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Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic Alvar Aalto fan leg dining table. Birchwood , lovely amber tone which looks lighter in
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
$7,500
H 28.25 in W 53 in D 31.5 in
35.5" Fan Leg Side Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, TX
Aalto embodies the distinctive six-section fan leg. In Birch. Measures: Width 35 1/2" x depth 35 1/2" x
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch

35.5" Fan Leg Side Table by Alvar Aalto
35.5" Fan Leg Side Table by Alvar Aalto
$2,560 Sale Price
20% Off
H 22.5 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in
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
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Plywood

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
$4,613
H 18.51 in W 23.63 in D 14.57 in
Alvar Aalto Early and Rare Mahogany "L-Leg" Dining Table for Finmar, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Coronado, CA
mahogany veneered top, perched atop Aalto's iconic bent plywood L-legs. We have decided to leave this
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Birch, Mahogany

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
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch, Fabric

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
$5,914
H 17.72 in W 24.02 in D 14.97 in
1970s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek H Leg Extension Dining Table in Beech
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a H-Leg Extension Dining Table, originally designed by Alvar & Aino Aalto in 1956. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Modern Credenzas

Materials

Beech

Alvar Aalto Table 83
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
and simplicity. The table features a rectangular birch top supported by Aalto’s iconic L-leg system
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Table 83
Alvar Aalto Table 83
$4,052
H 28.35 in W 72.05 in D 35.83 in
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant design by the iconic Alvar Aalto for artek. Round birch top about 19 in diameter
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto 5 Early L-Leg Stools "Model 60" Red Linoleum & Birch, Finland, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 5 early L-leg stools by Alvar Aalto in laminated birch and seats with red linoleum. Made in
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto N65 Artek Kid's Chair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
’s innovative approach to form and function. The chair features Aalto’s signature L-leg construction, where the
Category

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto N65 Artek Kid's Chair
Alvar Aalto N65 Artek Kid's Chair
$594
H 23.63 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 X-leg or "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Oak

Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
naturally with other members of the L-leg family. Thanks to Aalto’s ground-breaking L-leg system, the legs
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Bentwood

Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
$960 Sale Price
20% Off
H 17.25 in W 44.25 in D 15.75 in
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1950s in Finland. Even though
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Birch, Oak

Set of 4 K65 Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
materials harmoniously merge. The stools feature Aalto’s signature bent birch legs, a pioneering technique
Category

20th Century Finnish Other Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 K65 Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
Set of 4 K65 Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
$2,483
H 28.35 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid century Scandinavian modern blonde bentwood daybed style of Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Scandinavian Modern daybed in the manner of Alvar Aalto with bent beech bentwood legs
Category

Vintage 1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Bentwood

Alvar Aalto, Pair of X601 Stools with Fan Legs & Brown Leather, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This stool was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. We have noticed
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Scandinavian Modern Vintage Squared Birch Side Table Alvar Aalto 1946 Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vienna, AT
the time. Y legs stands for the leg construction and based on the bending wood by Alvar Aalto - the L
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Center Tables

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool X602 with Fan Leg and Black Leather, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto. Honey colored patinated bentwood legs with original leather padding, this stool shows clear
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Finsven, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Alvar Aalto model 60 birch stool. Birch bentwood legs with Aalto’s signature feathered
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Finsven
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Alvar Aalto model 60 birch stool. Birch bentwood legs with Aalto’s signature feathered
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Side Table for Artek Finland 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Alvar Aalto L leg rectangular side table for Artek. Bentwood laminated-birch legs. Original black
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Side Table for Artek Finland 1970s
Alvar Aalto Side Table for Artek Finland 1970s
$1,610
H 23.63 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in
Pair of 69 chairs for Artek, by Aalvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Aalto’s L-leg structure, where the legs are attached directly to the seat. Chair 69 was originally
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of 69 chairs for Artek, by Aalvar Aalto
Pair of 69 chairs for Artek, by Aalvar Aalto
$7,392 / set
H 29.93 in W 17.33 in D 18.51 in
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table by Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table/Work Desk by Artek, 1970's. In excellent vintage condition.
Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Bentwood

Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table by Artek
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table by Artek
$2,250
H 23 in W 35 in D 35 in
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Armchairs Attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Almelo, NL
. The sweeping curves of the arms and legs are quintessential Aalto, capturing the organic movement and
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Bentwood

Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60, Beige Linoleum and Black Legs, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
An Artek stool in birch and beige linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Early N65 Children Chair Alvar Aalto Artek Finland 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
collection, this children's chair also features classic Aalto details such as curved legs and the distinctive
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wood

Drop-Leaf Dining Table Model DL82 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
design features Aalto’s signature bentwood legs paired with a white laminate top. The practical drop-leaf
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Vintage Red Linoleum N65 Children Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
also features classic Aalto details such as curved legs and the distinctive shape of the contoured
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Other

1950s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek 60 Stool / Side Table in Birch
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
produced by Artek in Finland circa the 1950s. The stool is crafted from solid birch with Aalto's signature
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
the original Artek label on the underside. Aalto’s patented L-leg construction – where solid birch is
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
$1,182 Sale Price
20% Off
H 17.33 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in
Authentic Stool 60 in Lacquered Birch with Laminate Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Glendale, CA
simplifies the bending process and increases the stability of the component. Aalto called the L-leg “the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Alvar Aalto Birch & White Laminate Table 90A and Chair 66 Dining Set for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar Aalto Birch & White Laminate Table 90A and Chair 66 Dining Set for Artek In the late 1920s
Category

