Scandinavian Modern Style

The Scandinavian Modern is one of the most sought after styles of furniture from the 20th Century. What makes this such a sought after style is an amazing degree of excellent design coupled with equally amazing level of craftsmanship. And unless you are shopping for originals, you can get Scandinavian Modern style furniture at very affordable prices.

Scandinavian Modern Influences

Influences for the Scandinavian Modern style go back to earlier influences from late 19th and early 20th centuries, but the interpretation is innovative and modern.

A great emphasis was placed on functionality and simplicity.

The British Arts and Crafts movement was a great influence as was Art Nouveau and the idea that everyone should have access to beautiful and functional everyday objects. These were to be affordable and just as accessible to the common man as to the wealthy.

Danish designers were influenced by American Shaker furniture, as well as Asian art, while the Norwegians looked to their ancient traditions of Viking crafts as well as adopting the more recent Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The Swedish designers paid a lot of attention to social commitment and an emphasis on beauty for all. In Finland and Iceland, the harsh weather and living conditions brought about a relationship to nature and functionality.

As a whole this provides a very interesting mix and maybe accounts for the wide appeal this style has.

Why Made it Popular

The style had a chance to grow and spread based on many factors. Social and political conditions have always had a role to play, and for this style grants and export policies helped.

There was a close cooperation among designers, craftsmen as well as manufacturers that allowed it to become popular.

Characteristics of the Scandinavian Modern Look

This look is above all light and airy with neutral colors. The emphasis is on functionality.

• Light colored wood is maybe the foremost and strongest characteristic of Scandinavian Modern furniture. A naturally occurring ample supply of light colored wood was used to make this furniture.
• Other materials include granite, metal, clay, leather, which are all present in pale neutral colors. Later on synthetic materials such as plastics, fiber glass or latex foam are also used.
• This style takes its inspiration from nature, and many of its greatest designers interpreted this in their own way. This was interpreted not just in natural materials but also in synthetic materials as the 20th century progressed. Verner Panton's chairs are an illustration of this.
• Designs are simple and fluid, staying away from overly decorative touches and complex carving. They tend to have more natural, organic forms
• Bright colors can be found in soft furnishings such as pillows rugs and throws to add pops of color to the very neutral palette. Colors most often used are reds, clear blues, and warm yellows
• Form follows function, which makes the furniture very user friendly
• A love for excellent craftsmanship in the way the furniture is designed and put together.

Famous Scandinavian Designers

Here are some famous Scandinavian designers:

• Denmark: Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Hans J. Wegner
• Sweden: Erik Gunnar Asplund, Bruno Mathsson, Stig Lindberg
• Norway: Peter Opsviks, Frida Hansen, Gustav Gaudernack, Thorolf Holmboe
• Finland: Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Eero Aarnios
• Iceland: Helgi Hallgrimsson Gudjon Samuelsson, Jonas Samuelsson

Where to Buy Scandinavian Modern Furniture

While original pieces can be very expensive to buy, you can approximate the look by shopping at some of these stores.

• IKEA
• Room and Board
• Design Within Reach
• Bo Concept