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 Angel Wing Floor Lamp A805 White, Brass & Leather Valaisinpaja 1980s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This lamp is a legendary Alvar Aalto design and one of his finest creations. It was first designed in 1954 for the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The name of course comes f...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp Model A809 in White and Black Leather, Valaistustyö 1960s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto floor lamp model A809 made by Valaistustyö in the 1960s. This lamp has three white metal cone shaped shades. The shades consist of concentric slats allowing light to go a...
Metal, Brass
$2,677 / item
Alvar Aalto A805 ‘Angel Wing’ Floor Lamp for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto A805 ‘Angel Wing’ Floor Lamp for Artek. Designed in 1954. New, current production. Floor Light A805 features a hand-riveted shade formed from d...
Metal, Brass
An Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A810, White, Brass & Black Leather, Valaisinpaja 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Floor lamp model A810 designed by Alvar Aalto, retailed by Artek and manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy in Finland in the 1970s-1980s. This is one of the iconic Aalto lamps and it's in ...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto, 1950's floor lamp A808, Valaistustyö, Finland
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Alvar Aalto circa 1950's floor lamp A808, a timeless piece of vintage design manufactured by Valaistustyö in Finland. The iconic finish design by Alvar Aalto is sure ...
Brass
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp in White & Leather A805, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic lamps by Alvar Aalto, this impressive “Angel Wing” lamp was designed by Aalto in 1954 for the National Pensions Institute in Hel...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A810 by Valaistustyö
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A810 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
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Model A805 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and 1st production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Leather, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto A805 “Angel Wing” Floor Lamp for Valaistustyö, 1954
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
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
Floor Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Cast iron, brass, lacquered metal and leather. Rare model. Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture, lighting, and glassware,...
Metal, Iron
$8,774 / item
Angel wing édition artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Paris, FR
Hand-riveted, white-painted metal slats. Black leather-covered tube and base. Polished brass or nickel-plated brass top. The A805 floor lamp is characterized by the thin strips of ha...
Metal
Alvar Aalto 'Lily of the Valley' Floor Lamp Model A811, Valaistustyö 1960s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This iconic floor lamp designed by Alvar Aalto is the last of the line of floor lamps he designed starting from the 1950s. This one is nicknamed Lily of the Valley (Kielo in Finnish)...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp Model A808 In Brass, Valaistustyö Oy 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Floor lamp model A808 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaistustyö in Finland in the late 50s- early 60s. The lamp has a futuristic Sci-Fi vibe with the light coming thro...
Brass
$13,103Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A809 By Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
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
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Model A805 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and first production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Brass, Steel
$12,722Sale Price|25% Off
A805 Angel Wing Floor Lamp by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Kelkheim (Taunus), HE
Iconic 1. Edition A805 Angel Wing Floor Lamp by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö from the 1950`s. The lamp is in original condition with and shows wear consistent with age and use. The...
Metal, Brass
A808 Floor Lamp by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2000s. Made in Finland. Leather wrapped with brass shell.
Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A808 By Valaistustyö
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek A808 lamp, brass shade with white bottom grille, and brass base with black leather. Manufacturer Valaistustyö, designer Alvar Aalto. In good used condition and working. A coupl...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and 1st production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Brass
Alvar Aalto Early Floor Lamp Model A 808 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and early floor lamp model A 808 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland. Designed for National Pensions Institute in Helsinki.
Brass
Floor Lamp Model A809 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1959
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Floor lamp model A809 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland. 1959. Lacquered steel, brass and leather. Dimensions: H: 170 cm/ 5' 7 1/4'' W: 60 cm/ 2' D: 40 cm/ 15 3/4''...
Brass, Steel
$35,565
H 61.03 in W 26.78 in D 11.42 in
Alvar Aalto 'Triplets' Pendant Model A 203 In Brass & Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning mid-century pendant by Alvar Aalto in red and brass and manufactured by Valaistustyö Finland, 1950s. This lamp is one of our favourite Alvar Aalto pendants and seems to be...
Metal, Brass
1980s Holtkoetter Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp Leuchten
By Holtkoetter
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Bauhaus Holtkoetter German Pharmacy Floor Lamp Leuchten 39.5 h x 56.75 tallest x 21 d x 8.75 diameter base Closed 11.13d maker stamped Expect original unrestored vintage condi...
