Pair Tank Chairs 400 by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Gunnar Aagaard Andersen Fabric.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of Alvar Aalto 400 "Tank" lounge chairs, manufactured by Artek upholstered in Letters fabric designed by Gunnar Aagaard Andersen.
Fabric, Birch
Tank Lounge Chair 400 by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Gunnar Aagaard Andersen Fabric.
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kansas City, MO
Alvar Aalto 400 "Tank" lounge chair, manufactured by Artek upholstered in Letters fabric designed by Gunnar Aagaard Andersen.
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A mid century Alvar Aalto “Tank” chair, model 400, produced by Artek in the 1950s.
Sheepskin, Birch
'Tank' Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This vintage original 'Tank' lounge 400 by Alvar Aalto for Artek was produced during the 1940's. The beechwood frame has developed a rich patina. Displays finish loss in some areas...
Beech
Unavailable
H 27 in W 33 in D 26 in
Pair of Early Alvar Aalto Tank Chairs Model 400 by Artek Finland circa 1940
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Pair of Early Alvar Aalto Tank Chairs Model 400 by Artek Finland Circa 1940?
Velvet, Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto for Artek Tank Chairs Finland 1937
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto for Artek Pair of Model 400 “Tank” Lounge Chairs, Finland, 1937 Pair of iconic Model 400 “Tank” chairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1937.
Upholstery, Birch
Mid-Century Artek Tank Chair Model by Alvar Aalto
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A mid-century tank chair Model 400 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek.
Wool, Birch
Sold
H 35.44 in W 30.32 in D 32.68 in
Pair of Alvar Aalto Tank Chairs, Rare High-Back Version, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Extremely fine, rare and showy pair of armchairs designed by Alvar Aalto. These E400-model chairs are bit heavier and bigger version of iconic Tank chair. The model has not been i...
Leather, Birch
Sold
H 35.04 in W 29.93 in D 39.38 in
Alvar Aalto Highback "Tank" Arm Chair in Sheepskin A 38, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early version of the A38 "high back" Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. This sizable chair is one of the rare Aalto chair creations and it is in beautiful condition.
Sheepskin, Birch
400 Tank Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
400 Tank Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, crafted in birch plywood with curved armrests.
Mohair, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair Model 400 by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chairs model 400 / the tank chair designed by Alvar Aalto.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank" Lounge Chair in Zebra
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
The armchair 400 or "Tank Chair" is one of Alvar Aalto's best known works.
Zebra Hide
Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank" Lounge Chair in Shearling
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
The Armchair 400 or "Tank Chair" is one of Alvar Aalto's best known works.
Zebra Hide
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair Model 400 by Artek in Hedemora in Sweden
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chairs model 400 / the tank chair designed by Alvar Aalto.
Birch
Sold
H 25 in W 30 in D 33 in
One-of-a-Kind Pair of Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank" Lounge Chairs in Zebra
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
The Armchair 400 or "Tank Chair" is one of Alvar Aalto's best known works.
Zebra Hide
Early Alvar Aalto Leather & Birch Tank Chair
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Early Alvar Aalto for Artek 400 tank chair circa late 1940's. This example is stuffed with it's original horse hair has been upholstered in a lovely palm frond green leather and the ...
Leather, Wood
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair "Model 400" for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artek’s Model 400 lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto circa 1930s, Sweden.
Birch, Upholstery
Sold
H 25.6 in W 29.93 in D 35.44 in
Early Production Armchair 400 'TANK' Chair Alvar Aalto, Artek Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Rare early production with original red upholstery model 400 'TANK' lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced by Artek in Hedemora, Sweden between 1946-1956 As volum...
Wool, Upholstery, Birch
Artek 400 Tank Armchair Designed by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
As voluminous as it is comfortable, Armchair 400 was created by Alvar Aalto in 1936 for an exhibition at the Milan Triennale, where it was promptly awarded a prize. The chair owes it...
Textile
Alvar Aalto, "Tank" arm chair, A 38, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early version of the A38 "high back" Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. This sizable chair is one of the rarest of the Aalto chair creations and it is in beautiful condition.
