Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
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 Savoy Vase Model. 3030, Iittala 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
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 `...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Extremely Rare Alvar Aalto Wooden Mould for Vase Model 3032, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A collector's gem! Early Alvar Aalto hand carved wooden mould for the iconic vase no. 3032 which Aalto designed in the 1930s.
The mould is hand carved from an older tree stump and ...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood
Alvar Aalto Organic and Sculptural Savoy Bowl Small, Pair
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
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...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Organic Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
1970s MCM Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 in Smoke Gray Glass by Iittala Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in St. Louis, MO
The famous Mid-Century Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030 shown in rarely seen Smoke Gray glass made by Iittala Finland. Retains original label, also etched Alvar Aalto signature to bottom.
Category
1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 20th Century Finnish Design
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
This Iittala Aalto Opal White Maljakko vase is a Finnish classic designed in 1936 by Alvar Aalto. Each vase is handmade by the expert glass blowers at the Iittala glass factory. The ...
Category
20th Century Finnish Art Deco Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
1960 White vase, Centerpiece with three-leaf clover Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
1960 White vase, Centerpiece with three-leaf clover Alvar Aalto
Centerpiece shaped like a three-leaf clover, white. In addition to having that shape, i...
Category
20th Century Finnish Art Deco Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Rare Early Alvar Aalto Savoy 9750 Vase
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Sharon, CT
A rare early green version of the Classic. Provenance: Estate of Mary Griggs Burke, Long Island. See "Long Island Modernism 1930-1980" by Caroline Rob Zaleski, W.W.Norton 2012.
Category
1940s Finnish International Style Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Glass vase 3030 by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. 1960 - 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in CADALSO, ES
Great condition
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Vase Aalto, Alvar Aalto, by Ittala, 1960 circa
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Alvar Aalto's timeless design legacy shines through the iconic Vase Aalto, a classic from the 1960s crafted by Iittala. This fluid masterpiece seamlessly merges form and function, sh...
Category
1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Alvar Aalto for Artek Vintage Pine Wood Picture Frame, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Brescia , Brescia
Presenting a timeless piece of mid-century design, this vintage Pine Wood Photo Frame by renowned Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto for Artek captures the essence of Scandin...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Wood, Pine
Early Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early Glass Vase by Alvar Aalto
Additional Information:
Material: Glass blown in wooden mould
Style: Mid century, Scandinavian
Produced in Finland
Signed Alvar Aalto 3030...
Category
1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Freeform Stainless Steel Alvar Aalto Bowl for Lilttala
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful freeform stainless steel bowl designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala in polished stainless steel.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Stainless Steel
Alvar Aalto Mini Blue Vase for Iittala, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Vase for Iittala, 1980s.
Category
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Bowl 9748, Iittala 1956, Blown to a Wooden Mold
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 `...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Vintage Hand Signed White 3030 Iittala Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Krefeld, DE
Hand signed Alvar Aalto vase 3030 Savoy for Iittala made in Finland. Nice vintage condition with some scratches at the base and small chips at th...
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Glass Savoy Vase and Bowls
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Esbjerg, DK
1950s, Mid-Century Modern, blown glass 'Savoy' vase and bowls designed by Alvar, signed/marked.
Measures: H. 10/4/3, W. 11/13.5/10, D. 10/11/9.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Alvar Aalto Mini Clear Vase for Iittala, circa 1990s.
The box measures: 3 7/8'' Wide by 3 5/16'' Deep by 1 3/16'' Tall.
Category
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Wood and Glass Picture Frame by Alvar Aalto for Artek Italy, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Rome, IT
Rectangular wooden picture frame with oval glass space for the photo by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Italy in the 1960s.
The original label is still attached in the back, as sh...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass, Wood
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Scandinavian Modern for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in New York, NY
The beautiful and iconic Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto glass vase, aka as the 'Savoy' vase, created by designer Alvar Aalto, 1937, Finland. This clear vase, with original design by...
Category
Late 20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
1950's Alvar Aalto Iittala "Savoy" Model 3030 White Cased Glass Vase Signed
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Diego, CA
Excellent early version Alvar Aalto Iitala "Savoy" white cased glass vase dating from the late 1940s to 1950s. This is model 3030 and is signed ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960.
Manufactured in Finland.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Hugo Alv...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Arango Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural Arango clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland.
This is a beautiful handmade iconic piece from the 1990s.
Fo...
Category
1990s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Crystal Vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala
By Alvar Aalto, Iittala
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage crystal vase is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Ittala in the 1980s.
Elegant crystal vase in the shape of a corolla.
Corolla vase is...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Crystal
Alvar Aalto Organic Glass Vase Model Savoy, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960.
Manufactured in Finland.
In great original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use in the structure some broken leather ...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Large Savoy Vase in Emerald Green for Iittala
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Grand Cayman, KY
Iconic Scandinavian Modern design by Alvar Aalto in vibrant emerald green glass for eminent Finnish glassworks, Iittala.
This mid-century example includes a bubble in the glasswor...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Glass Bowl Savoy, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Glass designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960.
Manufactured in Finland.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use in the structure some broken little piece o...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Iittala Alvar Aalto Clear Art Glass Sculptural Flower Savoy Vase Scandinavian
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern sculptural clear art glass savoy vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, made in Finland.
This is a beautiful hand made iconic piece from the 1980s.
Foil lab...
Category
1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Art Glass
Vintage Crystal Vase, Alvar Aalto, 1980s
By Orrefors, Alvar Aalto
Located in Roma, IT
This vintage crystal vase is a decorative crystal object designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by the Swedish Companies Orrefors and Ittala in ...
Category
1980s Swedish Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Glass
Alvar Aalto Vase 3031, Iittala
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 `...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase 3030, 1960s, Iittala Finland
By Iittala, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
Vintage version of iconic Savoy Vase designed by Alvar Aalto for Iittala. Hand signed "Alvar Aalto 3030". Blown to a cast-iron mould.
Normal wear o...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
Materials
Blown Glass
Alvar Aalto decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.
Alvar Aalto decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto decorative objects, although green editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Alvar Aalto were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Paavo Tynell, Gunnel Nyman, and Oiva Toikka. Prices for Alvar Aalto decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $113 and can go as high as $18,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $758.
Creators Similar to Alvar Aalto
Questions About Alvar Aalto Decorative Objects
- 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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