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 ‘Tank’ Armchair in Honey Sheepskin, 1940s
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, 1940s. Made from laminated steam-bent birch plywood, recently reupholstered in hon...
Sheepskin, Birch
Unique "Aalto Goes High II" Stool by Sheikki on an Alvar Aalto Model 60, 2025
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A unique contemporary artwork executed in acrylic on an original Alvar Aalto Model 60 birch stool. Although based on one of the most iconic furniture designs of the twentieth century...
Birch, Acrylic
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful early version of the A38 “high back” Tank chair by Alvar Aalto. A substantial and commanding piece, this is among the rarer chair models in Aalto’s oeuvre and remains sel...
Sheepskin, Birch
Set of 7 Model 62 Dining Chairs, Alvar Aalto for Artek / Hedemora, Sweden, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, O.Y.Huonekalu
Located in Odense, DK
Set of seven iconic Model 62 dining chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek at the Hedemora factory in Sweden during the 1950s. These rare examples showcase Aalto’s pion...
Birch, Fabric, Textile, Velvet
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
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of iconic Mid-Century Modern stools by Alvar Aalto, made in the 1940s-50s. The ingenious stacking design has made these stools a timeless favourite and one of Aalto’s most end...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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 spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regar...
Birch, Plywood
Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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 Model 60 Birch Stacking Stools by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 and manufactured by Artek, the Model 60 stool is built around the L-leg — a laminated birch leg bent into an L-shape that connects directly to the cir...
Birch, Bentwood
$2,256Sale 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
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 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
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
$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
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
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
Pair of Alvar Aalto Cantilever Chairs Model 406 by Artek in Birch Cane Webbing
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Alvar Aalto, cantilevered chairs model 406. Laminated birch, cane. circa 1960 The model 406 chair was originally designed in 1938-39. 35"H x ...
Cane, Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of mid-century Alvar Aalto cantilever 'spring' chairs model 402, also known as Pikkupaimio (small paimio) associated with the legendary Paimio Sanatorium designed by...
Metal
Set of armchairs and a matching sofa attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Set of two armchairs and a matching sofa designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, circa 1930s. The pieces are crafted in bentwood, featuring Aalto’s iconic use of laminated birch shaped int...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Tank Arm Chair Model 400 in Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
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
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
$2,203Sale Price|25% Off
Alvar Aalto, 1930s chair 403, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
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 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
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
$1,234 / item
Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Three model 60 stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s/1960s. Birch and imitation leather. Good vintage condition, minor patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Al...
Faux Leather, 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
Set of 6 Alvar Aalto 3 Legged Stackable Stools Model 60, Artek 1960s
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
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with linen webbing...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
$16,726Sale Price / set|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Exceptionally rare set of early Alvar Aalto armchairs for O.Y Wilhelm Schauman A.B Jyväskylä, Finland, 1939. Custom ordered for NY World's Fair Restau...
Birch, Plywood
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
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
$1,292
Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Collector's Piece/Extremely Rare Model 13 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Early 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Collector's item/Extremely rare model 13 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustöitä Ab, early 1930s. The chair is made of beech, suggesting tha...
Beech
Pair of Model 401 Armchairs, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 401 armchairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame, wool fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, ...
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
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
Set of 3 Alvar Alto Stool 60 by Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Set of 3 vintage original vintage Alvar Alto 60 stools from early 1960s. From a private home with one owner who purchased them in the late 1950s. Two wit...
Bentwood, Birch
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
Rare Original Yellow Top E60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Scandinavian Modern
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Rare and collectible E60 stool by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek. This iconic piece features the original yellow laminate seat top, a discontinued and ...
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
Model 45 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Set of 2
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Model 45 Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1970s Beautiful vintage armchair designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1970s. This version features a solid birch frame with light linen w...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
Alvar Aalto, Chaise Longue, Birch, Fabric, Finland, 1947
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A birch bentwood and beige fabric webbing chaise longue designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by O.Y. Huonekalu-ja Rakennusyötehdas, A.B., Turku, Finland, c. 1947. Provenance: Philli...
Fabric, 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
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
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Alvar Aalto Armchair 400 Tank Mid Century Bentwood Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 30 wide x 33 deep x 26.25 high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height/chair clearance ...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Easy Chair Nr 31 Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model nr 31 designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas in Finland.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in Birch and Honey Sheepskin, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 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
Pair of Wooden N65 Children Chairs by Alvar Aalto produced by Artek Finland 1990
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare pair of vintage Alvar Aalto "N65" children chairs in benct laminated birch wood with matching patina produced by Artek in Finland, 1990s. In good original condition with ligh...
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
$1,647Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Bench with Johanna Gullichsen Helios Fabrics
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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
very rare and early no.41 paimio lounge chair by alvar aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Munich, DE
very rare and early no.41 paimio lounge chair by alvar aalto. i purchased this chair from and old collectors couple, but unfortunately there is no manufacturer sign on the chair. the...
Plywood
$1,939Sale Price / item|25% Off
Model 46 Armchair with Floral Fabric, Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 46 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Stained birch frame with kerni wrapped handles. Later reupholstered with quality fabric. Good vintage condition, minor patina ...
Fabric, Birch
$3,200 / set
Model 406 Lounge Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Denmark. 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
$3,106Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Alvar Aalto Cantilever Armchair Model 26, Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Very hard to find Model 26 armchair is designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek with frame in steel tube, painted matt black and with seat form pressed birch plywood, lacquered in black. Aalto designed Lounge Chair 26...
Metal
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
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
Lounge Chairs, Early Aalto Production for Stylclair, France, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
These exceptional lounge chairs belong to the early period of Alvar Aalto’s bentwood production in France. In the early 1930s, Aalto’s curved plywood designs began circulating across...
Rope, Wood, Bentwood