Putting ‘Scandinavian’ in the title of a book about design seems to be a favorite way for publishers to increase sales. Sadly, it’s not always a guarantee of quality so here’s a selection of some of our favorite books on Scandinavian architecture and design.
Scandinavian Design by Charlotte J. Fiell and Peter Fiell (Paperback - Oct 31, 2002/ Hardcover - May 30, 2005)
This all-you-need guide includes a detailed look at Scandinavian furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, metalware and industrial design from 1900 to the present day. With in-depth entries on over 200 designers and design-led companies, plus essays on the similarities and differences in approach between Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. It also includes is a list of important design-related places to visit for readers planning to travel to Scandinavia.... (more)
Design Directory: Scandinavia by Bernd Polster (Paperback - Sep 18, 1999)
With affordable modernism for the home - from Alvar Aalto to Ikea – Scandinavian design has perhaps taught the world the significance of good design. Design Directory: Scandinavia is the definitive guide to and a celebration of the designers of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden who have created icons ranging from Volvo to Lego and more.
Scandimodern by Fay Sweet (Paperback - Oct 1, 2003)
Bringing together a collection of contemporary homes that showcase the Scandinavian look - both modern and timeless at the same time. History sections at the start of each chapter discuss the work of designers such as Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, Nanna Ditzel, and Verner Panton, while the modern interiors that follow include those by Entasis, Mette Lange, and Claesson Koivisto Rune. A comprehensive directory lists the key manufacturers, retailers, architects, and designers of Scandinavian style
Scandinavian Living by Magnus Englund, Chrystina Schmidt, and Andrew Wood (Hardcover - April 2003)
This sourcebook covers the design and interior traditions of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. In addition to focusing on architecture, furniture, and 20th century movements from Functionalism to Danish Modernism, it covers modern living and the decorative traditions that have influenced Scandinavian style: Gustavian, Neoclassical, Chinoiserie, as well as inspirations from the Middle East and Asia Minor. A special chapter explores how modern designers such as Gunilla Allard, Thomas Sandell, and Pia Wall have used new materials, as well as updated traditional ones, to create innovative furniture and products for the home.
New Scandinavian Design by Christopher Mount, Katherine Nelson, and Raul Cabra (Hardcover - Oct 1, 2004)
An ambitious survey of the creativity and innovation of one of the Scandinavian design culture. Not to be outshone by the classic furniture that made "Scandinavian design" a catchphrase of the 1950s, today's generation of designers is updating modernism in fresh and unexpected ways. Profiles of each Nordic country and illuminating interviews explore the trends and top products. Well over 400 full-color photographs of contemporary furniture, housewares, textiles, and consumer electronics make this an authoritative overview.
New Scandinavian Design by Anja Llorella Oriol (Hardcover - Dec 30, 2005)
Clean lines, functionality and sophisticated form have characterized Scandinavian design for decades. Well known for its innovation, sometimes with a touch of whimsy where you’d least expect it. Designs are often closely related to nature. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are all known for their practical yet aesthetic creations. Nevertheless, despite sharing common cultural roots, each of these Scandinavian countries has their own unique identity. Over 400 pages of full-color photographs illustrating the latest in Scandinavian architecture and product design.
Danish Chairs by Noritsugu Oda (Paperback - Feb 1, 1999)
A popular book by Noritsugu Oda, shows how the simplest things can bare the soul of a whole culture. The book's preface explains how Danish designers have worked to simplify life by building comfortable, useful, beautiful and affordable items. The chairs featured in the book are photographed on four sides like pure sculpture, which is enough to make Arne Jacobson fans swoon. Although many of the 200 designs in the book are no longer made, reproductions and descendants live on.
Danish Modern And Beyond: Scandinavian Inspired Furniture by Donna S. Baker (Paperback – April 5, 2004)
In the middle of the twentieth century, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland, four countries with a total population no larger than New York City, impacted the world of design to a degree never before seen and unlikely to be repeated. Scandinavian Modern design already had a solid domestic audience, and the Post-World War II American consumer was ready for the distinctive style and the fine quality it offered. With a focus on more than 60 designers, this extensively researched book presents the furniture and household objects of the Scandinavian Modern style, beginning in the 1930s and culminating in the 1970s. Hundreds of photographs and a comprehensive introduction, historical timeline, and appendices of furniture makers and designers, distributors, and sources are included. Detailed captions with current prices, a large bibliography, and an index make this book a useful reference book.
Sweden Style: Exteriors Interiors Details by Angelika Taschen (Paperback - Aug 30, 2005)
The traditions of residential design in Sweden are inseparable from the history of the country itself and from the history of construction in Scandinavia. This well illustrated book shows a representative selection of properties from Sweden, from seaside cottages to traditional farmhouses and royal manors. Part of Angelika Taschen’s well known Style series published by Taschen.
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