“I always look ahead, never back,” Finnish design legend Eero Aarnio has been quoted as saying. A leading innovator of modern furniture design, Aarnio has long embraced a bold, playful, confident and colorful style several steps ahead of his time.
For his 1954 entrance test for the Institute of Industrial Arts in Helsinki, Aarnio created a whimsical painting of a man reading a newspaper in a red, curved chair whose silhouette foreshadowed Aarnio’s Ball chair of 1963. That spherical seat skyrocketed him to design fame, and decades later, it is still recognized as one of the world’s most futuristic designs.
Born in 1932 to a house painter and a seamstress, Aarnio has always had a cheerful disposition and an independent spirit. He went his own way early on: After just two years at Asko, the big Scandinavian furniture company that originally produced his Ball chair, Aarnio established his own studio in 1962.
Over the next decade, the young visionary made an indelible mark on the world. Open-minded and entrepreneurial, Aarnio embraced the aesthetics, materials and technologies of the Swinging Sixties, working with a new generation of plastics and molding them into fluid, organically shaped, brightly hued forms.
Introduced at the 1966 Cologne Furniture Fair, the pod-like fiberglass Ball chair soon adorned the homes of movie stars and royalty, graced magazine covers around the world and was featured in films and ads. The groundbreaking seat originally came in orange, white, black, yellow and red and could be ordered with a telephone installed in it. Yet this designer of the future, as he was known in the 1960s, has always insisted that he didn’t deliberately seek to be associated with the decade’s sci-fi aesthetic.
“I had no intention to create either pop or Space Age design — as many people label my work,” Aarnio declares in one of the essays included in Eero Aarnio — Designer of Colour and Joy, a book jointly created by the Design Museum and publisher WSOY to accompany 2016’s “Eero Aarnio” exhibition.
The show featured a number of Aarnio’s objects, including his iconic Ball, Pastil (1967), Bubble (1968), Tomato (1971) and Pony (1973) chairs. These were joined by lesser-known seating and other objects like the rattan Juttujakkara, or mushroom, stool (1960); the sculptural Double Bubble lamp (2000), with which Aarnio first explored the possibilities of rotation-cast plastic; and the three-legged Rocket (1995) and Baby Rocket (2006) stools, both parts of a collection produced by Artek after Tom Dixon, the company’s creative director from 2004 to 2009, discovered the original piece in Aarnio’s kitchen.
“Aarnio expanded the whole idea of what constitutes furniture,” explained Suvi Saloniemi, the Design Museum’s chief curator. “His significance as a designer is crystallized in the liberation of form that he has introduced by discovering the properties of plastic as the material of a designer. His furniture is sculpture-like and eye-catching, but the pieces are always utilitarian at the same time.”
Find an extraordinary range of vintage Eero Aarnio chairs, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
$6,800 / set
Set of 6 Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Set of six suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. The vintage chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scan...
Steel, Chrome
Eero Aarnio Pastille Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Eero Aarnio Pastllle Lounge Chair Originally designed in 1967 This example was manufactured by Adelta C. 2000 Original Neon Green Color There are 2 available, priced individually
Fiberglass
$53,782 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Giant Ball Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
he Leather Ball Chair Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 Designed by Eero Aarnio 1963 The Ball Chair was designed in the early 196...
Aluminum
$10,498 / item
Customizable Iconic Eero Aarnio Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Green Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
$10,498 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Orange Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
Customizable Iconic Eero Aarnio Red Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The Ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fabric, Fiberglass
Mid Century Modern Eero Aarnio Blue Pony Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Dronten, NL
Rare, playful and iconic Pony Chair by designer Eero Aarnio in original blue fabric. The Pony Chair was designed by the Finnish designer in 1973 and has been a staple of contemporary...
Steel
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Bubble Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Napa, CA
20th Century modern ball lounge chair. The bubble chair was originally designed in 1968 by Eero Aarnio. Features a modern futuristic pod hang...
Stainless Steel
$3,571 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Pink Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
Eero Aarnio 4 Chairs Model Flamingo for Asko Finland Marked, 1970s
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Paris, IDF
A set of 4 Iconic "Flamingo" chairs by Eero Arnio for Asko Finland White painted wood , some paint chips see photos. Vintage yellow fabric. Bo...
Wood
Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Leather Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fiberglass, Leather
Elephant Boot Chair by Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Wicker construction with bamboo frame. Rare and hard to find.
Bamboo, Wicker
Modern Bubble Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Napa, CA
Step into iconic design with the “Modern Bubble Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio.” Originally conceived by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio in 1968, the Bubble Chair revolutionised furniture de...
