Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
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
Danish Modern 1940s Daybed
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A 1940s Scandinavian designed daybed. Recently reupholstered in a playful textile designed by Klaus Haapaniemi called "Ice Flower".
Professional, s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Børge Mogensen Oak Daybed "Model 190" for Fredericia, Denmark 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Børge Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. Daybed Model 190 was designed in 1954 for Fredericia Furniture and shows Mogensen’s strong design ideals putting functionality and longevity first.
Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith in traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials. He focused on making pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable, while his chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Even though he was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models, Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. This daybed has a simple look with understated elegance executed from high-quality materials. The solid oak construction stands on four round, tapered legs and has a lamella top with an upholstered mattress on it. Since the aesthetic is dominated by straight lines, the mattress has button tufting to bring depth into the appearance and accentuate the light coloured fabric. Paired with the blonde oak, the result is elegant and timeless, an aesthetic that can easily complement any style.
Danish furniture maker Fredericia Stolefabrik was founded in 1911 by N. P. Ravnsø in an industrial port town of the same name. From the start, Ravnsø built Fredericia's reputation on quality and hired only the most skilled craftsmen he could find. In 1955, the Ravnsø family sold Fredericia to Andreas Graversen, whose first order of business would be to hire Børge Mogensen as head of design.
Condition:
In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The mattress has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information.
Dimensions:
76.37 in W x 32.87 in D x 10.82 in H (excl. mattress)
194 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 27.5 cm H (excl. mattress)
About the designer:
Børge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinetmaker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942.
At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950, he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Rare Rud Thygesen and Johnny Sørensen
Kings Series
Daybed
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning, rare daybed designed by Rud Thygesen
Johnny Sørensen for Botium in 1989, frame in cherrywood with French wicker backing and a red, maroon/burgundy colored tufted leat...
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Leather, Cane, Cherry
Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Fumed Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Rush, Wood
1980s Scandinavian Modern Pine Daybed-Sofa
Located in Duxbury, MA
c. 1980s.
Category
1980s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Upholstery, Pine
Nordic Modern Daybed in Sheepskin, Scandinavia, ca 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This gorgeous daybed with dark wood legs was inspired by classic Scandinavian furniture design and simplicity. ‘Nordic Modern’ is a recognized term aroun...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Sheepskin, Wood
Swedish Mid Century Wooden Metal Daybed by Bengt Ruda
Nordiska Kompaniet 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Swedish mid century "568-017" daybed with black lacquered metal endings, a dark stained wooden oak frame and brown fabric designed by Bengt Ruda produced and branded by N...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Metal
Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Limed Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
Daybed Designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
This daybed reflects Ib Kofod-Larsen’s considered approach to functional furniture developed in post-war Denmark. Constructed with a solid walnut frame and a cane sleeping surface, t...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Cane, Walnut
Natural White Fur Bean bBag Chair - Kids size
Located in Dural, AU
After a long day of learning and playing, there is no better way for a child to relax and find oozing comfort than in our junior-size fluffy sheepskin bean bag...
Category
2010s Australian Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Sheepskin
$1,295 / item
New Upholstered Pair of GE-19 Hans Wegner Daybeds
Located in Handewitt, DE
New upholstered pair of daybeds GE-19 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark, 1956. Early production! As part of the restoration, we had new mattresses made for the daybeds and a new ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Brass
$11,854 / set
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Category
1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Leather, Beech
Walnut, White Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
$5,584 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Midcentury Daybed in Solid Pine by Thorald Madsen, Made in Denmark
Located in Lejre, DK
Daybed in solid pine. Designed and by cabinetmaker Thorald Madsen. Great original condition
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Brass
"Paris" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Amazing “Paris” daybed by Bruno Mathsson, designed in 1937. Made from birch bentwood with wreathed jute. Sleek, clean design. Mattress in grey fabric on t...
Category
1940s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Jute, Birch
Hans Wegner Daybed Model GE-1 Produced by GETAMA in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare daybed model GE-1 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by GETAMA in Denmark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Brass
Model BM4312 Daybed Sofa by Børge Mogensen for Fredericia, Denmark, 1960s
Located in Skien, NO
This Model BM4312 Loveseat/Daybed/Sofa by Børge Mogensen / Borge Mogensen for Fredericia Stolefabrik was designed in 1958 and produced in the 1960s.
Crafted from natural oak and be...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Oak, Beech
Eclectic Red Leather
Ateljee
Sofa by Yrjo Kukkapuro for Haimi Finland, 1963
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This 'Ateljee' sofa/daybed was designed by Yrjö Kukkapuro in 1963 for Haimi Oy in Helsinki
This design classic is one of the iconic pieces from Yrjo Kukkapuro and is an original v...
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Brass, Steel, Nickel
$7,840 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 1950s Hans J.Wegner Daybed GE-1 by Getama Denmark / Museums Quality
Located in Handewitt, DE
Old daybed / lounger, model GE-1 in oak by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1950s. This daybed is in a untouched rare condition and one of the first productions. With beautiful old ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Versatile Chaise Lounge or Daybed in Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, chaise lounge with ottoman model GE01, oak, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1954
This chaise lounge consists out of two sections. An adjustable lounge chai...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Metal
Walnut, Green Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
$5,584 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Daybed
Located in New York, NY
The Essex Daybed combines the warmth of walnut wood with the luxurious softness of white velvet, creating a stunning piece that elevates any modern interior. Inspired by sleek, conte...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
$5,584 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Ebonised Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
Copenhagen Bench, Macassar Wood, Woven Black Leather and Brass Legs
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed by Tom Nybroe for ToneArt, the Copenhagen series is designed and developed with respect for the combination of classic virtues and a modern quality of life.
The Copenhage...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Brass
Contemporary Lambda Daybed, Natural Oak Frame, Oak Slatted Seat with Rush Mat
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Lambda daybed is handmade in small batches from sustainably sourced oak. Both modern and traditional joinery techniques are employed, ensuring the best attention to detail and qu...
Category
2010s British Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Rush, Wood, Oak
‘Facet’ Sofa by Folke Jansson, Sweden, 1957
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Rare 'Facet' sofa by Folke Jansson for S.M. Wincrantz Möbelindustri AB, Skövde Sweden 1957. Very rare model of which only eight copies where produced as a jubileum model. This one of...
Category
20th Century European Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Wool, Wood
Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960
Located in New York, NY
Chic "Berlin" daybed by Swedish modern master, Bruno Mathsson.
Made by Firma Karl Mathsson
Sweden, circa 1960
Molded Beech, new upholstery
Measures: 80" L x 40" W x 18.5" H.
Bruno M...
Category
1950s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Daybeds
Materials
Upholstery, Beech
Price Upon Request
Scandinavian Modern daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern daybeds 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 daybeds created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern daybeds 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 daybeds, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA, Bruno Mathsson, and Børge Mogensen. 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 daybeds differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,274 and tops out at $32,000 while the average work can sell for $6,850.