Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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 Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare cabinet model 810 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland in the 1950s. Very minimal and sleek design, perfect for almost any interior. The item is in ver...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Rare cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto for AB Artek in Hedemora, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto. Rare piece of furtniture and even more so when its produced by Aaltos factory in Hedemora, Sweden.
AB Artek in Hedemora opened 1946 in order to produc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful entryway set of a drawer console, mirror and stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek made of solid birch. The set is in original condition with a light surface finishing. The wood...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Mirror
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Oak
Model 112b Shelf, Alvar Aalto, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 112b shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Birch. Original condition, heavy patina.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer i...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model HB96 chest of drawers, design by Alvar Aalto, 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent with age and use.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the ...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful entryway set of a drawer console, mirror and stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek made of solid birch. The set is in original condition with a light surface finishing. The wood...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Mirror
Alvar Aalto Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare cabinet model 810 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland in the 1950s. Very minimal and sleek design, perfect for almost any interior. The item is in ver...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto - Chest of Drawers in Birch Finmar Label c1935
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
This piece is very rare and stunning example of Scandinavian design. Known for his innovative approach to modernist furniture, Aalto's chest of drawers combines sleek minimalism with...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Rare cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto for AB Artek in Hedemora, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto. Rare piece of furtniture and even more so when its produced by Aaltos factory in Hedemora, Sweden.
AB Artek in Hedemora opened 1946 in order to produc...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar and Aino Aalto A820 Wardrobe
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar and aino aalto design wardrobe.
This is very rare not on the vintage market.
Like museum piece.
Category
1940s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto - Low Chest of Drawers in Birch Finmar Label c1935
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
This piece is very rare and stunning example of Scandinavian design. Known for his innovative approach to modernist furniture, Aalto's low chest of drawers combines sleek minimalism ...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Model 296 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 296 chest of drawers, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consist...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Paint
Model 112b Shelf, Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 112b shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Original condition, heavy patina.
Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and de...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of shelves designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s. They are made from bent laminated birch, solid birch, and plywood birch. If you are l...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Cabinet 217 Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 217 cabinet with sliding doors, from 1950s by Alvar Aalto. In wonderful condition. The cabinet has one large shelf inside.
The Artek 217 cabinet, desi...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Oak
Alvar Aalto Shelf Model No. 111, Finmar, 1st Production 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
The Alvar Aalto 111 Shelf, designed in 1933, is a quintessential example of Aalto's innovative approach to modern design. With its clean lines and func...
Category
Early 20th Century European Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 Modern Bar Cart
By Alvar Aalto
Located in North York, ON
Alvar Aalto tea trolley 900 Modern bar cart. Iconic Scandinavian modern design by Alvar Aalto. The trolley features ceramic tiles, and a ra...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Svenska Artek in Hedemora, Sweden. Made between 1946-1956. Mad from solid and laminated birch throughout. Beautiful honey toned color ...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Mahogany Desk for Artek with Drawers and Pull Out Work Surfaces
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
The model #500 mahogany desk designed by Alvar Aalto, made in Sweden for Artek, Finland. Six drawers with two pull-out work surface boards. A nice example...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Mahogany
alvar aalto 111 shelf
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
1940' alvar aalto design 111 shelf.
This is made in Hedemora for export to abroad aalto furnitures during WW2.
Category
1940s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is an iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight.
The shelf unit is from the 1940...
Category
1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Original Alvar Aalto Shoe Rack Designed for the Stora Enso Building Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare and custom shoe rack designed by Alvar Aalto circa 1960 featuring solid birch wood slats. Custom designed by Alvar Aal...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood, Birch
Alvar Aalto Cabinet 217 Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 217 cabinet with sliding doors, from 1950s by Alvar Aalto. In wonderful condition. The cabinet has one large shelf inside.
The Artek 217 cabinet, desi...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Wood
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas AB
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model HB96 chest of drawers, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas AB, 1930/1940s, painted birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consiste...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto HB96 Chest of Drawers by Artek in 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek HB96 chest of drawers with a key. Design by Alvar Aalto. All drawers can be locked by locking the top drawer. There is a compartment behind the chest of drawers. The Artek stam...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Cabinet 217 by Artek in 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 217 cabinet, white with teak doors. In a very good condition. The cabinet is from the 1960s. The cabinet has 3 original recessed shelves with finger jo...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Teak
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Svenska Artek in Hedemora, Sweden. Made between 1946-1956. Mad from solid and laminated birch throughout. Beautiful honey toned color ...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is an iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight.
The shelf unit is from the 1940...
Category
1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B.
Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland.
Striking Finnish design from the 1960s.
Original birch and birch veneer frame with o...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
alvar & aino aalto 30's glass cabinet 408(506/42) finmar tag
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar & aino aalto design glass cabinet.
this is most earliest products of aalto furniture.
alvar & aino try to sell their furniture in UK as finmar.
So this is original condition.
...
Category
1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of shelves designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s. They are made from bent laminated birch, solid birch, and plywood birch. If you are l...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight.
The shelf unit is pre mid 1950s and is...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto for Artek Danish Modern Filing Cabinet or Desk Return
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Birch Filing Cabinet or Desk Return, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Retains its warm original patina. This...
Category
1980s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
Original Midcentury Alvar Aalto Coat Rack / Shelf Stora Enso Building, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this original coat rack with shelf designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek circa 1960 featuring birch wood, metal coat hooks and early nickel plated steel hanger ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Steel
20th Century Finnish Pair of Vintage Mahogany Wall Shelves by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century modern pair of Finnish wall shelves made of hand crafted polished Mahogany and metal, designed by Alvaro Aalto in good condition. Minor fading, scratches due to...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Metal
1950s Pair of Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelves, Model 112B
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a pair of wall shelves, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This is an early and important pair, and is rarely seen in the American marketplace. Th...
Category
1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Materials
Birch
Alvar Aalto case pieces and storage cabinets for sale on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto case pieces and storage cabinets 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 case pieces and storage cabinets, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original case pieces and storage cabinets by Alvar Aalto were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider case pieces and storage cabinets by Artek, Ristomatti Ratia, and Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs. Prices for Alvar Aalto case pieces and storage cabinets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $659 and can go as high as $49,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,261.
Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto
Questions About Alvar Aalto Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
- 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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