Humane from design to finish – Alvar Aalto's armchairs are hand-made in Finland

Alvar Aalto's creations share not only a timeless design language but also a distinctive sense of humanity. Aalto designed his products with life at the forefront – they were made to be lived in, experienced, and built to withstand the everyday and special moments alike. Discover Aalto's armchairs with us, each one meticulously handcrafted and upholstered in Turku, Finland.

ALVAR AALTO'S classic armchairs are timeless treasures of Finnish design, recognized for their welcoming aesthetics that resonate with many. Made from Finnish birch wood at Artek's factory in Turku, Finland, these meticulously finished and hand-upholstered chairs are distinctive pieces of art – showcasing the artistry of both the designer and the craftspeople.

The production of the armchairs begins under the sheltering canopies that rise in the factory yard, where birch planks are left to air-dry at their own leisure – the slow, natural drying process ensures the wood's durability and preserves its natural bright, pale tone. For the armrest pairs, thin and pliable lamellas are sawn from the planks, glued together, and then bent into the desired shape using a mold.

Artek's Aalto armchairs showcase the artistry of both the designer and the craftspeople.

The frames are finished and assembled before they move on to be upholstered in the same building, where Artek has maintained a long-standing partnership with a local upholstery workshop. Through four generations, Aalto's armchairs have been crafted by the hands of skilled artisans in this workshop.

• Read also: Visiting the Artek factory in Turku >

Armchair 41 and 42 – Paimio and Small Paimio

Artek's Aalto armchair 41, also known as the Paimio Chair, was conceived as part of the overall plan for the Paimio Sanatorium, a project awarded to Alvar Aalto in 1929 after winning a design competition. To balance traditional furniture made of metal tubing, Aalto aimed to create something warmer and more humane for the sanatorium – furniture that would promote the well-being of patients through both its beauty and functionality.

For Paimio sanatorium, Aalto created furniture that would promote the well-being of patients through both its beauty and functionality.

In addition to its unquestionably beautiful design, the structural ingenuity of the Paimio Chair is unparalleled. Crafted from bent plywood and laminated wood, the chair was designed to facilitate the breathing of patients while they sat. In 1932, the Aalto armchair 42 – Little Paimio – was introduced, carrying forward the iconic design language of the legendary Paimio Chair

• Artek's Aalto armchair 41 >
• Artek's Aalto armchair 42 >

Armchair 401

Alvar Aalto also designed the armchair 401 as part of the interior furnishings for the Paimio Sanatorium in 1933. This light and streamlined armchair, along with other furniture pieces designed by Aalto, brought a sense of modernity to the shared spaces within the sanatorium. Its high backrest, adorned with small wings, also provided a sense of privacy.

Both armrests of the chair are cut from a single piece of molded solid birch lamella, creating a sturdy and refined structure. The wooden components of the frame age gracefully together, ensuring that the chair maintains its form throughout the ages

• Artek's Aalto armchair 401 >
• Read also: How to take care of your Artek furniture? >

Armchair 402

Alvar Aalto introduced armchair 402, also known as Atelje, in 1933 at the Fortnum & Mason department store exhibition in London. This elegant and lightweight armchair gained praise not only for its aesthetic design but also for its seating comfort, provided by the flexible wooden frame that gracefully accommodates the sitter's movements. Today, armchair 402 remains as relevant as it was 90 years ago, seamlessly blending into even the most modern interiors.

• Artek's armchair 402 >

Armchair 400

Artek's luxurious and plush Aalto armchair 400 is nicknamed 'Tank' for its generous form. Designed in 1936 for the Milan Triennale, this iconic chair not only drew massive attention but also received accolades at the exhibition.

The luxurious Aalto armchair 400 is nicknamed 'Tank' for its generous form.

Aalto's distinctive blend of timelessness, lightness, and nature-inspired aesthetics, combined with the powerful and striking design of the 'Tank' chair, has secured its place as a timeless favorite, with its allure only growing stronger over the decades.

• Artek's armchair 400 >

Armchair 406

Designed in 1939, Aalto armchair 406 consists of a sleek birch frame and a seat woven from linen straps. Linen is a breathable and natural material that adapts comfortably to the contours of the body when seated and brings a calming, nature-inspired aesthetic to the interior. The seat is also easily renewable – or replaceable, should you seek a change in tone – further extending the lifespan of the highly durable chair.

• Artek's armchair 406 >

See also:

• All items by Artek >
• All products at Finnish Design Shop >

Text: Mira Ahola Images: Artek