Artek Shelf
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1980's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Double Shelf, Model 112-2, Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
The iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Svenska Artek in Hedemora, Sweden. Made between
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
H 22.64 in W 36.23 in D 11.23 in
Birch Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B.
Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 9.85 in
Alvar Aalto Coffee or Tee Cart Model 901 for Artek
By Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
shelf to keep magazines and books at hand length.
It is made from Finnish birch and the top is in white
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Model 114, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them around
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch, Teak
Alvar Aalto Artek Coat Hanger Model 113, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
artek. This versatile shelf is in stained birch. The 2 triangular panels are joined to the structure
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Coffee Cart Model 901, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
the additional shelf to keep magazines and books at hands length.
It is made from Finnish birch and
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Original Midcentury Alvar Aalto Coat Rack / Shelf Stora Enso Building, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this original coat rack with shelf designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
H 10 in W 31.5 in D 11 in
Original Midcentury Alvar Aalto Coat Rack / Shelf Stora Enso Building Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this original coat rack with shelf designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
H 10 in W 26 in D 11 in
Alvar aalto Side Table Model 86 for Artek, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
, including the A86 table with magazine shelf seen in the picture, check our other storefront.
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A 86 for Artek, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Round Table A71, Artek, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
with L-legs. There is a shelf under the top. This model A71 is easy to integrate for your needs by its
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Sofa Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Shelves Model 112B in Birch, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
patina to the wood.
The Alvar Aalto wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets
Materials
Birch
People Also Browsed
Alvar Aalto, Dining Table Model 92, 1940s, Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is a beautiful extending table model 92 by Alvar Aalto from 1940s. Body of the table is solid birch. The surface of the table is laminated by oak veneer. Extension leaf to be st...
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Birch, Oak
Alvar Aalto foldable table In Blue Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto foldable table in birch with beautiful blue linoleum surface, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The materials used by Artek were very duarbl...
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tables
Materials
Birch
Isamu Noguchi for Herman Miller IN-50 Cocktail Table
By Isamu Noguchi, Herman Miller
Located in Ferndale, MI
Coffee table designed by the American designer Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) for Herman Miller. This iconic table has a base of two black lacquered solid wood sculptures hinged on a hidd...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic Alvar Aalto fan leg dining table. Birchwood with nice patina and grain-very good condition.
Category
Vintage 1960s Finnish Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Scandinavian Modern for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
The beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto glass vase, aka as the 'Savoy' vase, created by designer Alvar Aalto, 1937, Finland. This clear vase, with original design by...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Bar Stool Artek K65
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Alvar Aalto Bar Stool for Artek, model K65
in original finish.
Measurements
W 13,5’’ x D 14’’ x H 28’’
Seat Height 23,5''
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Floating Shelves Cado Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A modular wall unit designed by Poul Cadovius and produced in the 1960's. It features all teak construction with two cabinets and three shelves. In great ready to use condition.
Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
H 72 in W 72 in D 16 in
Eames Original ETR Coffee Table
By Charles and Ray Eames, Herman Miller
Located in Napa, CA
Elliptical Table Rod (ETR) - Original Eames Elliptical Table with Rod base often referred to as the Surfboard table due to its elongated shape and low profile. It utilizes two of the...
Category
20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel, Zinc
Alvar Aalto Coffee Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Coffee Table, for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Retains warm original patina.
Category
Vintage 1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Wood, Birch
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd.,
Finland, 1929.
Birch.
Stamped.
This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is characterised by the combination of...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Materials
Birch
1970s Belgium Green/Blue Glass Chrome Shelving Display Cabinet Unit Belgo Chrome
By belgochrom, Belgo Chrome
Located in London, GB
1970s Belgium freestanding five shelf slim display open-fronted cabinet. The drop in green/blue glass with chamfered corners sits within four grey coated-metal corner brackets.. Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal, Chrome
H 70.87 in W 25.2 in D 17.33 in
Large Wall Shelving Unit by Nisse Strinning for String, 1960s
By Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in Markington, GB
Large wall shelving unit by Nisse Strinning for String, 1960s. The string wall system was designed in 1949 and over the years has evolved from being innovative to one of the staples ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto Stool 60, 1960's, Artek Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Iconic Aalto three-legged stool. Stool 60 was officially unveiled to an enthusiastic public in London at a Finnish furniture review in November 1933.
The stool’s revolutionary L-leg ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Birch
XXL Mid century String shelf system teak & metal by Olof Pira Sweden, 1960s
By String Design AB, Olof Pira
Located in The Hague, NL
A large 1960s modular shelving system ‘Pira’ designed by Olaf Pira for string of Sweden, made of teak and steel.
The piece is a large modular wall system with five wall brackets, fo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Metal
H 82.68 in W 142.52 in D 15.75 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Shelves Model 112-2, Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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. The items can be bought individually or as ...
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Shelves
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto 50's gray linoleum table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
alvar aalto 50's gray linoleum table . original condition and great patina.
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Modern Tables
Materials
Birch
Recent Sales
Kaari Shelf REB 013 by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec & Artek
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
REB 013 Kaari is the perfect solution for small spaces that need to fulfill various purposes. The system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec combines shelving with an integrated desk to up...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Steel
Pair of Rare '907' Stacking Side Tables by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1940
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
This is a pair of rare 907 tables designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek and distributed to
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Rare Shelf, Artek Hedemora, circa 1950
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Uppsala, SE
Rare shelf designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1936. This example was produced by the Artek
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Coffee Cart Model 901, Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
shelf to keep magazines and books at hands length.
