Vintage Alvar Aalto MD42 Paimio Lounge Chair

Created for the interior of a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio, this vintage MD42 "Paimio" Lounge Chair was designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek, circa 1970s. Considered to be one of Aalto’s masterpieces, this chair's design is a sculptural take on the traditional club chair designs of the time. The chair’s framework consists of two closed loops of laminated wood, forming arms, legs, and floor runners, between which rides the seat—a thin sheet of plywood tightly bent at both top and bottom into sinuous scrolls, giving it added resiliency. The chair was used in the patients’ lounge; the angle of the back of the armchair was intended to help sitters breathe more easily.

Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and in his vintage furniture — which ranges from chairs, tables and lighting to table- and glassware — Aalto’s sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design.

Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: Circa 1930s

This item is sold as a pair and cannot be purchased individually. Price reflects price per unit. See in-store for details.

Elte's Vintage Collection brings you a range of stunning furniture and accessories, from mid century modern designs to classic designer pieces, carefully curated from all the world. As with all authentic vintage items, quantities are limited and pieces may show imperfections of age.

• Width: 23.5”
• Depth: 27”
• Height: 28.5”

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This item is on display in our showroom.

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