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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 Stool 60 by Artek in 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto. In good used condition, and beautiful patina of age. The stool is from 1960s. It has finger-joints and slotted screws. The Artek Stool 60, d...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

1954 Alvar Aalto stool model X602 in rich patinated birch and Niger leather
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in København K, 84
Presenting the 1954 Alvar Aalto stool model X602 in a super rich patinated birch upholstered in premium reddish brown Niger goat leather. Produced by Artek in 1960s. ( A matching sto...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek X601 stool, design by Alvar Aalto. Birch with black leather, fan legs, wonderful patina of time. In good condition for its age. Artek X601 Stool, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto - Vintage Tripod Stool Model 60 - Two Tone - Birch
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 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

Pair of Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Marimekko Unikko Textile, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
These two iconic Alvar Aalto stools from the 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted directly to the underside of the round sea...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool in Birch "Model 60" Produced by Artek, Finland ca 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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

A Pair of Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1930s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
These two iconic Alvar Aalto stools from the 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted directly to the underside of the round sea...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto "Double-Decker" Stool 60 in Birch and Artek Zebra Fabric, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the Aalto famous 3-legged stool model 60. This one is upholstered with original Artek zebra motif fabric. Aalto stools are quite desired in our opinion for their fu...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Set of 3 Alvar Aalto Stackable Stools Model 60, Marimekko Fabric, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
These three 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 ...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Fabric

Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Beige Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
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 b...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 in Black Leather and Birch, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model X601 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. This item has light birch legs and a black leather surface. Some signs of wear and use on the surface...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool 60 In Birch and Red, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Beige Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
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 b...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

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 60 by Artek in 1940-50s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto. The stool is from 1940s-1950s and it has a wonderful patina of age. It has finger-joints and slotted screws. The Artek Stool 60, designed by...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Set of 6 Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stackable Birch Stools Model. 60, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of the iconic model 60 stools designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Inspired by the clean lines and organic forms of nature, the Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool is a timeless piece of ...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto 4 Legged Stools E60 Wartime Version in Red & Blue, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto war-time stools are extremely sought after collectibles for the simple reason that not many of them are available any more. A war-time stoo...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of 4 Alvar Aalto model 60 stools in birch and black laminate, designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1930s, manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in Finland, and retailed ...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Laminate

Alvar Aalto, Pair of X601 Stools with Fan Legs & Brown Leather, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This stool was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. We have noticed throughout the years that this stool has been often used as a bed side table. It can also b...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

A Pair of Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Red Pegamoid Upholstery, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
These two iconic Alvar Aalto stools from the 1950s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted directly to the underside of the round sea...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto. In good used condition, and beautiful patina of age. The stool is from 1960s. It has finger-joints and slotted screws. The Artek Stool 60, d...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Pair of stools in birch model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hägersten, SE
Pair of stools model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek during the 1950s. Honey tone birch and black laminate seats. good vintage condition with age related patina and wea...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Set of Two Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy, 30s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two model 60 stools, design Alvar Aalto for Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy from the 1930s, Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Icon...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stool Model 60 in Original Formica, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and rarely seen example of the iconic Aalto stools with the original formica seating. These 3 legged stools have long been our customers favorites, especially in rare col...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Formica, Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool X602 with Fan Leg and Black Leather, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, 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...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Bentwood

A Pair Of Vintage Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools ca' 1970'sq
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic pair of three-legged "fan" leg stools by Alvar Aalto. Purchased in the 1970's. ICF labels-this pair has a nice vintage patina.
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto X600 Stool by Artek Birch and Leather
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek X600 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto. Birch with original black leather upholstery. In good used condition. Surface wear on the leather. Great patina of age. The Artek X600 Sto...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool E60 by Artek in 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek E60 stool, design by Alvar Aalto. Beautifully patinated birch with original yellow upholstery. In good used condition. The stool is from 1960s. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, 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...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Paint

A 'Pair' of Roughly Loved Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of Artek stools in birch and multi layered colourful beautiful patina, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well ...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

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...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Teak

Aino Aalto Table and 4 Aalto Stools in Marimekko Synthetic Fabric, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Simple, elegant, minimalistic Scandinavian design at its best. The patina for this set is quite pleasing to the eye as well, honey like color. Add the Marimekko plastic laminated fabric and you have a new set or master pieces of design. This fabric is quite durable and will stand the test of time. The legs for both the table and stools can be easily unscrewed, so the whole package will take much less space than otherwise required for shipping. We would like to sell...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Plastic

Important Pair of 'X602' Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1954
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Leather, 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, heavy patina consistent with age an...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Birch, Paint

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...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Birch

Set of Two Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools

Materials

Faux Leather, Birch

alvar aalto stool60 finmar 30's painted black
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto 30's finmar . Finmar tag remains on the back of the seat. The seat is painted black, but pink paint can be seen here and there. The legs also se...
Category

1930s Finnish 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 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.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Stools
  • 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.

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