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.
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, 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
Set of Six Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs in Birch and Beige Fabric, Artek 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto designed a huge number of chairs for numerous households and public buildings. These chairs are the ones with the lower version back support model no. 65. The chairs are ...
Fabric, Birch
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
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929. Birch. Stamped. This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is character...
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
Model 66 dining chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century dining room chairs designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The set consists of 5 model66 dining chairs. Beautifully crafted solid birch frames. Good condition 1960s - Fin...
Birch
Set of Four Dining Side Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Set of four Alvar Aalto model laminated birch dining chairs produced by Artek in the late 1940's. Fabric is original. Chairs' upholstery frame requires rework.
Upholstery, Birch
$7,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Chairs with Black Straps, Finland, 1960's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Arm Chair in Black Linen by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1947
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A laminated birch armchair with a black linen webbed seat and cane wrapped arms.
Birch
$24,000 / item
Dining Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1933
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
Set of four Alvar Aalto model No.62 laminated birch dining chairs produced by Artek in the late 1940s. The model of this listing, No.62, is slightly larger in scale than a very simil...
Plywood, Upholstery, Leather
Alvar Aalto Model 66 Dining Chairs, Birch & Eco Cotton, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
Spectacular pair of Alvar Aalto's chair model 66. Reupholstered with fabric designed by Johanna Gullichsen fabric name Eos. Fabric color is green and white and is made of 100% ecolog...
Fabric, Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 6
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair model 45 from Alvar Aalto made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather. Manufactured by Artek. The chairs are very comfortable and lightweighted. They are ...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model Y61 Stool Chair Black Leather 1 of 2
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare stool model Y61 from Alvar Aalto. Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather. Manufactured by Artek. The stools are comfortable and lightweighted. They are in bes...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 4
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Rare armchair Model 45 from Alvar Aalto.Made of laminated birch wood and black aniline leather. Manufactured by Artek. The chairs are very comfortable and lightweighted. They are in ...
Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer
$5,400 / item
Upholstered Dining Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A dining chair in laminated birch with newly upholstered black leather seat and back.
Leather, Birch
$2,098
H 17.33 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
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
$3,536 / set
H 28.35 in W 16.93 in D 15.75 in
Pair of Alvar Aalto War Time Chairs With Finger Joints Model 69, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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
$5,955 / set
H 17.33 in Dm 13.78 in
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
$6,281 / set
H 17.33 in Dm 16.54 in
Alvar Aalto 5 Early L-Leg Stools "Model 60" Red Linoleum & Birch, Finland, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of 5 early L-leg stools by Alvar Aalto in laminated birch and seats with red linoleum. Made in the 1960s at Artek. Alvar Aalto’s Three-legged stool model 60 designed in 1934 is t...
Birch
$3,303 / set
H 17.33 in Dm 13.78 in
A Pair of Wooden Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Stools Model 60, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
$1,000 / set
H 29.14 in W 16.93 in D 18.12 in
Alvar Aalto Artek Chair 69 Pair Finland 1950s Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
$3,349
H 25.99 in W 13.78 in D 16.15 in
Set of 5 Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
$2,233Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.11 in W 15.75 in D 17.33 in
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
$21,791 / set
H 32.29 in W 14.97 in D 18.9 in
Set of 12 Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 Dining Chairs for Cassina, Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti, Cassina
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A wonderful set of twelve original, early Gio Ponti Leggera Model 646 dining chairs, Cassina, Italy, 1950s. In restored condition with new ...
Fabric, Wood
$2,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 32 in W 23 in D 21 in
Set of 6 Scandinavian modern birch woven dining chairs style of Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of 6 Scandinavian modern birch woven dining chairs style of Alvar Aalto. Birch bentwood plywood chairs with black canvas woven seats and backs. Very clean set of 6 dining chairs....
Birch, Canvas, Bentwood, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Stool 60 by Artek in 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 60 stool, birch with red linoleum. The stool is from the 1950s. Designer Alvar Aalto. Good used condition. The Artek Stool 60, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933, is one of the m...
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
1st Edition Set of 6 Alvar Aalto for FinSven Model 62 Chairs, 1934
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A rare set of 6 dining chairs, model 62 designed by Alvar Aalto. These are first editions made and produced by FinSven in the early 1930s. Coming up on 100 years old these chairs sta...
Mohair, Birch
Sold
H 29.14 in W 16.93 in D 17.72 in
Rare set of four early Model 69 chairs by Alvar Aalto, Finland 1935.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare set of four early Model 69 chairs by Alvar Aalto, Finland 1935. These particular chairs were acquired in the late 1930s by a Dutch architect who worked at the esteemed architect...
Birch
Sold
H 30.75 in W 15.5 in D 16.5 in
Single Accent Danish Modern Model 66 Chair in Birch + White Alvar Aalto byArtek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Basel, BS
Created by Alvar Aalto, this high-back dining chair features a sturdy birch core along with birch laminate and veneer. Its solid birch legs and a high back crafted from molded birch ...
Birch
Sold
H 30.75 in W 15.5 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Danish Modern Model 66 Chairs Birch + White Seats, Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Basel, BS
Created by Alvar Aalto, this high-back dining chair features a sturdy birch core along with birch laminate and veneer. Its solid birch legs and a high back crafted from molded birch ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Chairs Set of Six circa 1970s Warm Original Patina
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Six Bentwood Dining Chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and retailed by The Scandinavian Design Store in NYC, one of the pioneering stores bringing Danish Modern design...
Laminate, Beech, Birch
Alvar Aalto 68 Chair Set
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in London, GB
Created by iconic Finnish designer Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek, this set of four '68 Dining Chairs' have seats upholstered in tan leather. Featuring Aalto's signature bent ...
Leather, Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 68 Dining Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alavar Aalto Model 68 dining chairs, Finland. Vintage set of eight Alto 68 dining chairs, birch with white laminate seats. In good vintage condition ready to be enjoyed.
Laminate, Birch
Alvar Aalto chairs 1940s by Artek model 69
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 69 chairs, 4 pcs. Design by Alvar Aalto. The chairs have L-legs with finger joints from the war time of 1940s. All chairs have Artek's stamp from 1930s-...
Birch
Set of Six Alvar Aalto Model 66 Dining Chairs for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Artek’s Model 66 dining chair designed by Alvar Aalto and produced in the 1950's feature honey toned birch legs and a high bent plywood backrest. The seat is circular birch wood with...
Birch, Laminate
Sold
H 31.11 in W 19.3 in D 20.08 in
Alvar Aalto model 611 stacking chair by Finmar, fabric attributed to Aino Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar, Aino Aalto
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Model 611 birch stacking chair, designed in 1929 by Alvar Aalto and made by Finmar, Finland. This is an extremely rare variant with original red fabric, the...
Upholstery, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto Hallway Armchair in Red Lacquer Finish
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A striking Model 403 Hallway Chair in red lacquer finish, designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimio Sanitorium, later issued by Finmar. The armchair sho...
Birch
Sold
H 29.93 in W 14.57 in D 18.9 in
Set of 6 Vintage Alvar Aalto Model 66 Chairs by Artek in Laminated Birch, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Odense, DK
Reserved for Supersano S.L Set of 6 vintage production model 66 chair by Alvar Aalto made in the 1970s. The chairs are made of laminated birch and have a beautiful glow and patina. W...
Birch