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.
Pre-Artek Alvar Aalto Model 75/915 Birch Side Table for Paimio, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
An early pre-Artek example of Alvar Aalto’s Side Table 75/915, designed in 1932 for Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab before Artek was e...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Paded Cantilever Armchair Model 43, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early padded Spring chair model 43 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyömaa from the 1940s. This chair is one of the most recognizable pi...
Metal
$275 / set
Alvar Aalto Savoy Bowl Dish, Pair
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
Two beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Aalto clear glass bowls, Iittala, Finland, circa late-20th century. These clear dishes or bowls are taken fro...
Glass
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful set of five Model 65 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy, and retailed by Artek in Finland. The chairs are in beautiful vinta...
Laminate, Birch
Alvar Aalto Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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...
Mirror, Birch
$3,600Sale Price|40% Off
Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of 5 Early Stool #60 designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in Sweden by Artek. During the war period Artek opened factories in neutral Sweden where supplies were still available...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chair model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. Measures: 35"H x...
Cane, Birch
Early & Rare Alvar Aalto A32 Beehive Pendant, White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is one of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs—an early and rare version of the Model A 32 pendant with three light bulbs and six metal slats, unlike the more common singl...
Metal, Brass
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
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 ...
Birch, Laminate
Model 2 Chair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 2 chair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch frame, later fabric upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina co...
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A classic L-leg table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful vintage patina, with ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Extra Large Dining Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960 Special commission, unique piece of measure: 246 x 140 x73 cm Wood legs and structure. In original condition, with minor wear consi...
Wood
Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Deep Green, Iittala 1950s
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was organized for the 1937 Paris World Fair. The year was 1936 and Aalto´s entry was called `Eskimoerindens skinnbuxa` or `Eskimo Woman`s Leather Trousers` . The entry comprised of a number of different free-formed vases and bowls that came in different shapes and sizes. The most famous of Aalto´s glass designs is exactly this so called `Savoy` vase, as it was part of the Savoy restaurant`s original interior design that was done by the Aalto couple. Winning the competition marked the beginning of a succesful breakthrough for Alvar Aalto in addition to his other accomplishments as a world famous architect. The early vases by Aalto are extremely sought after collectible´s gems that fetch incredible prices every now and then in auctions worldwide. We have seen them in a number of different colors, mainly clear glass, green, brown, and blue. This vase is fully signed Alvar Aalto and is in good condition. This vase is signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto 'Triplets' Pendant Model A 203 In Brass & Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunning mid-century pendant by Alvar Aalto in red and brass and manufactured by Valaistustyö Finland, 1950s. This lamp is one of our favourite Alvar Aalto pendants and seems to be...
Metal, Brass
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Rare mahogany table top, birch legs. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ...
Birch, Mahogany
$2,290Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
Old production Alvar Aalto Sun-series garden/side table, from mid-20th century and in great patinated condition. The table is made of painted birch, with a yellow laminate panel in t...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Ceiling Lamp A331 early Valaistustyo Ky production Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A good untouched and stamped Mid century example of an early original Valaistustyo Ky production pendant lamp, 'Beehive' model A331, by Alvar Aalto, Finland. In pretty good condition...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded birch side table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Hedemora, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H ...
Wood, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970 Pair Avail
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Pair available. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a ...
Birch
Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consisten...
Birch
Alvar Aalto "Turnip" Pendant Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on because of the resemblance? No matter the answer, the design of this lamp is inspiring an...
Metal, Brass
Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Round dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1960s. Mahogany frame, the birch legs have been later lacquered. Good vintage condition...
Birch, Mahogany
Alvar Aalto Hat Rack / Coat Hanger in Birch, Model 113, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This early 1940s single wall shelf / hat rack model 113 is designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto for artek. This versatile shelf is in stained birch. The 2 triangular panels ...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Model 81C Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model 81C table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950s. Birch frame, blue linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Birch
$2,565Sale Price / set|20% Off
Midcentury pair of stools mod. K65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Model K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland, 1970s Designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935, the K65 stool exemplifies his pioneering approach to bent birch construction an...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A mid century Alvar Aalto “Tank” chair, model 400, produced by Artek in the 1950s. This example has been fully renovated and newly upholstered in first grade sheepskin that beautiful...
Sheepskin, Birch
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant design by the iconic Alvar Aalto for artek. Round birch top about 19 in diameter with a height of 17.5 a good size to use in several locations. In very good condit...
Birch
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare vintage coffee table produced by Artek in Finland, dating to the late 1950s–1960s. The table combines a warm teak tabletop with solid birch legs, a material pairing characteri...
Wood, Birch, Teak
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Bentwood Side Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant side table by Alvar Aalto, made from natural bent wood birch contrasting with black lacquer. Iconic design originally designed in 1932, originally for the Paimio Sanatorium...
Bentwood
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
$2,198Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set. We can dismantle the chairs...