Brass
Pendant by Alvar Aalto for Valaistostyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed by Alvar Aalto to Valaistostyo Ky, Finland. Model A-203, Circa 1950th. Lacquered metal with brass elements. Stamped by manufacturer. Existing wires, rewiring avai...
Metal
$16,963
H 68.12 in W 20.08 in D 13.39 in
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Model A805 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and 1st production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Leather, Lacquer
Floor Lamp, 1970s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Vintage floor lamp Style: industrial Production: 1970s Country of manufacturer: Switzerland Condition: original vintage condition.
Aluminum, Chrome
Alvar Aalto A330s Polished Brass Wall Light for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar aalto A330s polished brass wall light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this iconic lamp has since remained in near constant production...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto, original 1950s pendant A335A, Valaistustyö Ky
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
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
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on because of the resemblance? No matter the answer, the design of this lamp is inspiring an...
Metal, Brass
Dimmable floor lamp 1980s
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Reflected light floor lamp with intensity adjustment, enameled metal.
Metal
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 55 in W 35 in D 10 in
Bruno Gecchelin Wing Floor Lamp for Oluce, Italy, 1970s
By Oluce, Bruno Gecchelin
Located in Miami, FL
Wing floor lamp with black steel base, tubular chrome arc stem and adjustable black plastic head designed by Bruno Gecchelin in 1973 for Oluce, Italy. The...
Steel
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A810 by Valaistustyö
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A810 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
Alvar Aalto, 1950s pendant A335B, Valaistustyö KY, Finland
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover timeless elegance with the Alvar Aalto 1950s Pendant A335B from Valaistustyö KY, Finland. This iconic piece, in its original condition and striking black color, embodies the...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp A805 By Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A805 "Angel Wing" floor lamp, manufactured by Valaistustyö, and designed by Alvar Aalto in 1954. The lamp has a brass base, black leather, and a white metal shade. The la...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A808 By Valaistustyö
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek A808 floor lamp, manufactured by Valaistustyö, designed by Alvar Aalto. The lamp has a brass base, black leather, and a brass shade. The lamp is in very good used condition.
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto floor lamp A 810 by Valaisinpaja Oy Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
A brass floor lamps, stem and base covered with black leather. White lacquered metal shades. Manufactured and marked by Valaisinpaja Oy. Pair available. This popular floor light fea...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto, 1950's floor lamp A811, Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your living space with the timeless elegance of Alvar Aalto's 1950's floor lamp A811, Valaistustyö. This Scandinavian Vintage Design masterpiece seamlessly blends form and fu...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto floor lamp A 810 by Valaisinpaja Oy Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
A brass floor lamps, stem and base covered with black leather. White lacquered metal shades. Manufactured and marked by Valaisinpaja Oy. Pair available. This popular floor light fea...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Artek A805 Valaisinpaja Oy
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing floor lamp model A805 manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy. The lamp is in really good condition. Valaisinpaja sticker on the shade.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 66.15 in W 22.84 in D 16.54 in
Alvar Aalto Triple Angel Wing Floor Lamp, model A809, Valaistustyo Finland 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
“Angel Wing” floor lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland circa 1956. Rare triple head version, model A809, stamped by the original maker, Valaistustyo, to collar of ...
Brass, Steel
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A809
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Dronten, NL
This beautiful floor light features thee hand-riveted shades, each formed from delicate, lacquered metal strips. Together they present a striking combination of lines and curves and ...
Steel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 65.75 in W 13.78 in D 12.6 in
Alvar Aalto, Floor Lamp, model A808, Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s, brass/leather
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Early floor lamp, model A808, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s. The layered brass shade with internal white enamelled metal diffuser and pul...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto A808 floorlamp Valaistustyö Ky Finland 1955
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare and unique early 70s production of the A808 floor lamp designed by Alvar Aalto an manufactured by Valaistustyö Ky, Finland 1955. In completely original condition with unpo...
Brass
Alvar Aalto`the Angel Wing`Floor Lamp A805 for Valaisinpaja
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This lamp is a legendary Alvar Aalto design and one of his finest creations. This lamp was first designed in 1954 for the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The name of cours...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp, Model A811, Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto model A811 floor lamp, produced by Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s. This original floor lamp has a white painted metal louvred shade on a brass neck extending into a leather...
Metal, Brass