Alvar Aalto Stools
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 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 Stools
Materials
Birch
1930s Alvar Aalto for Finmar Artek Finland Design E60 Stool First Edition
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia, IT
Solid bent birch
First edition 1934
Original 1930s, no restoration
Very good vintage condition
Alvar Aalto’s four-legged Stool E60 is the most elemental of furniture pieces, ...
Category
1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Stool X601 for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This stool was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. We have noticed through the years that this stool has been often used as a bed side table. It can also be us...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Set of 2 Early Alvar Aalto Stools, Finland, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Berlin, DE
Set of 2 early Alvar Aalto stools in bentwood for Artek, Finland 1950s. The stools have a nice matched patina.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was a Finnish architect, designer, and urban ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Bentwood
Alvar Aalto, Set of Commissioned Stools by Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of three commisioned iconic 60 stool. These stools are higher than the standard model and stand at a height of.
The stools are in birch and have a beautiful patina. T...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto 7 Vintage L-Leg Stools Model 60 in Birch, 1970s Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 7 beautifully patinated L-leg stools by Alvar Aalto in laminated birch. Bought in Denmark in the 1970s at Paustian.
Alvar Aalto’s Three-legged stool model 60 designed in 1934...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto X602 Stool for Artek, circa 1950
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
'Fan leg' stool, model no. X602 designed by Alvar Aalto.
Manufactured by Artek, Finland, circa 1950.
In good original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pres...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
Alvar Aalto, Stool Model X602, O.Y. Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyöt
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Rare, X602 manufacture for O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyöt, the original manufacturer of Alvar Aalto furniture (pre Artek)
Leather and Birch.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto 7 Stackable Stools Model No 60, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 Stools
Materials
Birch
Early Model 65 Chair by Alvar Aalto, ,
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
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 birchwood.The bolts, showcased along the back legs, imbued the chair with Aalto’s signature industrial design sensibility.This is a wonderful early example,, The color ,,finish and patina is outstanding.. Chair seat has been reupholstered in a classic Marimekko fabric
Category
1930s Finnish Bauhaus Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool for Artek, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Stool designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960.
Manufactured by Artek, (Finland)
Leather top, wood legs and structure.
In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age an...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
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 Stools
Materials
Leather, Wood
Alvar Aalto - Vintage Tripod Stool Model 60 - Two Tone - Birch
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hasselt, VLI
This two-tone tripod stool was designed by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976) in the 30s and produced by Artek after 1960. They are composed of a round seat and 3 feet, a...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool in Birch "Model 60" Produced by Artek, Finland ca 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and early stool "model 60" designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Finland in the 1940s. In good vintage and original condition with signs from age and use. Stable.
D...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
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 Stools
Materials
Wood
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto, "X600" Stool, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Alvar Aalto, 1960s 'X600' stool for Artek.
Fan-shaped birch legs, upholstered black leather seat. Measure: height 45 cm. Manufacturer's stamp.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Set of 3 Alvar Alto Stool 60 by Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Stools
Materials
Bentwood, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, unknown producer. Strong structure in curved plywood legs and black painted wood seat, original screws. The stool is ready t...
Category
1940s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Fan Leg Side Table, Model X601, in Birch and Leather by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 Stools
Materials
Leather, 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 Stools
Materials
Wood
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 Stools
Materials
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Bentwood Stool
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Stools
Materials
Upholstery, Birch
Set of Three Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of three model 60 Stools, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with linoleum top. Good vintage condition, minor patina and ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Distributed via ICF.
Category
1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Stool 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 80 years anniversary model
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60 is the most elemental of furniture pieces, equally suitable as a seat, a table, storage unit, or display surface. Born of modernist ideals and Finnish i...
Category
1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Bentwood
K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 70’s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Padova, IT
Stool mod. K65 was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935.
The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters.
The lowered backrest offers the right support ...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
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 Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Leather, Birch
Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 2007
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brussels, BE
Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 2007.
Category
Early 2000s Finnish Alvar Aalto Stools
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto stools for sale on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto stools 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 stools, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original stools 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 stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, and Bertel Gardberg. Prices for Alvar Aalto stools can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $500 and can go as high as $10,297, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,560.
Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto
Questions About Alvar Aalto Stools
- What is Alvar Aalto known for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Alvar 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.
- What style did Alvar Aalto use?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024The 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, 2024The 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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