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, Sconce or Flush Mount, Lacquered Metal, Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A lacquered metal sconce / wall light or flush mount designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Idman, Finland, 1950s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum...
Metal
Alvar Aalto A330s White Metal and Brass Wall Light for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alvar Aalto A330s white metal and brass wall light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this iconic lamp has since remained in near constant production by its original manufacturer, Artek of Finland. This newly customized wall lamp...
Metal, Brass
Alvar Aalto A330s Polished Brass Wall Light for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alvar aalto A330s polished brass wall light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this iconic lamp has since remained in near constant production...
Metal, Brass
$1,050 / item
Alvar Aalto A330s Chrome Wall Light Light for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alvar Aalto A330s chrome wall light light for Artek. Designed as a pendant in 1937, this iconic lamp has since remained in near constant production b...
Chrome, Metal
White Alvar Aalto Commissioned Ceiling Lamp for Enso-Gutzeit Oy, Idman 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
This commissioned ceiling lamp is designed by architect Alvar Aalto for the conference room of the Finnish forest industry company Enso-Gutzeit Oy in 1960s. It has a simple form yet ...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Alvar Aalto Commissioned Scones in White & Brass, Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Helsinki, FI
This model wall lamp was originally modified from a similar looking ceiling lamp. It was mostly used in public buildings that Alvar Aalto designed. For example, these wall lamps can...
Metal, Brass
Pair of Wall Lamps, Designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s
By Valaistustyö, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of wall lamps, designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö, Finland, 1950s Brass and lacquered steel. Very rare example. Dimensions: Total depth: 50 cm / 1' 6 1/2" D: 30 cm / 9 ...
Brass, Steel
Böhlmarks, Wall Light, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1940s
By Bohlmarks
Located in High Point, NC
An adjustable brass and light grey-lacquered metal wall light produced by Böhlmarks, Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (Inches): 15” H x 12” W x 9.5” D Back Plate Dimensions (In...
Metal, Brass
$4,135Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.5 in Dm 6.7 in
Paavo Tynell, pair of 1950s ceiling/wall lamps, Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of this pair of 1950s Paavo Tynell lamps by Idman Oy, featuring an adjustable fixture through brass joints. Perfect for versatile placements, these fix...
Aluminum, Brass
$12,637
H 7.88 in Dm 23.63 in
Rare Mid Century Modern Flush Mount or Sconce by Bünte & Remmler Germany 1950s
By Bünte und Remmler
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, large and elegant Mid-Century Modern flush mount or sconce in style of Gino Sarfatti Model #155. With perforated brass diffusor. This is a very impressive and decorat...
Aluminum, Brass
$13,212
H 7.88 in Dm 23.63 in
Rare & Large Mid Century Flush Mount or Sconce by Bünte Remmler Germany 1950s
Located in München, BY
Extremely rare, large and elegant Mid-Century Modern flush mount or sconce in style of Gino Sarfatti Model #155. With perforated brass diffusor. This is a very impressive and decorat...
Brass, Aluminum
$6,341Sale Price|29% Off
H 9.06 in W 8.67 in D 5.12 in
Paavo Tynell & Idman Brass Wall Lamp, Finland 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Espoo, FI
Set of 2 solid brass wall lamps by Paavo Tynell. Manufactured by Idman in Finland in the 1950s Marked accordingly
Brass
$430 / item
H 6.58 in W 4.81 in D 2.56 in
Tekna Shell Light LED Wall Light with Polished Brass Finish & Ventilation Cover
By Tekna
Located in New York, NY
Ventilation cover used as a wall light in sand casted brass. For indoor use only (IP20). LED module 230V 4,3W 2700K 145lm. Main power 230V 50Hz.
Brass
Model K1-169/8 Chandelier, Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy, 1950/1960s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model K1-169/8 chandelier, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950/1960s. Brass frame, teak details, opaline glass shades, wooden slat lampshades. Marked. Great orig...