Birch, Sheepskin
Sold
H 27 in W 33 in D 36 in
Pair of Early Alvar Aalto Tank Chairs Model 400 by Artek Finland Circa 1940
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Early Alvar Aalto Tank chairs Model 400 by Artek Finland Circa 1940 Manufactured by O.y.
Upholstery, Birch
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early "Tank" lounge chair with an uncommon wingback variation having a floating, zebra patterned seat and back, between wide bands of lacquered birch that form both the legs and a...
Upholstery, Birch
Sold
H 27.56 in W 29.93 in D 34.65 in
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair Model 400 Produced by Artek in Hedemora, Sweden
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 400 / the tank chair designed by Alvar Aalto.
Fabric, Birch
Sold
H 26.25 in W 30 in D 33 in
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 30 wide x 33 deep x 26.25 high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Sold
H 26.25 in W 30 in D 33 in
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 30 wide x 33 deep x 26.25 high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Sold
H 27 in W 30 in D 32 in
Fabulous Pair Zebra Print Alvar Aalto 400 Tank Chair by Artek Mid-Century
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of Alvar Aalto zebra print Tank chairs. This pair is circa 80s and are in very nice vintage condition. The armchair 400, designed by Alvar Aalto and better known as Tan...
Upholstery, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Alvar Aalto tank chair for artek in new fabric with birch bentwood arms refinished .
Fabric, Birch
Pair of "Tank" Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Located in New York, NY
Rare early production from the factory in Hedemora, Sweden
Birch, Upholstery
Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Armchair #400. Wide laminated birch cantilever sides, original wool fabric upholstery. Distributed by ICF in US. Purchased from the ICF showroom in Dallas early 1980s.
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Early Tank chair with birch arms and spring construction seat and back.
Cowhide, Plywood
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Bent birch plywood frame, spring seat and back, upholstered in wool fabric. Post-war model, 1960s. Made by Artek.
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940-1955
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Early tank chair with birch arms and spring construction seat and back.
Plywood
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940-1955
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Early tank chair with birch arms and spring construction seat and back.
Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Modern Tank Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Bridport, CT
Originally design in 1936 by Alvar Aalto, these modern tank chairs are gorgeous examples of bent wood style. Armchair 400, the "tank chair" is one of Aalto's Classic pieces. Anoth...
Birch, Upholstery
Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank Chair Model 400 by Artek, Finland, circa 1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank chairs model 400 by Artek, Finland, circa 1970 Magnificent mid-20th century 'Tank' Model 400 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek, Fi...
Birch
Sold
H 25 in W 30 in D 33 in
Three Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank Chairs Model 400 by Artek, Finland, circa 1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank chairs Model 400 Three by Artek, Finland, circa 1970 Magnificent set of three mid twentieth century 'Tank' Model 400 armchairs, designed by Alvar Aalto and ...
Birch
Sold
H 25 in W 30 in D 33 in
Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank Chairs Model 400 Pair by Artek, Finland, circa 1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Alvar Aalto Zebra Tank chairs model 400 Pair by Artek, Finland, circa 1970 Magnificent pair of mid twentieth century 'Tank' Model 400 armchairs, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufa...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Tank Chair Model 400 by Artek Finland, circa 1940
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto
Located in Longdon, Tewkesbury
Alvar Aalto tank chair Model 400 by Artek, Finland, circa 1940 A rare early 20th century 'Tank' Model 400 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by O.Y.
Birch
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Early Tank chair with birch arms and spring construction seat and back.
Plywood
Early Tank Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Bent oak plywood frame, spring seat and back, upholstered in wool fabric. Post war model, pre-1950. Made by Artek. Plywood arm width 3.25"
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 25.5 in
Alvar Aalto Armchairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Austin, TX
Model 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and sought after combination ...
Nylon, Beech
$3,470 / set
H 28.35 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Alvar Aalto War Time Chairs With Finger Joints Model 69, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model 69 chairs, manufactured during the 2nd World War years in Finland in the 1940s. The iconic L-leg is different in these pieces compared to the normal....
