Collection
Scandinavian Vintage Armchairs
Scandinavian vintage armchairs were designed to be sat in, not just looked at – low, wide, with exposed wood and proportions that work in any interior. The collection includes armchairs from Denmark, Sweden and Norway from the 1950s–70s. Other armchairs are in our vintage armchairs category.
Armchair designed by Leif Alring, Madsen & Schubell, Denmark, 1960s
Comfort without ornament
The mid-century Scandinavian armchair grew out of a simple idea: good furniture should serve everyday life in a modest home. That is why armchairs of the period are lower and lighter than classic club chairs, with an exposed wooden frame and upholstery that is easy to replace. The wood is not only structural – an armrest in solid teak or oak is the most pleasing part of the chair.
The icon of the movement is the Papa Bear Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1951: an upholstered silhouette with wooden armrest ends. Alongside the famous names, thousands of production armchairs came from smaller factories, made to the same standard and in the same spirit – and it is these that most often find their way into homes today.
Danish armchairs
Two thirds of the armchairs in this collection come from Denmark. They include designs by Illum Wikkelsø for Niels Eilersen A/S, Hans J. Wegner, Georg Thams, Kai Lyngfeldt Larsen and Jens Juul Eilersen, as well as armchairs by Farstrup Møbler and Cado.
Swedish and Norwegian armchairs
From Sweden come armchairs by Dux and Bröderna Andersson and designs by Alf Svensson; from Norway, armchairs by Torbjørn Afdal. They were made in the same spirit as the Danish ones: simple form, visible wood, a low, comfortable seat.
Upholstery and restoration
Whether the upholstery is original or replaced is stated in the condition description. New fabric does not change the construction or character of the chair, and the wooden frame only needs an occasional wipe with wood oil. Seat and backrest dimensions are in the Dimensions tab.
