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.
$667Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Cocktail Tray by Sanka
By Alvar Aalto, Sanka Finland
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 ...
Acrylic
$560
H 0.5 in W 8 in D 10.38 in
Small Cocktail Tray by Christofle, French Art Deco Silver Plated Serving Tray
By Christofle
Located in Miami, FL
French Art Deco style silver-plated serving tray from Christofle. This small cocktail tray is hallmarked on the reverse. In very good condition, wear consistent with age, materials...
Silver Plate
$257Sale Price|54% Off
H 0.79 in W 11.22 in D 13.78 in
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
$863
H 3.35 in W 16.34 in D 9.85 in
Vintage Decorative Serving Tray, English, Cocktail Platter, Georgian Revival
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage decorative serving tray. An English, mahogany cocktail or canapé platter in Georgian revival taste, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1970. Delightful revival...
Mahogany
Jens Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak, Wenge
$1,012
H 1.19 in W 16.54 in D 10.24 in
Decorative Ceramic Tray by Sylvia Leuchovius for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Sylvia Leuchovius
Located in Goteborg, SE
Decorative tray by the Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius. (1915-2003). Leuchovius was one of Rörstrands most prolific artists for almost 30 years. This tray is a typical example of he...
Ceramic
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Wenge Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Highland, IN
A stunningly beautiful design by Jens Quistgaard from Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection, this sculptural tray is crafted of solid wenge wood.
Wenge
Large 1930s English Art Deco chrome and bakelite cocktail tray
Located in London, GB
Attractive oval Art Deco polished chrome tray with hammered chrome centre. Bakelite handles with ribbed detail pattern that is echoed in the surrounding chrome frame. Signed "Made in...
Chrome
Sigvard Nilsson Tray Produced by Söwe Konst in Sweden
By Sigvard NIlsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Teak tray designed by Sigvard Nilsson. Produced by Söwe Konst in Sweden.
Teak
1930`s round pewter tray by Bjorn Tragardh for Svenskt Tenn
By Bjorn Tragardh, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare round tray in pewter with twisted rope detail handles. Designed by Björn Trägårdh in 1931 for Svenskt Tenn. Marked with angel stamp I8, made in 1935.
Pewter
1950s Bamboo + Dimpled Glass Cocktail Tray Vintage Tiki Post War Era
By Russel Wright
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A mid-century relic, pure tiki and an uncommon survivor. This fabulous and unique find is sowing its age but also timeless in design. A dimpled glass, bamboo wrapped drink tray. W...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass
$1,510
H 4.34 in W 20.48 in D 13 in
Antique Large Edwardian Silver Plated Oval Gallery Cocktail / Decanter Tray
Located in Suffolk, GB
A large and elegant antique Edwardian silver plated oval gallery tray of excellent scale, ideal as a stylish cocktail or decanter tray. The tray features...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.97 in W 18.9 in D 11.82 in
Serving Set of Tray Ice Bucket and Glasses by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Italy 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Rome, IT
Tray set composed of a tray, four glasses, of which one slightly smaller than the other three, and an ice bucket in wood and glass by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Italy in the 1960...
Glass, Wood