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" by Artek, 1970s
By Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced late 1970s by Artek. Excellent condition, no signs of usage. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Fi...
Birch
'Tank' Settee by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Mouldcraft c.1950s, Canada. The Tank sofa is a rare design featuring a cantilevered frame in a bent birch wood that gives the sofa a floating ...
Upholstery, Birch
$4,000
H 28.35 in W 23.63 in D 27.96 in
Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 402 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame with wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, heavy...
Wool, Birch
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
'Tank' armchair, model '37/400', designed by Alvar Aalto, 1936. Produced by Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Turku, Finland, ca. 1936-1940. Distributed by Artek. Cantilevered fr...
Sheepskin, Birch
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
Model 406 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Finland. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previous mark where ICF label was is pictured for both chairs.
Cotton, Birch
$1,773Sale Price / set|76% Off
H 31 in W 22.5 in D 20 in
Rare Pair of Sleek Molded Plywood Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A sleek pair of molded birch plywood armchairs in the manner of Alvar Aalto having sophisticated sculptural form and terrific comfort. arm height 25
Plywood
$3,074 / set
H 30.71 in W 15.36 in D 16.54 in
pair of model 66 chairs by alvar aalto for finmar, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
very early pair of 66 chairs that have aged well, with a rich colour and plenty of character. one chair retains its finmar plaque, while the other shows impressions where a plaque wa...
Birch
$2,194Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.11 in W 15.75 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Paded Cantilever Armchair Model 43, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early padded Spring chair model 43 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyömaa from the 1940s. This chair is one of the most recognizable pi...
Metal
$16,960 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.02 in D 28.35 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto cantilever 'spring' chairs model 402, also known as Pikkupaimio (small paimio) associated with the legendary Paimio Sanatorium designed by...
Metal
$7,190
H 27.96 in W 24.02 in D 27.96 in
Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto lounge chair model 402, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uccle, BE
Original 1930's Alvar Aalto Model 402 lounge chair with reupholstered ecru cotton blend fabric. One of Aalto's notable creations is the "Model 402 Armchair", introduced in 1930. Th...
Birch
$50,000 / set
H 27.17 in W 24.81 in D 35.44 in
alvar aalto PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS, MODEL NO. 44 (padded paimio)
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Pair of mid‑century armchairs, model no. 44, designed by Alvar Aalto. Each chair features Aalto’s characteristic continuous bent‑plywood side frames, where the armrests flow seamles...
Wool, Birch
$8,995
H 37.41 in W 24.41 in D 37.41 in
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in Birch and Honey Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful original Alvar Aalto armchair model 401, which was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sanatorium that basically launched the Aalto name t...
Fabric, Birch
$15,439 / item
H 32.68 in W 110.24 in D 40.56 in
Art Deco Sofa by Munna Design Studio with Velvet Upholstery
By Munna Design Studio
Located in New York, NY
This sofa features a wonderfully elegant fan-shaped motif, with its accentuated curvy lines with decadent and lavish finish. The feminine curves are ravishingly enhanced by the diffe...
Velvet
$7,700
H 31.11 in W 22.25 in D 16.93 in
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Africa" Dining Chairs for Maxalto, Reddish Brown, 1975
By Maxalto, Afra & Tobia Scarpa
Located in Lonigo, Veneto
Afra & Tobia Scarpa "Africa" dining chairs for Maxalto, reddish brown leather, walnut and burl, Italy, 1975 Originally hand finished and assembled one-by-one, "Africa" presents ...
Leather, Walnut
$30,857
H 29.53 in W 93.71 in D 33.47 in
Important Vintage Pierre Chapo Desk, Model B40, in Solid Elm, 1980
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Really large desk design by Pierre Chapo and produced in 1980. This desk B40 is made in solid Elm and is the largest version of the model. In situ picture and more details regarding ...
Elm
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the Style of Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Modern Ottoman in the style of Josef Frank, ottoman has four solid wood bun feet, fabric is by Robert Allen. Ready for a new home, excellent condition.One ottoman ready to ...
