Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

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.

Creator: Alvar Aalto

Twin Ceiling Lamp by Alvar Aalto, Made by Idman, Finland

$3,446

Twin Ceiling Lamp by Alvar Aalto, Made by Idman, Finland

By Idman Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in London, GB

A simple architectural piece comprising twin ceiling lights on a single back plate, designed by Alvar Aalto and stamped by the Finnish manufacturer Idman. Overall the fixture is in fair vintage condition with lots of signs of wear from age and use - scratches, dents, dust and fading - all left as found. See images for examples of details and overview, or contact us if you would like more information. Wiring: The original wiring has been partially removed, and will need to be replaced prior to install. The original bulb-holders took E27 screw-fitting bulbs; as with all vintage pieces we recommend the use of low heat bulbs to protect the fixture for the future. There are two holes on the plate for installation (fixings not included). The diffusers simply rest in place, and can be removed for shipping. This design is believed to have been created for the Enso-Gutzeit headquarters in Helsinki, which was designed by Aalto and completed in 1962. Idman Oy were a manufacturer of high quality lighting by designers...

Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Pair of Lighting by Alvar Aalto

$12,500 / item

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 Flush Mount

Materials

Sheet Metal

Alvar Aalto A337 Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy, 1950

$5,800

Alvar Aalto A337 Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy, 1950

By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful 'Flying Saucer' Model A337, ceiling flush mount lamp by Alvar Aalto, early example by original manufacture Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland, circa 1953, labelled with manufacture's...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Large Model K5-25 Brass & Textile Flush Mount by Idman Oy, Finland, 1950s

$5,041

H 8.67 in Dm 31.5 in

Large Model K5-25 Brass & Textile Flush Mount by Idman Oy, Finland, 1950s

By Idman Oy

Located in Karis, Nyland

A large and visually striking flush-mount ceiling light model K5-25 produced by Idman Oy in Finland during the 1950s. The generously scaled shade features a sculptural, pleated form ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Large Model K5-25 Flush Mount, Idman Oy, 1960s

$7,081

H 8.67 in Dm 27.56 in

Large Model K5-25 Flush Mount, Idman Oy, 1960s

By Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model K5-25 flush mount, manufactured by Idman, 1960s. Reupholstered with quality model Manor -fabric by Lauritzon. Brass details. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consis...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Natural White Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Stora Enso Headquarters, Idman 1960s

$5,569

H 8.67 in W 45.28 in D 13.39 in

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 Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Paavo Tynell, pair of 1950s ceiling/wall lamps, Idman Oy

$5,364 / set

H 31.5 in Dm 6.7 in

Paavo Tynell, pair of 1950s ceiling/wall lamps, Idman Oy

By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi

Discover the timeless elegance of this pair of 1950s Paavo Tynell lamps by Idman Oy, featuring an adjustable fixture through brass joints. Perfect for versatile placements, these fix...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Flush Mount, Frosted Glass, Lasipaino Oy, 1960s

$1,890Sale Price|30% Off

H 8.27 in Dm 23.43 in

Flush Mount, Frosted Glass, Lasipaino Oy, 1960s

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Flush mount, manufactured by Lasipaino Oy, 1960s. Frosted glass with brass details. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Beautiful minimalistic design.

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Large Model K5-40 Flush Mount, Idman Oy, 1950s

$7,801

H 10.63 in Dm 39.38 in

Large Model K5-40 Flush Mount, Idman Oy, 1950s

By Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model K5-40 flush mount, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Reupholstered with model Manor -fabric by Lauritzon, brass details. Manufacturer's mark. Good vintage condition, minor patin...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Model 20428 Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1940s

$10,610

H 7.09 in W 15.95 in D 15.95 in

Model 20428 Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1940s

By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model 20428 flush mount, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1940s. Wooden slat and fabric frame, brass detail. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent wit...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Model 9068 "Starry Sky" Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1950s

$11,882

H 9.06 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in

Model 9068 "Starry Sky" Flush Mount, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1950s

By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model 9068 "Starry Sky" flush mount, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by !dman Oy, 1950s. Painted metal and brass. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pair of Model 80112-25 Flush Mounts, Idman Oy, 1950s

$2,640 / set

H 4.93 in Dm 9.65 in

Pair of Model 80112-25 Flush Mounts, Idman Oy, 1950s

By Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Pair of model 80112-25 flush mounts by Idman Oy from the 1950s. Milk glass and metal. Manufacturer's stamp in the bottom. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent wit...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Pair of White Slated Flush Mounts Model AE74/45, Alvar Aalto Style, Itsu 1950s

$3,840 / set

H 8.67 in Dm 17.72 in

Pair of White Slated Flush Mounts Model AE74/45, Alvar Aalto Style, Itsu 1950s

By Itsu

Located in Helsinki, FI

A pair of exceptionally refined modern ceiling lamps by the esteemed Finnish manufacturer, Itsu. Their design embraces elegant simplicity, featuring concentric metal circles that cas...

