The History of Scandinavian Design

The roots of Scandinavian design
Emerging in the 1950s alongside side the modernist movement in Europe and America, the Scandinavian golden age came in the next decades and is now living a Hygge-mania on social media, from Instagram reels to TikTok viral videos and Pinterest albums full of inspirations for homeowners and interior designers. 

Influenced by the Nordic region's cold, short winter days and a desire for interiors to be cosy yet bright, the Scandinavian modern style prioritises clean lines, functional furnishings, a neutral palette, and sleek interiors.

Scandinavian modern design means elegance, simple forms, open-plan spaces free of clutter, practicality, and light colours. Scandinavian design is the name of a movement made up of designers, brands, companies and products which emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, and developed in the 1950s in the five Nordic countries of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway.

Scandinavian design is timeless because of natural materials, simplicity, beauty, and fine craft, emphasising quality over quantity. From furniture to lighting, objects, interiors, and architecture projects, Scandinavian creative products have an enduring popularity that continues to appeal to many people independently of the production year. 

Designers such as Arne Jacobsen (Denmark), Alvar Aalto (Finland), Josef Frank (Sweden), and Maija Isola (Finland) created the golden age of Scandinavian design, inspired by the concepts of Constructivism, Functionalism, and Surrealism.
Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen are visionaries and legendary names of the Scandinavian design movements. These Nordic designers achieved an elegant combination of practicality and sophistication, explaining why many of their furnishings remain in production today.

Throughout the decades (the 1960s and 70s), Nordic designers experimented with new materials such as plastics and fibreglass and traded natural bentwood for moldable plastics that could be manipulated into curvilinear shapes, such as Vernor Panton's Panton chair. What never changed is the fluid, organic shapes, defining contemporary interiors, defying corporate aesthetics, and creating a lifestyle (peace of mind).

Interiors influenced by Scandinavian modern design incorporate natural elements, such as wood and natural fibres, with lots of texture. Mixing old and new furnishings and materials is quite popular, highlighting craftsmanship over ostentation.

Scandinavian designs pair amazingly with other styles, including eclectic interiors, from Persian rugs to statement pieces and decorative arts. Vintage Scandinavian products are treasures for design enthusiasts, antique dealers, and vintage lovers. 

What is Scandinavian furniture design?

Scandinavian design or Nordic design is much more than furniture. It strips back the unnecessary, emphasising the essential aspects of any product and choosing functionality over glamorous aesthetics. It is a timeless design with clean but warm themes, inviting peace into homes without being chaotic or uninviting. 

Living the Scandinavian Dream is about local crafts, democratic design, and neutral/monochromatic colours - bright, warm whites with black and tan. Plush pinks, grey blues, and colours rooted in nature are the most popular in Nordic design.

Scandinavian Furniture, Accessories, Lighting, and Home Decoration

High-end craftsmanship and timeless design define any item in a Scandinavian room or design brand furniture brands.

Lighting is a huge part of Nordic design. It seeks to spread light as effectively as possible without creating a harsh atmosphere. Poul Henningsen’s unique lamp designs are an undeniable example.

Accessories, home goods, and small home decoration items create a perfect harmony between a relaxed atmosphere and minimalism.

Scandinavian furniture design brands

• ARTEK: one of the most beloved Scandinavian brands of all time with collections full of classics like the Aalto Stool 60 and Chair 66. 

• Fredericia Furniture: producer of some of the most iconic Scandinavian furniture ever made. 

• Carl Hansen & Son: known for its high-quality craftsmanship, timeless designs, and top-notch materials. 

• Fritz Hansen: highly known for iconic designs, innovation, and craftsmanship. 

• Antrei Hartikainen: the furniture pieces bring together sculptural shapes and functionality.

• Louis Poulsen: Louis Poulsen is a lighting giant available worldwide, from iconic interior lights to outdoor lighting.

• Augustav: uses traditional methods to make contemporary furniture rooted in principles of Scandinavian design.

• FERM LIVING: one of the most respected contemporary design brands in Denmark. Cecilie Manz: a Scandinavian brand designing furniture, glass, lamps, and home goods. 

• muuto: a leader in shaping the new soft, playful aesthetic of Nordic design, with a contemporary approach to it, bringing new perspectives to Scandinavian design. 

• GUBI: specialist in blending glamorous luxury and minimalism. Furniture pieces like the Beetle Chair and Multie-Lite are design classics.

• Anderssen & Voll: the designs celebrate cultural influences to generate groundbreaking and functional products.

The Scandinavian Style Pillars

The Scandinavian design style has four pillars:

• Clean materials, creating soft edges and clean lines.

• Shapes

• Functionalism

• Formality

• Minimalism

• Timelessness

Legendary Scandinavian Designs

Saarinen tulip chair was conceived of as part of a range of 'Pedestal' furniture,” including a table known simply by his last name.

With a back and seat free from supporting frames, this seminal work of Juhl's was “groundbreaking” at its time, according to Wilhide. The lines are refined and fluid. 

The Wishbone chair's curved back is a legendary Scandinavian piece. As a mastery of form, it is now produced in every imaginable wood. 

The Connect Modular Sofa brings a modern perspective to the typology, allowing its user to customise the sofa for their exact spatial and aesthetic needs with 11 different modules. 

The Egg chair is the epitome of sculpted-shaped seating pieces. The legendary Danish furniture designer Arne Jacobsen led Danish functionalism.

The PH lamps are based on Poul Henningsen’s renowned three-shade system, Danish writer, designer, and architect. 

Scandinavian design influencers and content creators

Here are our favourite Scandinavian design influencers for endless interior inspiration: Katarina Matsson, Caroline Bille Brahe, Gustaf Westman, Färingsö Huset, Pernille Teisbaek, Thuy Nguyen .

Conclusion: the lasting legacy of Scandinavian design history