Cotton, Wood
$25,142
H 27.96 in W 31.11 in D 29.53 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen 'Elizabeth' Armchair, Christensen & Larsen, Denmark, Late 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen, Christensen & Larsen
Located in The Hague, NL
The iconic 'Elizabeth' chair was designed by Ib Kofod-Larsen in 1956 and was presented at the Copenhagen Cabinet-makers’ Guild Exhibition the same year. Originally known under model...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery, Teak
$7,428 / set
H 35.44 in W 21.66 in D 5.91 in
Pair of Large Ginkgo Leave Brass Wall Lights, Organic Shape, Tommaso Barbi Style
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Bochum, NRW
Amazing pair of wall lights made of two overlapping brass leaves of ginkgo. Organic shape, this wall light could make an eye catcher of your interior. Entirely hand made, this piece ...
Brass
$12,148 / item
H 33.47 in W 59.06 in D 33.08 in
Custom Made Sheepskin Love Seat Sofa by Alfred Christensen
By Alfred Christensen
Located in London, England
A custom-made new edition of this classic love-seat sofa by Danish designer and cabinetmaker: Alfred Christensen. This re-edition is produced under license in Sweden by Dagmar and av...
Sheepskin, Fabric, Mohair, Bouclé, Velvet, Oak, Walnut
Danish Sofa in Brown Leather and Mahogany
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, leather, stained mahogany, Denmark, 1960s This classic sofa of Danish origin features modest and subtle lines and shapes that emphasize the clear construction of the design. T...
Leather, Mahogany
$8,571
H 36.62 in W 48.04 in D 17.72 in L 36.62 in
Børge Mogensen 232 Wooden Sideboard Cabinet in Oak by FBD Møbler Denmark, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Danish mid century wooden sideboard cabinet model "232" solid stained in oak with decorative brass details designed by Børge Mogensen and produced by FBD Møbler Denmark, 1960s...
Brass
Guillerme & Chambron Sideboard in Oak and Brass
By Guillerme et Chambron, Votre Maison
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme et Chambron for Votre Maison, sideboard, oak, France, 1960s. This charming sideboard is made by the designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. This particular design is characteri...
Brass
$1,380
H 27.96 in W 25.2 in D 16.54 in
Danish Art Deco Console Table with Drawers in Elm & Burl Wood, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
This Danish Art Deco small console table, crafted in the 1940s by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker, exudes timeless elegance and functionality. The table features a sturdy elm wood base...
Elm, Burl
$6,285 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 10.83 in
Teak Bookcases by Mogens Koch, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark, 1930s
By Mogens Koch
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This pair of bookcases, designed by Mogens Koch in 1933 and produced by master cabinetmaker Rud Rasmussen in Denmark, represent a pinnacle of functional elegance in Scandinavian mode...
Teak
Berga Mobler Sofa in Beige Teddy Mohair by Pierre Frey
By Berga Mobler
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Berga Mobler, sofa, reupholstered in mohair "Teddy" by Pierre Frey, beech, Denmark, 1940s. This bold and rounded sofa is very comfortable, newly upholstered in a plush Teddy mohair ...
Mohair, Beech
$4,500 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 10.83 in
Pair of Wall-Mounted Bookcases in Solid Teak by Mogensen Koch
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of wall-mounted units in solid teak. Designed by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers in 1933. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Teak
Fritz Hansen Lounge Chair Model #1672
By Fritz Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Fritz Hansen lounge chair model #1672 A large scale lounge chair by Fritz Hansen upholstered in a luxurious red velvet with corded trim on block style oak legs. Denmark, circa 1930s.
Velvet, Oak
Serving trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto, Artek Finland
By Artek, Aino Aalto
Located in Argelato, BO
Alvar Aalto's 901 trolley is one of the icons of Finnish modern design, presented for the first time at the Milan Triennale in 1936. The bar or tea trolley features a birch wood fr...
Rubber, Birch
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.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.