What is Alvar Aalto known for?

Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made 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 pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.

What style did Alvar Aalto use?

The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, 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, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.

What is the Paimio chair designed by Alvar Aalto?

The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto Vintage

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Bentwood, Plywood

Vintage Alvar Aalto, 1950s Stacking End Tables, Original Set of 3

$1,950 Sale Price / set

66% 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

Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Lacquer

Rare Set of 5 1940s Alvar Aalto 60 Birch Nesting stools

$4,500 Sale Price

25% Off

Floor Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Stockholm, SE

Cast iron, brass, lacquered metal and leather. Rare model. Alvar Aalto was a Finnish

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Iron

Floor Lamp Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s

$28,175

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

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer

Alvar Aalto for Artek Model Y61 Stool Chair Black Leather 1 of 2

$2,959 / item

1970s Aino Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelf, Model 112B

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a wall shelf, Model 112B designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. This piece

Category

1970s Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

1970s Aino Alvar Aalto for Artek Laminated Birch Shelf, Model 112B

$1,400

Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Simple yet elegant design by the iconic Alvar Aalto for artek. Round birch top about 19 in diameter

Category

1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek

$895

Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1960s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Helsinki, FI

Artek stool in birch and beautiful dark patina, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60 In Birch, Artek 1960s

$1,183

Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Umbrella Stand Model no. 115 Birch Brass 1940s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Odense, DK

Rare early Umbrella stand model no. 115 designed by Alvar Aalto in 1936. This example was

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Brass

Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Umbrella Stand Model no. 115 Birch Brass 1940s

$5,209

Set of 4 K65 Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest

An iconic set of four K65 stools designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in the 1960s. These

Category

20th Century Finnish Other Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood

Set of 4 K65 Stools by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s

$2,486

Early Rare Alvar Aalto A32 Beehive Pendant, White Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

This is one of Alvar Aalto’s most iconic lighting designs—an early and rare version of the Model A

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early Rare Alvar Aalto A32 Beehive Pendant, White Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s

$36,449

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass White metal, Valaisinpaja 1980s

By Valaisinpaja Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

Inspired by Alvar Aalto’s reverence for organic forms, this sculptural pendant lamp echoes the

Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass White metal, Valaisinpaja 1980s

$3,655

Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Armchairs Attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Almelo, NL

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Armchairs Attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940s This elegant pair

Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Bentwood

Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Armchairs Attributed to Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1940

$4,950 / set

Minimalist Alvar Aalto Large Mirror in Light Birch, Artek 1960s

By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

An iconic mirror designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in Finland. Very minimalist with

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Glass, Birch

Minimalist Alvar Aalto Large Mirror in Light Birch, Artek 1960s

$1,894

Set of 3 Postmodern Bentwood Stools, Alvar Aalto Style, 1980s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Round Top, TX

architect and designer Alvar Aalto. The originals were a 1930's design that utilized bentwood in a new and

Category

Late 20th Century Vietnamese Post-Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood, Bentwood

Set of 3 Postmodern Bentwood Stools, Alvar Aalto Style, 1980s

$501 Sale Price / set

41% Off

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

An iconic Savoy vase by Alvar Aalto for Iittala, dating from the 1960s to the early 1970s. The vase

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Blown Glass

Iconic Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase Model. 3030 in Clear Glass, Iittala 1960s

$1,420

Alvar Aalto Sculptural Door Handles/Pulls in Cast Bronze, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Helsinki, FI

and designed by Alvar Aalto himself. Very practical yet stand out as sculptural pieces with guaranteed

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Bronze

Alvar Aalto Sculptural Door Handles/Pulls in Cast Bronze, Valaistustyö 1950s

$9,707 / set

Alvar Aalto Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s

By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

A rare cabinet model 810 designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in Finland in the 1950s

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Cabinet Model. 810 in Birch, Artek 1950s

$11,175

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 in Black Leather and Birch, Artek, 1960s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

Stool model X601 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek originally in the 1950s. This item has

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool X601 in Black Leather and Birch, Artek, 1960s

$2,722

Alvar Aalto Vase Model 9748, Iittala 1956, Clear Glass Blown into Wooden Mold

By Iittala, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

Alvar Aalto entered and won a competition held at the Karhula-Iittala glass factory that was

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Blown Glass

Alvar Aalto Vase Model 9748, Iittala 1956, Clear Glass Blown into Wooden Mold

$2,082

Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331 In Red, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Helsinki, FI

This is one of Alvar Aalto's most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Alvar Aalto "Beehive" Pendant Model A331 In Red, Valaistustyö 1950s

