Capella Illum Wikkelso
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian Armchairs model No. 4 Capella.
Remarkable woodwork on the armrests which are inlaid with a darker part to offer an elegant and refined design. The sides are full...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Teak
Henry Walter Klein Danish Modern Teak Easy Chair for Bramin
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish modern armchair by Henry Walter Klein for Bramin.
The frame is made of solid teak wood with some nice details.
The cushions are renewed some years ago in velour fabric pastel ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Arne Norell Merkur Lounge Chair, Sweden, 1960
By Arne Norell
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Very nice and comfortable Merkur lounge chair designed by Arne Norell and manufactured by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden, 1960. The chair has very nice olive green tufted leather cu...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
Pair of Armchairs by Lars W. Schlyter for Slöjdföreningens Skola
Located in Borås, SE
c. 1929
Leather upholstery, Macassar Ebony.
Designed by Lars W. Schlyter for Slöjdföreningens School in Gothenburg, Sweden for the Stockholm Exhibition 1930.
H 90 cm/35,4 in...
Category
1920s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Macassar
p.j. Muntendam for Jonkers Mid Century Wicker or Rattan Highback Lounge Chairs
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Rattan Highback Lounge Chairs by P.J. Muntendam for Jonkers, Netherlands. One beige and one black. 22.25w 28d 40.5h 15seat
Category
1970s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Rattan, Wood
Armchairs by Gunnar Göperts for Göperts Möbler, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Two elegant armchairs by Gunnar Göperts that he designed in the 40s for the own furniture company Göperts Möbler.
The armchair has an ergonomic design ...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Pine
$3,081 Sale Price
33% Off
Danish Leather, Steel and Teak Armchair, Balloon Model by Hans Olsen 1960
By Hans Olsen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian armchair in upturned leather, black lacquered steel and teak armrests. Original model, very elegant and comfortable.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Steel
$1,901 Sale Price
20% Off
Danish armchair in woven rattan, with its metal stand, attributed Nana Ditzel.
By Nanna Ditzel
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Exceptional Scandinavian armchair. This is likely an early edition designed in 1959. A large armchair in woven rattan, reinforced by its original metal hoops. The armchair can be hun...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Ensemble de 6 fauteuils scandinaves en cuir et palissandre par Gondo Gravesen
By Brondo Gravesen Snedkerier
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Ensemble de 6 fauteuils scandinaves en cuir et palissandre par Gondo Gravesen pour l'Atelier Bondo Gravesen Snedkerier 1960's
Gondo Gravesen est un designer danois actif dans les an...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Armchair for Johannes Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Armchair in teak with seat and back upholstered with vegetable-tanned leather. Manufactured by Johannes Hansen.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH-813 Black Leather Armchairs, Set of 2
Located in Basildon, London
Originally designed by Hans J. Wegner for the 1947 Copenhagen Cabinet Makers Guild Exhibition, the JH-813 chair was initially conceived to be made in wood. It wasn’t until the 1970s ...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather
$4,211 Sale Price / set
30% Off
Contemporary Rocking Chair "Meneo" Designed by Ángel Mombiedro, Spain, 2022.
Located in Madrid, ES
Armchair designed by Angel Mombiedro. The chair features a curved structure throughout, supported by a metal frame. The seat and backrest are upholstered in dark blue velvet, providi...
Category
2010s Spanish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Hans J. Wegner JH-515 Armchairs for Johannes Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner model JH 515. A pair of oak armchairs. Seat and back upholstered with brown felted wool. Executed by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, Denmark.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
The EGG armchair - a symbol of Danish design. UNIQUE. After renovation.
Located in Chorzów, PL
The EGG armchair is a symbol of Danish design, it was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958,
and manufactured by FRITZ HANSEN.
Very good condition, after professional renovation. The a...
Category
1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Aluminum
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara.
A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created.
Winner of the Ame...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
Pair of Wood, Velvet and Rattan Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1950
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood, velvet and rattan Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1950.
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Rattan, Wood
Modern Noe Duchaufour-Lawrance for Bernhardt Design Corvo Armchair, Brand New
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Fabulous Corvo guest or desk chair by Bernhardt Design.
Corvo is hand-shaped and sanded from solid American maple and sealed with a natural oil finish.
Features a graceful back that ...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Maple
Pair of Wood and Leather Scandinavian Armchairs, circa 1960
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of wood and leather Scandinavian armchairs, circa 1960.
Category
1960s European Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Wood
Pair of Hans J. Wegner JH515 Armchairs for Johannes Hansen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Pair of Hans J. Wegner armchairs in oak and cane. Model JH-515. Executed by Johannes Hansen.
Stamped Johannes Hansen, COPENHAGEN, DENMARK.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
Set of Two Refinished Hans J. Wegner Armchairs in Beech, Choice of Upholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two refinished Hans J. Wegner armchairs in beech.
The armchairs named "The Koldinghus Chair" after the old Danish castle Koldinghus were designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1988 ...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Beech
Two Danish Poul Volther Fully Restored Armchairs in Oak, Custom Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
Two Danish Poul Volther Fully Restored Armchairs in Oak, Custom Reupholstery
The chairs were designed for FDB Møbler in 1954.
The chairs have been restored and refinished by our ca...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Rocking Chair by Sigvard Bernadotte for France
Son
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Solid teak, upholstered rocking chair in vintage velvet fabric.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Upholstery, Teak
1897 Swedish Carved Armchair – Designed for A. Lagerberg with Painted Folk Motif
Located in Stockholm, SE
Painted pine.
Presented at the Stockholm exhibition of 1897.
