Skip to main content

Alvar Aalto Seating

Finnish, 1898-1976

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.

229
6
4
to
12
147
65
239
235
235
116
77
26
4
229
10
3
199
20
3
45
40
49
39
11
6
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
177
60
15
15
8
10
5
3
2
3
2
4
236
186
57
33
30
234
214
13
8
4
271
1,330
1,159
1,153
1,062
Creator: Alvar Aalto
Bent Birch Wood K65 Stool By Alvar Aalto For Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, counter height stool designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek features a bent birch wood frame with white laminate 13 inch diameter seat.
Category

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

Materials

Laminate, Birch

alvar aalto stool60 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This stool60 was manufactured in the 1940s. It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden.
Category

1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair69 natural 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1930s. It has a structure that seems to be an early product that is not found in current products. The paint film from ...
Category

1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s. It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden. It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category

1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s. It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden. It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category

1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Set of Three Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of three Model 60 stools, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Birch with painted seat. Good vintage condition, minor patina and w...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Paint

alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather black 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
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...
Category

1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto model 611 stacking chair by Finmar, fabric attributed to Aino Aalto
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto, 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...
Category

1920s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Birch

alvar aalto stool60 vinyl leather red 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
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...
Category

1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair65 black linoleum top
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This is chair 65 black linoleum top.
Category

1960s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair69 Painted Deep blue 1930's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This is chair 69 . Deep blue paint is applied all over. This chair was manufactured in the 1930s.
Category

1930s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

alvar aalto chair69 natural hedemora 1940's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This chair 69 was manufactured in the 1940s. It is from the era when it was manufactured in Hedemora, Sweden. It has a structure manufactured with hedemora f...
Category

1940s Swedish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Rare Model 30 Armchair, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Rare model 30 armchair, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, cotton weaved seat. Good vintage condition, minor patina c...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Cotton, Birch

alvar aalto chair68 Painted White 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
Designed by Alvar Aalto. This is chair 68 . White paint is applied all over. This chair was manufactured in the 1950s.
Category

1950s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401 in Sheepskin, 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and early version of the iconic Aalto arm chair model 401 that was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sana...
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Sheepskin

Model 66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1970s. Price is for the set. Contact us if you’d like to purchase a single item. We have many others available in variable conditions for various prices. Set of four iconic chairs...
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool Model 60 In Birch, 1950s Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Artek stool in birch and beautiful dark patina, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The model 60 stool is perhaps the most well known Aalto design and has...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Alvar Aalto 'Hallway' Chair 'Model 403' for Finmar
By Finmar, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finmar Model 403 'Hallway' chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced from 1930 through 1950 in Finland. The chair features a honey toned birch wood with bent plywood seat and backr...
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Set of 4 Vintage Alvar Aalto Model 66 Chairs by Artek in Laminated Birch, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Set of vintage production model 66 chair by Alvar Aalto made in the 1960s. The chairs are made of laminated birch and black linoleum and have a beautiful glow and patina. Beautifully...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Early Model 401 Bentwood Lounge Chair, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Coronado, CA
An early Alvar Aalto Model 401 lounge chair, circa 1940s. 1 owner, purchased from the original buyer. This early example with unique sculpted "wi...
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Linen, Wood

Alvar Aalto Model 60 Stool for Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Model 60 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1960s. Birch frame with linoleum top. Good vintage condition, beautiful patina and wear consistent with age and use. Classic Alvar Aa...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Vintage Alvar Aalto Hallway Chair Model 403
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in London, GB
A stunning and iconic early vintage Alvar Aalto Hallway chair model 403. This was originally designed in 1929, this model is early and dates from a...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Wood

Pair of Alvar Aalto Armchair 45, Produced by Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1970s by Artek, Finland. Good vintage condition with signs of patina and usage.
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Cane

A Pair Of Classic Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools ca' 1970's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic pair of three-legged "fan" leg stools by Alvar Aalto. Purchased in the 1970's.
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Supreme x Artek Stool 60, New Old Stock/New In Box
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Supreme x Artek Artek has joined forces with cult brand Supreme to develop collaborative product: Alvar Aalto’s Stool 60, with a Supreme-designed checker pattern, manually applied b...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Arkek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
Alvar Aalto stool, model 60 for Arkek, Finland, circa 1980s.
Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Artek Armchair 406 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Armchair 406 combines simple elegance with comfort. Since wood changes over time, the armrests are formed from a single piece that is then split in half, ensuring that as the chair ...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Alvar Aalto 6 Stackable Stools Model no 60, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Armchair with Special Height, Artek, "Enso-Gutzeit", 1962
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Beech

Set of Three Model 60 Stools, Alvar Aalto, OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Set of three model 60 Stools, design by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by OY Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch with linoleum top. Good vintage condition, minor patina and ...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Stool 60, 1960's, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, FI
Iconic Aalto three-legged stool. Stool 60 was officially unveiled to an enthusiastic public in London at a Finnish furniture review in November 1933. The stool’s revolutionary L-leg ...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Model 400 "Tank" Chairs in Swans Island Company Blankets, Pair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
A beautiful pair of one of a kind Tank armchairs, masterfully restored in handwoven blankets from Swans Island Company, the Maine based textile and blanket workshop. The Armchair 40...
Category