$24,615

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

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Mid-Century Modern 112B Wall Shelf by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1950/1960s

$899

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

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Leather, Wood, Birch, Lacquer

Alvar Aalto for Artek Model 45 Armchair Chair Black Leather 1 of 6

$3,551 / item

Rare Table/Wall Mirror, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Rare mirror, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Oak and brass. Can be used as a

Category

1950s Finnish Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Brass

Rare Table/Wall Mirror, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s

$3,314

Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden Tripod Stool 60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto, 1940s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Stockholm, SE

Rare and early iconic Finnish mid century wooden stool "model 60" in bent birch designed by Alvar

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden Tripod Stool 60 in Birch by Alvar Aalto, 1940s

$1,479

Alvar Aalto 40s 406 Chair

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Tomi, Nagano

40s 406 chari.upholstery by jute webbing. early production.

Category

1940s Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto 40s 406 Chair

$3,000 Sale Price

50% Off

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

Category

20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Pair of Easy Chairs in Molded Laminated Masurian Birch by Alvar Aalto, 1940 s

$51,438 / set

Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Hamburg, DE

Large coffee table by Artek, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Shown here

Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland

$2,367

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

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, A Pair of Vintage Stools in Birch, Model "60", Made at Artek, 1970s

$1,800 / set

Model 70 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s

By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model 70 side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Model 70 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s

$3,433

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Helsinki, FI

Was Alvar Aalto inspired by a turnip in designing this lamp or was it called turnip later on

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp "Turnip" Model A333 in Red, Valaistustyö 1950s

$5,549

Model A70 Club Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas, 1940/1950

By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model A70 coffee table / club table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Model A70 Club Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas, 1940/1950

$5,031

Large Expandable Alvar Aalto Wooden Dining Table Model 92, 1940s, Artek

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

This is a beautiful extending table model 92 by Alvar Aalto from 1940s. The body of the table is

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Oak

Large Expandable Alvar Aalto Wooden Dining Table Model 92, 1940s, Artek

$7,502

Alvar Aalto Ceiling light Model B 335 Designed for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Stockholm, SE

Ceiling light model B 335 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaisinpaja Oy. The lamp creates a warm

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto Ceiling light Model B 335 Designed for Valaisinpaja Oy, Finland

$4,380

Mid-Century Modern Minimalist A110 Metal Pendant Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Hamburg, DE

Rare version of the A110 pendant lamp by Louis Poulsen, based on a design by Alvar Aalto from the

Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Minimalist A110 Metal Pendant Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen

$1,775 / item

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Espoo, FI

Artek lattice bench with finger-jointed wartime legs. Designed by Alvar Aalto, and manufactured

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Bench with War Time Legs by Artek 1940s

$4,617

Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch Black Pegamoid, Artek 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Helsinki, FI

The iconic stool model 60 in birch and black pegamoid or faux leather, designed by Alvar Aalto and

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Faux Leather

Iconic Alvar Aalto 3-legged Stool Model 60, Birch Black Pegamoid, Artek 1950s

$1,183

Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky, Desk Lamp, model A704, original early example

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Alvar Aalto (Finnish 1898-1976) Leather Desk Lamp, model A704, made by Valaistustyö, Finland 1950s

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal

Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö Ky, Desk Lamp, model A704, original early example

$19,797

Cantilever Armchair 401 by Alvar Aalto for Artek

By Artek, Arne Jacobsen

Located in Vlimmeren, BE

The high-back cantilever Armchair 401, an Alvar Aalto design from 1933, offers maximum comfort. The

Category

1960s Finnish Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Cantilever Armchair 401 by Alvar Aalto for Artek

$2,721

Alvar Aalto, Birch Plywood Cantilever Chair, Model 31, Huonekalu-ja, Finland

By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Wargrave, Berkshire

Alvar Aalto model 31 chair of moulded birch plywood, cantilevered one-piece seat and back suspended

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto, Birch Plywood Cantilever Chair, Model 31, Huonekalu-ja, Finland

$11,946

Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set Model DL82 Table Model 65 Chairs, circa 1940s

By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Alvar Aalto dining room set model DL82 table and 3 pieces of model 65 chairs from the 1950s

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set Model DL82 Table Model 65 Chairs, circa 1940s

$7,813 Sale Price

20% Off

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

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wool, Birch

Model 402 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/50s

$4,143

Extremely Rare Hand Carved Wooden Mould for Alvar Aalto Vase Model 3032, 1940s

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

A collector's gem! Early Alvar Aalto hand carved wooden mould for the iconic vase no. 3032 which

