Alvar Aalto wall shelves

This pair of wall-mounted shelves was designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland during the 1940s. Each shelf is crafted from solid birch and bent birch plywood, demonstrating Aalto’s characteristic use of curved forms and natural materials. The birch has a warm honey tone with a uniform grain and a matte finish, contributing to the shelves’ understated elegance. Each unit features two horizontal shelves supported by vertical wall mounts and triangular bentwood brackets. These brackets are formed from continuous laminated loops fixed with visible dowels and screws, creating a sculptural support structure that balances strength with visual rhythm.

The design exemplifies Aalto’s pioneering work with bent plywood and his approach to modernism, which sought to soften strict geometric forms through organic shapes. Aalto, a seminal figure in 20th-century Scandinavian design, applied an architectural sensibility to furniture, blending rational construction techniques with the warmth and tactility of natural wood. These shelves embody his exploration of function and form, offering both utility and refined aesthetic appeal.

The shelves were produced by Artek, the company co-founded by Aalto in 1935 to manufacture and distribute his designs. Artek has played a pivotal role in promoting modern Finnish design worldwide and continues to be a primary producer of Aalto’s iconic work.

The pair of shelving units is in very good condition, showing only light wear consistent with age, including minor surface marks and slight fading. The bentwood brackets maintain their original shape and spring, and all joints remain solid and secure. Each shelf measures 91 centimeters wide, 27 centimeters deep, and 57.5 centimeters high (approximately 35.8 by 10.6 by 22.6 inches).