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 Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
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. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains sel...
Sheepskin, Birch
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Tank’ armchair, model ’37/400′, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1940s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Model X800A Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model X800A dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch and ash. Iconic x -leg. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use...
Ash, Birch
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 900 cart, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, ceramic tiles, rattan basket. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
$254Sale Price|54% Off
Alvar Aalto serving platter, oak Serving tray by Alvar Aalto Collection Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A finely crafted oak serving platter featuring the iconic “Savoy” silhouette from a limited Alvar Aalto collection by Iittala, Finland. This piece showcases the essence of Finnish de...
Oak
Alvar Aalto, rare collectable chair model 31 / 'Paimio', 1930/40s.
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sculptural and collectable armchair model No. 31 / Paimo by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, produced during the 1930/40s. Steam bent plywood ...
Beech
Alvar Aalto Vanity Table, 1930 — Dark Stained Birch, Original Condition
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and early vanity table designed by Alvar Aalto and dating to circa 1930. This piece is a beautiful example of Aalto’s pioneering work in bentwood construction and his ...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B. Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland. Striking Finnish design from the 1960s. Original birch and birch veneer frame with o...
Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Dining Room Set Model 81B Table & Set of 4 Model 65 Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
An authentic Finnish modern dining set designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, consisting of the Model 81B dining table and four Model 65 chairs. Crafted in laminated birch, t...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch and red linoleum model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of this table which w...
Birch
Funky Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
Early iconic Alvar Aalto's stool 60 from the 1940's with beautiful and warm patina on the L-legs. Reupholstered with funky and colorful fabric. The color scheme that takes your mind...
Wool, Birch
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 Early Stool #60 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Sweden by Artek. During the war period Artek opened factories in neutral Sweden where supplies were still available...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer
Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age and use. ...
Birch, Paint
$8,721 / item
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 voluminous as it is comfortable, Armchair 400 was created b...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Vintage Red Linoleum N65 Children Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
An N65 children's chair by Finnish manufacturer Artek, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the 1930s. Shown here with a red linoleum seat. This icon of Scandinavian design is hard...
Other
Three Stools Model "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Milan, IT
Three stools model "X-Leg" "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Birch frame with impressive legs connection to the top. Stools sold individually.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Early N65 Children Chair Alvar Aalto Artek Finland 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
An early version of the N65 children's chair by Finnish manufacturer Artek, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the 1930s. This version of the seat was only available until around ...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, strong patina with some chips. Please see picture 3 for accurate color.
Bentwood
Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden "No 51 / Hallway" Armchair by Alvar Aalto 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Finnish mid century wooden "No 51 / Hallway" armchair in form pressed laminated plywood and birch by Alvar Aalto for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland in 1932. ...
Birch
Large Expandable Alvar Aalto Wooden Dining Table Model 92, 1940s, Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is a beautiful extending table model 92 by Alvar Aalto from 1940s. The body of the table is solid birch. The surface of the table is laminated by oak veneer. An extension leaf t...
Birch, Oak
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 bentwood leg design. Swedish production Finsven from the late 1940s. Great patina, ...
Birch
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of five Model 65 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy, and retailed by Artek in Finland. The chairs are in beautiful vinta...
Laminate, Birch
Rare Wardrobe, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare wardrobe by Alvar Aalto for the Varkaus Hospital. Manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s. Birch and birch plywood. Completely restored. Gorgeous condition,...
Birch, Plywood, Paint
Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 stool, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Mid-20th Century. Birch frame, rare yellow linoleum seat. Good vintage condition, patina co...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Birch, Oak
$1,588Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto Mid-Century Modern Center Table, Artek, Finland, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured by Artek (Finland). Wood legs and structure. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, prese...
Wood
Model DL 82 Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model DL 82 extendable dining table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey color refinished birch frame with rare yell...
Laminate, Birch
Rare Artek Aalto Pascoe 8 Drawer dresser
By Aino Aalto, Clifford Pascoe, Alvar Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This vintage chest of eight drawers was produced by Artek-Pascoe, a collaboration between the famed Finnish design company Artek—founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto—and Pascoe. I...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to detail. The less comm...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
The famous Paimio lounge chair model 41, designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimion Parantola. Manufactured by Artek in the 1960s, stamped "Artek, Aal...
Birch, Plywood
$2,259Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x 24"W x 27...
Cane, Birch
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful entryway set of a drawer console, mirror and stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek made of solid birch. The set is in original condition with a light surface finishing. The wood...
