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.
$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 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
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
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
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Finsven
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
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
Funky Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Early iconic Alvar Aalto's stool 60 from the 1940's with beautiful and warm patina on the L-legs. Reupholstered with funky and colorful fabric. The color scheme that takes your mind...
Wool, 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
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
Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Finsven
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
Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Rare Stool Model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 X-leg or "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 X-leg or ...
Birch, Oak
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
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
$781Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Stool model Y61 by Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
Very Rare "Sandwich" Stool 60 Alvar Aalto 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Very Rare stool 60 "Sandwich" Alvar Aalto. Manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. The upholstery of the stool is original. Over the years the seat was upholstered...
Birch
Pair of Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 60 stools, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, red linoleum seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. T...
Birch
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch & Green Paint, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic model 60 stool in birch, green paint and a 100% beautiful and unique patina. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s, this design has definitely stood the test of t...
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Stool X602 with Fan Leg and Black Leather, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
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 ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1950s in Finland. Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to detail. The X-leg or ...
Birch, Oak
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, birch with red linoleum. The stool is from the 1950s. Designer Alvar Aalto. Good used condition. The Artek Stool 60, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933, is one of the m...
Birch
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Marimekko Unikko Textile, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A sculptural fusion of form and function, this set of four 1940s Alvar Aalto stools exemplifies the purity of Scandinavian Modern design. With their legs mounted directly beneath the...
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto 3-Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch and Black Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Artek stool in birch and black linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always...
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 Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, 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
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
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 From 1940's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
The stool. Alvar Aalto's iconic stool model 60, that defined the functionalism movement of furniture design. This piece is in its original condition from the 1940's. Legs have deli...
Birch
Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60, Beige Linoleum and Black Legs, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
An Artek stool in birch and beige linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto 3-Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch and Blue Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Artek stool in birch and blue linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always ...
Birch
$1,753Sale Price|25% Off
Iconic Vintage Aalto Stool By Alvar Aalto, 1930s, Made in Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Finland
Nice vintage example of Alvar Aalto’s iconic Stool 60, produced by Artek. Very early version, made in the 1930s. Dimensions: - Seat Height 44cm / 17.3in - Seat Diameter 35cm / 13.7i...
Birch
Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
Set of 3 Alvar Alto Stool 60 by Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Montclair, 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...
Bentwood, Birch
Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent wi...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 Zebra Upholstery
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Early iconic Alvar Aalto's stool 60 from the 1940's with beautiful and warm patina on the legs and bottom of the stool. Reupholstered by the traditional method using upholstery tack...
Wool, Birch
Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch & Red Paint, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic red model 60 stool in birch and beautiful patina. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1940s, this design has definitely stood the test of time, as it is still in produ...
Birch
$1,233 / item
Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Three model 60 stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s/1960s. Birch and imitation leather. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Faux Leather, Birch
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
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Early stool 60 with finger joint seat, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas A.B in the 1930s. The stool has a later paint and the legs hav...
Birch
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s, s the epitome of minimalistic furniture, versatile enough to serve as a seat, a table, a storage unit, or even a display surface. Thi...
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
1950s Alvar Aalto stool X602 in rich patinated birch and Niger leather. By Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in København K, 84
Presenting Alvar Aalto stool model X602 in a rich patinated birch upholstered in premium brown Niger goat leather. Produced by Artek in late 1950s. The Alvar Aalto stool model X602...
Leather, Birch
Set of Two Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two model 60 stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with imitation leather. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Alvar Aa...
Faux Leather, Birch
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
$5,177Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Teak Aalto Model 60 Stools, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of rare model 60 stools, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s. Birch frame with teak top. Good vintage condition, patina consist...
Birch, Teak
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Early Alvar Aalto Bentwood Stool
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New Windsor, 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. Original green fabric upholste...
Upholstery, Birch
$6,118Sale Price / set|20% Off
Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
1950s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek 60 Stool / Side Table in Birch
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Stool 60, originally designed by Aino and Alvar in 1933. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland circa the 1950s. The stool is crafted from solid birch wit...
Birch
Pair of Artek #60 Mid Century Modern Stacking Tables Stools by Alvar Aalto C1950
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern birch # 60 stacking stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1955. One stool is stamped Aerek on the underside, the other is not. In fairly good unrestore...
Birch
Set of Alvar Aalto Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
2019 Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Stool 64 in Ebonized Wood with Fabric Seats
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Stool 64, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1935. These particular examples were produced in 2019. The design features a three-legged bentwood constr...
Fabric, Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Teak, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A lovely and rare version of the iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek with birch legs and a teak top seat. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always...
Birch, Teak
Stool, model X602 designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stool, model X602 designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1950s. Lacquered birch with seat upholstered in artificial leather. H: 45.5 cm / 17 7/8" L: 43 cm / 16 7/8" D: 43 cm / 16 7/8"
Faux Leather, Birch
$2,702 / set
Pair Of Alvar Aalto Stools From 1930's
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
The stool. Alvar Aalto's iconic stool model 60, that defined the functionalism movement of furniture design. These stools are the earliest models of the stool, manufactured in the ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool "Sandwich" 1930's
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
Ultra rare and beautiful colored iconic Alvar Aalto sandwich stool 60. Manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Reupholstered with one of a kind striped wool f...
Wool, Birch
Checkerboard Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek/Supreme
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2017. Finland. Extremely rare collaboration between Supreme and Artek
Birch
$1,938 / set
1960's Pair Of Stools Model 60 By Alvar Aalto
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Pair of the iconic stool 60 by Alvar Aalto. These stools are from the early 1960's. Other stool has saw mark on the seat. These stools have been restored from previous rather bad p...
Birch, Plywood