Scandinavian Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Designers

by Elizabeth Wilhide

Scandinavian Modern was the most influential and enduring design movement of the 20th century, dominating the international scene in the 1950s and continuing to shape the way we live today. Architects and designers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, were responsible for a range of contemporary homes, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassware, and other products that defined an entire approach to modern post-war living. What characterizes Scandinavian Modern is its approachability; the use of natural materials and organic forms combined with clean lines and attention to basic practicality and comfort. Scandinavian Home demonstrates this elegant, yet informal design at its best and most accessible.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Elizabeth Wilhide is the author of many books on design and interiors and two novels. Born in the United States, she now resides in London.

Reviews

[Read with Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Im more than half swedish, so I thought that it'd be interesting to look through home designs from that area. But the designers and chairs and glassware all blended together, and it became harder to differentiate the different styles and designers the further the book went.
Good book,the layout just doesn't make it very easy to track with.
It was very interesting though : )

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers Scandinavian designers from Arne Jacobsen to Tapio Wirkkala and everyone in between. A great book for those wanting to know the differences between Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, and Danish furniture/interior design.

[Corinnagoodwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book looked very interesting, but is realy out dated

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for anyone curious about the history of Scandinavian design.

[Jill Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting history of Scandinavian design.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Many modernist chairs are sculptural essays; some are remarkably uncomfortable, or comfortable only in one position. Scandinavian furniture accepts and accommodates the human body in different postures: it's never dictatorial. That is not to say that Scandinavian modern furniture represents a watering down of modernist ideals. Rather, it combines a modernist clarity of thought with a natural sensibility expressed in curves and flowing forms."

Do not just flip through the book looking only at the photos. This book is rich with background on designers and the fundamentals of Scandinavian modern design. Reading will give you a better understanding of what classic design features are being used and how they work together to achieve an overall feel. Read the text and then go back through the book again to view the design photos again, this time with a deeper appreciation.

[Kerliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandinavian Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Designers is a magnificent tribute to the pioneers who defined one of the most influential movements in design history. This book serves as both an educational deep dive and a visual feast, profiling iconic figures like Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen alongside the timeless pieces they created. What sets this guide apart is its ability to connect the historical context of the mid-century era with the enduring appeal of the furniture and interiors today. The photography is crisp and inspiring, highlighting the organic curves and natural materials that make this style so admired.

[Roseanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the history and breakdown of the different types of Scandinavian homes based on country and what was important to each country to showcase. Great read!

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative. But I want more pictures!