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
Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 402 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame with wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, heavy...
Wool, 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
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with linen webbing...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Alvar Aalto Paimio Chair 41
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Collector's Piece/Extremely Rare Model 13 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Early 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Collector's item/Extremely rare model 13 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustöitä Ab, early 1930s. The chair is made of beech, suggesting tha...
Beech
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. It is r...
Birch, Plywood
$3,163Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Alvar Aalto Cantilever Armchair Model 26, Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Very hard to find Model 26 armchair is designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek with frame in steel tube, painted matt black and with seat form pressed birch plywood, lacquered in black. Aalto designed Lounge Chair 26...
Metal
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
Alvar Aalto, rare variation of the model 46 for Artek, circa 1960.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare variation of the model 46 designed by Alvar Aalto in the 40's and produced by Artek in Finland in the same era. The chairs is composed by two extremly rare armrest. It has been ...
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Birch, Cane
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model Y61 Stool Chair Black Leather 1 of 2
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare stool model Y61 from Alvar Aalto. Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather. Manufactured by Artek. The stools are comfortable and lightweighted. They are in bes...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regar...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto, 1930s chair 403, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace the essence of Scandinavian design with the Alvar Aalto, 1930s Chair 403. This piece is a blend of functional elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- j...
Upholstery, 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 402 Series Armchair for Artek, circa 1960, lambskin
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Lounge chair 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.
Sheepskin, Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Armchair No. 31, early 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto armchair No. 31. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, produced early 1930s.. Bent laminated birch frame, seat in laminated birch root veneer.
Birch
$17,055Sale Price / set|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
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...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Pair of Cantilever Armchairs M. 401 Green Buffalo Check, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto cantilever 'spring' chairs model 401. This chair is similar to the iconic one known as Pikkupaimio (small paimio) but with a higher back a...
Metal
Alvar Aalto, Birch, Rattan, Black Linen Webbing, Armchairs, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stamford, CT
Alvar Aalto, Artek, Birch, Rattan, Black Linen Webbing, "Model 45" Armchairs, Finland, 1980s Pair of "Model 45" armchairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and produced in Finland c...
Linen, Rattan, Birch
Rare Armchair 'Small Paimio' Model 42 Designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1932
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare armchair 'Small Paimio' model 42 designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1932. Painted birch veneer and bent plywood. Stamped. H: 61.5 cm W: 60.5 cm D: 78 cm SH: 37 cm A...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Model 31 Cantilever Chair, Birch Plywood, 1930s
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...
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: ...
Birch
Early Model 51/403 Hallway Armchair, Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Early model 51/403 hallway chair, design Alvar Aalto, 1930s. Later painted birch frame. In the pictures you can see the original dusty rose color paint peeking through. Good vintage ...
Birch, Paint
Vintage Model 401 Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare vintage model 401 armchair by Alvar Aalto. This was made in Finland by Artek, it dates from around the 1970’s. It is of exceptional ...
Bouclé, Bentwood
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Set of 2
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with linen webbin...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Alvar Aalto Armchair model 46 by Artek in 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Alvar Aalto's armchair model 46 by Artek, birch with original black leather upholstery. The chair is from around 1950s and is in good used condition.
Birch, Leather
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent wi...
Birch, Paint
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
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
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Modern Armchair Model 45 Birch & Linen Webbing, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Alvar Aalto 45 armchairs made in the 1970s by Artek. Great condition with patinated cane on the arms and original dark blue flax linen webbing. ...
Linen, Birch
Set of armchairs and a matching sofa attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set of two armchairs and a matching sofa designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1930s. The pieces are crafted in bentwood, featuring Aalto’s iconic use of laminated birch shaped int...
Wood
Alvar Aalto '36/401' Cantilever Armchairs in Birch and Black Fabric, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
Highback cantilever armchairs, model '36/401', designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933. Produced by Artek in Finland, 1950s. Laminated birch, newly upholstered in black fabric. Price per pie...
Fabric, Birch
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey colored birch frame, black painted birch seats. Good vint...
Birch, Paint
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consiste...
Birch, Paint
Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Cane, 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 sanatorium in the Finnish city of ...
