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 Entryway Console Mirror and Stool Set, 1950s for Artek
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful entryway set of a drawer console, mirror and stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek made of solid birch. The set is in original condition with a light surface finishing. The wood...
Birch, Mirror
Original Alvar Aalto Shoe Rack Designed for the Stora Enso Building Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
For your consideration is this rare and custom shoe rack designed by Alvar Aalto circa 1960 featuring solid birch wood slats. Custom designed by Alvar Aal...
Wood, Birch
$49,500
alvar aalto 111 shelf
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
1940' alvar aalto design 111 shelf. This is made in Hedemora for export to abroad aalto furnitures during WW2.
Birch
Set of Four Mid-Century 112B Shelves by Alvar Aalto in White Birch, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of four of the iconic model 112B shelves by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The design is as minimal as it gets, consisting of a single shelf supported by the two recognisable triangula...
Birch, Plywood
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B. Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland. Striking Finnish design from the 1960s. Original birch and birch veneer frame with o...
Birch
Model 112b Shelf, Alvar Aalto, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 112b shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Birch. Original condition, heavy patina. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer i...
Birch
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small and very practical addition to your entrance or any wall space to keep keys or smal...
Birch, Oak
Rare Shelf, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch. Rare size. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alv...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is an iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight. The shelf unit is from the 1940...
Birch, Plywood
Wall shelf in birch by Alvar Aalto, Artek Hedemora, Sweden 1946-1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hägersten, SE
Wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Svenska Artek in Hedemora, Sweden. Made between 1946-1956. Mad from solid and laminated birch throughout. Beautiful honey toned color ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Birch
Set of Four White Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Shelves 112B in Birch, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A set of four of the iconic model 112B shelves by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The design is as minimal as it gets, consisting of a single shelf supported by the two recognisable triangula...
Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Minimalistic Double Shelf Model 112-2 in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
The iconic minimalist shelf by Alvar Aalto in double deck. Due to the back rail, the shelf is easier to hang with four screws instead of eight. The shelf unit is pre mid 1950s and is...
Birch, Plywood
Pair of Model 112B Shelves, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Pair of model 112B shelves, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Painted birch. Later painted. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The shelves ar...
Birch, Paint
Model 112b Shelf, Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 112b shelf, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1930/1940s. Painted birch. Original condition, heavy patina. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and de...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Shelf Model No. 111, Finmar, 1st Production 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
The Alvar Aalto 111 Shelf, designed in 1933, is a quintessential example of Aalto's innovative approach to modern design. With its clean lines and func...
Birch, Plywood
1970s Aino & Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelf, Model 112B
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a wall shelf, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This piece dates to the 1970s. The shelf is formed with bent birch brackets, which can be placed ...
Birch
$2,200
H 4.5 in W 21 in D 8.62 in
Italian Designer, Wall Mounted Console, Bamboo, Rattan, Italy, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A bamboo and rattan wall mounted console designed and produced by a Italian designer, Italy, 1950s.
Bamboo, Rattan
On Hold|$6,242 / set
H 25.2 in W 35.44 in D 11.82 in
Alvar Aalto Pair of Minimalistic Iconic Shelves Model 112-2 for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of shelves designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in the 1930s. They are made from bent laminated birch, solid birch, and plywood birch. If you are l...
Birch
$575
H 39 in W 31.5 in D 11.75 in
Mid-Century Adjustable Birch, Coated Wire Wall Shelves by String Sweden 12" Deep
By String Design AB
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-Century Modern adjustable wall shelves. Constructed of birch and coated wire. Made by String in Sweden. Measures: 39" tall x 31.5" x 11.75"...
Birch
Mid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
IMid-Century Modern Italian Wall Unit, 1960s
Wood
Swedish Designer, Wall Shelf, Pine, Sweden, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A pine wall shelf or cabinet designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1960s. Currently missing wall mounting brackets. Will require professional installation.
Pine
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Produced by Artek in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare wall shelf designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in Finland.
Birch
$10,694
H 45.28 in W 31.7 in D 10.63 in
Shelf Designed by Alvar Andersson for Hyresgästernas Möbelaffär, Sweden, 1930s
By Alvar Andersson
Located in Stockholm, SE
Shelf designed by Alvar Andersson for Hyresgästernas Möbelaffär, Sweden, 1930s. Lacquered wood with metal inlays. Measures: H: 115 cm W: 80.5 cm D: 27 cm
Metal
1960s wall shelf, Poul Cadovius
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Neuss, NW
Classic shelving system from the 1960s. The high-quality containers and shelves are veneered in teak. The system consists of nine shelves, a record container, and three wooden ladder...
Wood, Teak
Model HB96 Chest of Drawers, Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model HB96 chest of drawers, design by Alvar Aalto, 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the ...
Birch
Poul Cadovius 'abstracta' Shelf - 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Poul Cadovius 'abstracta' Shelf - 1960s Shelf - Decoration - Bookshelf Measures: 43x43cm H:171.5cm Materials: Smoked glass & chrome-plated steel This piece is attributed to the abov...
Chrome
$9,474
H 35.04 in W 47.25 in D 18.31 in
Rare cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto for AB Artek in Hedemora, Sweden, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Cabinet '808' by Alvar Aalto. Rare piece of furtniture and even more so when its produced by Aaltos factory in Hedemora, Sweden. AB Artek in Hedemora opened 1946 in order to produc...
Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Danish Modern Filing Cabinet or Desk Return
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern Birch Filing Cabinet or Desk Return, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. Retains its warm original patina. This...
Metal
Sold
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 9.85 in
Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern wall shelf 112B. Design by Alvar Aalto for Artek Finland. Striking Finnish design from the 1960s. Original birch and birch veneer frame with o...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf model 112a, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112a is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. - Model 112a is bit larger and rarer version of Artek Wall Sh...
Birch
Sold
H 13 in W 19.69 in D 12.6 in
Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114 in Birch, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them to go around. As one can see from the archive picture the shelf can be joined with a mirro...
Birch, Oak
Alvar Aalto Wall Shelf Model 114B, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them to go around. As one can see from the archive picture the shelf can be joined with a mirro...
Birch
Set of Three Model 112A Shelves, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of three model 112A shelves, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. The shelves are sold ...
Birch
Sold
H 9.85 in W 35.44 in D 9.85 in
Se of Three Model 112B Shelves, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Se of three model 112B shelves, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age a...
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1980's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was ...
Birch
Sold
H 13 in W 31.5 in D 12.6 in
Rare Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model 114 in Birch & Teak, 1950s for Artek
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This type wall shelf by Alvar Aalto is very sought after. There is just not enough of them around. As one can see from the archive picture the shelf can be joined with a mirror and a...
Birch, Teak
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was ...
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was ...
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was ...
Birch
Artek Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turku, Finland
Artek's wall shelf 112B is an elegant and practical shelf that can be used for books, decorative lamps or small items. Alvar Aalto designed the wall shelf 112 in 1936. This one was ...
Birch