Category

1950s Finnish Minimalist Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Large Brass & Synthetic Textile Flush Mount by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland

$7,441

H 10.63 in Dm 39.38 in

Large Brass & Synthetic Textile Flush Mount by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland

By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Karis, Nyland

Striking and generously sized flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The design features a wide, pleated shade made from synthetic ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Brass

Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp A805 White, Brass & Leather Valaisinpaja 1980s

$5,929

H 66.93 in W 20.48 in D 14.18 in

Alvar Aalto Angel Wing Floor Lamp A805 White, Brass & Leather Valaisinpaja 1980s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy

Located in Helsinki, FI

This lamp is a legendary Alvar Aalto design and one of his finest creations. It was first designed in 1954 for the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. The name of course comes f...

Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Previously Available Items

Alvar Aalto Lamp Model A622B Valaistustyö

Sold

H 9.06 in Dm 17.72 in

Alvar Aalto Lamp Model A622B Valaistustyö

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö, Artek

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek A622B lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Valaistustyö. In good used condition. There is Valaistustyö's stamp in the lamp.

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Pair of Model A622A Flush Mounts, Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö, 1950s

Sold

H 11.03 in Dm 22.45 in

Pair of Model A622A Flush Mounts, Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Pair of model A622A flush mounts, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Valaistustyö, 1950s. Metal frame with glass detail. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with ag...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto A337 Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy, 1950

Sold

H 14 in Dm 22 in

Alvar Aalto A337 Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy, 1950

By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful 'Flying Saucer' Model A337, ceiling flush mount lamp by Alvar Aalto, early example by original manufacture Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland, circa 1953, labelled with manufacture's...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Alvar Aalto for Idman Ceiling Lights, 1950s

Sold

H 7.5 in Dm 9.75 in

Alvar Aalto for Idman Ceiling Lights, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Idman Oy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful flushmount ceiling light by Alvar Aalto for Idman Oy, Finland, in enameled metal with louvered diffuser, one E26 socket, max. wattage 75w each or LED equivalent, wired for ...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto A622A Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy

Sold

H 9 in Dm 22.5 in

Alvar Aalto A622A Flush Mount, Valaisinpaja Oy

By Alvar Aalto, Valaisinpaja Oy

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Wonderful model 'A622A' ceiling lamp by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland, originally designed for the National Pensions building in Helsinki, made of louvered, white lacquere...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto A 624 Ceiling Light for Valaistustyö

Sold

H 12.6 in Dm 17.72 in

Alvar Aalto A 624 Ceiling Light for Valaistustyö

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Tomi, Nagano

A624 ceiling lamp by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s Good vintage condition. * The cable of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise.

Category

1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto for Idman Pair Of Metal Ceiling Lamps, 1950s

Sold

H 9.85 in Dm 7.49 in

Alvar Aalto for Idman Pair Of Metal Ceiling Lamps, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Idman

Located in Prague, New Town

Pair of metal ceiling lamps designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman in Finland, 1950s. The lamps feature the original manufacturer’s stamp. Date of manufacture: 1950s Origin: Finland Mat...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Ceiling Lamp Model A604 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s

Sold

H 7.49 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in

Ceiling Lamp Model A604 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Stockholm, SE

Painted metal and brass. Extremely rare model. D: 36 cm/ 14 1/4" H: 19 cm/ 7 1/"

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ceiling Lamp Model A604 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s

Sold

H 7.49 in W 13.78 in L 7.49 in

Ceiling Lamp Model A604 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, 1950s

By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto

Located in Stockholm, SE

Painted metal and brass. Extremely rare model. D: 36 cm/ 14 1/4" H: 19 cm/ 7 1/".

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal, Brass

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

Sold

H 6.3 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

By Alvar Aalto, Idman

Located in Stockholm, SE

Finland, 1960s. Painted metal. Stamped. Measures: H 16 cm / 6 1/4" W 60 cm / 23 1/2 " D 60 cm / 23 1/2" Provenance: From Stora Enso's head office in Helsinki, designed by...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

Sold

H 6.3 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

By Alvar Aalto, Idman

Located in Stockholm, SE

Finland, 1960s. Painted metal. Stamped. Measures: H 16 cm / 6 1/4" W 60 cm / 23 1/2 " D 60 cm / 23 1/2" Provenance from Stora Enso's head office...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

Sold

H 6.3 in W 23.63 in L 6.3 in

Ceiling Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman

By Alvar Aalto, Idman

Located in Stockholm, SE

Finland, 1960s. Painted metal. Stamped. Measures: H 16 cm / 6 1/4" W 60 cm / 23 1/2 " D 60 cm / 23 1/2" Provenance from Stora Enso's head office in Helsinki, designed by ...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto flush mount for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto flush mount 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 flush mount, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original flush mount by Alvar Aalto were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider flush mount by Lisa Johansson-Pape, Taito Oy, and Itsu. Prices for Alvar Aalto flush mount can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $15,802, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,200.

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Questions About Alvar Aalto Flush Mount

What is Alvar Aalto known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Alvar 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
The 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 the Paimio chair designed by Alvar Aalto?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The 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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