Wondering what Scandinavian design is? Guided by the philosophy that form follows function, Scandinavian furniture is as chic as it is unique. It’s also a vast world with furniture hailing from a number of different countries, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. So what are the defining characteristics that make Scandinavian furniture unique? We’re breaking down the most identifiable attributes ahead!
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Functionality
Contemporary Scandinavian design as we know it today took root in the 1930s just as form-meets-function design styles like Bauhaus were gaining traction. Like Bauhaus designers, the era’s Scandinavian designers adopted a form-first design approach, resulting in minimalist forms that contour to the human body.
Minimalist
Ornamentation is not common in Scandinavian design. Detailed carvings are passed over in favor of sleek, shapely curvature. To achieve such simple curvature, steam bending — the process of bending plywood using steam — was often employed. Examples of steam bending can be seen clearly in iconic Scandinavian designs such as Alvar Aalto’s Paimio chair.
Natural materials
In contrast to Bauhaus furniture which used a great deal of steel in its construction, Scandinavian furniture is almost exclusively constructed of wood. Birch is a favored material, as is teak. Vintage upholstered pieces are generally outfitted in durable, solid-colored wool, while more contemporary pieces incorporate a wider — but no less tactile — range of fabrics. Modern-day Scandinavian furniture might include upholstery options like boucle, leather, or tweed.
Who are some Scandinavian Furniture designers to know?
Among the most famous Scandinavian furniture designers are Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, and Josef Frank. Other designers to know, include Jens Risom, who is often credited with bringing Scandinavian design to the U.S., and Finn Juhl, who created some of Scandinavian design’s most whimsical pieces — see the Walrus chair.
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Design by 2Michaels Design / Photo by Frank Veteran