Birch, Mirror
Trolley in Birch and Lacquer by Alvar Aalto, 1936
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare trolley, model number 901, was originally designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced by Artek, the company he co-founded to advance modern ...
Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is an iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight. The shelf unit is from the 1940...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A mid century Alvar Aalto “Tank” chair, model 400, produced by Artek in the 1950s. This example has been fully renovated and newly upholstered in first grade sheepskin that beautiful...
Sheepskin, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a small cocktail t...
Birch
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `Eskimoerindens skinnbuxa` or `Eskimo Woman`s Leather Trousers` . The entry comprised of a number of different free-formed vases and bowls that came in different shapes and sizes. The most famous of Aalto´s glass designs is exactly this so called `Savoy` vase, as it was part of the Savoy restaurant`s original interior design that was done by the Aalto couple. Winning the competition marked the beginning of a succesful breakthrough for Alvar Aalto in addition to his other accomplishments as a world famous architect. The early vases by Aalto are extremely sought after collectible´s gems that fetch incredible prices every now and then in auctions worldwide. We have seen them in a number of different colors, mainly clear glass, green, brown, and blue. This vase is fully signed Alvar Aalto and is in good condition. This vase is signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Side / Newspaper Table Model A 86 in Birch for Artek, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf feature makes it perfect as an arm chair or reading space side table. The vintage honey l...
Birch
Midcentury pair of stools mod. K65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
The K65 model stool was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935. The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters. The low backrest provides the right suppo...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large coffee table by Artek, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Shown here with a linoleum surface in a special color. This Scandinavian design is hard to beat ...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Minimalist A110 Metal Pendant Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Rare version of the A110 pendant lamp by Louis Poulsen, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the early 1950s. A minimalist design. This version of the “hand grenade” impresses with...
Metal
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
Vintage Aalto Table half-round by Alvar Aalto for Artek(coffee table height)
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The Aalto Table designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 conveys a relaxed familiarity that resists categorisation. With legs and edge-bands of Finnish birch, it radiates natural beauty and w...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Birch Wood Side Table for Artek, Mid-Century Modern
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Alvar Aalto L leg rectangular side table for Artek. Bentwood laminated-birch legs. Original black linoleum top. Can be used as coffee table, console or child desk. Nice patina.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A classic L-leg table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful vintage patina, with ...
Birch
Original Alvar Aalto N65 childrens chair from the mid 20th century in birch wood
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Ebberup, DK
Bring iconic Scandinavian design into your child’s world with this original Chair N65 by Alvar Aalto. Designed in 1935, the N65 is a perfect example of Aalto’s innovative approach to...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
$2,353Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
Old production Alvar Aalto Sun-series garden/side table, from mid-20th century and in great patinated condition. The table is made of painted birch, with a yellow laminate panel in t...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous slatted bench in hand selected birch designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. Please see all pics and video as t...
Birch
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 direct sunlight. The graining gives it a unique qualit...
Birch
Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with red linoleum seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consisten...
Birch
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 bentwood leg design. Swedish production Finsven from the late 1940s. Great patina, ...
Birch
Original Alvar Aalto Shoe Rack Designed for the Stora Enso Building Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare and custom shoe rack designed by Alvar Aalto circa 1960 featuring solid birch wood slats. Custom designed by Alvar Aal...
Wood, Birch
Pair of Vintage Upholstered Hallway Chairs 54/404 by Alvar Aalto, Circa 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Surrey, GB
A stunning pair of stackable Alvar Aalto chair 54/404, a padded variant of hallway chair 403 designed in 1932. Very good vintage condition. Dimen...
Upholstery, Birch
$3,900 / set
Alvar Aalto Artek X600 Stool Pair 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Original pair of X600 stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Maintaining stamp under seat. Visible use and wear is present appropriate to the age of the items. Timeless work from the ren...
Beech
Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Early Model
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with though their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architec...
Ceramic, Rattan, Bentwood
Early & Rare Alvar Aalto A32 Beehive Pendant, White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs—an early and rare version of the Model A 32 pendant with three light bulbs and six metal slats, unlike the more common singl...
Metal, Brass
Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Rare and collectible E60 stool by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek. This iconic piece features the original yellow laminate seat top, a discontinued and ...
Birch
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
Rare cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto for AB Artek in Hedemora, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto. Rare piece of furtniture and even more so when its produced by Aaltos factory in Hedemora, Sweden. AB Artek in Hedemora opened 1946 in order to produc...
Birch