Alvar Aalto room divider

This room divider, model 100, was designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1950s. Constructed entirely from solid pine, the divider consists of vertical wooden slats joined together with a flexible canvas or fabric backing, allowing it to be folded and shaped into a wave-like or serpentine form. The piece features a light honey tone, with visible grain patterns that add a natural texture. The surface has developed a patina over time, with darkened edges and areas along the base that show signs of use and exposure.

The construction of the divider is both minimalist and organic, reflecting Aalto’s design philosophy. Aalto was known for emphasizing the use of natural materials, creating forms that prioritized human-centered proportions, and drawing inspiration from the natural world. The divider is free-standing and versatile, able to function as a spatial partition, a visual screen, or even a sculptural element within a room. The slight curvature of the individual slats and the rhythmic repetition of vertical lines lend the piece a dynamic presence, while the overall materiality remains light and approachable.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a central figure in 20th-century Scandinavian modernism, celebrated for his architectural works and furniture designs that balanced functionality with a humanistic touch. Artek, which Aalto co-founded in 1935, became the primary platform for his furniture designs and continues to be a cornerstone of Finnish design heritage.

The room divider measures 200 cm in width, 150 cm in height, and approximately 1 cm in depth when compressed (78.7 x 59.1 x 0.4 inches). It is in good vintage condition, with visible signs of age and surface wear, including localized discoloration and minor scuffs and marks at the base, consistent with its age and use. Despite these signs of wear, the structure remains stable and flexible, maintaining its sculptural form and functional integrity.