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's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Alvar Aalto's iconic Stool 60, from Artek 1950s, s the epitome of minimalistic furniture, versatile enough to serve as a seat, a table, a storage unit, or even a display surface. Thi...
Birch
1950s Alvar Aalto stool X602 in rich patinated birch and Niger leather. By Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in København K, 84
Presenting Alvar Aalto stool model X602 in a rich patinated birch upholstered in premium brown Niger goat leather. Produced by Artek in late 1950s. The Alvar Aalto stool model X602...
Leather, Birch
Model 60 Stool, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 60 stool, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent wi...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Hallway Armchair Model 403 in Birch & Orange, Artek 2008
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful Alvar Aalto model 403 hallway chair, originally designed for the legendary Paimio Sanatorium, one of the masterpieces of 20th-century architecture. This example was manuf...
Birch
Early Model 65 Chair by Alvar Aalto, ,
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
Model 65 encapsulates designer Alvar Aalto’s approach to systematic, rational design within the context of Finnish minimalism; showcasing clean lines and his favoured use of birchwood.The bolts, showcased along the back legs, imbued the chair with Aalto’s signature industrial design sensibility.This is a wonderful early example,, The color ,,finish and patina is outstanding.. Chair seat has been reupholstered in a classic Marimekko fabric
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto, Birch, Rattan, Black Linen Webbing, Armchairs, Finland, 1980s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stamford, CT
Alvar Aalto, Artek, Birch, Rattan, Black Linen Webbing, "Model 45" Armchairs, Finland, 1980s Pair of "Model 45" armchairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek and produced in Finland c...
Linen, Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Modern Vintage Duo Pair Birch Red Laminate 1935 Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Vienna, AT
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian modern vintage authentic duo pair model 66 from lacquered birch and red laminate 1930s, Finland. An early model chair 66 by Alvar Aalto for Artek with great ...
Laminate, Birch
Armchair 42 “Little Paimio” Designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1931
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Armchair 42 “Small Paimio” designed by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1931. Bent birch and lacquered plywood. Dimesnions: H: 63 cm/ 2' 1" W: 60 cm/ 1' 11 1/2" D: ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool X602 by Artek in 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek X602 stool, design by Alvar Aalto. Birch with black faux leather upholstery, beautiful fan legs, and wonderful patina of time. The stool is from 1950s, and has original upholst...
Birch, Faux Leather
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
Alvar Aalto Birch & Leather Chair 611
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Norwich, England
Alvar Aalto chair 611 in birch and leather hide by Finnish manufacturer: Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy. Dated in pencil 20th June 1950, along with cabinet maker's signature. A va...
Leather, Birch
2010s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Stool 64 in Ebonized Wood 19x 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
Alvar Aalto X600 Stool, Birch Wood, Mid-Century Modern, Finland, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Argelato, BO
Alvar Aalto, Birch Stool, Model X600, by Artek, circa 1960s. A naturally colored Alvar Aalto' s X600 stool. It is one of the most iconic models of the famous Finnish architect and ...
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.
Birch, Cane
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60 in original condition and nicely patinated. Manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab from the 1930s.
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto 3-legged "Sandwich" Stool Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare version of the iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek with birch legs and upholstered top. This is the so called "Swandich" model which has the upholstery going only half way down...
Birch, Wool
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 linen webbin...
Linen, Rattan, Beech
1950s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek 60 Stool / Side Table in Birch
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Stool 60, originally designed by Aino and Alvar in 1933. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland circa the 1950s. The stool is crafted from solid birch wit...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Stool 60
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Early stool 60 with finger joint seat, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas A.B in the 1930s. The stool has a later paint and the legs hav...
Birch
$25,000
Alvar Aalto 'Tank' Settee
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Mouldcraft c.1950s, Canada. The sofa, also known as the Tank sofa, is a rare design featuring a cantilevered frame in...
Birch, Upholstery
Alvar Aalto Artek Stool E60 Pair Finland 1960s Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek E60 stools, 2 pcs. Birch with black painted top. The stools are from the 1960s and in good used condition. The stools have old finger joints visible under the paint. Designer A...
