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.
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
A pair of ceiling lamps by Paavo Tynell Model 9052
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of rare available Model 9052, designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito/ Idman. Finland, Circa 1950th. Polished brass with opaline glass shade and 3 Edison socket bulbs. Similar mode...
Brass
A pair of light by Paavo Tynell for Idman
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of flush mount outdoor light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Model H10-100. Finland, circa 1950th. Large glass bawl with metal mount. Can be modified for mount on hangi...
Glass
A pair of ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell model K2-20
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of ceiling lamps model "K2-20", designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Finland, circa 1950th. Custom version with brass stem and wire decor. Perforated polished brass and fros...
Brass
A pair of large wall lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito OY Model 9473
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito OY Model 9473, Finland , circa 1950th. Brass decor with crystals pendants and pleated silk shades. W 23″; H 19″; Depth ...
Brass
A pair of flush mount light by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Circa 1935. Opaline glass shade with wooden wiser. Stamped " OY TAITO AB". Existing wires, rewiring availab...
Glass
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Idman, Lacquered Metal, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland. 1950's. Lacquered metal. Dimensions H: 21 cm / 8 1/8" W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8" D: 33 cm / 8 1/8" Provenance: From Stora Enso'...
Metal
Alvar Aalto Ceiling Lamp for Idman, Lacquered Metal, Finland, 1950s
By Idman, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Alvar Aalto for Idman, Finland. 1950s Lacquered metal. H: 21 cm / 8 1/8" W: 115 cm / 3' 9 1/8" D: 33 cm / 8 1/8" Provenance: From Stora Enso's head office...
Metal
Twin Ceiling Lamp by Alvar Aalto, Made by Idman, Finland
By Idman Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A simple architectural piece comprising twin ceiling lights on a single back plate, designed by Alvar Aalto and stamped by the Finnish manufacturer Idman. Overall the fixture is in fair vintage condition with lots of signs of wear from age and use - scratches, dents, dust and fading - all left as found. See images for examples of details and overview, or contact us if you would like more information. Wiring: The original wiring has been partially removed, and will need to be replaced prior to install. The original bulb-holders took E27 screw-fitting bulbs; as with all vintage pieces we recommend the use of low heat bulbs to protect the fixture for the future. There are two holes on the plate for installation (fixings not included). The diffusers simply rest in place, and can be removed for shipping. This design is believed to have been created for the Enso-Gutzeit headquarters in Helsinki, which was designed by Aalto and completed in 1962. Idman Oy were a manufacturer of high quality lighting by designers...
Metal
1950s golden brass pair of Ceiling Lamps by Paavo Tynell for Idman
By Idman, Paavo Tynell, Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
This very elegant pair of ceiling lamps are made of highest quality by famous Finish Paavo Tynell. The solid perforated brass pendant with etched glass downlight lives trough its sim...
Brass
Alvar Aalto Lamp model A10 by Valaistustyö 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Valaistustyö
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek's model A10 lamp, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Valaistustyö Ky. The lamp is in very good used condition. Valaistustyö's early A10 stamp on the lamp (early versio...
Metal, Brass
Rare Alvar Aalto ceiling lamp model A334 for Valaistustyö, circa 1950.
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Iconic and rare pendant light model A 334 designed by Alvar Aalto for Valaistustyö which is the first edition of those lights that are not produced anymore. The lamp is made in laque...
Brass, Iron
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Andrew Duncanson, founder of the Stockholm- and London-based gallery Modernity, weighs in on the masters of mid-century furniture and decorative arts.