Brass
$12,867Sale Price|30% Off
H 66.93 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Alvar Aalto Floor Lamp A809 By Valaistustyö
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Early Artek A809 floor lamp, manufactured by Valaistustyö, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1959. The lamp has a brass base, black leather, and a white metal shade. The lamp is in good use...
Metal, Brass
60s Swedish wall light in brass and lacquered metal
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Swedish wall lamp from the 60s. Lampshade in perforated lacquered metal (original paint), arm in solid brass with a patina finish. The shade can be rotated up and down. Beautiful vin...
Metal, Brass
Wall Light, Maria Lindeman, Idman Oy, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Maria Lindeman
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Wall light, designed by Maria Lindeman, manufactured by Idman Oy, 1950s. Opaline glass shade, brass and painted metal frame. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age ...
Metal, Brass
Flush mount ceiling light by Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Large Scandinavian modern flush mount ceiling light produced by Idman, Finland, during the 1950s. Pleated light grey fabric shade with brass details and a decorative brass rim, givin...
Brass
Pendant by Alvar Aalto for Valaistostyo
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pendant designed by Alvar Aalto to Valaistostyo Ky, Finland. Model A-203, Circa 1950th. Lacquered metal with brass elements. Stamped by manufacturer. Existing wires, rewiring avai...
Metal
Flush mount, Finland, 1950s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Flush mount, manufactured in Finland, 1950s. Plastic shade. Brass details. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use.
Brass
$5,629
H 13.78 in W 3.94 in D 11.82 in
Paavo Tynell, 1950s pair of wall sconces model 9459 for Idman Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Embrace timeless elegance with Paavo Tynell's 1950s pair of wall sconces, model 9459, crafted for Idman Oy. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your bedroom or creating a...
Aluminum, Brass
$6,995 / set
H 11.82 in Dm 11.62 in
Pair of Paavo Tynell "80112" Ceiling Lamps for Idman, Finland ca 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Idman
Located in Utrecht, NL
By the 1950s, Finland’s international reputation for great design was established, thanks in no small part to the work of Paavo Tynell. The most famous Finnish industrial designer, T...
Aluminum
Wall Light A910 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
This timeless and elegant design is popular in both public buildings and private homes. With structural echoes of Alvar Aalto’s other lighting designs, its shade consists of thin m...
Steel
Very Rare Artek A808 Floor Lamp by Alvar Aalto, Made in Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Finland
Chrome Plated version of artek a808 floor lamp. This color combination has never been in serial production. Only a few pieces made to order. Product inf...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 13.75 in W 45.31 in D 7.75 in
Alvar Aalto, Sconce or Flush Mount, Lacquered Metal, Idman, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Idman
Located in High Point, NC
A lacquered metal sconce / wall light or flush mount designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Idman, Finland, 1950s. Socket takes standard E-26 medium base bulb. There is no maximum...
Brass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 6.3 in D 30.32 in
Alvar Aalto Pendant Wall Lamp, Louis Poulsen, 1960s Scandinavian Modern
By Louis Poulsen, Alvar Aalto
Located in Odense, DK
Vintage Alvar Aalto pendant "16531" in original black lacquer made at Louis Poulsen, Denmark in the 1960s. The wall fixture is in patinated oak and was made in the by designers A. Bank Jensen & Kjeld...
Aluminum
Midcentury Wall Lamp in Brass by Alvar Aalto, 1960s
By Louis Poulsen, Alvar Aalto
Located in Lejre, DK
Swivelling wall lamp in patinated brass designed by Finish architect Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen Denmark. The lamp is re wired and in good condition. Works well behind a sofa or re...
Brass
Wall Lamp by Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Lejre, DK
Swivelling wall lamp in patinated brass designed by Finish architect Alvar Aalto for Louis Poulsen Denmark. The lamp is re wired and in good condition. Works well behind a sofa or re...
Brass
Alvar Aalto pair of wall lamps “A 190” manufactured by Artek, 1956
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of wall lamps, model “A 190”. Manufactured by Artek, Finland, 1956. White painted metal.
Metal