Chrome
Tomato Chair, Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Los angeles, CA
Tomato Chair
Fiberglass
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio White Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
Eero Aarnio for Laukaan Puu Set of Six Dining Chairs in Solid Pine
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Eero Aarnio for Laukaan Puu, set of six dining chairs, solid pine, Finland, 1960s. This set of six dining chairs are designed by Eero Aarnio for Finnish manufacturer Laukaan Puu. Th...
Pine
Rare Eero Aarnio Birch Armchair for Asko, Finland
By Asko, Eero Aarnio
Located in Echt, NL
Beautiful Birch Armchair in very good condition. Designed by Eero Aarnio and produced by Asko, Finland. The chair is made of bent plywood which is lamin...
Fabric, Bouclé, Bentwood, Birch
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Yellow Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
Customizable cushion Iconic Eero Aarnio Blue Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The Ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fabric, Fiberglass
$3,335 / item
Iconic Eero Aarnio Blue Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
$6,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Eero Aarnio Pair of Green Vintage Pony Figure Handmade Chairs
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of vintage green Pony Chairs handmade by Eero Aarnio. Dimensions - 31" x 42" x 20" Pony is a friendly and characterful addition to any room, b...
Upholstery
1960s Aarnio Pulkka Ilmari Lappalainen Brown Leather Chrome Armchair Sofa Suite
By Eero Aarnio
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare fully restored 1960s Pulkka Ilmari Lappalainen armchair and sofa suite A seriously cool suite, the frames are super light weight ch...
Aluminum
$1,850
H 75 in W 41 in D 28 in
Vintage Eero Aarnio Suspended Lucite Bubble Chair White Powder Coated Stand
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful vintage Eero Aarnio style suspended Lucite / Acrylic bubble chair with white powder coated stand, accompanied by seat and back white f...
Acrylic, Lucite
Iconic Eero Aarnio Yellow Pastil Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the Pastil chair out of polystyrene, which helped him to verify the measurements, ergonomics and rocking ability. ...
Fiberglass
$12,351 / item
H 47.25 in W 43.31 in D 38.19 in
Iconic Eero Aarnio Black Leather Swivel Ball Lounge Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
The ball chair was designed in 1963 and debuted at the Cologne Furniture Fair in 1966. The chair is one of the most famous and beloved classics of Finni...
Fiberglass, Leather
Modern Bubble Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Napa, CA
20th Century modern ball lounge chair. The bubble chair was originally designed in 1968 by Eero Aarnio. Features a modern futuristic pod hang...
Stainless Steel
$1,700
H 20.48 in Dm 36.23 in
Eero Aarnio for Asko Chair Orange Fiberglass Pastil or 'Pastille', Finland, 1968
By Eero Aarnio, Asko
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
An orange high gloss fiberglass 'Pastille' ('pastil' or 'Gyro') chair designed by Finish designer Eero Aarnio in 1968 for modern furniture maker Asko Oy in Helsinki, Finland. This vi...
Fiberglass
$1,985 / set
H 28 in W 24 in D 23 in
Woven Wicker Tulip Chairs In The Manner of Eero Aarnio, Hong Kong
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New Windsor, NY
A fine pair of woven wicker "tulip" shaped lounge chairs in the manner of Eero Aarnio. One retains its original tag, Styled by Furniture Associates, New York, N.Y., Style No. 1035, M...
Bamboo, Wicker
Sold|$13,592 / set
H 27.17 in W 27.56 in D 26.78 in
Eero Aarnio pair of Cognac chairs fiberglass alpaca velvet 1967
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful pair of Cognac armchairs was designed in 1967 by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio and produced by Asko. Inspired by the shape of a cognac glass, this model perfectly embod...
Fiberglass
Vintage 70s Ball Chair After Eero Aarnio
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of Space Age design with this striking 1970s ball chair, inspired by the iconic work of Finnish designer Eero Aarnio. Featuring a high-gloss, vibrant...
Metal
$3,300
H 25.98 in W 55.51 in D 44.88 in
Iconic Vintage Eero Aarnio Red Tomato Chair, Space aGE / Modernist
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic Vintage Eero Aarnio Red Tomato Chair, Space aGE / Post Modernist.. Not exactly certain of exact age but I just recently purchased the chair back from a long time client who o...
Fiberglass
$2,000Sale Price|28% Off
H 64 in W 46 in D 34 in
Mid Century Lucite Hanging 'Bubble Chair' by Eero Aarnio for Adelta, Signed
By Eero Aarnio, Adelta
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Offered here is an authentic, original Bubble Chair designed by Eero Aarnio for manufacturer Adelta. This iconic hanging chair features the classic clear acrylic sphere suspended fro...
