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Alvar Aalto Seating

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 Stool in Leather for Artek, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured by Artek (Finland). New leather top, wood legs and structure. In great original condition, with minor wear consistent wit...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood

Set of Four Birch Dining Chairs Model 66 by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha 2, Hlavní město Praha
Dining set of four chairs in birch, model 66, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1980s. These chairs are part of the iconic 66 Chair series designed by t...
Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto 7 Stackable Stools Model No 60, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
These seven Alvar Aalto iconic stools from 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted direct...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Set of 3 Alvar Alto Stool 60 by Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 vintage original vintage Alvar Alto 60 stools from early 1960s. From a private home with one owner who purchased them in the late 1950s. Two wit...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood, Birch

Alvar Aalto 402 Series pair of Armchair for Artek, circa 1960, lambskin
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Lounge chairs designed by Alvar Aalto manufactured, circa 1960. New upholstered with lambskin Curved birch plywood and braided vegetable fiber. Measures: 74 x 61 x 69 cm.  
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Sheepskin, 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...
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1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Cane, Birch

1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Cane, Birch

Alvar Aalto 401 Wingback Chair by Artek Finland, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Alvar Aalto 401 wingback chair by Artek Finland, 1970s. Bent birch and plywood frame, recently reupholstered in a high quality cream boucle. About the de...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bouclé

Rare High-Back Chair Model 402 Designed by Alvar Aalto for OY Huonekalu-Ja Raken
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare high-back chair model 402 designed by Alvar Aalto for OY Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas AB, Finland, 1930s. Bent plywood, beech, and textile ribbons. This is one of the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Textile, Beech, Plywood

30's alvar aalto 403 hallway chair painted white
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
The early 403 was characterized by making the best use of the flexibility of the pre-wood, without the bearing surface on the cross. This is an individual that has been painted in...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Pair of Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chairs Model 406 by Artek in Birch Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chairs model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x ...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Cane, Birch

Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Dorchester, MA
eatures a distinctive five-section fan of bent birchwood, whose joins cascade down the legs, and the original leather-wrapped top with a beautiful patina. The piece can serve as a si...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Leather

1980s Modern Three Leg Low Stool Iconic Design Style of Alvar Aalto Denmark
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s low wood stool Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Denmark Scandinavian Modern Classic Dark stained wood. Useful as a small side table. Measures: 17.5 tall x 15.5 depth Origin...
Category

1980s Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Wood

Alvar Aalto Easy Chair Nr 31 Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model nr 31 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas in Finland.
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Six Alvar Aalto Stools in Birch "Model 60" Produced by Artek, Finland ca 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St-Brais, JU
With Artek 2nd Cycle sticker, late 1940s. Purchased in Helsinki.
Category

1940s Finnish Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Wood

Fabulous Pair Zebra Print Alvar Aalto 400 Tank Chair by Artek Mid-Century
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fabulous pair of Alvar Aalto zebra print Tank chairs. This pair is circa 80s and are in very nice vintage condition. The armchair 400, designed by Al...
Category

1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Vintage Midcentury Alvar Aalto stool, model "Y61", Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lovely stool by Alvar Aalto, model “Y 61”. Made from birch with flowing lines, wreathed rattan seat.
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1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Rattan, Birch

'Model 45' birch armchairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of two 'Model 45' armchairs designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto. The frame is made of beech and wicker, while the seat is made of canvas. The armchairs were ...
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1970s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Canvas, Wicker, Birch

Pair of Vintage Model 65 Chairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Cape Town, WC
Model 65 encapsulates designer Alvar Aalto’s approach to systematic, rational design within the context of Finnish minimalism; showcasing clean lines and his favoured use of birchwoo...
Category

1940s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Exceptionally rare set of early Alvar Aalto armchairs for O.Y Wilhelm Schauman A.B Jyväskylä, Finland, 1939. Custom ordered for NY World's Fair Restau...
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Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Paire de fauteuils “402” d’Alvar Aalto Pour Artek, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Fauteuils de la série “402” d’Alvar Aalto pour Artek, 1960. Structure en bouleau courbé, laqué et rembourrage en raphia.
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto, an authentic edition, chair #41, designed in 1941 by Alvar Aalto for Artek of Finland. A tour de force in bent...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

Alvar Aalto Stool X600 for Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to details. The less common X-leg with the leather padding bring plain beauty. The original blue leather makes t...
Category

1950s Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch

Pair of Vintage Upholstered Hallway Chairs 54/404 by Alvar Aalto, Circa 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Surrey, GB
A stunning pair of stackable Alvar Aalto chair 54/404, a padded variant of hallway chair 403 designed in 1932. Very good vintage condition. Dimen...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

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 ...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Nylon, Beech

Alvar Aalto Y61 Stool
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to create the unique Y-leg. This vintage example was sold in the US by ICF and has a rich patina attesting to y...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Canvas, Birch

Alvar Aalto 31 Armchair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, England
Alvar Aalto 31 armchair.
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 4
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair Model 45 from Alvar Aalto.Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather. Manufactured by Artek. The chairs are very comfortable and lightweighted. They are in ...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer

Alvar Aalto Stool X600 for Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to details. The less common X-leg with the leather padding bring plain beauty. This stool is in good condition w...
Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto Model 31 Cantilevered Lounge Chair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Ferndale, MI
I believe this to be an early production chair in original somewhat worn finish. One of several designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto during time he was building a tuberculos...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Chairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 4 Model number 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later (1960's?) by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Nylon, Beech

