Artist/ Designer: Alvar Aalto

Title: Hallway Armchair (403)

Medium: Solid birch frame, molded plywood seat and back

Dimensions: 31.5" h x 20.5" x 23.6", 16.5" seat height

Manufacturer: Artek

Details: Designed in 1932 to furnish Aalto's design masterpiece, the Paimio Sanatorium in southern Finland. These chairs are from recent Artek production although the chairs currently are no longer in production in this color. (Only available now in black or white.) This important early modernist design is comfortable, lightweight and stackable.

Notes from the Archive: The Paimio Sanatorium is widely regarded as one of the best examples of early Finnish functionalism and an major work of Aalto's. This chair was part of the interior furnishings Aalto designed and was used throughout the building, especially in the main hallways or waiting areas. The chairs were light, easily movable and were considered hygienic as the lacquer finish could be wiped clean of any dust. The use of warm colors was shown through research to create a comfortable and healthy atmosphere. Aalto even used strong colors in the public spaces. Yellow rubber flooring was used in the corridors and stairwells to add the feeling of brightness and sunlight. The Hallway chairs were originally produced for the hospital in this yellow color, light green, orange, black and white. In 1933, production versions of this chair and other furniture designed for the project were presented in London at the exhibition "Finnish Laminated Furniture".  

Shipping Notes: Free shipping included in the continental US. Please contact us for international shipping arrangements.

Related Products: Alvar Aalto