Second Hand Scandinavian Furniture: Vintage Nordic Design

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Scandinavian design joins craft with series production: wood, clean lines, soft light and glass in natural tones. At 2nd home you will find second hand and vintage Scandinavian furniture, lamps, glass and ceramics, mostly from Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Nordic design spans five countries, so Norway and Iceland belong to it too.

The style became known internationally in the 1950s. In 1954 the Brooklyn Museum in New York showed the exhibition Design in Scandinavia, and from 1951 to 1970 the Lunning Prize was awarded to Nordic designers. Many designs from that time are also under mid century modern furniture.

Denmark: Hans J. Wegner presented his Wishbone Chair CH24 to Carl Hansen und Søn in 1949, who have made it without interruption since 1950; the seat is still woven by hand from paper cord. For Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen designed the Ant chair in 1952 and the Series 7 in 1955, both in pressure moulded plywood; the Egg and the Swan followed in 1958. See more under Arne Jacobsen. Poul Henningsen designed the PH 5 pendant for Louis Poulsen in 1958, its shades meant to spread the light without glare; more lamps under Louis Poulsen. Danish glass often means Holmegaard, where Per Lütken became artistic director in 1942.

Finland and Sweden: Alvar Aalto designed the three legged Stool 60 in Finnish birch in 1933. In 1935 he founded Artek in Helsinki with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, and the company still makes his furniture; more under Alvar Aalto. Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva designed vases and glasses for Iittala, and from Sweden you will find glass by Orrefors and wall lamps by Sigvard Bernadotte for Ifö.

What to check on second hand Scandinavian furniture: teak and oak are usually oiled and can be refreshed with furniture oil, which often makes water marks fade. On sideboards and chests of drawers, check the veneer on edges and doors; a wider choice is under sideboards. Paper cord seats can be rewoven. On plywood chairs, look at the bends; on metal lamp shades, look for dents and paint damage. Dimensions and condition are stated with every piece.

Buying used Scandinavian furniture: woods and designers

  • Reduction, functionality and homely clarity – that is what characterizesScandinavian designIn our collection you will findVintage furniture from Denmark, Sweden and Finland, which impress with timeless design, high-quality natural materials and clever details. Typical furniture is made ofTeak, oak or birch, paired withlight fabrics, clear lines and well-thought-out proportions. Particularly popular:Mid-century style sideboards,Dining room chairs with organic shapesorSofas with a minimalist silhouette.

    The most famous Scandinavian designers includeArne Jacobsen,Hans J. Wegner,Alvar AaltoandVerner PantonHer designs continue to shape Scandinavian living today. You can find many of her iconic pieces of furniture in our selection.

    This fits:
    dining chairs, Sideboards, Carpets

  • Everything you need to know about shipping can be found in ourShipping information.

    If you have any questions about care, origin or dimensions, we will be happy to help you:Help & Contact

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Frequently asked questions and answers

What is typical of Scandinavian design?

Clarity, functionality, and naturalness. Typical features: light woods, minimalist design, subtle colors, and durable materials.

Which pieces of furniture are particularly in demand?

Mid-century sideboards, dining chairs with wooden frames, low-back sofas, small secretaries and coffee tables in a minimalist style.

What materials are Scandinavian vintage furniture made of?

Mostly fromsolid teak,oak,birchorAsh, combined with wool fabrics, leather or cotton covers.

How do I combine Scandinavian design with other styles?

It pairs well with Japandi, mid-century, or modern minimalism. Neutral colors and natural materials create a calming base.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Scandinavian Vintage Furniture and Interior Design .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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