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.
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch
Rare Artek Aalto Pascoe 8 Drawer dresser
By Clifford Pascoe, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
This vintage chest of eight drawers was produced by Artek-Pascoe, a collaboration between the famed Finnish design company Artek—founded in 1935 by Alvar and Aino Aalto—and Pascoe. I...
Birch
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...
Wood, Birch
Rare Wardrobe, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare wardrobe by Alvar Aalto for the Varkaus Hospital. Manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s. Birch and birch plywood. Completely restored. Gorgeous condition,...
Birch, Plywood, Paint
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...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch, Mirror
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, 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...
Birch, Oak
Alvar Aalto Artek Wall Console Model 114A Finland 1950s Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 114A console shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto. The console is from around the 1950s and in good used condition. Old stamp on the bottom of the console.
Birch
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 ...
Birch
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Birch
$49,500
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.
Birch
1970s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek H Leg Dining Table in Beech
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a H-Leg Dining Table, originally designed by Alvar & Aino Aalto in 1956. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland dates to the 1970s. The piece is comprised o...
Beech
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
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. ...
Birch
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas AB
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch
Rare Shelf, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch. Rare size. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alv...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, 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...
Birch, Plywood
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...
Birch
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...
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 ...
Birch, Plywood
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...
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...
Metal
$3,123Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto Cabinet 217 Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Wood
Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 ...
Birch
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Set of Four White Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Shelves 112B in Birch, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of four of the iconic model 112B shelves by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The design is as minimal as it gets, consisting of a single shelf supported by the two recognisable triangula...
Birch, Plywood
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...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Trolley Model 901
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Cambridge, US
Finland, ca. 1950s. A rare and early Model 901 tea trolley or bar cart by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Features a solid birch frame with black linoleum shelving and large white lacquered w...
Rubber, Birch, Lacquer
Set of Four Mid-Century 112B Shelves by Alvar Aalto in White Birch, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of four of the iconic model 112B shelves by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The design is as minimal as it gets, consisting of a single shelf supported by the two recognisable triangula...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto H297 Chest of Drawers, Birch Wood, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Chest of drawers model name H297 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. This model fits under Artek's table instead of the L-legs, therefore this is the perfect solution for your offi...
Birch
Pair of Model 112B Shelves, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 112B shelves, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Painted birch. Later painted. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The shelves ar...
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...
Birch, Paint
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...
Birch, Plywood
Design Classic: Alvar Aalto Serving Trolley 901, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Renens, CH
The 901 serving trolley by Alvar Aalto is a Finnish design classic, presented for the 1st time at the 1936 Triennale di Milano. The bar cart or tea trolley features a birchwood stru...
Rubber, Birch
1970s Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelf, Model 112B
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a wall shelf, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This piece dates to the 1970s. The shelf is formed with bent birch brackets, which can be placed ...
Birch
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.
Birch
1950s Pair of Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelves, Model 112B
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
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...
Birch