Alvar Aalto floor lamp

This very rare and early floor lamp, model A808, was designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Valaistustyö in Finland during the 1950s. Originally created for the National Pensions Institute in Helsinki, this model exemplifies Aalto’s masterful approach to material harmony, form, and function — merging modernist restraint with organic warmth.

The lamp features a finely layered brass shade, composed of concentric rings that diffuse light softly while concealing the bulb, creating Aalto’s signature atmospheric glow. The slender stand and base are elegantly wrapped in black leather, introducing a tactile contrast to the reflective brass. A simple pull switch under the shade maintains the purity of the design while offering a subtle nod to its utilitarian origins.

Aalto’s lighting designs were conceived not only as functional objects but as architectural extensions of space — their purpose being to shape the quality of light within a room rather than to merely illuminate it. The A808 embodies this philosophy perfectly: timeless, understated, and quietly sculptural.

Produced by Valaistustyö, one of Finland’s foremost lighting manufacturers, the lamp remains a highly sought-after collector’s piece, representing an important chapter in Nordic design history.

It is in good vintage condition with minor signs of wear and a beautiful, even patina on the brass and leather.

Dimensions: 30 cm wide, 36 cm deep, and 170 cm high (11.8 x 14.2 x 66.9 in)