Mid-century modern by region
Scandinavian Modern (Wegner, Jacobsen, Aalto), French moderne (Royère, Adnet, Perriand, Mouille), Italian (Ponti, Albini, Sottsass, Magistretti), German Bauhaus and postwar (Eiermann, Hoffmann), American (Eames, Saarinen). The regional tradition determines which city shops best.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen Klassik (vintage Danish design — Wegner, Mogensen, Wanscher), Dansk Møbelkunst, vintage shops in Nørrebro. Vintage Wegner Wishbone Chair €600–1,200; PP Møbler oak versions €1,500+. Strong on hand-finished teak.
Stockholm
Stockholm Modernity Stockholm, Jacksons. Bruno Mathsson, Carl Malmsten, Josef Frank vintage. Stockholm Furniture Fair (February) brings dealers from Europe.
Paris
Paris Drouot auction house (mid-century moderne in regular auction). Galerie kreo, Galerie Jousse Entreprise, Galerie Vauclair. Saint-Germain-des-Prés gallery scene. Royère banana-shaped sofas, Perriand cabinets, Mouille lamps. Investment-grade pricing.
Milan
Milan Nilufar Gallery (Nina Yashar — international modernist gallery hub), Galleria Rossana Orlandi, Cose Belle. Milan Design Week (April) brings dealers internationally. Italian postwar (Ponti, Borsani) priced premium.
Berlin
Berlin Original in Berlin, Andreas Murkudis. Strong on East-German GDR-era industrial designs (often overlooked, prices climbing). 1960s Erich Dieckmann, Bauhaus continuators.
London
London Pamono, Vinterior (online), Andrew Martin antiques. UK strength: imported European modernist + British heritage (Robin Day, Ercol).
Strategy
Authentic provenance matters — fakes common at low end. Auction houses (Drouot, Bukowskis Stockholm) safer than sketchy markets. Shipping crating €200–500 for furniture; consolidate purchases. Design stores for new furniture.