Scandinavian furniture is known for its modern approach to design and function. Beginning in the late 1950’s with the introduction of modern manufacturing facilities and processing Scandinavia became the center for a movement in design that became synonymous contemporary looking furniture with clean lines and built in comforts that were engineered into the furniture. Scandinavian furniture gets its origins from of course Scandinavia. Scandinavia consists of the countries of Norway, Sweden & Finland. Denmark which is to the south of these countries on the northern most European mainland peninsula is also considered to be part of the Scandinavian region. Nordic furniture is also used unambiguously sometimes to refer to furniture made from the region

Scandinavian designs came into their own in the 1950’s. The Lunning Prize which was awarded to outstanding Scandinavian designers 1951 through 1970 and recognized top Scandinavian furniture makers who defined the profile of Scandinavian made furniture. The Lunning Prize was named after Frederik Lunning and two recipients were chosen each year by a group of their peers from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland as recognition of establishing new Scandinavian furniture concepts both at home and abroad and led too many of the modern styling’s associated with the creations of these top Scandinavian designers.

To define Scandinavian furniture requires us to look at what makes a piece of furniture fit into this specific category. Behind every piece of Scandinavian furniture is the belief that functional the day products should not only be affordable to the wealthy but to everyone. This movement in the 50’s or the post World War 2 era took on the name of Social Democracy as many of the production techniques used during the war were starting to be applied to many industries including furniture. This is the primary theme found in Scandinavian designed furniture in that it offers both modern looking designs and provides function to the user. Much of Scandinavian designs make use of form pressed wood which is configured into smooth shapes and designs. Anodized enameled aluminum which can be formed together into unique and functional designs is used throughout Scandinavian furniture. Pressing steel which often provides an industrial look too many of the modern Scandinavian designs is also used to create these many contemporary pieces.

Today’s Scandinavian furniture manufacturers carry on these traditions in furniture design by creating modern, contemporary designs. These stay true to the designs and ideas expressed in the 1950’s but apply modern manufacturing and materials to create styles and designs for today’s furniture consumer. This furniture also takes the ideas and beliefs that it must be functional and incorporates new designs and features the people today need. Homes are becoming more modern and furniture much also do the same by providing the consumer with features and benefits they need in a changing world. These qualities best express today’s Scandinavian furniture and are the reasons that this furniture as a category continues strong today.