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Alvar Aalto Pair of Artek Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
black premium fabric. Both chairs are stamped "Artek Aalto design Made in Finland". We highly recommend
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

Folding 'Screen 100' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936, pine
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Folding 'Screen 100' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936 Pine. Alvar Aalto’s “Screen
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Pine

Folding 'Screen 100' designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936, Pine
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Folding ‘Screen 100’ designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1936. Material: Pine. Alvar
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Pine

Functionalist Birch Desk by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking desk by Alvar Aalto, made from birch in a compact functionalist design. Drawers to the
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

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
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Pine

Very Rare Artek A808 Floor Lamp by Alvar Aalto, Made in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
leather finish, which is hand-sewn in Finland. The light was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1955 for the
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Early Model 402 Armchair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Made in Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Detroit, MI
underside reads “Aalto Design, Made in Finland” and both legs are engraved with the number “237”.
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch, Bentwood

Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing pair of stools in a lacquered birch. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in Finland. Model
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Tea Cart Model 901 Trolley by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Vorst, BE
Tea Cart or Trolley model 901 designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Finland
Category

Late 20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was made in the 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Birch

Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 10.63 in
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was made in the 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Birch

Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 10.63 in
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1980's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was made in the 1980s
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Shelves

Materials

Birch

Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1980's
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1980's
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 10.63 in
Alvar Aalto Tea Cart Model 900, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and sought after pieces designed by Alvar Aalto. This traditional, elegant
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Rattan, Birch

Alvar Aalto Tea Cart Model 900, Artek 1960s
Alvar Aalto Tea Cart Model 900, Artek 1960s
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H 23.23 in W 25.6 in D 35.44 in
Aino Aalto, Very Rare Pine Cabinet for Artek, 1940s'
By Aino Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Design, Artek, this piece is from the 1940s. Although the Aalto´s used mainly birch in their furnitures
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Modern Cabinets

Materials

Pine

K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 70’s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Padova, IT
in Finland by Artek. Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto (Kuortane, February 3, 1898 - Helsinki, May 11, 1976
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Birch

Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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

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
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Shelves

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Pair of Shelves Model 112-2, Artek
Alvar Aalto Pair of Shelves Model 112-2, Artek
Free Shipping
H 23.63 in W 35.44 in D 11.82 in
Artek AMA500 Pendant 1950s by Aino Aalto
By Aino Aalto, Valaistustyö, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Vintage Artek’s AMA 500 pendant, designed by Aino Aalto, is a stunning classic from 1950s. Aino
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal, Brass

Artek AMA500 Pendant 1950s by Aino Aalto
Artek AMA500 Pendant 1950s by Aino Aalto
H 9.06 in W 12.21 in D 12.21 in
Alvar Aalto A330s Chrome Wall Light Light for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar Aalto A330s chrome wall light light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this iconic
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...

Materials

Metal, 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
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Alvar Aalto for Artek N65 Bentwood Children's Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Round Rock, TX
Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek. Easily one of Aalto's most recognized and celebrated designs. A
Category

Early 2000s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch

Pair of Alvar Aalto for Artek N65 Bentwood Children's Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Round Rock, TX
Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek. Easily one of Aalto's most recognized and celebrated designs. A
Category

Early 2000s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Mirror, 1960s Artek
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic mirror designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in Finland. We have seen this type
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors

Materials

Glass, Birch

Alvar Aalto Mirror, 1960s Artek
Alvar Aalto Mirror, 1960s Artek
H 47.25 in W 19.69 in D 1.58 in
Wingback 36/401 cantilever lounge chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kleinburg, ON
The 36/401 Wingback Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek is a classic example of Scandinavian
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Birch, Bentwood

Rare Alvar Aalto for Artek N65 Bentwood Children's Chair with Snufkin Graphic
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, US
Artek's N65 children's chair is a slightly re-sized model of Chair 65 designed by Alvar Aalto in
Category

2010s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Beech

Rare Alvar Aalto for Artek N65 Bentwood Children's Chair with Red Seat
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, US
Artek's N65 children's chair is a slightly re-sized model of Chair 65 designed by Alvar Aalto in
Category

2010s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Alvar Aalto A330s White Metal and Brass Wall Light for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar Aalto A330s white metal and brass wall light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights an...

Materials

Metal, Brass

1932 Artek No. 42 Small Paimio Lounge Chair in Birch by Alvar & Aino Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
repaired first. Otherwise, it would be best suited as a rare relic of early Aalto design. Please see photos.
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Set of 4 Vintage Alvar Aalto Model 66 Chairs by Artek in Laminated Birch, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
Set of vintage production model 66 chair by Alvar Aalto made in the 1960s. The chairs are made of
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Birch

1950s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Cart 900 in Birch and Rattan
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original ‘Tea Trolley 900’ Modern Cart, designed in 1937 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Rattan, Birch

1970s Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek 611 Dining Chairs Set of Six
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of six Model 611 chairs designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1929. These examples were
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, a Pair of Lounge Chairs, Model 'RB 511' for Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
alcantara. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in Finland. Model "RB 511". This rare collectible midcentury
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Velvet, Birch

1950s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley 901 in Birch with Ceramic Tile
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Artek. The piece was manufactured in Finland circa 1950s. The strong frame is made from birch which has
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Birch, Rubber

Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Very rare pair of model ‘X602’ stools designed by Alvar Aalto around 1954. Made of a birch tripod
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge chair, Artek
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
. Manufactured by Artek in the 1960s, stamped "Artek, Aalto-Design". The Paimio sanatorium is a central
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge chair, Artek
Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge chair, Artek
H 24.81 in W 24.02 in D 33.47 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 400 ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair in Zebra for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. Please note
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Wood

Alvar Aalto Pair of ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchairs in Zebra for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto pair of 400 ‘Tank’ armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Alvar Aalto Coffee Cart Model 901, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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

Alvar Aalto Coffee Cart Model 901, Artek 1960s
Alvar Aalto Coffee Cart Model 901, Artek 1960s
H 22.05 in W 19.69 in D 35.44 in
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. As
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Wood, Leather, Fabric

Alvar Aalto, Padded Paimio 44 Lounge chair, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
. Manufactured by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in the 1950s, stamped "Artek, Aalto-Design". The Paimio
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto, Padded Paimio 44 Lounge chair, Artek 1950s
Alvar Aalto, Padded Paimio 44 Lounge chair, Artek 1950s
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H 26.38 in W 24.81 in D 33.47 in
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp A622b - Early Version - Valaistustyö Ky Finland 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Alvar Aalto designed the A622B lamp in 1953 for the National Pensions Institute of Helsinki, and
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Steel

Alvar Aalto Pair of ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto Pair of 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid Century olive oil and vinegar set designed and produced by Artek in the 1960
By Artek
Located in Antwerpen, Antwerp
. Artek is collection consists of furniture, lighting, and accessories designed by Finnish masters and
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Glass, Wood, Olive

Alvar Aalto A808 floorlamp Valaistustyö Ky Finland 1955
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
leather finish on the stand, which is hand-sewn in Finland. Alvar Aalto designed this light in 1955 for
Category

Vintage 1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Floor Lamps

Materials

Brass

Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
- Design Specialist, Artek 2nd Cycle
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
- Design Specialist, Artek 2nd Cycle Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60 is the most elemental of furniture
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Stool 60 with finger joint seat by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1930-40s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
" - Antti tevajärvi - Design Specialist, Artek 2nd Cycle
Category

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

Materials

Bentwood

Mademoiselle Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Lejre, DK
. Artek, founded by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aino in 1935, is one of the most recognized Finnish furniture
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Rocking Chairs

Materials

Birch

Set of Four Birch Dining Chairs Model 66 by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Dining set of four chairs in birch, model 66, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in
Category

Vintage 1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch

Brass 'Kultakello' Model A 330 'Golden Bell' Pendant by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Utrecht, NL
Bell” that was originally designed in 1936 by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aaino for the interior of the
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Alvar Aalto Mahogany Desk for Artek with Drawers and Pull Out Work Surfaces
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
The model #500 mahogany desk designed by Alvar Aalto, made in Sweden for Artek, Finland. Six
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Alvar Aalto for Artek Stackable '11' Chairs in Birch Plywood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alvar Aalto for Artek, dining chairs, model '11', birch, plywood, Finland, design 1929 Lovely
Category

Vintage 1920s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto for Artek Stackable '11' Chairs in Birch Plywood
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alvar Aalto for Artek, dining chairs, model '11', birch, plywood, Finland, design 1929 Lovely pair
Category

Vintage 1920s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto Model 406 Lounge Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
Aalto's 1936 design, the model 406 lounge chair is a perfect example of understated Finnish design
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Model 406 Lounge Chairs
Alvar Aalto Model 406 Lounge Chairs
H 34 in W 23.75 in D 28 in
Midcentury Modern Italian Design Beech & Leather Dining Chairs, 1970s, Set of 4
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vicenza, IT
chairs. The shape and the woven leather remind the Scandinavian design, especially Alvar Aalto's style
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto, an authentic edition, chair #41, designed in 1941 by Alvar Aalto for
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto
Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto
H 25.2 in W 23.6 in D 31.5 in
Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia, IT
Artek's 153A bench was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1945 and is still a modern and elegant design
Category

Vintage 1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Benches

Materials

Wood

Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto
Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto
H 17.33 in W 44.1 in D 15.75 in
Very Rare Aino Aalto Vanity Desk Model 191, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Over half a century later, from its original days of manufacturing, this dressing table designed by
Category

Vintage 1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Mirror, Birch

"Aalto goes high" Spring Chair Model 42 by Shekki
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
furniture design. This particular piece was created by the enegmatic young Finnish artist and rising star
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch, Plywood

"Aalto goes high" Spring Chair Model 42 by Shekki
"Aalto goes high" Spring Chair Model 42 by Shekki
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H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
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Artek Aalto Design Made In Finland For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the artek aalto design made in Finland you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each artek aalto design made in Finland for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using wood, birch and metal. Find 201 options for an antique or vintage artek aalto design made in Finland now, or shop our selection of 22 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer artek aalto design made in Finland, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A artek aalto design made in Finland is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Scandinavian Modern, mid-century modern and modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one artek aalto design made in Finland that is appealing in its simplicity, but Alvar Aalto, Artek and Aino Aalto produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Artek Aalto Design Made In Finland?

Prices for a artek aalto design made in Finland start at $194 and top out at $83,561 with the average selling for $2,600.

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.