Steel, Chrome
$7,429 / item
H 29.53 in W 24.81 in D 26.38 in
Customizable ClassiCon Bonaparte Lounge Chair by Eileen Gray
By Eileen Gray
Located in New York, NY
Bonaparte is one of the seldom cases in which the luxurious comfort of an upholstered chair has been successfully united with a tubular steel construction. The result communicates bo...
Upholstery
Elephant Boot Chair by Eero Aarnio
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Wicker construction with bamboo frame. Rare and hard to find.
Bamboo, Wicker
Eero Aarnio pair of Cognac chairs fiberglass alpaca velvet 1967
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Paris, IDF
This beautiful pair of Cognac armchairs was designed in 1967 by Finnish designer Eero Aarnio and produced by Asko. Inspired by the shape of a cognac glass, this model perfectly embod...
Fiberglass
Pair Eero Aarnio Dining Chairs
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of vintage suede-upholstered chairs by Eero Aarnio. Chairs feature original padded seats and backs in suede with chrome-plated steel frames, exemplifying late modern Scandinavia...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 20.87 in W 36.23 in D 36.23 in
Irene Set of Six Order-Eero Aarnio Three Pastil Chairs & Three Pony for Air frei
By Eero Aarnio
Located in New York, NY
ORDER for Irene: CONSISTS OF: 3 PONY AND 3 PASTILS PONY COLORS: GREEN, PINK AND ORANGE PASTILS: PINK, YELLOW AND GREEN FOR AIR FREIGHT Eero Aarnio made the first prototype of the P...
Fiberglass, Fabric
Eero Aarnio, elephant boot rattan chair, Finland
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Introducing the iconic Eero Aarnio Elephant Boot Rattan Chair, a true symbol of Finnish design innovation. This piece showcases the playful and im...
Metal
Sold
H 40 in W 40 in D 30 in
Hanging Bubble Chair by Eero Aarnio. Acrylic / Lucite, Chrome, White Leather
By Adelta, Eero Aarnio
Located in Kansas City, MO
Eero Aarnio bubble.chair with white leather cushions. Very good condition with minor scuffs and scratches but no distractions. The white leather c...
Chrome
Eero Aarnio Elephant Boot Chair and Juttu Stool
By Stendig Co., Eero Aarnio
Located in Hudson, NY
Timeless sculptural rattan "Elephant Boot" chair and “Juttu” stool, designed by Eero Aarnio for Stendig. Tactile wicker over bamboo frames, comes with a round blush colored linen cus...
Linen, Bamboo, Wicker
Sold
H 28.75 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Eero Aarnio set of 6 Chairs Model Flamingo for Asko Finland Marked, 1970s
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Paris, IDF
A set of : 4 lacquered white birch wood with brown velvet and 2 lacquered white birch wood with red velvet. The flamingo chairs are probably most well known as a complete dining tab...
Velvet, Birch
Lucite Hanging 'Bubble Chair' by Eero Aarnio for Adelta, Signed
By Adelta, Eero Aarnio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very vintage example of the iconic lucite bubble chair designed by Eero Aarnio in 1968 and produced by Aldelta. Signed with 'Eero Aarnio Adelta M...
Chrome
Eero Aarnio Pony Chair, 1970s Finland
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare, playful and iconic pony chair by designer Eero Aarnio in orange wool. The pony chair was designed by the Finnish designer in 1973 and has been a staple of contemporary design e...
Wool, Foam
Eero Aarnio Suspended Lucite Bubble Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Dallas, TX
Eero Aarnio designed the original Bubble chair in 1968 while residing in Finland. The industrial modernist design of the chair provides for a seating exp...
Stainless Steel
Rattan Eero Aarnio Elephant Boot Chair
By Eero Aarnio
Located in Dronten, NL
Vintage 1960s Eero Aarnio "Elephant Boot" rattan chair. Wonderful vintage condition. Lovely patina and aging to the rattan. Very sturdy and comfortable...
Wicker
Vintage Pair of Eero Aarnio Wicker Round Lounge Chairs
By Eero Aarnio
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of vintage 1960s wicker round lounge chairs by Eero Aarnio. These have the original wicker finish. Color may vary due to natural vari...
Wicker, Rattan
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Now considered emblematic of 1960s mod aesthetics, the Finnish designer's famous creation was far from an overnight success.