Alvar Aalto Paimio 41 Lounge Chair in Black for Artek

Designed by Alvar Aalto in 1932 for Paimio Sanatorium, Armchair 41 combines a flowing plywood seat with a continuous bent birch frame. The contrast between the black lacquered shell and warm natural birch emphasises the chair’s sculptural curves, while its open sides give the design a light, balanced appearance.

The seat and back are formed from one curved plywood shell, with rolled edges and ventilation slots at the top. The laminated birch sides form both the armrests and the supporting base, expressing Aalto’s exploration of wood as a flexible furniture material.

This Artek example is thought to date from the late 1980s.