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Alvar Aalto Benches

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
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970

Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970

Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

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...

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Vintage Alvar Aalto 153A Bench, Bentwood, Mid-Century Modern, 1970
Vintage Alvar Aalto 153A Bench, Bentwood, Mid-Century Modern, 1970

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...

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Bentwood

Vintage bent birch bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
Vintage bent birch bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s

Vintage bent birch bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Firenze, IT

Bench model 153A, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1945 and manufactured by Artek, made of bent birch and lacquered in white with characteristic 'L' legs. Produced in the 1960s, it is in g...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. The bench has a later upholstery with old fabric designed by Aino Aalto...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch, Fabric

Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.
Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.

Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

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...

Category

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

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s

Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

Iconic bench model 153 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1960s. The bench is in very good original condition. As with a lot of Alvar Aalto's works the beauty c...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. Very good condition and wonderful patina. This bench features ...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto console, model for Arkek
Alvar Aalto console, model for Arkek

Alvar Aalto console, model for Arkek

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Skokie, IL

Alvar Aalto console, model 153B prototype for Arkek, Finland, circa 1980s. Alvar Aalto slat console for Artek, Finland, dating back to the 1970s. ...

Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics
Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics

Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek bench from circa 1960s, designed by Alvar Aalto. The bench has recently been reupholstered with Johanna Gullichsen's Helios Ochre fabric. The bench i...

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Fabric, Birch

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Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
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A beautiful early version of the A38 “high back” Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains sel...

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Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
Alvar Aalto ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s

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$35,000

H 29.14 in W 29.53 in D 32.68 in

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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...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

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Rare Alvar Aalto original condition 1940's stool 60 with war legs, Artek
Rare Alvar Aalto original condition 1940's stool 60 with war legs, Artek

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...

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Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s

Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s

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Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s

Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s

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H 26.97 in W 39.38 in D 20.48 in

Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s

By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

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Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s

Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s

$849

H 17.33 in Dm 14.97 in

Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

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1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

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Mid century Scandinavian modern blonde bentwood daybed style of Alvar Aalto
Mid century Scandinavian modern blonde bentwood daybed style of Alvar Aalto

Mid century Scandinavian modern blonde bentwood daybed style of Alvar Aalto

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Mid century Scandinavian Modern daybed in the manner of Alvar Aalto with bent beech bentwood legs and blue woven upholstery. unsigned, c. 1970. Good vintage condition easy to reuphol...

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1970s Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

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Alvar Aalto X600 Stool, Artek, 1960s
Alvar Aalto X600 Stool, Artek, 1960s

Alvar Aalto X600 Stool, Artek, 1960s

$2,595

H 17.72 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in

Alvar Aalto X600 Stool, Artek, 1960s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Argelato, BO

Alvar Aalto, Birch Stool, Model X600, by Artek, circa 1960s. A naturally colored Alvar Aalto' s X600 stool. It is one of the most iconic models of the famous Finnish architect and ...

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Previously Available Items
Alvar Aalto Bench
Alvar Aalto Bench

Alvar Aalto Bench

Sold

H 17.72 in W 70.87 in D 19.69 in

Alvar Aalto Bench

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek bench, birch with original light beige faux leather upholstery. Designed by Alvar Aalto. Good used condition. The bench is from 1960s.

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Aalto Bench / TV stand by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Aalto Bench / TV stand by Alvar Aalto for Artek

Aalto Bench / TV stand by Alvar Aalto for Artek

Sold

H 17.25 in W 39.25 in D 15.75 in

Aalto Bench / TV stand by Alvar Aalto for Artek

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Centreville, VA

Aalto Bench 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 be...

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1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

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Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

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H 17.25 in W 44.25 in D 15.75 in

Vintage Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

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...

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Bentwood

50's bench 153A natural
50's bench 153A natural

50's bench 153A natural

Sold

H 15.75 in W 44.89 in D 18.12 in

50's bench 153A natural

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Tomi, Nagano

alvar aalto design 153A bench. This condition is very nice patine and original finish.

