Rooted in a social and humanist ideal, Scandinavian design has its origins in the functionalist movements of the late 19th century, particularly in Sweden with the founding of the Society of Arts and Design in 1845. However, it was during the 1930s that this design movement truly began to flourish, with a strong emphasis on natural materials and objects created to improve everyday life.
At the time, beauty was intended to serve function, in keeping with the principles of sustainable design.
The Golden Age of the 1950s
Across Scandinavia, designers embraced the idea of accessible design. Finnish designer Kurt Ekholm championed the belief that simplicity in everyday objects could enrich people’s lives. In Denmark, Poul Henningsen moved away from the rigid modernism of the Bauhaus, favouring a warmer and more pragmatic approach.
After the war, Danish manufacturers developed mass-produced furniture suited to smaller living spaces. This marked the beginning of the democratization of Nordic furniture.
In Sweden, brands such as Electrolux and Gustavsberg combined aesthetics with technical innovation. Iconic figures such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner and Poul Cadovius came to embody the spirit of Scandinavian modernism. Their furniture, often made from teak or moulded plywood, became iconic. Jacobsen’s Series 7 chair went on to become a worldwide bestseller.
During the 1960s, materials evolved: plastic, fibreglass, latex foam... These new materials enabled more innovative and expressive forms. Verner Panton’s S Chair and Eero Aarnio’s Ball Chair became cult pieces of Scandinavian Pop design.
Responsible and Democratic Design
By the late 1960s, the Swedish company Innovator Design had embraced colourful, affordable and anonymous furniture. Johan Huldt and Jan Dranger created lightweight pieces in metal and canvas, moving away from the cult of the designer’s signature. This alternative model appealed through its strong social coherence.
At the same time, Ikea helped popularize functional Scandinavian design throughout Europe. Its range of flat-pack, attractive and affordable furniture spread the idea of “design for everyone.” This worldwide success reaffirmed the democratic foundations of Nordic design.
Even today, Scandinavian design is taught in renowned institutions such as Konstfack University of Arts in Sweden. Contemporary Nordic furniture follows an ethical approach based on sustainability, responsible production and simplicity of form. True to its roots, Scandinavian design continues to combine beauty, simplicity and environmental awareness.