2010s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Scandinavian Modern Vintage Y Legs Ten Stacking Tables Alvar Aalto 1946 Finland
Located in Vienna, AT
leg construction shows plywood. We offer a fabulous set of ten ( 10 ) squared tables by Alvar Aalto in
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Set of Three Mid Century Swedish Modern Molded Birch Plywood Chairs Dowels Legs
By Bruno Mathsson, Alvar Aalto, Herman Miller, Norman Cherner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of Three Mid Century Swedish Modern Molded Birch Plywood Chairs Dowels Legs.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Plywood

Boat Shape Light Walnut Tapered Birch Exposed Leg Tenon Coffee Table Mid Century
By Alvar Aalto, Paul McCobb, Bruno Mathsson, Knoll, Jens Risom
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Boat Shape Light Walnut Tapered Birch Exposed Leg Tenon Coffee Table Mid Century MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Birch, Walnut

Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Birch wood, black leather, very nice condition. Measures: 48 cm H x 48 cm W x 48 cm D.
Category

Vintage 1950s Stools

Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools
$1,500 / item
H 18.9 in W 18.9 in D 18.9 in
Alvar Aalto X-Leg Stool, Finland, 1954
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
X602 fan legs model Original black leather. Legs of bent massive birch. Patent No 154562 applied
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto X-Leg Stool, Finland, 1954
Alvar Aalto X-Leg Stool, Finland, 1954
$2,500
H 17.72 in Dm 14.97 in
Alvar Aalto, Artek X-Leg/Fan Leg Bench/stool, 1954
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare model with wider dimensions. Alvar Aalto, X-leg or fan leg bench/stool, Artek, 1954 Artek
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, Artek X-Leg/Fan Leg Bench/stool, 1954
Alvar Aalto, Artek X-Leg/Fan Leg Bench/stool, 1954
$2,500
H 16.54 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Alvar Aalto Stool X601 Fan Leg Side Table by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
FAN LEG TABLE X601 ALVAR AALTO FOR ARTEK C.1970 “X-leg” tables by Alvar Aalto for Artek. This
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 Fan Leg Side Table by Artek
Alvar Aalto Stool X601 Fan Leg Side Table by Artek
$950
H 17.72 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
Alvar Aalto designed his innovative Fan Leg series of tables for Artek in 1954. This small table
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Tables

Materials

Leather, Birch

Nesting Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
aalto's characteristic L-leg technique. These tables are light and easy to move around. You can use
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Ta...

Materials

Wood

Nesting Table by Alvar Aalto
Nesting Table by Alvar Aalto
$8,812 / set
H 22.45 in W 26.38 in D 13.78 in
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Coffee Table
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Alvar Aalto, table, Artek, Finland, "Fan leg table", height approx 57 and 120 x 120 cm.
Category

Vintage 1970s Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Coffee Table
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Coffee Table
$2,500
H 47.25 in W 47.25 in D 20.87 in
Authentic Stool 60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool 60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
Authentic Stool 60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
$320 / item
H 17.25 in W 15 in D 15 in
Authentic Stool 60 in Birch with Black Lacquer by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool E60 in Birch with Black Lacquer by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
the component. Aalto called the L-leg “the little sister of the architectural column,” and its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool 60 in Birch with White Laminate Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool 60 in Birch with Black Linoleum Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool E60 in Birch with Black Linoleum Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
the component. Aalto called the L-leg “the little sister of the architectural column,” and its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool E60 in Birch with White Laminate Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
the component. Aalto called the L-leg “the little sister of the architectural column,” and its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Pair of Rare '907' Stacking Side Tables by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1940
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
and birch ply, featuring Aalto's now iconic L-shaped legs and a handy magazine shelf. In similarity to
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Authentic Stool E60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Artek
Located in New York, NY
the component. Aalto called the L-leg “the little sister of the architectural column,” and its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Authentic Stool E60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
Authentic Stool E60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
$360 / item
H 17.25 in W 15 in D 15 in
Flying Saucer Rock'n'Roll Stool by Markus Friedrich Staab 2022
By Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Handpainted stool, seat from a 1950s workstool, legs from Alvar Aalto. Seat painted in typical
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak, Bentwood, Lacquer

Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Early Alvar Aalto Model 60 stacking stool with lots of patina and chips to the wood. Aalto joinery
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool
$600
H 14 in Dm 17.25 in
Alvar Aalto" X800" Fan Leg Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Finland. Stained ash veneer square top with solid birch legs. Fan-shaped legs made from sawing an Aalto
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ash, Birch

Alvar Aalto" X800" Fan Leg Table
Alvar Aalto" X800" Fan Leg Table
$2,129
H 22.45 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Pair of “X600″ Stools by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
round seat with solid birch legs. Fan-shaped legs made from sawing an Aalto leg into five parts. Legs
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Ash, Birch

Pair of “X600″ Stools by Alvar Aalto
Pair of “X600″ Stools by Alvar Aalto
$4,731 / set
H 18.12 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Table Y805 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1946 The unique Y-legs of this glass-topped table provide a streamlined
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Bentwood

Table Y805 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Table Y805 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
$720
H 18 in W 25.5 in D 25.5 in
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Aalto Leg For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the aalto leg you’re looking for. Each aalto leg for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, birch and hardwood. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer aalto leg, there are earlier versions available from the 20th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right aalto leg, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one aalto leg that is appealing in its simplicity, but Alvar Aalto, Artek and ICF Group produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Aalto Leg?

Prices for a aalto leg start at $900 and top out at $8,775 with the average selling for $2,800.

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.