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1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

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H 17.25 in W 44.25 in D 15.75 in

Bench 153A by Alvar Aalto for Artek

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...

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Bentwood

Alvar Aalto Bench Blue Linoluem Top
Alvar Aalto Bench Blue Linoluem Top

Alvar Aalto Bench Blue Linoluem Top

Sold

H 17.33 in W 59.85 in D 17.72 in

Alvar Aalto Bench Blue Linoluem Top

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Tomi, Nagano

1960's alvar aalto design bench It is blue linoleum top.

Category

1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Early and Rare Version of Artek Bench "153b" by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
Early and Rare Version of Artek Bench "153b" by Alvar Aalto, 1950s

Early and Rare Version of Artek Bench "153b" by Alvar Aalto, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Turku, Finland

Aalto bench is a design classic by Alvar Aalto from 1945. Even though it dates back to decades ago, Bench 153B still continues to charm with its simple and streamlined elegance. The airy seat of the bench is made of solid birch and it rests on Aalto’s signature design, the L-legs. Also perfect as a side table. This is the first and earliest version of Original Artek Bench...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto
Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto

Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto

Sold

H 17.33 in W 44.1 in D 15.75 in

Vintage White Bench by Designer Alvar Aalto

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Brescia, IT

Artek's 153A bench was designed by Alvar Aalto in 1945 and is still a modern and elegant design piece today. The seat is made of solid birch and rests on ...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Wood

Custom List for Sandra, three Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat
Custom List for Sandra, three Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat

Custom List for Sandra, three Alvar Aalto Y61 Stools in Birch and Leather Seat

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Stockholm, SE

Finnish icons! A pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto stool Y61 in birch with original leather seat. Designed in 1947, Alvar Aalto's Y61 stool required a special technique to create the unique birch Y-legs. Original leather seats in great condition. Manufactured by Artek. Beautiful work by well known Finnish designer Alvar Aalto - Model Y61 with cognac brown leatherseat and showcases the wonderful X-Leg or Fan leg innovation. Really nice as a group or as a single stool. The Y61 stools were designed in 1946 at Artek Oy, Finland. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is one of the greatest names in modern architecture and design. He was born in Kuortane, Finland and noted for his humanistic approach to modernism. He studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology from 1916-1921, and returned to Jyväskylä, where he opened his first architectural office in 1923. Aalto's furniture design is easily recognized by the unique method of bending wood he patented; most famously, the stackable Stool 60 from Artek. Often called the "L-leg" as an ode to its distinctive shape, it can be found on most of his furniture forms. Wear consistent with age and use. Looks great with Titti Fabianis...

Category

1940s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Leather, Birch

Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106
Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106

Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106

Sold

H 17.25 in W 28.38 in D 15.75 in

Iconic Aalto Table Bench Model 106

By Alvar Aalto

Located in New York, NY

Iconic Aalto design end, side table, bench in solid wood, with slatted top. This example is vintage 1970/1980's. It is in very good, original, clean and ready use use condition showi...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Pair of Classic Alvar Aalto Benches
Pair of Classic Alvar Aalto Benches

Pair of Classic Alvar Aalto Benches

Sold

H 17.25 in W 28.5 in D 15.75 in

Pair of Classic Alvar Aalto Benches

By Alvar Aalto

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

A pair of classic Alvar Aalto benches with a rich warm patina. Restored and hand rubbed. Measuring 15.75" D, 28.5" L, 17.25" H.

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Maple

Alvar Aalto Bench in Birch, Artek, Finland, 1950s
Alvar Aalto Bench in Birch, Artek, Finland, 1950s

Alvar Aalto Bench in Birch, Artek, Finland, 1950s

Sold

H 17.33 in W 59.85 in D 11.82 in

Alvar Aalto Bench in Birch, Artek, Finland, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Karis, Nyland

Rare customized bench designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1950s. Comes from closed school, established in 1940s.

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Benches

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto benches 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 benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches 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 benches by and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Prices for Alvar Aalto benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $610 and can go as high as $8,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,910.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Benches
  • 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.