Mid Century and Scandinavian Furniture
Scandinavian furniture is making a huge comeback right now. You’ll see it everywhere, from your favorite TV show to your favorite furniture dealer’s Instagram feed.
Scandinavia’s postwar modern furniture designers created organic forms, natural wood finishes, and a marriage of function and beauty. Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen, and Borge Mogensen mined traditional furniture styles for innovative modernist designs.
Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra or Jacaranda da Bahia) gained in popularity following Charles Eames’s iconic
lounge chair set in the mid-century, when ideals were focused on affordable designs built with quality
craftsmanship and human form in mind. Known for its rich reddish brown color and visually complex grain patterns, the exotic wood became a sought-after material of choice.
Once overharvested to the point of becoming endangered, the sale and harvesting of Brazilian rosewood was
banned internationally in the early ’90s, making mid-century pieces made of the material rare—though not
impossible to find. With the right piece in hand, however, Brazilian rosewood furniture can elevate your modern design and add a luxurious touch to any room.
A stunning example is this Danish mid century rosewood credenza. It features both drawers and cabinet storage, as well as an etched mirror bar in the center. The piece stands on pedestal legs and is in excellent condition. Available for delivery to San Diego, Orange County, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.
Mahogany
While Scandinavian and Mid Century Modern styles both offer sleek and minimalist designs, they have distinct differences in terms of materials and colours. The key difference is that Scandinavian furniture uses natural materials, while Mid Century Modern furniture uses a wider range of materials and bold colours.
Scandinavian furniture is known for its use of natural materials such as leather and wool, with the focus on creating a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. Wood is also a common feature in Scandinavian design, with dining chairs and tables often being made from this material.
As a result, wood can tell you quite a lot about the style of a piece of Scandinavian furniture. For example, mahogany is a popular wood for Scandinavian pieces of furniture, as it is a straight-grained hard wood that can be used to create a clean and simple look. Teak, rosewood, and walnut are also commonly used by Scandinavian designers. These woods are all considered to be beautiful and eye-catching, as they have a rich colour that can complement any home.
Tapered Legs
The legs of a piece of furniture are a great way to add flair and character. Tapered legs are a common feature in mid century modern pieces, and they’re an easy way to give any room a retro vibe.
These slender, curved furniture legs can be found on tables, sofas and case goods. They allow the form of a piece to shine and can make a space feel more contemporary.
Often more rounded than traditional furniture legs, tapered legs are a key feature of mid century modern designs. This is particularly true for Scandinavian inspired furnishings. You can see this style in action on this West Elm media center.
Another popular option is to use metal furniture legs. If you’re looking for a replacement set of mid century modern sofa legs, thirteencolonies on Etsy offers a number of wood options and can custom make your new furniture legs. Ferrous Hardware also offers a variety of metal furniture legs in various heights.
German Tile Top
Scandinavian furniture is making a resurgence, and it’s easy to see why. This era’s focus on clean lines and functionality is a breath of fresh air, and it’s also incredibly useful. Some of the biggest designers from this era include Hans C Anderson, Eero Aarnio, and Verner Panton.
In terms of wood, Brazilian rosewood is a common choice for this style. It’s a great material that is versatile enough to be used for many different styles, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing from every angle.
Another popular choice for Scandinavian furniture is teak. This furniture is made from extremely high-quality timber that’s been expertly crafted. The grain is beautiful, and the wood has a smooth finish that’s inviting to touch. Many of these pieces are designed with tapered legs, which contribute to the streamlined silhouette. These items are gorgeous from any angle and make a perfect addition to any modern or mid century home. This is an ideal option for a living room or office space.
