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.
Alvar Aalto Paded Cantilever Armchair Model 43, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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
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 ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
‘Tank’ armchair, model ’37/400′, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. Manufactured by Artek in Finland, 1930s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, 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
$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
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970 Pair Avail
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
$2,136Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto, 1930s chair 403, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace the essence of Scandinavian design with the Alvar Aalto, 1930s Chair 403. This piece is a blend of functional elegance and timeless craftsmanship. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- j...
Upholstery, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Marimekko Unikko Textile, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A sculptural fusion of form and function, this set of four 1940s Alvar Aalto stools exemplifies the purity of Scandinavian Modern design. With their legs mounted directly beneath the...
Fabric, Birch
Tank Lounge Chair 400 by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Gunnar Aagaard Andersen Fabric.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
$2,552Sale 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
$2,188Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch & Green Paint, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
An iconic model 60 stool in birch, green paint and a 100% beautiful and unique patina. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s, this design has definitely stood the test of t...
Birch
1960 Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chair Model 406 by Artek in Birch and Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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. 35"H x 24"W x 27...
Cane, 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
Vintage Midcentury Alvar Aalto stool, model "Y61", Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stool by Alvar Aalto, model “Y 61”. Made from birch with flowing lines, wreathed rattan seat.
Rattan, Birch
Set of 6 Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stackable Birch Stools Model. 60, Artek 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
These six Alvar Aalto iconic stools from 1930s are beautiful and space saving furniture pieces of timeless design. The legs are mounted directly to the underside of the round seat wi...
Birch
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 Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Finsven
Located in San Diego, CA
A vintage Alvar Aalto model 60 birch stool. Birch bentwood legs with Aalto’s signature feathered bentwood leg design. Swedish production Finsven from the late 1940s. Great patina, ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Chair 69 Pair Finland 1950s Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 69 chairs 2 pcs, birch. The chairs are from around the 1950s. Wear consistent with age. Designer Alvar Aalto. The chairs are sold as a pair, the price includes two chairs.
Birch
Rare 1930s Alvar Aalto for Stylclair in Plywood and Braided Straw
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Alvar Aalto for Stylclair, lounge chair, beech plywood, braided straw, France, 1930s We present a rare lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto, produced by Stylclair under the license...
Straw, Beech
Alvar Aalto 3-Legged Stool Model 60 In Birch and Blue Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Artek stool in birch and blue linoleum, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always ...
Birch
Model 54 Pair of Armchairs, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 54 pair of armchair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Gorgeous honey colored birch frame, later wool fabric upholstery. Ma...
Fabric, Wool, Birch
Mid-Century Modern Early N65 Children Chair Alvar Aalto Artek Finland 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
An early version of the N65 children's chair by Finnish manufacturer Artek, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the 1930s. This version of the seat was only available until around ...
Wood
Model 42 Pikku Paimio Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 Pikku Paimio armchair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey colored birch frame, black painted birch seat. Good v...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing pair of stools in a lacquered birch. Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in Finland. Model "K60". This vintage set is from the 1970s "Alvar Aalto (1898 - 1976), was a Finni...
Birch
$3,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Armchairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Austin, TX
Model 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and sought after combination ...
Nylon, Beech
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 X-leg or "Fan Leg" in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful model X600 stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1960s in Finland. Even though simple, this stool comes with great quality and attention to detail. The X-leg or ...
Birch, Oak
$757Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Stool model Y61 by Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek's model Y61 stool, birch with black saddle belts. Designed by Alvar Aalto. In very good used condition. Airy design and beautiful Y-shaped leg structures.
Birch, Fabric
Shigeru Ban limited edition of 80 heat reactive Aalto stools for Artek, 2007.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
From a numbered edition of 80 pieces produced for the Barbican exhibition ‘Alvar Aalto - Through the eyes of Shigeru Ban’. Featuring a heat-reactive seat that responds subtly to to...
Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Cane, Birch
$1,253
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 for Artek from the 1950s. Birch with rare green imitation leather seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent wi...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto & Otto Korhonen Model No. 2 Chair, Finland, Late 1920s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Akaa, FI
An early Model No. 2 chair, designed by Otto Korhonen and Alvar Aalto in the late 1920s, predating the establishment of Artek. The chair features a curved back rail, shaped wooden s...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 31 (later 42) chair, also known as the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. It is r...
Birch, Plywood
$1,595Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench from circa 1960s, designed by Alvar Aalto. The bench has recently been reupholstered with Johanna Gullichsen's Helios Ochre fabric. The bench i...
Fabric, Birch
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
The famous Paimio lounge chair model 41, designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimion Parantola. Manufactured by Artek in the 1960s, stamped "Artek, Aal...
Birch, Plywood
Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 402 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame with wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, heavy...
Wool, Birch
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
Alvar Aalto 'Ritiläpenkki' Birch Bench Model 153B, Artek 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Iconic bench model 153 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1960s. The bench is in very good original condition. As with a lot of Alvar Aalto's works the beauty c...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair in Beech and Cotton, Mid-Century Modern
By ICF Group, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Alvar Aalto Linen and Beech Lounge Chair in very good original condition! 2nd one available with more wear showing on the seat area of the linen. Later photos are showing the 2nd c...
Cotton, Beech
Alvar Aalto Model 31 Cantilever Chair, Birch Plywood, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alvar Aalto cantilever chair, model 31. A very rare 1st edition model 31 lounge chair by Alvar Aalto in birch plywood with a floating bac...
Birch
E65 chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
E65 chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s A Scandinavian (Finland) chair by Alvar Aalto model E65 designed in the 1930s. This chair dates from the 1950s and is in ORIGINAL ...
Birch, Plywood
Early Mod. 31 Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A fully restored early edition of the iconic Model 31 bentwood lounge chair, featuring a laminated birch frame with elegantly curved armrests and sled base. The sculptural plywood se...
Bentwood, Pine, Plywood
2010s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Stool 64 in Ebonized Wood 20+ Available
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Stool 64, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1935. These particular examples were produced in Finland in the 2010s. The design features the Aaltos’ ...
Birch
$1,424 / item
Alvar Aalto stools for finmar, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A characterful set of Aalto stools with notable provenance, originating from the penthouse flat of architect F.R.S. Yorke, author of The Modern House (1936), above the offices of Yor...
Birch
Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Stool model 60 designed by Alvar Aalto for Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab from the 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Birch
$3,200 / set
Model 406 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Finland. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. Previous mark where ICF label was is pictured for both chairs.
Cotton, Birch
Set of 2 Mid Century Easy Chairs by Alvar Aalto, 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of model 402 easy chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland, represents a seminal achievement in early Scandinavian modernism. The chairs showca...
Fabric, Birch, Wool
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
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
Vintage Alvar Aalto Stools Finland ca' 1950's-60's Mid Century Patina
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great set of four (4) stools by Alvar Aalto made in Finland, most likely by Artek, vintage 1950's-60's. The stacking stools have a wonderful patina and nice smooth finish.
Birch