Alvar Aalto Furniture
Finnish, 1898-1976
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.
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Creator: Alvar Aalto
Vintage Model 401 Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare vintage model 401 armchair by Alvar Aalto. This was made in Finland by Artek, it dates from around the 1970’s.
It is of exceptional ...
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Bouclé, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto 40s 403 Hallway Chair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
40s 403 hallway chair.
Upholstery by Kvadrat canvas.
Category
1940s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
$3,360 Sale Price
20% Off
alvar aalto chair69 natural 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1930s.
It has a structure that seems to be an early product that is not found in current products.
The paint film from ...
Category
1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$1,120 Sale Price
20% Off
Alvar Aalto Cocktail Tray by Sanka
By Sanka Finland, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Cocktail tray, design Alvar Aalto, manufacturer Sanka. In excellent condition. Sanka sticker on the bottom. Dimensions approx. 38cm x 38cm. The material is acrylic.
The Alvar Aalto ...
Category
1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Acrylic
Upholstered Dining Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dining chair in laminated birch with newly upholstered black leather seat and back.
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Leather, Birch
$5,400 / item
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model Y61 Stool Chair Black Leather 1 of 2
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare stool model Y61 from Alvar Aalto. Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather.
Manufactured by Artek.
The stools are comfortable and lightweighted.
They are in bes...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category
1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman,
Finland. 1950s.
Lacquered metal.
Dimensions:
H: 21 cm / 8 1/8"
W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8"
D: 33 cm / 8 1/8"
Provenance: From Stora Enso's...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal
30's alvar aalto 403 hallway chair painted white
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
The early 403 was characterized by making the best use of the flexibility of the pre-wood, without the bearing surface on the cross.
This is an individual that has been painted in...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
Ceiling Lamp ‘Beehive’ Model A332 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp model A332 “Beehive” designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo,
Finland, 1953.
Painted aluminium and polished brass.
Early six tier version.
Stamped, 'VAlAISTUSTYO A33...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Alvar Aalto, Birch Serving Trolley, Model 98/901, Designed 1935, Finmar Label
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto, model 98/901 serving trolley, for tea or drinks, designed in 1935 this is an early original example, bearing Finmar Ltd label, in birch plywood...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch, Paint
alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category
1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$1,520 Sale Price
20% Off
Alvar Aalto Early ‘Mod. 31′ Armchair, Finland 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Wohnbedarf
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Alvar Aalto ‘Mod. 31' Armchair, Finland 1930s. Early edition manufactured by O.y. Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas A.b. Turku and Supplied by the famous Wohnbedarf, Zürich; marked with...
Category
1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Plywood
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman,
Finland. 1950's.
Lacquered metal.
Dimensions
H: 21 cm / 8 1/8"
W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8"
D: 33 cm / 8 1/8"
Provenance: From Stora Enso'...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 6
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair model 45 from Alvar Aalto made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather.
Manufactured by Artek.
The chairs are very comfortable and lightweighted.
They are ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 4
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair Model 45 from Alvar Aalto.Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather.
Manufactured by Artek.
The chairs are very comfortable and lightweighted.
They are in ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman,
Finland. 1950s
Lacquered metal.
H: 21 cm / 8 1/8"
W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8"
D: 33 cm / 8 1/8"
Provenance: From Stora Enso's head office...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal
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''...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto stool60 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1940s.
It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
Category
1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$2,400 Sale Price
20% Off
1970s Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelf, Model 112B
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a wall shelf, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This piece dates to the 1970s. The shelf is formed with bent birch brackets, which can be placed ...
Category
1970s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather red 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1950's.
The seat is covered with vinyl leather.
The condition of the vinyl leather is not torn, but there are some stai...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$880 Sale Price
32% Off
alvar aalto stool60 natural 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto.
This stool60 was manufactured in the 1950s.
There is some damage to the seat.
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
$1,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Dining Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1933
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Set of four Alvar Aalto model No.62 laminated birch dining chairs produced by Artek in the late 1940s. The model of this listing, No.62, is slightly larger in scale than a very simil...
Category
1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Plywood, Upholstery, Leather
$24,000 / item
A Pair of Alvar Aalto Hallway Chairs, Model 403 by Finmar
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Pair of rare Hallway Chairs Model No.403 by Finmar, designed by Alvar Aalto.
An early production of one of Aalto’s classic designs. A classic piece of Scandinavian modernism, the Ha...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Plywood
Alvar Aalto A703 "Visor" Lamp for Valaistustyo, Stamped by Maker, 1957
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto table / desk light designed 1957 for Valaistustyo, Finland. Enameled steel black base and shade with contrasting white visor. Goose neck arm for shade orientation.
Sta...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Steel
1939 Aino & Alvar Aalto Chair for Finnish Pavilion at World's Fair by Wilhelm
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a very special chair. In 1939, Alvar Aalto was commissioned to create the Finnish pavilion for the World's Fair in New York. This chair was presented as part of his vision. T...
Category
1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
1950s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Cart 900 in Birch and Rattan
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original ‘Tea Trolley 900’ Modern Cart, designed in 1937 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the World Exhibition in Paris. The Aalto’s use of Finnish b...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Rattan, Birch
Set of 5 N65 Children's Chairs by Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek Finland
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of five Artek N65 Children’s Chairs, initially designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1935. This particular set dates to the 1950s. The chairs ...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Laminate, Birch
Ceiling Light Model A 335 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling light model A 335 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy,
Finland. 1952.
Brass and lacquered metal.
Measurements:
Height of the shade: 40 cm/ 15 3/4''
Total height: 65...
Category
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
1950s Pair of Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelves, Model 112B
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of wall shelves, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This is an early and important pair, and is rarely seen in the American marketplace. Th...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Ceiling Lamp ‘Beehive’ Model A332 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp ‘Beehive’ model A332 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo,
Finland. 1953.
Painted aluminium and polished brass.
Early six tier version.
Engraved ‘A332 Valaistusty...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Ceiling Lamp Mode A332 “Beehive” Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp model A332 “Beehive” designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyo,
Finland, 1953.
Painted aluminium and polished brass.
Early six tier version.
Stamped, 'VAlAISTUSTYO A33...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Floor Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
By 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,...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal, Iron
Finnish Design Classic Lounge Chair No 401 by Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Renens, CH
Early edition of the 401 cantilever lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Huonekalu Ja Rakennustyötehdas (Turku, Finland) during the late 1930s.
Our version was re-u...
Category
1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
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...
Category
Late 20th Century European Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal
$8,823 / item
Beehive Pendent by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
A classic beehive pendant model A331 by Alvar Aalto for Artek of white aluminum and chrome-plated steel rings that filter the light beautifully. ...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Price Upon Request
Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair, Model 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31.
A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating bac...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Price Upon Request
Alvar Aalto furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 448 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 8 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Alvar Aalto were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Oy Stockmann AB, and Yrjö Kukkapuro. Prices for Alvar Aalto furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $113 and can go as high as $80,707, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,662.
Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto
Questions About Alvar Aalto Furniture
- What style did Alvar Aalto use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, 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, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.
- What is Alvar Aalto known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made 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 pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.
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