An architect and designer, Alvar Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, stools, tables and lighting to table- and glassware — Aalto’s sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design.
Relatively few Aalto buildings exist outside Finland. (Just four exist in the United States, and only one — the sinuous 1945 Baker House dormitory at M.I.T. — is easily visited.) International attention came to Aalto, whose surname translates to English as “wave,” primarily through his furnishings.
Instead of the tubular metal framing favored by the Bauhaus designers and Le Corbusier, Aalto insisted on wood. His aesthetic is best represented by the Paimio armchair, developed with his wife, Aino Aalto, in 1930 as part of the overall design of a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium.
Comfortable, yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair’s frame is composed of two laminated birch loops; the seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a sort of pillow effect. Aalto’s use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and others who later came to the material.
Concerned with keeping up standards of quality in the production of his designs, Aalto formed the still-extant company Artek in 1935, along with Aino, whose glass designs were made by the firm. In the latter medium, in 1936 the Aaltos together created the iconic, undulating Savoy vase, so-called for the luxe Helsinki restaurant for which the piece was designed.
Artek also produced Aalto pendants and other lighting designs, many of which — such as the Angel’s Wing floor lamp and the Beehive pendant — incorporate a signature Aalto detail: shades made of concentric enameled-metal rings graduated down in diameter. The effect of the technique is essential Alvar Aalto: at once precise, simple, and somehow poetic.
Find a collection of vintage Alvar Aalto stools, vases, dining tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto Room Divider Model 100 Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Room divider model 100 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Pine
2010s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Stool 64 in Ebonized Wood 19x Available
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Stool 64, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1935. These particular examples were produced in Finland in the 2010s. The design features the Aaltos’ ...
Birch
$3,275Sale Price|20% Off
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consiste...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Sofa 544 with Zebra upholstery
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Sofa model 544, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek. The sofa has been made of birch, and it has famous Artek's Zebra fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Shelf Model No. 111, Finmar, 1st Production 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
The Alvar Aalto 111 Shelf, designed in 1933, is a quintessential example of Aalto's innovative approach to modern design. With its clean lines and func...
Birch, Plywood
$13,100Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A809 By Valaistustyö
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A809 floor lamp, manufactured by Valaistustyö, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1959. The lamp has a brass base, black leather, and a white metal shade. The lamp is in good use...
Metal, Brass
$880Sale Price|32% Off
alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather red 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1950's. The seat is covered with vinyl leather. The condition of the vinyl leather is not torn, but there are some stai...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. The bench has a later upholstery with old fabric designed by Aino Aalto...
Birch, Fabric
$3,275Sale Price|20% Off
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent wi...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Idman, Lacquered Metal, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Idman
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland. 1950s Lacquered metal. H: 21 cm / 8 1/8" W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8" D: 33 cm / 8 1/8" Provenance: From Stora Enso's head office...
Metal
1950s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek Children's Coffee Table w/ Top, Model 81B
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a child’s table (or can be used as a coffee table), model 81B, designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1933. It was manufactured in Finland circa 1950s. The piece is ...
Birch
Rare Model A118 Pendant, Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö, 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare model A118 pendant, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Valaistustyö, 1950s. Marked. Painted metal and brass. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. P...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto for Iittala Petite Glass Vase
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A petite 'Savoy' vase from Alvar Aalto’s collection of blown glass vases for Iittala of Finland. This design has four irregular lobes with undulating sides that make this vase perfec...
Blown Glass
1939 World's Fair Marked Center Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare, museum quality, table with a solid teak top on laminated maple legs. Retaining a partial label from the 1939 World's Fair.
Teak, Maple
Set of Four White Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Shelves 112B in Birch, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of four of the iconic model 112B shelves by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The design is as minimal as it gets, consisting of a single shelf supported by the two recognisable triangula...