20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Wool, Birch

Vintage Model 403 Hallway Chair by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Set of 2
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Cape Town, WC
The Model 403, or Hallway Chair, is a stackable chair originally designed for a Finnish medical centre in 1932. Finnish modernism finds its structural motif in the form of the Model ...
Category

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

Materials

Birch, Plywood

Original Bench from Helsinki House of Culture by Alvar Aalto, 1952-1958
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Transform your space with the soul of Helsinki's cultural history embodied in an original 3-seat bench from The House of Culture Helsinki, designed by Alvar Aalto between 1952-1958. ...
Category

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

Materials

Steel

A Pair Of Vintage Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Stools ca' 1970'sq
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic pair of three-legged "fan" leg stools by Alvar Aalto. Purchased in the 1970's. ICF labels-this pair has a nice vintage patina.
Category

1970s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Alvar Aalto Spring Chair Model 42 For Artek 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and finest furniture works from Alvar Aalto, the model 42 chair, also known as spring chair, `Pikku Paimio` or Small Paimio in english. It is regarded as an i...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

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...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Lounge Chair
By ICF Group, Alvar Aalto
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...
Category

1990s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Cotton, Beech

Chair 65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek (Blue Linoleum)
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...
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Bentwood

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 Wartime Version, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto war-time stools are extremely sought after collectibles for the simple reason that not many of them are available any more. A war-time stoo...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Wool, Wood

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...
Category

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

Materials

Birch

Set of Six Alvar Aalto Model 65 Chairs Model 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 ...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto console, model for Arkek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Skokie, IL
Alvar Aalto console, model 153B prototype for Arkek, Finland, circa 1980s
Category

1980s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Early Alvar Aalto for Artek Birch and Black Laminate Stool 60
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Garnerville, NY
A good and early example by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Sweden bentwood birch and black laminate Stool 60. Circa 1950. Fully signed on the bottom with ink stamp, Aalto Design, Artek, Made...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Laminate, Birch, Bentwood

Stool model 60, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model 60 by Alvar Aalto for Artek from the 1950s. Lacquered birch and linoleum top. Good vintage condition, rich patina and wear consistent with age and use. Iconic Alvar Aalto...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Finnish Modern Chair for Wilh Schauman, Finland, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Elevate your interior design with this elegant Finnish modern chair designed by Alvar Aalto that was showcased at the New York World's Fair in 19...
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Bentwood

Rare Stool 60 "Sandwich", Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 30s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Stool model 60 "Sandwich" designed by Alvar Aalto for Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, rich patina. Iconic Alvar Aalto design.
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch, Bentwood

Alvar Aalto pair of Stool X600 for Artek, 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
These simple yet elegant stools are of very high quality manufacturing with great attention to detail. The less common x-leg with the original blue leather padding bring plain beauty...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch

Alvar Aalto 40s 406 Chair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in 東御市, JP
40s 406 chari.upholstery by jute webbing. early production.
Category

1940s Finnish Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto Cantilevered Leather Lounge Chair for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Leather, Birch

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...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto set of Armchairs for Artek, circa 1960
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Lounge chairs designed by Alvar Aalto manufactured, circa 1960. Curved birch plywood and braided vegetable fiber.  
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Aalto "double-decker" zebra stool
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Yet another version of the Aalto famous 3-legged stool. This one is upholstered with original Artek zebra motif fabric. Aalto stools are quite desired in our opinion for their funct...
Category

1940s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Rare Alvar Aalto Stool 60 in Original Formica, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and rarely seen example of the iconic Aalto stools with the original formica seating. These 3 legged stools have long been our customers favorites, especially in rare col...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Formica, Birch

Ikea Alvar Aalto stools
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Montecchio Precalcino, VI
This Is a rare set of 5 Alvar Aalto stools made from Ikea in 1990. This stool was called "frosta" and was the piece of dispute between Artek and Ikea. Ikea has to delete It to his ca...
Category

1990s Italian Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Plywood

K65 Stool by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 70’s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Padova, IT
Stool mod. K65 was designed by Alvar Aalto between 1933 and 1935. The height is designed for combinations with high tables or counters. The lowered backrest offers the right support ...
Category

1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Pair of Commissioned Armchairs, Enso Gutzeit Headquarters, 1962
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
An imposing and not to mention rare pair of Alvar Aalto chairs designed for the Enso-Gutzeit headquarters in Helsinki in the early 1960s. Th...
Category

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Brass

Alvar Aalto Armchair Model 401, Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful original Alvar Aalto armchair model 401, which was first designed in 1933. The 401 chair was part of the iconic Paimio Sanatorium that basically launched the Aalto name t...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Seating

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Alvar Aalto seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Alvar Aalto seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 213 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 4 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Alvar Aalto were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Yrjö Kukkapuro, and Oy Stockmann AB. Prices for Alvar Aalto seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $480 and can go as high as $80,707, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,221.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Seating
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Recently Viewed

View All