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.
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
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...
Cane, Birch
Set of 4 Mid Century Dining / Side Chairs by Avar Aalto 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"This set includes four exquisite Mid-Century dining/side chairs designed by the iconic Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto in the 1960s. Crafted from pine wood, these chairs ...
Leather, Wood
Early Alvar Aalto 'Hallway' Chair 'Model 403' for Finmar
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finmar Model 403 'Hallway' chair designed by Alvar Aalto and produced from 1930 through 1950 in Finland. The chair features a honey toned birch wood with bent plywood seat and backre...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Birch & Leather Chair 611
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Norwich, GB
Alvar Aalto chair 611 in birch and leather hide by Finnish manufacturer: Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy. Dated in pencil 20th June 1950, along with cabinet maker's signature. A va...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Modern Vintage Duo Pair Birch Red Laminate 1935 Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vienna, AT
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian modern vintage authentic duo pair model 66 from lacquered birch and red laminate 1930s, Finland. An early model chair 66 by Alvar Aalto for Artek with great ...
Laminate, Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chairs Model 406 by Artek in Birch Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 ...
Cane, Birch
$24,000 / item
Dining Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1933
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...
Plywood, Upholstery, Leather
$1,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Early Chair 11 by Alvar Aalto for Artek/Finmar, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Chair 11 (with Finmar label) Designer: Alvar Aalto Year: 1929 One of Alvar Aalto’s first modern furniture designs. “Advertised as the ‘auditorium chair...
Birch
2010 Pair of Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek 611 Stacking Dining Side Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 611 Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1929. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland in 2010. Their frames are made...
Birch, Fabric
1980s Pair of Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek 611 Stacking Dining /Side Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of 611 Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1929. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland in the 1980s. Their frames are...
Birch
C. 2000s Set of Four Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek 611 Stacking Dining Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four 611 Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1929. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland in the 2000s. Their frames...
Birch, Fabric
Set of 5 N65 Children's Chairs by Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek Finland
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of five Artek N65 Children’s Chairs, initially designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1935. This particular set dates to the 1950s. The chairs ...
Laminate, Birch
$2,569
H 17.33 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Vintage Midcentury Alvar Aalto stool, model "Y61", Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stool by Alvar Aalto, model “Y 61”. Made from birch with flowing lines, wreathed rattan seat.
Rattan, Birch
$6,391 / set
H 17.33 in Dm 16.54 in
Alvar Aalto 5 Early L-Leg Stools "Model 60" Red Linoleum & Birch, Finland, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 5 early L-leg stools by Alvar Aalto in laminated birch and seats with red linoleum. Made in the 1960s at Artek. Alvar Aalto’s Three-legged stool model 60 designed in 1934 is t...
Birch
$37,873
H 36.62 in W 29.93 in D 36.62 in
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
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...
Sheepskin, Birch
$3,408
H 25.99 in W 13.78 in D 16.15 in
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, 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
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
$450 / item
H 17.25 in Dm 15 in
Authentic Stool 60 in Lacquered Birch with Laminate Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Glendale, CA
Authentic Stool 60 in lacquered birch with laminate seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek. In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In col...
Laminate, Birch
$1,640 / set
H 30.32 in W 21.26 in D 25.99 in
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...
Upholstery, Birch
Set of 6 Fine French 1950s-1960s Dining Chairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A set of six fine French Mid-Century sculptural solid oak side chairs.
Oak
Alvar Aalto for Finmar Artek Stool
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Alvar Aalto four legged stool made with bending chair legs of solid wood. This method of bending was conceived by joiner Otto Korhonen. Legs are m...
Birch
alvar aalto chair611 50's natural
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
designed by alvar aalto . Manufactured in the 1950s. Paint is in original condition. The paint film is thin.
Birch
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
Sold
H 31.5 in W 17.33 in D 19.69 in
Alvar Aalto, set of 6 c. 1940's model 611 chairs with great honey patina
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your space with this exquisite set of 6 c. 1940's model 611 chairs, masterfully designed by Alvar Aalto and Otto Korhonen in 1929. These chairs showcase a timeless Scandinavi...
Birch
Chair 611 for Artek by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Chair 611 Designer: Alvar Aalto Design year: 1929 Chair 611 brings together a solid birch frame with a woven fabric seat and backrest. Designed to offer comfort and practicality, th...
Bentwood
Sold
H 29.93 in W 14.57 in D 18.9 in
Set of 6 Vintage Alvar Aalto Model 66 Chairs by Artek in Laminated Birch, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Reserved for Supersano S.L Set of 6 vintage production model 66 chair by Alvar Aalto made in the 1970s. The chairs are made of laminated birch and have a beautiful glow and patina. W...
Birch
Sold
H 29.93 in W 21.26 in D 25.6 in
Alvar Aalto, c.1950's Hallway chair model 402, for Paimio Sanatorium
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the Alvar Aalto Hallway Chair Model 402 from circa 1950's, a vintage gem that exudes timeless elegance. Originally designed for the Pai...
Birch
Vintage Chair 66 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
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. T...
Birch
Sold
H 30 in W 15 in D 16 in
Set of 3 Alvar Aalto for Artek Finnish Mid-Century Bent Birch Plywood Side Chair
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Queens, NY
SET of 3 Finnish Mid-Century side chairs with steam bent birch plywood frames with a back opening and circular seats, resting on four rectangular bentwood l...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Pair of 1960s Alvar Aalto Model 65 by Artek in Laminated Birch
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Pair of early production model 65 chair by Alvar Aalto. The chairs are made in laminated birch and have a beautiful glow and patina. Worn but without a...
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...
Bentwood, Plywood
Sold
H 18.12 in W 17.92 in D 17.92 in
Pair of Stools Model X601 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stools model X601 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s. Birch and original leather. Model X601 is one stool variation from Alvar Aalto's famous fan leg series,...
Leather, 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...
Bentwood, Plywood
Set of 4 Vintage Aalto 611 Dining Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
Classic Model 611 ding chairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Made in Finland. These chairs are unusual in that they have rush seats and backs as opposed to the more common webbed...
Rush, Wood
Sold
H 25.88 in W 14.75 in D 16.5 in
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Low Back Blonde Dining Chairs for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto model 65 low back birch dining chairs for Artek. In original condition with visible wear. Seats are 13.75 13.75". Other simil...
Birch