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 ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Tank’ armchair, model ’37/400′, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1940s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool 60, Special Red Color Top, Artek Finland.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
This Aalto stool 60 has a nice color combination, natural birch combined with an special red seat top. The color of the seat appears bright red or almost pink depending on the lighti...
Birch
Three Stools Model "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Milan, IT
Three stools model "X-Leg" "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Birch frame with impressive legs connection to the top. Stools sold individually.
Birch
$8,768 / item
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ 1936 Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. As voluminous as it is comfortable, Armchair 400 was created b...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 Early Stool #60 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Sweden by Artek. During the war period Artek opened factories in neutral Sweden where supplies were still available...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto, rare collectable chair model 31 / 'Paimio', 1930/40s.
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sculptural and collectable armchair model No. 31 / Paimo by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, produced during the 1930/40s. Steam bent plywood ...
Beech
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of five Model 65 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy, and retailed by Artek in Finland. The chairs are in beautiful vinta...
Laminate, Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto 3-legged "Sandwich" Stool Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek with birch legs and upholstered top. This is the so called "Swandich" model which has the upholstery going only half way down...
Birch, Wool
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Early N65 Children Chair Alvar Aalto Artek Finland 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
An early version of the N65 children's chair by Finnish manufacturer Artek, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the 1930s. This version of the seat was only available until around ...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to detail. The less comm...
Leather, Birch
$3,900 / set
Alvar Aalto Artek X600 Stool Pair 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Original pair of X600 stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Maintaining stamp under seat. Visible use and wear is present appropriate to the age of the items. Timeless work from the ren...
Beech
Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The famous Paimio lounge chair model 41, designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimion Parantola. Manufactured by Artek in the 1960s, stamped "Artek, Aal...
Birch, Plywood
Set of 6 Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stackable Stools Model 60, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
These six Alvar Aalto iconic stools from 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted directly to the underside of the round seat wi...
Birch
$2,318Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Paimio Chair 41
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning Paimio armchair 41 by Alvar Alto for Artek, Finland, in natural birch wood with black bentwood seat with venting slots. The laminated birch frame is bent into a closed curve...
Birch
Midcentury pair of stools mod. K65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
The K65 model stool was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935. The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters. The low backrest provides the right suppo...
Wood
$7,012 / item
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair in Zebra for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto 400 ‘Tank’ armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. Please note: price is for a 'Tank' armchair in Zebra upholstery and nat...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
E65 chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
E65 chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s A Scandinavian (Finland) chair by Alvar Aalto model E65 designed in the 1930s. This chair dates from the 1950s and is in ORIGINAL ...
Birch, Plywood
Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with red linoleum seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consisten...
Birch
$13,223 / item
Alvar Aalto Pair of ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tilburg, NL
Alvar Aalto Pair of 400 ‘Tank’ Armchair for Artek. Designed in 1936. New, current production. Please note: the price is for 2 chairs with Kvadat Tonus...
Fabric, Wood
Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto lounge chair model 402, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uccle, BE
Original 1930's Alvar Aalto Model 402 lounge chair with reupholstered ecru cotton blend fabric. One of Aalto's notable creations is the "Model 402 Armchair...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Zebra Hide Lounge Chairs Danish Modern Midcentury Design for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Tall back cantilevered lounge chairs in zebra hide, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, originally designed circa 1930s, these examples are circa 1950s. They are a near pair ...
Zebra Hide, Wood, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, strong patina with some chips. Please see picture 3 for accurate color.
Bentwood
Artek Stool by Alvar Aalto with Early Sandwich Construction and Zebra Fabric
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Finland
This is an exceptional and highly sought-after vintage example of the quintessential Artek Stool 60, designed by the legendary Alvar Aalto. Originating from the 1930s, this stool fea...
Fabric, Birch
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x 24"W x 27...
Cane, Birch
Alvar Aalto Highback Cantilever Chair Model 36/401 Birch & Rusty Red Wool, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of vintage birch highback lounge chairs model 36/401 by Alvar Aalto. Upholstered with original rusty red wool and with an amazing honey coloured patina to the bent birchwood. Designed 1933 and manufactured in the 1950s by Artek, Finland. The high-back cantilever Armchair 401...
Wool, Birch
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stackable 3 Legged Stools Model 60 in Brich, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of the iconic model 60 stools designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Inspired by the clean lines and organic forms of nature, the Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool is a timeless piece of ...
Birch
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern stools by Alvar Aalto, made in the 1940s-50s. The ingenious stacking design has made these stools a timeless favourite and one of Aalto’s most end...
