Vintage Nordic chic lives on

Scandinavian furniture made in the 1950s to 1960s is sought after by collectors for its classic looks, storied designs and solid quality

PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
(From left ) The Seal Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen ($38,000); the Hans Wegner Mega Papa Bear Chair ($48,000); and the Ox Chair ($20,000) by Hans Wegner. All from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture.
(From left ) The Seal Chair by Ib Kofod-Larsen ($38,000); the Hans Wegner Mega Papa Bear Chair ($48,000); and the Ox Chair ($20,000) by Hans Wegner. All from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture. PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
The Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Model 121 series in Brazilian rosewood comprises a three-seater, two easy chairs and an ottoman. Designed in 1955, these were labelled and produced by Magnus Olesen. The frames of this set, at Noden Singapore, have been full
The Kai Kristiansen Paperknife Model 121 series in Brazilian rosewood comprises a three-seater, two easy chairs and an ottoman. Designed in 1955, these were labelled and produced by Magnus Olesen. The frames of this set, at Noden Singapore, have been fully restored, with the original loose cushions covered in new aniline leather. PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
A dining set-up showing a 1960s Hans Wegner table ($8,000 from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture) with a matching set of Kaare Klint Church Chairs ($1,800 each), manufactured by Fritz Hansen in 1964. The pendant lights are Poul Henningsen’s rare Stammkrone desi
A dining set-up showing a 1960s Hans Wegner table ($8,000 from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture) with a matching set of Kaare Klint Church Chairs ($1,800 each), manufactured by Fritz Hansen in 1964. The pendant lights are Poul Henningsen’s rare Stammkrone design PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
A collection of stoneware vases at Noden Singapore, manufactured in the 1950s to 1960s, from ceramic masters Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stalhane and Stig Lindberg.
A collection of stoneware vases at Noden Singapore, manufactured in the 1950s to 1960s, from ceramic masters Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stalhane and Stig Lindberg. PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
(From left) The Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair ($18,000), circa 1964, and the Swan Chair ($6,000), circa 1972. Both from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture.
(From left) The Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair ($18,000), circa 1964, and the Swan Chair ($6,000), circa 1972. Both from 1B2G Fine Vintage Furniture. PHOTOS: GIN TAY, NODEN SINGAPORE
Chantal Sajan
Senior Correspondent
Updated
Feb 01, 2020, 08:53 AM
Published
Feb 01, 2020, 05:00 AM
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Vintage Scandinavian furniture, mainly from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and also Finland and Iceland, has influenced the world with its pared-down aesthetic as far back as the early 1900s.

Most of the stunning minimalist designs from the turn of the century to the 1960s, termed "mid-century", captured the imagination of the world, especially the work of Danish architect-designers, who have set high bars for design.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 01, 2020, with the headline Vintage Nordic chic lives on. Subscribe

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