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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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Creator: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto L-Leg Bench/ Table Model 106
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Highland, IN
This exceptional example of Allto's slat bench/ table by Artek dates to circa 1948 and was sold at Chicago's landmark modern design store Baldwin Kingrey...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" Produced by Artek, 1963
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced 1963 by Artek, acquired new by previous owner. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanator...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Pair of Lighting by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of rare, custom order flush mount lights designed by Alvar Aalto for Itsu, Model "AE-7055". Finland, circa 1950th. Lacquered metal. Stamped by manufacturer. Existing wires, re...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Sheet Metal
Alvar Aalto Beehive Lamp Model No. A332 Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare Beehive lamp model no. A332 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Measure: Height: 35 (80) cm.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Original Midcentury Bell Pendant by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Golden bell pendant in patinated brass designed by Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen in 1939. Made in Denmark. Great condition.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass
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. The bent wood cantelivered frame of laminated birch and n...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
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
Birch Wingback Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and sculptural wingback lounge chair having a cantilevered laminated birch frame and retaining its original handstitched textured linen upholstery.
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch, Upholstery
1960s Bentwood Drawing Rack by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon birch bentwood drawing rack with four pairs of hooks.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Armchair No. 31, Early Example, circa 1934
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto armchair No. 31. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, circa 1934-1935.
Bent laminated birch frame, seat in laminated birch root veneer.
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
1940s Finnish 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
Alvar Aalto Chair 2, Mode 15.1930
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Madrid, ES
An Alvar Aalto Borchardt chair, model 15, designed by Alvar Aalto and edited in 1930. Stamped. Upholstered in Eames style fabrics. Excellent condition.
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Floor Lamp A811 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
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
Metal, Brass
Table Lamp Model A704 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lacquered metal and leather.
Measurements:
H: 38 cm/ 15"
D: 38 cm/ 15"
W: 36 cm/ 14 1/8"
Alvar Aalto was a Finnish architect and designer. His work includes architecture, furniture...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Metal
1930s Finnish "World's Fair" Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare, museum quality, table with a solid teak top on laminated maple legs. Retaining a partial label from the 1939 World's Fair.
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Teak, Maple
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
Alvar Aalto Early Floor Lamp Model A 808 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and early floor lamp model A 808 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland. Designed for National Pensions Institute in Helsinki.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Model A805 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and 1st production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Leather, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp Model A805 by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and first production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Alva Aalto Floor Lamp Model A808 for Valaitustyo Ky, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Madrid, ES
An Alvar Alto floor lamp edited by Valaitustyo Ky in the early 1950s. Brass shade, white metal; black leather-covered lamp stand. Early edition. Top impressed with "Valaitustyio A 808...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass
Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp by Valaistustyö in Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and 1st production angel wing floor lamp model A805 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Valaistustyö in Finland.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass
Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Wooden Room Divider, Late 1960s, Artek
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
The 100 slatted wall / room divider by Alvar Aalto is a dynamic interior element assembled from narrow vertical pine slats and can be rolled up and opened as a straight or in numerou...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Pine
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Model 114B, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them to go around.
As one can see from the archive picture the shelf can be joined with a mirro...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Se of Three Model 112B Shelves, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Se of three model 112B shelves, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age a...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Distributed via ICF.
Category
1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Vase 3031, Iittala
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 `...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
Set of Three Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of three model 60 Stools, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with linoleum top. Good vintage condition, minor patina and ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set, Oy Huonekalu - ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu - ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. The set consists of extendable table and three model E60 stools. ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 70’s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Padova, IT
Stool mod. K65 was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935.
The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters.
The lowered backrest offers the right support ...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030, 1960s, Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
Vintage version of iconic Savoy Vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Hand signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Blown to a cast-iron mould.
Normal wear o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Blown Glass
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 piece today.
The seat is made of solid birch and rests on ...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Wood
Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Alvar Aalto bench in birch.
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Early Floor Lights A808
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Copenhagen, DK
ALVAR AALTO - SCANDINAVIAN MODERN.
A magnificent pair of Alvar Aalto standard lamps model A808, designed for the national pensions institute, Helsinki, 1952.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Brass
Alvar Aalto Model 69 Bentwood Side Chair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful Alvar Aalto bent wood birch side chair for Artek.
Unlike Thonet, Alvar Aalto did not bend the wood with the use of steam, but he made use of the natural humidity of the Fin...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Furniture
Materials
Birch, Bentwood
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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