Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
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
Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331 In Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it mimics the hanging beehives on a...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Early Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto´s most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it m...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Alvar Aalto Brass & Black Hand Grenade Pendants A110, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The hand grenade is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lamps, with its nickname derived from the resemblance with the hand grenade. The model number is A110, but is usually seen in pai...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Metal
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp A622b - Early Version - Valaistustyö Ky Finland 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, FI
Alvar Aalto designed the A622B lamp in 1953 for the National Pensions Institute of Helsinki, and its timeless elegance will easily complement modern homes and public spaces, too.
...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Steel
Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331 In Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it mimics the hanging beehives on a...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Brass 'Kultakello' Model A 330 'Golden Bell' Pendant by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Utrecht, NL
Model A330 is the more complex variation of the popular and more simple model A330S / 'The Golden Bell” that was originally designed in 1936 by Alvar Aalto and his wife Aaino for the...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Early Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto´s most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The design is incredibly simple and takes from nature as it m...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Lamp A335A by Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek A622A lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaistustyö Ky. The lamp is in very good used condition. Valaistustyö's stamp on the lamp.
The Artek A335A pendant lam...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto Pair of "Golden Bell" Brass Pendants for Louis Poulsen, 1950s
By Louis Poulsen, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Rare set of original early production "Golden Bell" pendants by Alvar Aalto manufactured by for Louis Poulsen, Denmark in the 1950s. The pendants are made from solid brass and lacque...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Pair of Alvar Aalto Brass & Black Hand Grenade Pendants A110, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The hand grenade is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lamps, with its nickname derived from the resemblance with the hand grenade. The model number is A110, but is usually seen in pai...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Metal
Alvar Aalto Large White Flush Mount Model. A622, Valaisinpaja 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic ceiling pendant model A622, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, and manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy in Finland in the 1970s. In line with all Aalto furniture and lighting...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Set of 2 Alvar Aalto A110 Hand Grenade Pendant Lamps in Black with Brass Detail
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Very nice sleek hanging lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for the building of the Finnish Engineers Association and the council chamber of the town hall of Säynätsalo. The lamp with model...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto White Brass Large "Dobbeltcylinder" Pendants, Louis Poulsen, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Louis Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare pair of Large Alvar Aalto "dobbeltcylinder" pendants made by commission at Louis Poulsen & Co., Denmark in the 1960s. White lacquered metal and brass. NOTICE: Very similar to Aa...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass & White metal, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
As Alvar Aalto often took his inspiration from his surrounding nature, this layered design creates an eye-pleasing experience and is also inspired from the beehive, even though the b...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass & White metal, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
As Alvar Aalto often took his inspiration from his surrounding nature, this layered design creates an eye-pleasing experience and is also inspired from the beehive, even though the b...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on because of the resemblance? No matter the answer, the design of this lamp is inspiring an...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Large White Flush Mount Model. A622, Valaisinpaja 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic ceiling pendant model A622, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, and manufactured by Valaisinpaja Oy in Finland in the 1970s. In line with all Aalto furniture and lighting...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto, Model A335B for Valaistustyö
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on because of the resemblance? No matter the answer, the design of this lamp is inspiring an...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto "A115 Hand Grenade" Ceiling Pendant Lamp by Valaistustyö Oy, 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare white mid century ceiling lamp pendant model "A115 / Hand Grenade" with a linen fabric shade by Alvar Aalto produced by Valaistustyö Oy in Finland, 1950s. In good original ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto Ceiling light Model B 335 Designed for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling light model B 335 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy. The lamp creates a warm, diffuse light when switched on, a result of the ingenious design that features several rows of perforated steel rings. The bottom ring is pierced powder coated aluminum shade
Included in page 494 from “1000 Lights 1878 to 1959” (vol.1) from Taschen
vintage retro Scandinavian...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto, "Beehive" Ceiling Lamp, Aluminum, Brass, Finland, 1953
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A white-painted aluminum and brass "Beehive" ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Valaistustyö Ky, Finland, 1953.
Interior rod impressed "VALAISTUSTYÖ A331".
Category
1950s Finnish Organic Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Rare Alvar Aalto ceiling lamp model A334 for Valaistustyö, circa 1950.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Iconic and rare pendant light model A 334 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö which is the first edition of those lights that are not produced anymore. The lamp is made in laque...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Iron
Natural White Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Stora Enso Headquarters, Idman 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This lamp is perfect for Kitchens, counter tops, window fronts, or as lighting for painting walls. It can even be used on the outside balcony for example...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
Alvar Aalto A335B Pendant, Valaisinpaja Oy, 1952
By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful pendant light, model A335 B by Alvar Aalto, in brass and white enameled metal, with original metal canopy and white bottom rim, early example by original manufacture Valais...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
alvar aalto pendant lamp A337 Valaisinpaja Oy
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto design A337.
It often called Flying Saucer.
Warm light spreading like ripples.
Category
1970s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
alvar aalto pendant lamp A335A by Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto design A335A by Valaistustyö.
50's orijinal condition.
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Steel
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Vintage Golden Bell Pendant Lamp by Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vorst, BE
The 'Golden Bell' pendant lamp was designed in 1936 for the interior of the Savoy restaurant in Helsinki by Alvar and his wife Aino Aalto. It was characteristic of Aalto to treat eac...
Category
Late 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass, Sheet Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Alvar Aalto, Model A334 for Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
This is a rare ceiling lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto, known as Model A334. It was created around 1950 for the Finnish lighting manufacturer Valaistustyö. The lamp features Aalto’s si...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal
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 Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Steel
Alvar Aalto chandeliers and pendants for sale on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto chandeliers and pendants are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto chandeliers and pendants, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original chandeliers and pendants 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 chandeliers and pendants by Stockmann-Orno , Yki Nummi, and Idman Oy. Prices for Alvar Aalto chandeliers and pendants can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $980 and can go as high as $43,272, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,413.
Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto
Questions About Alvar Aalto Chandeliers and Pendants
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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