Alvar Aalto easy chair

This rare early production of the easy chair model no. 31 was designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by O.y Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas in Finland during the 1940s. The chair is constructed from molded and laminated birch, incorporating masur birch—a richly figured variety distinguished by its swirling grain and tactile surface. Originally created in 1931 as part of the furnishings for the Paimio Sanatorium, a landmark modernist hospital in Finland, this design represents a significant advancement in both material innovation and ergonomic seating.

The chair features a continuous cantilevered frame formed from bent laminated birch, which creates a springy and resilient base without the need for traditional legs or joints. The armrests and runners flow in a single, elegant curve, combining visual lightness with structural strength. The seat and backrest are crafted from a single piece of laminated birch plywood, gently curved to conform to the natural contours of the human body. The use of masur birch veneer on the seat shell introduces a decorative contrast that complements the chair’s clean, rational geometry.

The surface displays natural wear consistent with age, including minor scuffing and a warm patina that enhances the expressive quality of the masur birch. Structurally, the chair remains solid and true to its original design. The detailing and craftsmanship reflect Aalto’s human-centered approach to design and his ongoing experimentation with materials, both fundamental aspects of his architectural and furniture work.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) is regarded as a pivotal figure in Scandinavian and international modernism. Trained as an architect, his furniture designs extend his architectural principles, emphasizing organic forms, functional clarity, and the use of natural materials. Model no. 31 stands as one of his most iconic seating designs, born from early experiments with plywood bending and aimed at promoting comfort and spatial openness, particularly in institutional settings.

This chair belongs to the Scandinavian mid-century modern tradition, noted for its formal simplicity, innovative woodworking techniques, and close integration of design and architecture.

The dimensions are 61 centimeters wide, 76 centimeters deep, and 61 centimeters high, with a seat height of 40 centimeters (approximately 24 x 29.9 x 24 inches, seat height 15.7 inches).