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 Modernist Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, captures the essence of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The rare piece was crafted c...
Pine
Alvar Aalto for Artek Pine Picture Frame, circa 1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exceptional pine wood photo frame, designed by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto for Artek, captures the essence of Scandinavian craftsmanship. The rare piece ...
Pine
Italian Snakeskin Picture Frame, circa 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A '70s Modern Italian red burgundy suede and snakeskin picture frame, circa 1970s, Italy. Frame can sit in two positions: vertical (as shown) o...
Animal Skin, Suede, Glass
Italian Malachite and Brass Picture Frame, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant Italian picture frame from the 1970s, crafted with a polished malachite veneer and accented by a gilt brass border. The vivid green malachite showcases natural banded pattern...
Malachite
$175 / item
H 2.75 in W 2.33 in D 0.33 in
Christofle Silverplate Double Picture Frame Circa 1970s in New Condition
By Christofle
Located in New York, NY
Christofle silverplate French picture frame from the 1970s, in new condition with its original box, with a wood back. It measures 2 3/4'' in height by 2 1/3'' in width by 1/3'' in de...
Silver, Silver Plate
Marble Picture Frame, circa 1980s
Located in New York, NY
A neutral tan marble picture frame with brass and mother of pearl accents, in the Modern style or Postmodern period, circa late-20th century, 1980s. Picture area: 3.19" Width x 5.13"...
Marble, Brass
Tommaso Barbi Picture Frame, Italy, 1970s
By Tommaso Barbi
Located in Greding, DE
Segmental picture frame with turned rim of white ceramic and stand of brass. Inscribed Tommaso Barbi on the back.
Ceramic
Gabriella Crespi Designed Modernist Picture Frame
By Gabriella Crespi
Located in New York, NY
A Gabriella Crespi designed Modernist Picture Frame. A square form in silvered bronze with inset panels of shagreen in alternating concentric s...
Bronze
$748
H 11.82 in W 10.04 in D 6.7 in
EXQUISITE MID CENTURY MODERN CiRCA 1970 ROMEO REGA CHROME & BRASS PICTURE FRAME
By Romeo Rega
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable Mid Century Modern Romeo Rega Brass & Chrome picture frame in the Art De...
Brass, Chrome
Antique Picture Frame, Brass, circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Beautifully plain picture frame made of brass. Picture size: 5 x 8 cm. .
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Round Picture Frame , 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Distinctive Italian mid-century round picture frame, crafted in layered Lucite with a warm amber tone and an intricate woven lattice motif. Alternating translucent golden and blush h...
Lucite
Antique Picture Frame, Photo Frame, France, Circa 1880, 3 x 5 cm
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional picture frame with beautifully crafted angels on each side, France circa 1880. Picture size: 3 cm x 5 cm. In the salons of the wealthy bourgeoisie and aristocracy, such...
Brass
Large Vintage Italian Gucci Picture Frame c.1970
By Gucci
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent sized vintage photograph or picture frame by the famous Italian fashion house, Gucci. Made from silver plate and lavishly finished with gold or gilding, the raised dec...
Silver Plate
Pine Picture Frame Mogens Koch & Rud Rasmussen Denmark, 1940s
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in London, GB
Description: A solid pine picture frame designed by Mogens Koch and made by Rud Rasmussen, circa 1940.In their extreme soberness and simplicity they fully bear the character of Scand...
Pine
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 2.76 in
Midcentury Picture Frame in Wood and Glass by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Italy 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful squared picture frame in pine wood and glass by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Italy in the 1970s. Alvar Aalto, celebra...
Glass, Wood
Wood and Glass Picture Frame by Alvar Aalto for Artek Italy, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Rome, IT
Rectangular wooden picture frame with oval glass space for the photo by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Italy in the 1960s. The original label is still attached in the back, as sh...
Glass, Wood