Birch, Plywood
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
alvar aalto stool60 painted red 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1930's. This stool is painted red and white. There is some peeling and damage in the paint here and there, but it is a ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto A805 “Angel Wing” Floor Lamp for Valaistustyö, 1954
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Alvar Aalto A805 “Angel Wing” floor lamp for Valaistustyö, brass, iron and leather, Finland, 1954. The Alvar Aalto A805 “Angel Wing” floor lamp is an iconic mid-century modern piece...
Brass, Metal
$2,017Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model Savoy, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Al...
Glass
Pair of Alvar Aalto Small Mirrors from 1950's, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Pair of Rare Small Alvar Aalto Mirrors, Artek, 1950s Offered as a pair, these rare small-scale mirrors were designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s and prod...
Mirror, Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Model 901 Tea Trolley, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Model 901 tea trolley designed 1930 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, white linoleum top with bentwood birch frame and white lacquered wood wheels with rubber rings. Good original ...
Rubber, Birch
Wingback Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and sculptural wingback lounge chair having a cantilevered laminated birch frame and retaining its original handstitched textured linen upholstery.
Upholstery, Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight. The shelf unit is pre mid 1950s and is...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Idman, Lacquered Metal, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland. 1950's. Lacquered metal. Dimensions H: 21 cm / 8 1/8" W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8" D: 33 cm / 8 1/8" Provenance: From Stora Enso'...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Vase Model 9748, Iittala 1956, Clear Glass Blown into Wooden Mold
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `...
Blown Glass
Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 Stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Birch with rare wine color vinyl. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. A...
Birch
Folding 'Screen 100' Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Folding 'Screen 100' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland. 1936. Pine. Alvar Aalto’s 'Screen 100' designed in 1936 is a sculptural room divider made entirely of individual...
Pine
Alvar Aalto H297 Chest of Drawers, Birch Wood, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
Chest of drawers model name H297 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. This model fits under Artek's table instead of the L-legs, therefore this is the perfect solution for your offi...
Birch
Extremely Rare Hand Carved Wooden Mould for Alvar Aalto Vase Model 3032, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A collector's gem! Early Alvar Aalto hand carved wooden mould for the iconic vase no. 3032 which Aalto designed in the 1930s. The mould is hand carved from an older tree stump and ...
Wood
$2,017Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto Savoy Glass Bowl, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, Circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured in Finland. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Hugo Alvar He...
Glass
Ceiling Lamp Mode A332 “Beehive” Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp model A332 “Beehive” designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo, Finland, 1953. Painted aluminium and polished brass. Early six tier version. Stamped, 'VAlAISTUSTYO A33...
Aluminum, Brass
Model 402 Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950´s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
Lounge chair model 402 designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured in the 1950's by Artek. This chair is extremely light, as almost every design piece of Alvar Aalto's work are. This ch...
Wool, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1930s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A lovely iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek in full birch. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always been attractive to people. As with a lot of A...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of shelves designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s. They are made from bent laminated birch, solid birch, and plywood birch. If you are l...
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Birch Serving Trolley, Model 98/901, Designed 1935, Finmar Label
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto, model 98/901 serving trolley, for tea or drinks, designed in 1935 this is an early original example, bearing Finmar Ltd label, in birch plywood...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 81C Turquoise Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 81C table, birch with turquoise linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s/60s. The table has signs of wear and extra holes on the edges of the table.
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Finger Joint Wartime Stool Model 60, Artek, 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto war-time stools are extremely sought after collectibles for the simple reason that not many of them are available any more. A war-time stoo...
Wool, Wood
Vintage Model 401 Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare vintage model 401 armchair by Alvar Aalto. This was made in Finland by Artek, it dates from around the 1970’s. It is of exceptional ...
Bouclé, Bentwood
Rare Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Teak, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A lovely and rare version of the iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek with birch legs and a teak top seat. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always...
Birch, Teak
Rare Alvar Aalto original condition 1940's stool 60 with war legs, Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Very nice and rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 with War Legs from the 1940s, Artek. The stool is in original condition including the screws There are some scratches on the seat. Very few o...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair, Finland circa 1932
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Culver City, CA
FInland, 1932 Model '31' armchair designed by Alvar Aalto, with a stained birch bentwood seat and back with birch bentwood armrests, stenciled underside 'Bowman Bros Ltd Furnishers'....
Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky, Desk Lamp, model A704, original early example
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto (Finnish 1898-1976) Leather Desk Lamp, model A704 made by Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s Designed in 1954, the A704 lamp has a black enamelled metal shade with double-laye...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Model 66 Dining Chairs, Birch & Eco Cotton, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
Spectacular pair of Alvar Aalto's chair model 66. Reupholstered with fabric designed by Johanna Gullichsen fabric name Eos. Fabric color is green and white and is made of 100% ecolog...
Fabric, Birch
Aino & Alvar Aalto Foldable Dining Kitchen Table In Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar & Aino Aalto foldable table in birch with beautiful red linoleum surface, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The materials used by Artek were v...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" Produced by Artek, 1963
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced 1963 by Artek, acquired new by previous owner. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto, original 1950s pendant A335A, Valaistustyö Ky
By Artek, Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Step into the timeless elegance of Scandinavian design with the original 1950s pendant A335A by Alvar Aalto. This iconic piece, produced by Valaistustyö Ky, is presented in its origi...
Metal
$21,055Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey colored birch frame, black painted birch seats. Good vint...
Birch, Paint
Coat Rack 109 by Alvar Aalto for Artek 1936
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
The coat rack 109 designed in 1936 is a practical and beautiful element for any entrance hall. This design is part of a group of “domestic helpers” that Alvar Aalto designed in the 1...
Wood
Table Lamp Model A704 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered metal and leather. Measurements: H: 38 cm/ 15" D: 38 cm/ 15" W: 36 cm/ 14 1/8" Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture...
Metal
Vintage Fan Leg Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage fan leg coffee table by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Excellent original condition, beautiful warm, rich patina. Hand delivery avail to New York City on anywhere enroute from Buffal...
Plywood
Scandinavian Modern Model 81C Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model 81C table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, blue linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Birch
Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Finish Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) vintage low bench. The bench is made of solid birch with lacquer in the 1980s. by Artek in Finland. Very nice vintage...
Birch
Midcentury Modern Stools by Alvar Aalto, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of five stools by Alvar Aalto, made from beech. Clean design with three legs. Original condition with some chips and dents in the wood, overall nice condition. Made by Aalto Des...
Wood
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Wingback Armchair 401 by Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Armchair # 401 by Artek made in Finland. Great wingback lounge chair model 401 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1933. This chair was purch...
Upholstery, Birch, Rattan
Alvar Aalto Coat Hanger/Hat Rack Birch, Model 109 By Artek In 1950's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Coat hanger / hat rack, design by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950's. Model number of this hat rack is 109, it's 70cm/27.55 inches wide. This coat rack is very good...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool "Sandwich" 1930's
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
Ultra rare and beautiful colored iconic Alvar Aalto sandwich stool 60. Manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Reupholstered with one of a kind striped wool f...
Wool, Birch
$1,800 / set
Counter Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2012. Finland. Black wood frames, from the Apple Store.
Wood
Scandinavian Modern Armchair in Birch and Lacquer by Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The armchair model 403, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1930s, is a significant artifact of early Scandinavian modernism. Often referred to as the...
Birch, Lacquer
$24,000 / item
Dining Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1933
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Set of four Alvar Aalto model No.62 laminated birch dining chairs produced by Artek in the late 1940s. The model of this listing, No.62, is slightly larger in scale than a very simil...
Plywood, Upholstery, Leather
Set of 3 Alvar Aalto Savoy Vases Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960-70s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of three iconic Savoy vases by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vases are in good condition, presenting only slight markings to the base c...
Blown Glass
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto white laminate Stools by Artek
By ICF New York, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto white laminate with blonde birch wood Stools by Artek. Clean ready for use. Stackable. Labeled ICF NYC. Made circa 1970. Sold as a Pair (2)...
Laminate, Bentwood, Birch