Birch
Arm Chair in Black Linen by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1947
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Birch
Model 31 Armchair Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A model 31 armchair designed by one of Finland's most prestigious Modernist designers and architects, Alvar Aalto. The model 31 was designed by Aalto during the 1930s whilst he was working alongside his wife and partner, Aino Aalto, on the Paimio Sanitorium. Aalto won the commission for the tuberculosis hospital in 1929, and over 4 years built a gesamtkunstwerk, "total work of art", dedicated to physical and mental wellness in every capacity possible. Aalto described the sanatorium itself as a "medical instrument", prioritising ventilation and heliotherapy (sun exposure), with furniture functioning a core part of this finely tuned instrument. The low seat and gently reclining form of the model 31 is indicative of the environment of restfullness which Aino and Aalto sought to construct at Paimio. Much like the eponymous "Paimio Chair", the most recognised design from the project, the model 31 shares the scroll-like expression created by the continuous seat and back. However, unlike the "Paimio Chair" the model 31 has a cantilevered construction created by the sweeping curves of the laminated birch frame, inspired by the original "Freischwinger" by Mart Stam from 1926. This particular armchair was once owned by British artist and designer, Max Clendinning, and his partner Ralph Adron...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Hallway Armchairs Model 403 in Honey Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto hallway chairs model 402 designed for the legendary Paimio Sanatorium designed by Aalto. This beautiful pair is from the 1950s. Even tho...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Armchairs 45 in Birch, Rattan, & White Leather, Artek 1970s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful pair of Alvar Aalto model 45 chairs in birch with rattan wrapping and white leather details. Designed in the 1940s and produced in this ...
Birch, Leather, Rattan
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Silver Birch and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare version of one of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in ...
Birch, Plywood
Early Mod. 31 Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A fully restored early edition of the iconic Model 31 bentwood lounge chair, featuring a laminated birch frame with elegantly curved armrests and sled base. The sculptural plywood se...
Bentwood, Pine, Plywood
Early Alvar Aalto 'Model 2' Arm Chair, 1930
By Alvar Aalto, O.Y.Huonekalu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original early Alvar Aalto 'Model 2' armchair for O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas A.B., in molded plywood and solid birch. Unrestored condition with partly significant wear. Lat...
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in Birch and Honey Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful original Alvar Aalto armchair model 401, which was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sanatorium that basically launched the Aalto name t...
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Hallway Armchair model 403 painted Birch and plywood, Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Beautiful mid-century Alvar Aalto hallway chair model 403 designed for the legendary Paimio Sanatorium, manufactured by Artek 1950s. This chair hav...
Birch, Plywood
Pair of Model 401 Armchairs, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 401 armchairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame, wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, ...
Wool, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in White Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and early version of the iconic Aalto arm chair model 401 that was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sana...
Birch, Sheepskin
Pair of Alvar Aalto Commissioned Armchairs, Enso Gutzeit, Zebra and Brass, 1962
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
An imposing and not to mention rare pair of Alvar Aalto chairs designed for the Enso-Gutzeit headquarters in Helsinki in the early 1960s. Th...
Brass
Vintage Paimio #41 Armchair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Circa 1960
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century modern Paimio #41 arm chair originally designed by modernist architect Alvar Aalto in 1928 was made in Finland by Artek circa 1960. A tour de force in bentwo...
Wood, Birch, Plywood
$1,972Sale Price / item|25% Off
Model 46 Armchair with Floral Fabric, Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 46 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Stained birch frame with kerni wrapped handles. Later reupholstered with quality fabric. Good vintage condition, minor patina ...
Fabric, Birch
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with light linen w...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Alvar Aalto Early ‘Mod. 31′ Armchair, Finland 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Wohnbedarf
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Alvar Aalto ‘Mod. 31' Armchair, Finland 1930s. Early edition manufactured by O.y. Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas A.b. Turku and Supplied by the famous Wohnbedarf, Zürich; marked with...
Plywood
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Set of 2
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with light linen w...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Set of 4
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with linen webbing...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Chairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Nylon, Beech
1939 Aino & Alvar Aalto Chair for Finnish Pavilion at World's Fair by Wilhelm
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a very special chair. In 1939, Alvar Aalto was commissioned to create the Finnish pavilion for the World's Fair in New York. This chair was presented as part of his vision. T...
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 6
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 ...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
1970s Set of Four Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Model 45 Dining Chairs
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Model 45 Dining Chairs, originally designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1947. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland and date back to the 19...
Fabric, Beech
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 4
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 ...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer