The finest high-end Scandinavian design chairs by leading Nordic and international brands and designers - from Arne Jacobsen to Hans Wegner to Alvar Aalto.
It's perhaps in the field of designer chairs that Scandinavia has left its deepest mark: as industrialization arrived later, woodworking was omnipresent when design developed, giving rise to an extremely warm modernity.
Our range includes all the classic Scandinavian chairs of Nordic design, including many timeless icons of world renown: from the molded wood veneer chairs of Alvar Aalto and Arne Jacobsen to the delicate organic creations of Finn Juhl, from the ergonomically perfect chairs of Hans Wegner (Wishbone CH24 chair) to the innovations of Verner Panton (Panton chair by Vitra).
But in the wake of these giants are also a host of contemporary talents, who have the intelligence to apply this rich heritage by reinventing it in line with the needs and techniques of the modern world.
Scandinavian wooden design chairs
Wood is the material of choice for Nordic furniture makers, and several Scandinavian wooden chairs are among the great icons in the history of global design furniture. Examples include the Wishbone chair by Danish designer Hans Wegner (1950), published by Carl Hansen & Søn, the 66 chair by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1935), published by Artek, the J39 chair by Danish designer Børge Mogensen (1947), published by Fredericia, and many others, such as the Wishbone chair by Danish designer Hans Wegner (1950), published by Carl Hansen & Son, the 66 chair by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1935), published by Artek, the J39 chair by Danish designer Børge Mogensen (1947), published by Fredericia, and many others.
These historic wooden chairs are complemented by a host of attractive contemporary chairs from dynamic manufacturers such as Hay, Muuto, Gubi, & Tradition, Normann Copenhagen, Audo Copenhagen and others.
Wooden chairs with upholstered seats provide warmth and comfort. In Scandinavian design, upholstery classically consists of a layer of foam fixed to wood and covered with fabric or leather: the seat never becomes soft, but the gain in comfort is substantial.
Scandinavian upholstered wooden chairs are almost always customizable, thanks to the wide range of fabrics and leathers offered by the manufacturer. They are made to order, with lead times averaging 6 to 8 weeks, excluding a few standard versions in stock. The range of fabrics and leathers on offer often comprises several hundred variants.
Scandinavian metal design chairs
The archetypal metal-legged chair is the work of Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, one of the founding fathers of Scandinavian design. His experiments with the combination of multi-ply wood and tubular steel legs led him to develop first the iconic “Ant chair” (1952), then the famous “Series 7 chair” (1955). The latter remains without doubt the best-selling chair in the history of world design.
Arne Jacobsen's work has inspired countless designers past and present, and on this page you'll find a host of attractively shaped design chairs, stackable and non-stackable, for the kitchen and dining room alike.
Scandinavian chairs with metal legs are designed for extended sitting, around a dining table or in front of a desk. The metal base lends a visual lightness that contrasts with the upholstered seat, covered in leather or fabric.
Upholstered chairs are almost always customizable and made to order, with delivery times often between 6 and 8 weeks (excluding some standard versions in stock for rapid delivery). There are often hundreds of coverings available. To help you, Scandinavia Design offers a system of large free samples against deposit.
Scandinavian chairs with plastic shells
The category of Scandinavian chairs with wooden frames and plastic shells has enjoyed dazzling success over the last twenty years. These are lightweight chairs, often less expensive than all-wood chairs, and particularly comfortable thanks to the natural elasticity of the shell and the ergonomics of their design.
Aesthetically, wood/plastic chairs offer the advantage of being able to combine a wide choice of shell colors with the natural beauty of wood. Shells are often available with or without armrests.
The term “plastic” is a generic misnomer, concealing a multitude of often highly innovative materials, such as recycled polypropylene, sometimes mixed with post-consumer wood or plastic fragments.
Scandinavian chairs with plastic shells are almost always available with wooden or metal legs: the latter are particularly light and resistant, and sometimes stackable for maximum practicality. The use of metal rather than wood also contributes to their affordability. Legs can be chrome-plated, plated or painted, creating interesting color contrasts with the shell.
Carl Hansen & Søn Chairs
Renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, Carl Hansen chairs reflect Danish expertise, as exemplified by Hans J. Wegner's iconic Wishbone Chair (CH24). Made from solid wood and natural rope, they prioritise comfort, simplicity and lasting elegance. Each piece is designed to last and become more beautiful with age.
Artek table chairs, designed mainly by Alvar Aalto, are recognisable by their clean lines and curved birch structures. Models such as the 66 and 69 chairs are designed to be durable, lightweight and functional. Their timeless Scandinavian aesthetic fits easily into a variety of domestic and professional environments.
Hay chairs offer a contemporary take on Scandinavian design with minimalist, colourful models such as the iconic About A Chair (AAC) designed by Hee Welling. They combine modern materials such as moulded polypropylene with wooden or metal legs for great versatility. Hay stands out for its accessible, friendly style, which is well suited to modern, urban interiors.
Gubi chairs bring 20th-century design classics back to life while offering refined contemporary creations. The iconic Beetle chair, designed by GamFratesi, captivates with its enveloping comfort and delicate curves inspired by the animal world. The brand focuses on sophisticated materials such as velvet and leather, offering a unique elegance.
Fritz Hansen is renowned for its iconic chairs with fluid, clean lines, including Arne Jacobsen's famous Series 7 chair. Made from moulded plywood or leather, they perfectly illustrate Danish modernism and technical innovation. These pieces remain design staples thanks to their understated, timeless elegance.
Cherner chairs are distinguished by their sculptural and organic design, epitomised by the famous Cherner Chair designed by Norman Cherner. Made from carefully moulded plywood, they embody the American aesthetic of the 1950s and 60s. Their natural elegance makes them as functional as they are iconic.
Vitra offers bold and innovative chairs, often the result of collaborations with famous designers such as Charles and Ray Eames. The Plastic Chair, with its ergonomic moulded plastic shell, is one of the most famous examples. These chairs combine contemporary aesthetics, lasting comfort and versatility.
Fredericia stands out for its handcrafted chairs with simple, elegant designs that highlight natural materials such as solid wood and leather. The J39 chair, designed by Børge Mogensen, perfectly embodies this minimalist and functional style. Their exceptional quality guarantees durability and everyday comfort.
FDB Møbler offers chairs inspired by democratic Danish design, with a focus on accessibility and everyday use. The iconic J46 model, created by Poul M. Volther, is renowned for its robust simplicity and universal comfort. Each chair has a clean aesthetic that is both traditional and modern.
Muuto chairs reinvent Scandinavian furniture with a fresh, light and functional aesthetic. The Fiber Chair combines an innovative material made from recycled wood fibres with clean lines. These modern designs are suitable for contemporary urban environments, whether personal or professional.
J.L. Møllers chairs, such as the Model 71, are prized for their traditional Danish craftsmanship, which emphasises fine workmanship and noble materials. They are often recognisable by their finely curved backrest and woven natural rope seat. Their timeless design fits easily into classic or contemporary interiors.
&Tradition combines heritage and modernity in its elegant and warm chairs. The Pavilion Chair, designed by Anderssen & Voll, illustrates the balance between visual lightness and structural strength. These chairs highlight the encounter between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary lines.
The chairs from House of Finn Juhl, creations of the famous Danish designer, are sculptural pieces of great finesse. The 108 chair perfectly reflects the designer's organic and ergonomic approach, prioritising comfort and formal beauty. Each chair is a timeless collector's item.
Thonet is world-renowned for its bentwood chairs, including the famous No. 14 bistro chair, created in the 19th century. Their elegant, simple and ingenious design remains a staple in cafés and classic or contemporary interiors. These creations symbolise technical innovation combined with timeless aesthetics.
PP Møbler handcrafts high-end chairs with exceptional designs, often by Hans J. Wegner, such as the legendary PP501 chair (The Chair). Each solid wood piece is made with extreme attention to detail, making them durable and iconic works of art. Their comfort and quality make them timeless classics.
Ferm Living chairs stand out for their graphic, minimalist and friendly style, combining comfort and visual lightness. The Desert Chair in metal and recycled fabric is a particularly representative example. These chairs, suitable for everyday use, offer a modern, simple and warm aesthetic.
Karakter chairs combine creative boldness and minimalism, often inspired by Italian or danish modernism, such as Principal chair by Bodil Kjær. Their unusual, sculptural shape adds an artistic touch to any space. These exclusive pieces play on the contrasts between noble materials and clean lines.
Montana offers versatile chairs with clean lines, perfect for flexible and modular spaces. Their models are characterised by a functional and modern aesthetic, often available in multiple colours. Montana is at the crossroads of design, comfort and customisation.
Normann Copenhagen is famous for its playful and minimalist chairs, such as the Form chair designed by Simon Legald. This chair combines an ergonomic shell with elegant wooden or metal legs, allowing for multiple combinations. Their designs offer simplicity, functionality and contemporary freshness.
Verpan offers bold and avant-garde chairs, heirs to Verner Panton's colourful and futuristic design. The Panton Chair Classic, with its fluid and futuristic shapes, is an iconic example. These colourful and sculptural creations bring an expressive touch to modern interiors.