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Scandinavian Modern Benches

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 

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

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
Vintage 1960s Hans Wegner 6-Leg Long Slatted Teak Xl Bench Danish Midcentury
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This is the largest Model JH-574 Bench. In the original finish. Showing wear from use. All joinery is tight, and this bench is ready to use. Also has a nice neat full burnished label...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Low Profile Bench / Coffee Table in Rosewood by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo
Located in San Diego, CA
A absolutley gorgeous low profile bench / coffee table in rosewood by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage cond...
Category

Late 20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Custom Made Oak and Velvet Bench
Located in London, GB
A custom-made upholstered bench with fumed and oiled oak frame. The padded top has been upholstered with in Pierre Frey mustard mohair velvet. *Alte...
Category

2010s British Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Yarrow Bench in Maple
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Our Bench is intended to be a piece that can fit into your home, where you need it. This piece can be placed at your dinner table, in a vestibule for shoes, or in your bedroom as an ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Hardwood, Maple

Airisto Side Table and Bench, a Modern Scandinavian Wooden Design Piece
Located in Halikko, Finland
Airisto bench with Joanna Laajisto. The Airisto collection's furnishings are multifunctional, they can be used as a side table, stool and a bench. The na...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

Danish Midcentury Bench in Teak, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Bench in solid teak, designed and made in Denmark 1960s. Original condition.
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Switch bench black
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench grey blue
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench snow white
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench canary yellow
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Axel Einar Hjorth "Skoga". Wooden Bench in Pine by Nordiska Kompaniet, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare and early Swedish mid century wooden bench in pine model "Skoga" by Axel Einar Hjorth produced by Nordiska Kompaniet Stockholm 1932. In good original condition. Dimension...
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Switch bench dark blue
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench light blue
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench orange
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Plywood

Switch bench
Located in Kruisem, BE
Switch bench is a multifunctional bench available in different shapes and colours. Material: Seating: birch plywood, oil finish Legs: birch plywood with laminate Size: L122 x W31...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Laminate, Plywood

PI Bench, Oak Backrest, Upholstered Forest
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
-The modern and comfortable PI Bench is produced entirely by hand from oak wood. -Solid Oak/ Length: 140 cm Width: 45 cm Height: 80 cm *Maintenance: It should be wiped with a damp cl...
Category

2010s Turkish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Vintage wooden school bench , 1970’s
Located in Delft, NL
Vintage wooden school bench , 1970’s Dimensions: 240cm Width , 28cm Depth , 29.5cm Height seat Condition: Used with nice patina Material: Wood . metal
Category

1970s Dutch Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Smoked Oak and Rattan
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI Bench by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Oak

'Le Roi Bench' by Norr11 Natural Oak and Rattan
Located in Paris, FR
LE ROI BENCH by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid oak with inlaid natural Frenc...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rattan, Oak

Rare long Finn Juhl 'Table bench' in Rosewood, 1953
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare 225 cm Finn Juhl Rosewood 'Table bench' with two fabric cushions. Frame of gun metal, anodized steel and raised brass edges. Designed by Finn Juhl 1953 and made by Bovirk...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal, Brass

Scandinavian flower bench
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian bench from the 1960s with a functional and versatile design. The wooden frame lends a warm and natural touch, while the special feature of the top that includes a spac...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Metal

Swedish Modern Carl Malmsten Visingsö Benches, Mid-Century Pine for Svensk Fur
Located in Kramfors, SE
Swedish Modern benches Visingsö by Carl Malmsten. The two benches are from the mid 20th century and made in solid pine stained with acid. Designed in 1953 with beautifully curved cha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Danish Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard Teak Hallway Bench With Two Drawers
Located in London, GB
Danish designer Aksel Kjersgaard founded his eponymous furniture manufacturing company in 1952. Revered by mid-century furniture lovers for its straightforward approach to design of ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Teak