It is made from Finnish birch and the top is black
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Side Table 915 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table 915 by Alvar Aalto, made from birch bentwood with a white lacquered table top and shelf
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern End Tables
Materials
Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto, Rare Wall Shelf, Stained Bentwood Birch, for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A rare version wall shelf with raised wall mounting, designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Organic Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
H 10.93 in W 39.38 in D 11.82 in
Aino Aalto, Rare Mid-Century Modern Medicine Wall Cabinet for Artek, Finland
By Aino Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
A very rare piece of furniture by Aino Aalto. Medicine cabinets were made since 1930's by Artek to
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Apothecary Cabinets
Materials
Birch
H 25.99 in W 15.75 in D 7.88 in
Coffee Table 70 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
A.b./ Artek.
The typical L-legs are made of natural bent massive wood.
The birch table top and the
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Alvar Aalto Model 76 Two-Tier Side Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two tiered side table by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Sweden, circa 1950s. The table features birch
Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood
Alvar Aalto 915 Birch and Bent Plywood Side Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Natural birch side table. Laminated bent birch legs. The top and bottom shelf are made from molded
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Rare Version of Alvar Aalto Side Table 75 - Made in Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
.
Maker's mark: "Aalto Design ARTEK Made in Sweden".
Top and bottom shelf are composed of pressed birch
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 20.08 in
Alvar Aalto 907 Table, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Alvar Aalto's table coffee table with an innovative magazine shelf under the top. Original
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Vintage Bookshelf, Set of 4 Shelves and Wall Mounts, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
Nice bookshelf by Alvar Aalto. Includes 4 112b shelfs and original wall mounts. Bookshelf are made
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
H 47.25 in W 36.62 in D 1.97 in
Alvar Aalto Wall Mounted Shelves
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Highland, IN
achieved with age.
A third shelf is also available.
Category
Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
8 Alvar Aalto Wall Shelves
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Aalto wall mounted shelves in laminated birch.Manufactured by Artek of Finland. 8 available. Priced
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
8 Alvar Aalto Wall Shelves
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Aalto wall mounted shelves in laminated birch.Manufactured by Artek of Finland. 8 available. Priced
Category
Vintage 1930s Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Alvar Aalto Side Table No. 70
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Side table no. 70 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1930, Finland.
The design, dating back
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, Early 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto 2-Tied Side Table with Shelf for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Belmont, MA
Rare Alvar Aalto 2-tied side table with shelf for Artek, designed in 1930s. Crafted in laminated
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Model 114B, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them to go
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Coffee or Tee Cart model 901 for Artek
By Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
shelf to keep magazines and books at hand length.
It is made from Finnish birch and the top is in white
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Table 907 Produced by Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
table with its clever magazine shelf.
Produced by Artek in Hedemora late 1940s. (in production between
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelve Model 114, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them around
Category
Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 for Artek, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
Coat rack 109c by Alvar Aalto, Artek Finland c. 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Bristol, GB
Perfectly aged coat rack, model 109c designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936, Artek Finland production
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Early Tiered Model 915 Black Lacquered Bent Plywood Side Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
by Artek.the condition its all original nice and solid with some scratches on the bottom shelf as
Category
20th Century Finnish Art Deco End Tables
Materials
Bentwood, Lacquer
H 23.25 in W 16.75 in D 24 in
Original Birch Bookcase by Chicago Architect Harry Weese for Artek, 1948
By Artek, Harry Weese
Located in Chicago, IL
bookcase / shelf or a lower cabinet style bookcase.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
Materials
Birch
H 52.5 in W 26.25 in D 15 in
Alvar Aalto Early Tiered, Model 915 Birch and Bent Plywood Side Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural birch side table. Laminated bent birch legs. The top and bottom shelf are made from molded
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Birch, Plywood
H 23.25 in W 19.25 in D 23.25 in
Early Alvar Aalto Side Table With Shelf, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Rakennustyötehdas Ab in Turku, Finland for Artek Oy, Finland.
Category
Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables
Materials
Birch
H 22.45 in W 23.43 in D 16.15 in
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Artek Shelf", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Artek Shelf For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the artek shelf you’re looking for. Frequently made of birch, wood and plywood, every artek shelf was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect artek shelf — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A artek shelf, designed in the Scandinavian Modern or mid-century modern style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made artek shelf over the years, but those crafted by Alvar Aalto, Artek and Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Artek Shelf?
The average selling price for a artek shelf at 1stDibs is $3,355, while they’re typically $730 on the low end and $11,015 for the highest priced.
Alvar Aalto for sale on 1stDibs
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.
More Ways To Browse
Apothecary Labels Vintage
Apothecary Vintage Labels
1950s Wall Mounted Shelves
Aalto Laminate Table
Alvar Aalto Cart
Eames 1956
Perriand Shelf
Wall Shelf Hanger
Charlotte Perriand Shelf
Slatted Coat Rack
Vintage Japanese Tea Table
Aalto Linoleum
Nelson Shelf
Pair Small Wall Shelves
Scandinavian Trunk
Fly Case
Tree Trunk Cabinet
Vintage Thin Shelf