Birch
Pair of Artek #60 Mid Century Modern Stacking Tables Stools by Alvar Aalto C1950
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Mid Century Modern birch # 60 stacking stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek C1955. One stool is stamped Aerek on the underside, the other is not. In fairly good unrestore...
Birch
Rare Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch & Teak, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A lovely and rare version of the iconic Alvar Aalto stool for Artek with birch legs and a teak top seat. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has always...
Birch, Teak
1970s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Paimio Lounge Chair
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Paimio Lounge Chair, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the Paimio Sanatorium in Finland in 1932. This particular example was produced by Artek and dates to th...
Birch
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
alvar aalto chair611 50's natural
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
designed by alvar aalto . Manufactured in the 1950s. Paint is in original condition. The paint film is thin.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool Y61 by Artek Finland 1950s Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek Y61 stool, birch with original black leather upholstery. The stool is from the 1950s. Designer Alvar Aalto. In good used condition.
Birch, Leather
"39" Chaise Longue by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto designed in 1936-1937, Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
The "39" Chaise Longue was designed by the notorious Finnish designer Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) in 1936–37 and manufactured by Artek Oy. This design is present in The Met Museus collec...
Leather, Wood
$5,108Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Teak Aalto Model 60 Stools, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of rare model 60 stools, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s. Birch frame with teak top. Good vintage condition, patina consist...
Birch, Teak
1970s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek / ICF 406 Lounge Chairs in Beech w/ Webbing
By Aino Aalto, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
These are 406 Arm Chairs, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1939. These particular examples were produced by Artek in Finland in the 1970s. Their frames are made from bi...
Birch, Fabric
Alvar Aalto Model 402 Lounge Chair, Bent Birch & Blue Vinyl, Early Model 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Detroit, MI
The Model 402 lounge chair or ‘Atelje’ chair was designed by Alvar and Aino Aalto in 1933 and is considered a masterpiece of modernist furniture design. The classic, well-balanced de...
Fabric, Birch, Bentwood
Pair of Easy Chairs in Molded & Laminated Masurian Birch by Alvar Aalto, 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Molded and Laminated Masurian Birch and Birch by Alvar Aalto, 1940's Additional Information: Material: Molded and laminated masurian birch and birch Style: Mi...
Birch
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
alvar aalto chair611 40's painted blue
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
designed by alvar aalto . Manufactured in the 1950s. I don't know the year it was painted. The whole thing is painted blue, but there are some areas where it's peeling off. Currently...
Birch
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Chairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Austin, TX
Set of 4 Model number 45 armchairs, designed in 1947 by Alvar Aalto and manufactured later (1960's?) by Artek. Beech frames and woven black nylon seat and back make a comfortable and...
Nylon, Beech
2019 Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek Stool 64 in Ebonized Wood with Fabric Seats
By Alvar Aalto, Aino 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 2019. The design features a three-legged bentwood constr...
Fabric, Birch
Rare set of Alvar Aalto Kakkonen Chairs, Model No. 2, Finland, 1930
By O.Y.Huonekalu, Alvar Aalto
Located in Ghent, BE
The Alvar Aalto Kakkonen Chair No. 2, designed by Alvar Aalto and Otto Korhonen circa 1930, is an early masterpiece of Scandinavian modernism. Crafted in laminated and solid birch, t...
Birch
Rare Variant Model 41 Paimio Sanatorium Armchair Chair by Alvar Aatlo c. 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Oakland, CA
Model No 41 Paimio armchair in molded birch plywood designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. With a black lacquered molded plywood seat and natural finish molded arms creating a ve...
Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 From 1940's
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
The stool. Alvar Aalto's iconic stool model 60, that defined the functionalism movement of furniture design. This piece is in its original condition from the 1940's. Legs have deli...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek in 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured during war-time 1940s. The bench has a later upholstery with old fabric designed by Aino Aalto...
Birch, Fabric
$3,250Sale Price|20% Off
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent wi...
Birch, Paint
Set of 4 Mid Century Dining / Side Chairs by Avar Aalto 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
"This set includes four exquisite Mid-Century dining/side chairs designed by the iconic Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto in the 1960s. Crafted from pine wood, these chairs ...