Rustic Bench 'Fållbänk' circa 1780
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Rustic Bench 'Fållbänk' circa 1780 This Swedish follbänk really has this primitive feeling to it and an amazing painted surface. Its dar...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Borge Mogensen Set of Side Tables/Benches in Oak and Rattan Cane, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing set of Danish modern side tables or benches in solid oak and handwoven rattan cane by Danish architect Borge Mogensen. Mogensen designed this model in the 1950s when it was m...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Oak

Scandinavian Slatted Bench in Solid Wood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Bench, beech, Scandinavia, 1960s Tranquil and stunning design made in Scandinavia in the 1960s. This slatted bench displays a natural and serene appearance, mainly due to the solid ...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Beech

Trasiego Bench
Located in Ciudad de México, MX
Sebastian Angeles, Mexican industrial designer. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with renowned brands and companies, gaining recognition for his unique approach to collecti...
Category

2010s Mexican Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Borge Mogensen 3171 Bench for Fredericia Circa 1961
Located in San Francisco, CA
Borge Mogensen original bench model 3171 for Federica, Denmark. Made from solid turned oak with black leather, perfect for a dining table or extra seating at 18"in. seat height. High...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Leather, Oak

Swedish long folk art bench, circa 1850
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish long folk art bench, circa 1850 If one didn’t know better, one could almost mistake it for being of a newer date. It was probably only in use for big events and celebrations...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Modernist Midcentury Pine Bench, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cute Swedish midcentury pine bench in a compact design with nice lines.
Category

1960s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Pair of Scandinavian benches in Solid Elm by Olavi Hanninen 1960.
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb benches with brutalist design. High quality cabinetmaking work. Extremely robust. Solid wood.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Scandinavian modern pine bench by Børge Mogensen, Sweden, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Rare bench designed by Børge Mogensen during the 1960s. In 1961 Mogensen designed pine furniture to be put in his own summer house. The series later started to be produced by the Sw...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden
Located in Farsta, SE
Large butcher table/bench dated 1879 from Dalarna, Sweden. My heart truly feels for this kind of furniture, where aesthetics are driven by practicality. The gray patina and wear mak...
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

Roland Wilhelmsson, Bench, Pine, Sweden, 1972
Located in High Point, NC
A pine bench or coffee table model "Sink" designed and produced by Roland Wilhelmsson, Ågesta, Sweden, 1972. Present bench is labeled, hand signed, and dated June 1973
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Kai Kristiansen Rosewood Bench and Drawers Set, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Stunning, exotic grained rosewood bench with matching, loose standing two-drawer unit which can be positioned anywhere along the bench surface. This piece was designed by Danish desi...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Torbjørn Afdal, walnut Krobo bench, Norway, 1960s
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
’Krobo’ bench designed by Torbjørn Afdal. Produced in Norway in the 1960s for Mellemstrands Bruksbo. Made in walnut.
Category

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

Aksel Bender Madsen Danish Ottoman Bench in New Shearling
Located in Oakland, CA
Mid-century Danish bench designed by Aksel Bender Madsen in 1955, Denmark. Crafted from oak, it features a curved oval seat newly upholstered in sheepskin and raised on solid oak tap...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Oak

Pipeline Bench by Erik Ole Jørgensen
Located in Dronten, NL
Stunning and rare Pipeline Bench by Erik Ole Jørgensen for Georg Jørgensen & Søn, Denmark, 1960. The tubular legs are made in stainless steel and the top is upholstered in a grey/gre...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Danish solid Teak Bench / Shoe Bench 1960s
Located in Handewitt, DE
1960s danish bench / shoe bench in teak and conical round steel legs. In very good quality. Denmark 1960s. Looks like a design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard.
Category

Mid-19th Century Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Sculptural Bench by Olavi Hanninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland, 1950’s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Sculptural bench by Olavi Hanninen for Mikko Nupponen, Finland 1950’s. This bench is made of stained elm wood and sculpturally crafted by hand. Presented in a good, original, conditi...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