Measures: H 108 cm/ 3'7”
W 60 cm/ 23 1/2"
D 56 cm/ 22”
SH 42 cm/ 16 1/2".
Category
1890s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Pine
1970s, Danish wingback armchair, original condition, furniture velour, beech.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish wingback armchair in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Original light green furniture velour, beech wood legs....
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Beech
1973, Verner Panton, 1-2-3 Serie Easy Chair in Original Panton Fabric
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach,...
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Metal
A Set of Four Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of four stacking armchairs with cream webbed seats in beechwood.
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Walnut, Grey Velvet Modern Empire Armchair
Located in New York, NY
The Empire collection redefines modern luxury with this velvet-upholstered armchair, offering a perfect balance of comfort and contemporary style. The plush velvet upholstery enhance...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
$3,784 Sale Price / item
20% Off
1960s, Danish Design, Pair of Armchairs, Oak Wood, Original Very Good Condition
Located in Tarm, 82
Original Danish design from about 1960s. Pair or armchairs, oak wood, green velour. Original very good condition, no smells. Made by a Danish craftsman in about 1960. Chairs checked ...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak
$922 Sale Price
20% Off
Oak and Leather Armchair from Denmark
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak armchair with the original black leather upholstery.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Oak
Sole Armchair Grey - Solid Oak Wood
Located in Ankara, TR
Sole Armchair, with its elegant oak frame and ergonomic seating, will make you feel wonderful. It’s versatile enough to be used in many corners of your living spaces. It will be with...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood, Oak
$1,850 / item
Mahogany Lounge Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A generously proportioned Scandinavian Modern lounge chair designed by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen. This chair features an architectural exposed Cuban mahogany frame with shaped an...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Mahogany, Upholstery
Erik Chambert Armchairs Produced by Chamberts Möbelfabriker in Norrköping
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare pair of armchairs designed by Erik Chambert. Produced by Chamberts Möbelfabriker in Norrköping, Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Mahogany
Finn Armchair Orange, Solid Oak Wood, Leather Cord, Velvet Facric, Hand-Crated
Located in Ankara, TR
The Finn Armchair is crafted entirely by hand. Its unique appearance comes from genuine leather cords that wrap around a sturdy solid oak frame. With its soft velvet fabric and ergon...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Velvet, Wood, Oak
Scandinavian Modern Landform Armchair Made with Wood and Textile, Handmade
Located in Seroa, PT
In a Haussmanian inspiration, you will find in this collection the noblest characteristics of this style. A discrete colour palette, between off-white and white, an avantgarde atmosp...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Textile, Wood, Leather
Rosewood Dining Chairs by Vestergaard Jensen for Peder Pedersen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Scandinavian Modern ladder back dining chair by renowned Danish designer Helge Vestergaard-Jensen. This sculptural chair features a luminous Brazilian rosewood frame with black lea...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Bondo Gravesen Armchairs in Oak by Bondo Gravesen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare armchairs designed by Bondo Gravesen. Produced by Bondo Gravesen in Denmark.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
A Set of Six Stacking Arm Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of six stackable beech armchairs with black woven chairs.
Category
1970s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Oak
Scandinavian Armchair "Safari" by Elias Svedberg
Located in Brescia, IT
Vintage armchair made of wood and speckled fabric produced by the company Nordiska Kompaniet.
Particular seat with movable backrest. A piece of original and modern design, capable o...
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Arm Chair in Black Linen by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1947
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch
High Back Armchair, Peter Hvidt
Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen for France
Daverkosen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A high back armchair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen having an exposed teak frame with expressive bent laminated curved arms and vintage blue upholstery. Made in Denm...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Modern Easy Chairs, Model "Bull" Handcrafted Danish Manufacture
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Danish easy chair de fauteuils. Modern manufacture by Godsk cabinetmaker. Structure in massive oak with hemp rope seat. All handcrafted, incredible manufacture.
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Hemp, Oak
Pair of Lounge Chairs by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon pair of mahogany lounge chairs newly upholstered in dark grey wool savak.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wool, Mahogany
High Back Barcelona Chair by Kaare Klint for Rud Rasmussen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant and finely detailed armchair mahogany that retains its original striated horsehair fabric, leather welting and patinated brass tacks.
Category
1930s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Brass
Conference Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1950s
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A handcrafted and elegant armchair devoid of extraneous detailing, having an exposed solid teak frame and a gently curved seat and back in leather upholstery.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
1950s Frits Henningsen Pair of Hardwood Beech Armchairs with Green Velour
Located in London, GB
1950s Frits Henningsen Pair of Mahogany Stained Beech Armchairs with green velour fabric and gold coloured piping and edging. Reupholstered circa. 1990. Edging missing on one armrest...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric, Beech
$2,466 Sale Price / set
40% Off
Ib Kofod-Larsen, Lounge Armchair "Seal", Produced by OPE, Sweden, 1950s
Located in Paris, FR
Ib Kofod-Larsen
"Seal"
A teak and leather lounge armchair, the carved wood frame supporting a shell shaped seat and back upholstered with a beautifully patinated black leather...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Humpback Arm Chair by Ole Wanscher for A.J. Iversen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An elegant humpback armchair with black leather upholstery and welting on an exposed rosewood frame.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
$14,000 / item
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair, Model 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31.
A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating bac...
Category
1930s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Armchairs
Materials
Birch
Price Upon Request
Scandinavian Modern armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern armchairs 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 armchairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, asian art and furniture, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern armchairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original armchairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Fritz Hansen, Ole Wanscher, and Finn Juhl. 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 armchairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $72 and tops out at $207,921 while the average work can sell for $3,961.
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