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.
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
Alvar Aalto Red Drop Leaf Dining Table for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Aalto dining table made by Artek in the 1950s. It features a red linoleum top paired with a birch frame and the classic “L‑leg” construction. The table includes a foldable extension,...
Birch
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky ‘A704’ Table Lamp with White Shade
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky, desk lamp, model ‘A704’, enameled steel, enameled aluminum, leather-bound metal, Finland, 1954 This table lamp model ‘A704’ is designed by Finnish...
Aluminum, Steel
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
$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
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
Nesting Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1970s. Birch and ash. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with agen and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) i...
Ash, Birch
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
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
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 4 Alvar Aalto model 60 stools in birch and black laminate, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1930s, manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in Finland, and retailed ...
Birch, Laminate
Pair of Alvar Aalto '406' Lounge chairs for Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A great pair of birch cantilevered chairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Featuring a quilted fabric upholstery that retains some light marks and wear to fabric with age and a nic...
Birch
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Rare mahogany table top, birch legs. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ...
Birch, Mahogany
Unique "Aalto Goes High II" Stool by Sheikki on an Alvar Aalto Model 60, 2025
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A unique contemporary artwork executed in acrylic on an original Alvar Aalto Model 60 birch stool. Although based on one of the most iconic furniture designs of the twentieth century...
Birch, Acrylic
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
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regar...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Rare Wall Shelves in Birch by by Alvar Aalto, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
These rare wall shelves, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland, exemplify the enduring appeal of Scandinavian modernism through their organic form, functional eleg...
Birch
$2,287Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded birch side table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Hedemora, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H ...
Wood, Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Birch Stacking Stools by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 and manufactured by Artek, the Model 60 stool is built around the L-leg — a laminated birch leg bent into an L-shape that connects directly to the cir...
Birch, Bentwood
Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Birch X600 Fan Leg Stools - Mid-Century Modern 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, ICF New York
Located in St. Louis, MO
Matching pair of authentic 1960s Alvar Aalto "Fan Leg" stools (Model X600) represents one of the most elegant and structurally brilliant iterations in the history of mid-century Scan...
Birch
Set of 7 Model 62 Dining Chairs, Alvar Aalto for Artek / Hedemora, Sweden, 1950s
By O.Y.Huonekalu, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of seven iconic Model 62 dining chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek at the Hedemora factory in Sweden during the 1950s. These rare examples showcase Aalto’s pion...
Birch, Fabric, Textile, Velvet
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Hat Rack / Coat Hanger in Birch, Model 113, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This early 1940s single wall shelf / hat rack model 113 is designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto for artek. This versatile shelf is in stained birch. The 2 triangular panels ...
Metal
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
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern stools by Alvar Aalto, made in the 1940s-50s. The ingenious stacking design has made these stools a timeless favourite and one of Aalto’s most end...
Birch
Midcentury pair of stools mod. K65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Model K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland, 1970s Designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935, the K65 stool exemplifies his pioneering approach to bent birch construction an...
Wood
Alvar Aalto A335B Pendant Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, this pendant lamp is a classic example of Scandinavian design. The layered, dome-shaped shade creates soft, diffused light, making it perfect fo...
Metal
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
$2,400Sale Price|33% Off
Alvar Aalto Desk for Artek, Model 216C, c. 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Andes, NY
Rare white linoleum top writing desk designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, model 216C, with his signature L leg construction and a five-drawer chest that can be placed on the right or t...
Laminate, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. It is r...
Birch, Plywood
One Stool Model "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Milan, IT
One stool model "X-Leg" "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Birch frame with impressive legs connection to the top.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare cabinet model 810 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland in the 1950s. Very minimal and sleek design, perfect for almost any interior. The item is in ver...
Birch
Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in Brass & Black Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs, introduced in 1953. The pendant draws inspiration from nature, resembling a hanging beehive suspended from a tree branch. The desi...
Metal, Brass
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
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sleek coffee table designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto circa the 1950s. Known for combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, Aalto’s techniqu...
Glass, Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in Birch and Honey Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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. Measures: 35"H x...
Cane, Birch
Alvar Aalto model 296 chest of drawers, by Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An early Alvar Aalto chest of drawers, model 296, produced by Artek in the 1940s. Crafted in birch and set on its original wooden castors, a practical piece with clean proportions....
Birch
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
$2,850
Alvar Aalto Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Architectural Dining Table, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1970s. Retains wonderful original patina only retained with age. Please see our other 1stdib...
Laminate, Beech, Birch
$2,239Sale Price|20% Off
Drop-Leaf Dining Table Model DL82 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A functional and timeless DL82 drop-leaf table by Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek in the 1960s. The design features Aalto’s signature bentwood legs paired with a white laminate top. T...
Laminate, Birch
Set of armchairs and a matching sofa attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set of two armchairs and a matching sofa designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1930s. The pieces are crafted in bentwood, featuring Aalto’s iconic use of laminated birch shaped int...
Wood
very rare and early no.41 paimio lounge chair by alvar aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, DE
very rare and early no.41 paimio lounge chair by alvar aalto. i purchased this chair from and old collectors couple, but unfortunately there is no manufacturer sign on the chair. the...
Plywood
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky ‘A704’ Table Lamp in Leather
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky, desk lamp, model ‘A704’, enameled steel, enameled aluminum, leather-bound metal, Finland, 1954 This table lamp model ‘A704’ is designed by Finnish...
Metal, Aluminum, Steel
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
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
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
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
$2,233Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto, 1930s chair 403, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace the essence of Scandinavian design with the Alvar Aalto, 1930s Chair 403. This piece is a blend of functional elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- j...
Upholstery, Birch
Vintage Chair 65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finsven, 1940-50s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Clean lines and a simple structure define the design of Chair 65. A low, rectangular backrest is formed from a single piece of birch plywood and has a slight curve that forms natur...
Bentwood
$2,382Sale 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
Alvar Aalto Artek Table Finland 1940s Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch. Round with L-legs. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1940s-1950s and is in good used condition. The bottom of the table has an old Artek stamp. D...
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
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This dining set is in beautiful condition. The table without the serving board "Lazy Susan" is model A 91 ( with the serving board B 91 ), and the chairs are model no. 66 with the hi...
Glass, Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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