1940's Danish Ottoman or Bench
Located in Oakland, CA
1940s Scandinavian ottoman raised on elegant mahogany legs in the manner of Frits Henningsen. The ottoman is upholstered in the original blue wool fabric and can be used in its curre...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wool

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

6' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Walnut Wood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Walnut

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

5' Oxbend Bench, Entryway Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
This entryway bench, designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking, evolved out of the Oxbend dining chair, leading also to a matching bar stool. The Oxbend Collection was born f...
Category

2010s American Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Ash

Rare Bent Wood Bench by Architect Risto V. Luukkonen, Vakiopuu Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An exceptionally rare bench by Finnish Architect Risto Veikko Luukkonen (1902-1972) who was one of the pioneer functionalist architects to lead the movement in Finland. His career st...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Elm

Swedish long Bench 1870c
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish long Bench 1870c Made out of pine wood. Sold in as-is condition. Height: 42 cm/16.5 inch Depth: 27 cm/10.6 inch Widht: 132 cm/51.9 inch
Category

1870s Swedish Antique Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 2m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Torbjørn Afdal - 2m Krobo Bench, c1960 Iconic midcentury design from Norway. Torbjorn Afdal's Krobo bench, circa 1960 was designed as a multipurpose bench for producer Bruksbo and c...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Danish Modern Friis & Moltke Soaped Pine Bench
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Abeautiful soaped pine bench designed by Danish architects Knud Fiis & Elmar Moltke-Nielsen for Hirtshals Savvaerk. Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Torbjørn Afdal Rosewood 1.5m Krobo Bench, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
Torbjørn Afdal - 1.5m Krobo Bench, c1960 Iconic midcentury design from Norway. Torbjorn Afdal's Krobo bench, circa 1960 was designed as a multipurpose bench for producer Bruksbo and...
Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Rosewood

Borge Mogensen Large Side Table or Bench in Oak and Rattan Cane, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Odense, DK
Amazing Danish modern side table or bench model "BM5275" in solid oak and handwoven rattan cane by Danish architect Borge Mogensen. Mogensen designed this model in the 1950s when it ...
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Cane, Rattan, Oak

Josef Frank Bench in Mahogany and Brass Nails, Svenskt Tenn, Sweden
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Josef Frank & SCANDINAVIAN MODERN A beautiful bench by Josef Frank, for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1960s. The frame is made of mahogany, upholstered seat with brass nails. The feet are elegantly sculpted and the bench can also be used as a table, end of bed stool...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

Bench No.2 by Folke Bensow
Located in Stockholm, SE
Designed by Folke Bensow. For Nafveqvarns Bruk for the World exibition in Paris 1925. Swedish stand. Cast iron sides. Wooden planks. Distressed white paint all over.
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Iron

Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa in Checkered Fabric, Oak and Teak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Aksel Bender Madsen, sofa, fabric, oak, teak, Denmark, 1960s The designer of this sofa is Aksel bender Madsen (1916-2000) who is known for his classic Mid-Century designs and worke...
Category

1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Fabric, Oak, Teak

Søren Hansen, Bench, Oak, Mohair, Denmark, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
An oak and green mohair fabric bench designed by Søren Hansen, Denmark, 1950s. Seat height: 18”
Category

1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Mohair, Oak

Swedish Modern Pine Bench and Mirror by Ruben Ward for Fröseke, 1970s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Swedish Modern Pine Bench and Mirror by Ruben Ward for Fröseke AB Nybro Fabriken, Sweden, 1970s. Scandinavian Modern hallway set with bench and mirror in ch...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Pine

Scandinavian Modern benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern benches 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 benches created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, oak and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern benches made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original benches, popular names associated with this style include par-avion co., Carter Ellis, Peter Coolican, and Poiat. 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 benches differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $322 and tops out at $30,000 while the average work can sell for $3,100.

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