Set of 2 First Edition Alvar Aalto 402 Chairs for Finmar, 1930s
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto
Located in amstelveen, NL
402 Chair, Alvar Aalto, Finmar, 1933 The 402 armchair was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933. Aalto was a famous architect and one of the most influential...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, Solid Birch Bentwood Stackable E60 Pascoe Stool for Artek, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
This is a rare piece deigned by Alvar Aalto. Boasting elegant simplicity, this piece encapsulates the beauty of mid century Modernist design. About the designer: As one of the key...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Alvar Aalto Bentwood Stool
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Garnerville, NY
A very early example of Aalto's iconic use of laminated and bentwood. This stool has all the patina, wear and bruises of time and use, circa 1940-1950. Some screws are missing from r...
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
Paimio Chair by Alvar Aalto, an authentic edition, chair #41, designed in 1941 by Alvar Aalto for Artek of Finland. A tour de force in bent...
Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

Alvar Aalto 36 Chair
By Alvar Aalto, O.Y.Huonekalu
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Early Alvar Aalto 36/401 chair designed in 1933 and made by O.y. Huonekalu – Ja Rakennustyotehdas AB, Turku, Finland. Beautiful example of this special chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric

Alvar Aalto Model 406 Lounge Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
Aalto's 1936 design, the model 406 lounge chair is a perfect example of understated Finnish design. The bent wood cantelivered frame of laminated birch and n...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Pair of Chairs Model 69 by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian pair of chairs model 69 by Alvar Aalto. Chair 69 is one of Artek’s most popular chairs, a universal wooden chair in the tradit...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Beech

Finnish Design Classic Lounge Chair No 401 by Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Renens, CH
Early edition of the 401 cantilever lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Huonekalu Ja Rakennustyötehdas (Turku, Finland) during the late 1930s. Our version was re-u...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" Produced by Artek, 1963
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced 1963 by Artek, acquired new by previous owner. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanator...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Chair 2, Mode 15.1930
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Madrid, ES
An Alvar Aalto Borchardt chair, model 15, designed by Alvar Aalto and edited in 1930. Stamped. Upholstered in Eames style fabrics. Excellent condition.
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Rare, Early Alvar Aalto Model 31/42 Cantilevered Armchairs, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Rare, early Alvar Aalto model 31/42 cantilevered armchairs, Finland, 1930s, designed and produced in the 1930s. Painted birch-veneered bent plywoo...
Category

1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Plywood

1940s Finnish Dining Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dining chair in laminated birch with newly upholstered black leather seat and back.
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch

Armchair 42 “Little Paimio” Designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1931
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair 42 “Small Paimio” designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1931. Bent birch and lacquered plywood. Dimesnions: H: 63 cm/ 2' 1" W: 60 cm/ 1' 11 1/2" D: ...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Birch Wingback Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare and sculptural wingback lounge chair having a cantilevered laminated birch frame and retaining its original handstitched textured linen upholstery.
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Upholstery

Pair of Model 401 Alvar Aalto Wing Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stamford, CT
A pair of laminated birch wood wingback armchairs designed by Alvar Aalto. Unmarked but presumed to be produced by Arte in the 1970s. Newly upholstered i...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Rare Sofa by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milan, IT
Rare sofa by Alvar Aalto. Finland, 1956. Provenance: Kansanela¨kelaitos (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland). Example provided with original label....
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pair Hallway 403 Chairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, TX
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was born at Kuortane, Finland, February 3, 1898. He received his diploma in architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921. There were few com...
Category

1930s Finnish Art Deco Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto 31 Lounge Chair for the Paimio Sanitorium, Finland, 1931
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas As an architect and designer, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) should be celebrated for bringing Scandinavian modernism to global prominence. His sensitivity t...
Category

1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto L-Leg Bench/ Table Model 106
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
This exceptional example of Allto's slat bench/ table by Artek dates to circa 1948 and was sold at Chicago's landmark modern design store Baldwin Kingrey...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Wingback Lounge Chair, circa 1950
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wingback lounge chair, model 36/401 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933. Produced by Artek (Finland) in, circa 1950. Bent laminated birch base and armrests, deep foam rubber seat and bac...
Category

1950s Finnish Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Beech, Plywood

Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair, Model 31
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31. A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating bac...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto Armchair No. 31, Early Example, circa 1934
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto armchair No. 31. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, circa 1934-1935. Bent laminated birch frame, seat in laminated birch root veneer.
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Vintage Pair of Hallway 403 Chairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, TX
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was born at Kuortane, Finland, February 3, 1898. He received his diploma in architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921. There were few com...
Category

1930s Finnish Art Deco Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

1940s Finnish Set of Four Upholstered Dining Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Set of four Alvar Aalto model No.62 laminated birch dining chairs produced by Artek in the late 1940s. The model of this listing, No.62, is slightly larger in scale than a very simil...
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Plywood, Upholstery, Leather

Special Edition of Aalto Stool E60, "Moomintroll" Artek Finland.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
Rare "Moomin" special edition of Aalto Stool E60, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In 2013, in honor of the 80th anniversary, Artek released classic furniture decorated with belov...
Category

2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 213 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating 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 seating by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Yrjö Kukkapuro, and Oy Stockmann AB. Prices for Alvar Aalto seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $480 and can go as high as $80,707, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,221.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Seating
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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