Aalto armchair 42 "Small Paimio", white

Artek's Armchair 42, also known as Small Paimio, shares the same, flowing form language with Alvar Aalto’s legendary Paimio chair. Its seat and backrest are made of a single piece of birch plywood, and also the armrests have been crafted from just one piece – this ensures a stable and changeless structure as the chair ages.

Armchair 42 was created as part of the Paimio Sanatorium’s overall project led by Aalto. Instead of using traditional metal tubes, Aalto wanted to use something warmer and more human. With this in mind, Aalto designed the Paimio chair, which was manufactured of bent plywood and laminated wood. Armchair 42, Small Paimio, was released in 1932.

Alvar Aalto

Since its founding in 1935, Finnish furniture manufacturer Artek has stood at the intersection of Nordic design, architecture and art. By doing so, Artek has elevated Finnish design, along with Aino and Alvar Aalto's furniture, to global recognition. Artek’s furniture and lighting are cornerstones of Finnish design, gracing numerous homes and public spaces worldwide. Even today, most of Artek's wooden furniture is crafted in Finland.