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 Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Highback Tank Arm Chair Model A 38 in Sheepskin, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, 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
$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
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
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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 Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
Set of 7 Model 62 Dining Chairs, Alvar Aalto for Artek / Hedemora, Sweden, 1950s
By O.Y.Huonekalu, Alvar Aalto
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
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
$2,232Sale 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
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
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
One Stool Model "X 601" by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
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
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
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
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
Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair in Beech and Cotton, Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, ICF Group
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
$16,547Sale 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 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 Pair of '36/401' Cantilever Armchairs in Black Upholstery, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Prague, New Town
Pair of highback cantilever armchairs, model '36/401', designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933. Produced by Artek in Finland, 1950s. Laminated birch, newly upholstered in black fabric. Dime...
Fabric, Birch
$1,278
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
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
'Tank chair' by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' armchair. Produced in Finland, 1940s.
Birch
$5,852Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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 Model 60 Stackable Stool for Finsven 1940s
By Finsven, Alvar Aalto
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Early N65 Children Chair Alvar Aalto Artek Finland 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
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
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
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, 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 the spring chair, "Pikku Paimio" or Small Paimio in English. It is r...
Birch, Plywood
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
Alvar Aalto Artek Stool 60 Finland 1950s Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, birch. The stool is from the 1950s-1960s. Designer Alvar Aalto. Good used condition.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Paimio Sofa for Finmar Finland ca 1932
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Danville, CA
Rare original Alvar Aalto Paimio sofa design circuit 1932 by Finmar, Finland. Spectacular bent plywood frame, recent neutral green micro chenille upholste...
Bentwood
Pair of Alvar Aalto War Time Chairs With Finger Joints Model 69, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model 69 chairs, manufactured during the 2nd World War years in Finland in the 1940s. The iconic L-leg is different in these pieces compared to the normal....
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto Pair of Sheepskin Padded Cantilever Armchairs Model 402, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Alvar Aalto, Dining Room Chairs, Birch, Raffia, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A set of 8 birch and raffia dining room chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Finland, c. 1980s. Minor to moderate wear to fabric and wood frame consistent with norm...
Raffia, 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
Authentic Stool 60 in Lacquered Birch with Laminate Seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Authentic Stool 60 in lacquered birch with laminate seat by Alvar Aalto & Artek. In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In col...
Laminate, Birch
$1,220 / 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
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
Alvar Aalto, rare collectable chair model 31 / 'Paimio', 1930/40s.
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare sculptural and collectable armchair model No. 31 / Paimo by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy Turku, produced during the 1930/40s. Steam bent plywood ...
Beech
Alvar Aalto Armchair with Special Height, Artek, "Enso-Gutzeit", 1962
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
A very rare Alvar Aalto armchair made for the Enso-Gutzeit ("Stora Enso") Headquarters in 1962. Birch, green fabric and leather. Great original condition with age related wear. Stamp...
Leather, Beech
$3,069Sale Price|35% Off
Rare Alvar Aalto Cantilever Armchair Model 26, Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 Zebra Upholstery
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Early iconic Alvar Aalto's stool 60 from the 1940's with beautiful and warm patina on the legs and bottom of the stool. Reupholstered by the traditional method using upholstery tack...
Wool, Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool X600 in Birch and Original Black Leather, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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 less comm...
Leather, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 31, Bent Plywood and Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Mid-Century Modern Slatted Birch Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous slatted bench in hand selected birch designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear from age and use. Please see all pics and video as t...
Birch
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Early Alvar Aalto Bentwood Stool
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New Windsor, NY
A very early example of Aalto's iconic use of laminated and bentwood. This stool has all the patina, wear and bruises of time and use. Circa 1940-1950. Original green fabric upholste...
Upholstery, Birch
C. 2000s Set of Four Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek 611 Stacking Dining Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four 611 Stacking Chairs, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1929. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland in the 2000s. Their frames...
Birch, Fabric
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
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Marimekko Unikko Textile, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Mid-Century Modern Birch Slatted Bench by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1970
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fantastic simple and elegant design by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Choice bleached and varnished birch with bent legs and a slatted bench top. Great bench side table or a small cocktail t...
Birch
Pair of Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 60 stools, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, red linoleum seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use. T...
Birch