Birch, Bentwood
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
Original Alvar Aalto N65 childrens chair from the mid 20th century in birch wood
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Ebberup, DK
Bring iconic Scandinavian design into your child’s world with this original Chair N65 by Alvar Aalto. Designed in 1935, the N65 is a perfect example of Aalto’s innovative approach to...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto A335B Pendant Lamp, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Designed by Alvar Aalto in the 1950s, this pendant lamp is a classic example of Scandinavian design. The layered, dome-shaped shade creates soft, diffused light, making it perfect fo...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Red Drop Leaf Dining Table for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Aalto dining table made by Artek in the 1950s. It features a red linoleum top paired with a birch frame and the classic “L‑leg” construction. The table includes a foldable extension,...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto 'Model 2' Arm Chair, 1930
By Alvar Aalto, O.Y.Huonekalu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original early Alvar Aalto 'Model 2' armchair for O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas A.B., in molded plywood and solid birch. Unrestored condition with partly significant wear. Lat...
Plywood
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch and red linoleum model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of this table which w...
Birch
One Stool Model "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Milan, IT
One stool model "X-Leg" "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Birch frame with impressive legs connection to the top.
Birch
Vintage Chair 65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finsven, 1940-50s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Clean lines and a simple structure define the design of Chair 65. A low, rectangular backrest is formed from a single piece of birch plywood and has a slight curve that forms natur...
Bentwood
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large coffee table by Artek, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Shown here with a linoleum surface in a special color. This Scandinavian design is hard to beat ...
Wood
Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto lounge chair model 402, 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uccle, BE
Original 1930's Alvar Aalto Model 402 lounge chair with reupholstered ecru cotton blend fabric. One of Aalto's notable creations is the "Model 402 Armchair...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Room / Screen Divider, Finland, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Excellent vintage condition with signs of usage and patina. Pinewood. Produced by Artek, Finland, late 1960s. Measures: Height 150 cm W 200 cm.
Pine
$2,850
Alvar Aalto Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Architectural Dining Table, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1970s. Retains wonderful original patina only retained with age. Please see our other 1stdib...
Laminate, Beech, Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto Armchair No. 31, early 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto armchair No. 31. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, produced early 1930s.. Bent laminated birch frame, seat in laminated birch root veneer.
Birch
Table 81A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Alvar Aalto designed Table 81A for Artek in the 1950s. Artek is a Finnish furniture manufacturer that Aalto co-founded in 1935. The table is made of solid birch wood, which is maste...
Birch
Tank Lounge Chair 400 by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Gunnar Aagaard Andersen Fabric.
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kansas City, MO
Alvar Aalto 400 "Tank" lounge chair, manufactured by Artek upholstered in Letters fabric designed by Gunnar Aagaard Andersen. The chair appears unused. Beautiful condition and very...
Fabric, Birch
2019 Set of Three Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek K65 Counter Stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of three K65 Counter Stools, initially designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1935. These particular examples date to 2019, and were manufactured in Finland. The...
Birch
Finnish Tea Trolley model 900 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A true Finnish classic Tea trolley by Alvar Aalto, model number 900. Made from bentwood birch with a white tiled table top and a rattan basket for storage. The model can be seen in ...
Birch, Ceramic, Rattan
Rare Wall Shelves in Birch by by Alvar Aalto, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
These rare wall shelves, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland, exemplify the enduring appeal of Scandinavian modernism through their organic form, functional eleg...
Birch
Vintage Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Round Rock, TX
The iconic “Savoy” vase was designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala of Finland. Considered one of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Aalto created this vase as part of a 10-...
Glass, Blown Glass
alvar aalto PAIR OF ARMCHAIRS, MODEL NO. 44 (padded paimio)
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Pair of mid‑century armchairs, model no. 44, designed by Alvar Aalto. Each chair features Aalto’s characteristic continuous bent‑plywood side frames, where the armrests flow seamles...
Wool, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto, strong patina with some chips. Please see picture 3 for accurate color.
Bentwood
Scandinavian Modern Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern round dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Teak. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) ...
Teak
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 Armchair Model 401 in Birch and Honey Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful original Alvar Aalto armchair model 401, which was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sanatorium that basically launched the Aalto name t...
Fabric, Birch
Set of Alvar Aalto Sun Series Table and Four Chairs, 1950/1960s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 330 "Aurinkopöytä" table and 4 pieces of model 910 garden chairs from the sun series, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950/1960s. Pai...
Brass
Rare, Early Alvar Aalto Model 31/42 Cantilevered Armchairs, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare, early Alvar Aalto model 31/42 cantilevered armchairs, Finland, 1930s, designed and produced in the 1930s. Painted birch-veneered bent plywoo...
Birch, Plywood
Wartime Table Model A70, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wartime coffee table/club table model A70, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s. Birch and karelian birch. Good vintage condition, patina ...
Birch