Leather, Wood
alvar aalto tank sofa 3 seater 40's sweden
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Manufactured in the 1940s. Made in Sweden. This is a rare 3-seater tank sofa. This item has already been reupholstered and repaired. Although there are some ...
Birch, Fabric
Alvar Aalto Cantilevered Leather Lounge Chair for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artek’s Model 406 lounge chair designed by Alvar Aalto. The cantilevered frame is a bent birch wood that gives the seat a floating effect. The chair's seat and seatback is finished i...
Birch, Leather
Rare Alvar Aalto original condition 1940's stool 60 with war legs, Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Very nice and rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 with War Legs from the 1940s, Artek. The stool is in original condition including the screws There are some scratches on the seat. Very few o...
Birch
$880Sale Price|32% Off
alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather red 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1950's. The seat is covered with vinyl leather. The condition of the vinyl leather is not torn, but there are some stai...
Birch
Arm Chair in Black Linen by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1947
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Birch
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
alvar aalto stool60 painted red 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool 60 was manufactured in the 1930's. This stool is painted red and white. There is some peeling and damage in the paint here and there, but it is a ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 Elm Top, manufactured 1950's vintage
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Stool 60 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932. This item is manufactured in the 1950s. This seat top is elm.It is a rare individual. Elm wood is characterized by its beautiful grain and i...
Birch, Elm
$20,887Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of Model Pikku Paimio, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey colored birch frame, black painted birch seats. Good vint...
Birch, Paint
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto white laminate Stools by Artek
By Artek, ICF New York, Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto white laminate with blonde birch wood Stools by Artek. Clean ready for use. Stackable. Labeled ICF NYC. Made circa 1970. Sold as a Pair (2)...
Laminate, Bentwood, Birch
Scandinavian Leather Sofa in the Style of Alvar Aalto, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Praha, CZ
Elegant Scandinavian three-seat sofa produced during the 1970s in the style of Alvar Aalto. The piece features a sculptural bent beech wood frame with gracefully curved armrests pair...
Leather, Wood, Beech
Model 402 Lounge Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950´s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
Lounge chair model 402 designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured in the 1950's by Artek. This chair is extremely light, as almost every design piece of Alvar Aalto's work are. This ch...
Wool, Birch
$1,800 / set
Counter Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 2012. Finland. Black wood frames, from the Apple Store.
Wood
Alvar Aalto Pair of Armchairs 45 in Birch, Rattan, & White Leather, Artek 1970s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Beautiful pair of Alvar Aalto model 45 chairs in birch with rattan wrapping and white leather details. Designed in the 1940s and produced in this ...
Birch, Leather, Rattan
Alvar Aalto Armchair 41 "Paimio" Produced by Artek, 1963
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced 1963 by Artek, acquired new by previous owner. Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932, Armchair 41 was created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of ...
Birch
Vintage Model 401 Armchair by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An iconic and rare vintage model 401 armchair by Alvar Aalto. This was made in Finland by Artek, it dates from around the 1970’s. It is of exceptional ...
Bouclé, Bentwood
$3,500Sale Price|30% Off
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Wingback Armchair 401 by Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
All Original Vintage Alvar Aalto Armchair # 401 by Artek made in Finland. Great wingback lounge chair model 401 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1933. This chair was purch...
Upholstery, Birch, Rattan
Pair of Alvar Aalto Hallway Armchairs Model 403 in Birch & Yellow, Artek 2008
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful pair of Alvar Aalto model 403 hallway chairs, originally designed for the legendary Paimio Sanatorium, one of the masterpieces of 20th-century architecture. These example...
Birch
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
alvar aalto stool60 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool60 was manufactured in the 1940s. It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
Birch
Vintage Alvar Alto Low Bench 153A of Birch by Artek in Finland 1980s.
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Finish Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) vintage low bench. The bench is made of solid birch with lacquer in the 1980s. by Artek in Finland. Very nice vintage...
Birch
$3,249Sale Price|20% Off
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 42 "Pikku Paimio" armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, painted birch seat. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consiste...
Birch, Paint