Birch
$1,240Sale Price|34% Off
Alvar Aalto Armchair 406, Bentwood, Mid-Century Modern, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Armchair 406 combines simple elegance with comfort. Since wood changes over time, the armrests are formed from a single piece that is then split in half, ensuring that as the chair ...
Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Model 402 Lounge Chair, Bent Birch & Blue Vinyl, Early Model 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Detroit, MI
The Model 402 lounge chair or ‘Atelje’ chair was designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1933 and is considered a masterpiece of modernist furniture design. The classic, well-balanced de...
Fabric, Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Armchair 44 with Zebra upholstery
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Armchair model 44, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek. The chair has been made of birch, and it has famous Artek's Zebra fabric upholstery.
Fabric, Birch
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. Measures: 35"H x...
Cane, Birch
Vintage Red Linoleum N65 Children Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
An N65 children's chair by Finnish manufacturer Artek, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the 1930s. Shown here with a red linoleum seat. This icon of Scandinavian design is hard...
Other
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Finsven, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Alvar Aalto model 60 birch stool. Birch bentwood legs with Aalto’s signature feathered bentwood leg design. Swedish production Finsven from the late 1940s. Great patina, ...
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto original condition 1940's stool 60 with war legs, Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Very nice and rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 with War Legs from the 1940s, Artek. The stool is in original condition including the screws There are some scratches on the seat. Very few o...
Birch
$803Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Stool model Y61 by Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek's model Y61 stool, birch with black saddle belts. Designed by Alvar Aalto. In very good used condition. Airy design and beautiful Y-shaped leg structures.
Birch, Fabric
Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, Finland
Rare and collectible E60 stool by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek. This iconic piece features the original yellow laminate seat top, a discontinued and ...
Birch
Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto for Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab from the 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Birch
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
$2,319 / set
Chair 68 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Alvar Aalto designed Chair 68 in 1935. It is closely related to the iconic Stool 60. It incorporates a three-piece backrest extension. The chairs can be stacked up to four pieces hig...
Birch
Vintage Alvar Aalto 153A Bench, Bentwood, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Bench 153 is lightweight, versatile, and equally at home in the public and private spheres. The seat is composed of solid birch wood and features vertical recesses that make the benc...
Bentwood
Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Finish Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) vintage low bench. The bench is made of solid birch with lacquer in the 1980s. by Artek in Finland. Very nice vintage...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous slatted bench in hand selected birch designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. Please see all pics and video as t...
Birch
$720Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Chair 66 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1940-50s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Chair 66 is a universal wooden chair in the tradition of classic kitchen and café chairs; its visible, additive construction logic is full of character and pleasing to the eye. The w...
Bentwood
Alvar Aalto, Chaise Longue, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1947
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A birch bentwood and beige fabric webbing chaise longue designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by O.Y. Huonekalu-ja Rakennusyötehdas, A.B., Turku, Finland, c. 1947. Provenance: Philli...
Fabric, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 42, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 42 chair, also known as spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regarded as an i...
Birch, Plywood
Rare Alvar Aalto Stool X602 with Fan Leg and Black Leather, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto stool model X602, manufactured in Finland by Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab back in the 1950s. A rare model, the X-leg stool is one of the simplest yet most brillia...
Leather, Bentwood
Rare Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with rare color imitation leather. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with...
Faux Leather, Birch
Set of Alvar Aalto Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 3 beautiful model X600 stools designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though simple, these stools come with great quality and attention to detail. Th...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 36, Finmar/P.E. Gana, 1st Production 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
This Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 36 is a timeless piece of Finnish design, created in 1933 and showcasing the elegance and innovation that made Aalto a key figure in the modernist mov...
Alpaca, Plywood
$6,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Very rare pair of model ‘X602’ stools designed by Alvar Aalto around 1954. Made of a birch tripod base with exceptional wood detailing and the original black leather seats. In great ...
Leather, Birch
Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 Stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Birch with rare wine color vinyl. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. A...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a small cocktail t...
Birch
Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden "No 51 / Hallway" Armchair by Alvar Aalto 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare and early Finnish mid century wooden "No 51 / Hallway" armchair in form pressed laminated plywood and birch by Alvar Aalto for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland in 1932. ...
Birch
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929. Birch. Stamped. This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is character...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto cantilever 'spring' chairs model 402, also known as Pikkupaimio (small paimio) associated with the legendary Paimio Sanatorium designed by...
Metal
Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing pair of stools in a lacquered birch. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in Finland. Model "K60". This vintage set is from the 1970s "Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976), was a Finni...
Birch
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Armchairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Austin, TX
Model 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and sought after combination ...
Nylon, Beech
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60 in original condition and nicely patinated. Manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab from the 1930s.
Birch