Aalto stool 60, Tones of Modernism, honey - mint

Artek’s Stool 60, designed by Alvar Aalto, is one of the most iconic pieces in Finnish design and a sensation in the design world of its time, thanks to its groundbreaking form. Designed in 1933, the stool’s L-leg was a technical revolution and a major boost for the modern Scandinavian design language. To bend the leg of Aalto’s stool, the same technique is still in use: a piece of straight, solid birch was sawn open at the end in the direction of the fibers, forming the shape of a fan. Thin pieces of birch veneer were then glued in the grooves. This structure makes it possible to bend the wood by heating or steaming at the desired angle, and when dry, the L-leg will have a very strong texture that can be easily joined to the seat.

Today, the practical brilliance of Stool 60 takes on a new character with a honey-toned frame paired with a mint green upholstery. The design is part of the Tones of Modernism Collection, created in collaboration between Finnish Design Shop and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and released in celebration of Seeing Silence: The Paintings of Helene Schjerfbeck, on-view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from December 5, 2025, through April 5, 2026. The carefully considered colors echo nuances from Schjerfbeck’s paintings, creating a subtle dialogue between art and design. Produced in a limited edition, this version of Stool 60 offers a quietly distinctive take on a modernist classic. 

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.