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood

Extremely Rare Hand Carved Wooden Mould for Alvar Aalto Vase Model 3032, 1940s

$18,941

Original Alvar Aalto N65 childrens chair from the mid 20th century in birch wood

By Alvar Aalto

Located in Ebberup, DK

. Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a pioneering Finnish architect and designer, widely regarded as a master of

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood, Birch, Bentwood

Original Alvar Aalto N65 childrens chair from the mid 20th century in birch wood

$940

Vintage Dining Set, with 6 chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1930

By Alvar Aalto

Located in New York, NY

A rare and highly collectible dining set by Alvar Aalto for Artek, dating to the 1930's. The set

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Vintage Dining Set, with 6 chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1930

$15,000 / set

1980s Danish Blonde Beech Rolling Drinks Cart Side Table Alvar Aalto Style

By Alvar Aalto

Located in London, England

style of designer Alvar Aalto. The two-tiered trolley with a blonde beech wood frame stands on four

Category

1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Laminate, Beech

1980s Danish Blonde Beech Rolling Drinks Cart Side Table Alvar Aalto Style

$634

Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in Farmington Hills, MI

We are very pleased to offer a sleek coffee table designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto circa

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Glass, Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table

$2,195

Finnish Vintage Wood Chair Alvar Aalto Model 66, circa 1930

Located in Labrit, Landes

Chair Alvar Aalto model 66 Finnish vintage wood chair, circa 1930 Conception in 1933 for Artek

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Beech

Finnish Vintage Wood Chair Alvar Aalto Model 66, circa 1930

$591 Sale Price

39% Off

Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s

By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

The famous Paimio lounge chair model 41, designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimion Parantola

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Alvar Aalto, Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black and Birch, Artek 1960s

$7,195

Artek Stool by Alvar Aalto with Early Sandwich Construction and Zebra Fabric

By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab

Located in Turku, Finland

, designed by the legendary Alvar Aalto. Originating from the 1930s, this stool features the early and

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Artek Stool by Alvar Aalto with Early Sandwich Construction and Zebra Fabric

$2,959

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

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wool, Birch

Pair of Model 401 Armchairs, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab

$8,050 / set

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass White metal, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö

Located in Helsinki, FI

As Alvar Aalto often took his inspiration from his surrounding nature, this layered design creates

Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp Model A335B, Brass White metal, Valaistustyö 1950s

$4,025

Early Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in White Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s

By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto

Located in Helsinki, FI

This is one of Alvar Aalto´s most iconic lighting designs. It was first designed in 1953. The

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Metal, Brass

Early Alvar Aalto A332 Beehive Pendant in White Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s

$31,053

Alvar Aalto, chair model 65 for Artek, rare Swedish production, Hedemora ca 1950

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Uppsala, SE

Alvar Aalto chair model 65, for Artek. This is from the much sought after Swedish production made

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto, chair model 65 for Artek, rare Swedish production, Hedemora ca 1950

$1,325

Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s

By Alvar Aalto, Artek

Located in MIlano, IT

Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s Cart mod. Tea

Category

1970s Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Ceramic, Wicker, Wood

Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s

$4,261

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

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Laminate

Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Stools Model no 60, Black Laminate, Artek 1950s

$6,061 / set

Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek

By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab

Located in Helsinki, FI

A beautiful drawer shelf / console by Alvar Aalto in solid birch and oak veneer for Artek. A small

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Birch, Oak

Minimalist Alvar Aalto Drawer Wall Shelf Model B 114, 1950s for Artek

$3,220

Alvar Aalto Table by Artek

By Artek, Alvar Aalto

Located in Highland, IN

This terrific vintage Aalto table is entirely original and has a wonderful patina from age and use

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Vintage

Materials

Wood

Alvar Aalto Table by Artek

$2,500

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Alvar Aalto Vintage For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the alvar aalto vintage you’re looking for. Frequently made of wood, birch and bentwood, every alvar aalto vintage was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect alvar aalto vintage — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right alvar aalto vintage, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Art Deco styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made alvar aalto vintage over the years, but those crafted by Alvar Aalto, Artek and Iittala are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Alvar Aalto Vintage?

Prices for a alvar aalto vintage start at $170 and top out at $25,351 with the average selling for $2,327.

Questions About Alvar Aalto Vintage

What is Alvar Aalto known for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made 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 pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.
What style did Alvar Aalto use?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, 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, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.
What is the Paimio chair designed by Alvar Aalto?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.