Many of the most important works by acclaimed Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto can be attributed to a single design element: the L-leg. The L-shaped design allowed legs to be attached directly to Aalto’s sophisticated tables and seating, without the need for a connecting joint. This innovation, which he called “the little sister of the architectural column,” characterized the designer’s penchant for simple, easily adaptable furniture pieces, such as the side tables, coffee tables and dining tables he created, which straddled elegance and simplicity.
Developed in partnership with furniture manufacturer Otto Korhonen and patented in 1933, the L-shaped leg — the result of Aalto’s experimentation with bending birchwood, a pioneering technique at the time — would become a hallmark of tables, stools (see his iconic Stool 60), benches and chairs that Aalto designed and produced through his company, Artek, which he cofounded in 1935 with his wife and designer Aino, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl. The company quickly found success selling streamlined, modern furniture both in Finland and, thanks to a growing interest in Nordic furniture outside Scandinavia, internationally, including the UK where many early Artek pieces were imported by the company Finmar.
Like much of his furniture, most of Aalto’s tables, especially early models, are constructed either fully or in part with birch, which the designer referred to as a “form-inspiring, deeply human material.” The flexibility of his L-leg design allowed for easily interchangeable combinations of tabletops. It also standardized the design process for multiple shapes, with the same bentwood L-legs attached to round, square or rectangular tops for a variety of table models. This look is a hallmark of Aalto’s style — and, indeed, of mid-century Scandinavian modern design in general. It has been frequently riffed on and copied throughout the ensuing decades, though Artek still produces Aalto’s original designs.
Find a wide range of vintage Alvar Aalto tables on 1stDibs.
Pre-Artek Alvar Aalto Model 75/915 Birch Side Table for Paimio, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
An early pre-Artek example of Alvar Aalto’s Side Table 75/915, designed in 1932 for Paimio Sanatorium in Finland. Produced by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab before Artek was e...
Birch
Nesting Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1970s. Birch and ash. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with agen and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) i...
Ash, Birch
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A classic L-leg table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful vintage patina, with ...
Birch
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Rare mahogany table top, birch legs. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with ...
Birch, Mahogany
Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consisten...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Red Drop Leaf Dining Table for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Aalto dining table made by Artek in the 1950s. It features a red linoleum top paired with a birch frame and the classic “L‑leg” construction. The table includes a foldable extension,...
Birch
$2,292Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
Old production Alvar Aalto Sun-series garden/side table, from mid-20th century and in great patinated condition. The table is made of painted birch, with a yellow laminate panel in t...
Brass, Enamel, Steel
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of the table already designed in the 1...
Birch
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant design by the iconic Alvar Aalto for artek. Round birch top about 19 in diameter with a height of 17.5 a good size to use in several locations. In very good condit...
Birch
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare vintage coffee table produced by Artek in Finland, dating to the late 1950s–1960s. The table combines a warm teak tabletop with solid birch legs, a material pairing characteri...
Wood, Birch, Teak
Table 81A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Alvar Aalto designed Table 81A for Artek in the 1950s. Artek is a Finnish furniture manufacturer that Aalto co-founded in 1935. The table is made of solid birch wood, which is maste...
Birch
Scandinavian Modern Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern round dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Teak. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) ...
Teak
$2,850
Alvar Aalto Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Clean Lined Architectural Dining Table, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, circa 1970s. Retains wonderful original patina only retained with age. Please see our other 1stdib...
Laminate, Beech, Birch
Alvar Aalto, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded birch side table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, Hedemora, Sweden, c. 1950s. Wear to wood consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H ...
Wood, Birch
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sleek coffee table designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto circa the 1950s. Known for combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, Aalto’s techniqu...
Glass, Birch, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare Mid-Century Modern writing desk in full birch and red linoleum model K81 manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas for Artek. The minimalist design of this table which w...
Birch
Nordic Modern Alvar Aalto Set of 6 L-Leg Stools 60 & Table in Birch, Artek 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautifully matched set of the iconic Model 60 stools and dining table designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, exemplifying the purity and innovation of Scandinavian modern design. Craf...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Fan Leg Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic Alvar Aalto fan leg dining table. Birchwood , lovely amber tone which looks lighter in direct sunlight. The graining gives it a unique qualit...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Table Finland 1940s Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch. Round with L-legs. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1940s-1950s and is in good used condition. The bottom of the table has an old Artek stamp. D...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley Model 901 in White and Birch for Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto first introduced this model 901 cart in the 1930s. It is the simplest of his cart series. Inspirations of the British tee culture as well as Japanese wood works is eviden...
Laminate, Birch
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
35.5" Fan Leg Side Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Pasadena, TX
Hugo Alvar Henrik Aalto was born at Kuortane, Finland, February 3, 1898. He received his diploma in architecture from the Helsinki Institute of Technology in 1921. There were few com...
Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Small Side Tables Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This pair of rare Model A86 side tables by Alvar Aalto is distinguished by their smaller-than-usual size, offering greater versatility in placement and ease of movement within interi...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Birch Wood Side Table for Artek, Mid-Century Modern
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Alvar Aalto L leg rectangular side table for Artek. Bentwood laminated-birch legs. Original black linoleum top. Can be used as coffee table, console or child desk. Nice patina.
Birch
An Exceptionally Rare Alvar Aalto War-time Coffee table in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful wartime coffee or sofa table by Alvar Aalto. This table features the distinctive wartime joints, a construction detail used during and around the Second World War when ma...
Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Birch X600 Fan Leg Stools - Mid-Century Modern 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, ICF New York
Located in St. Louis, MO
Matching pair of authentic 1960s Alvar Aalto "Fan Leg" stools (Model X600) represents one of the most elegant and structurally brilliant iterations in the history of mid-century Scan...
Birch
aalto vanity desk for artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
the model 191 vanity desk is a compact functionalist design, with the simple construction and practical proportions typical of early aalto furniture. a rarely seen model, designed ...
Mirror, Birch
Alvar Aalto Table Model.Mx800B 1970's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This coffee table, believed to be from the 1970s, is the model MX800B, attributed to renowned Finnish designer and architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto is celebrated as one of the key figure...
Ash, Beech
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large coffee table by Artek, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Shown here with a linoleum surface in a special color. This Scandinavian design is hard to beat ...
Wood
1970's alvar aalto 82A table with ash top manufactured by artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
A vintage Alvar Aalto table ash top. we updated to great condition.
Birch, Ash
Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s. Painted birch. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age and use. ...
Birch, Paint
$5,714Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Rare Writing Table from Otaniemi Technical University, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare writing table, designed by Alvar Aalto, 1960s. Birch with linoleum table top. Later modified with the reading lamp. The writing table is from the Otaniemi Technical University. ...
Metal
Coffee Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Coffee table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, teak table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age a...
Birch, Teak
Small Alvar Aalto Side Table Model 86 in Birch for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Mid-Century Modern side table model 86 by Architect Alvar Aalto for Artek. The table is in full birch with the iconic bent legs. This small size side table can be used in any room, a...
Birch
Early Finnish Mid Century Wooden "915 / 75" Side Table by Alvar Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare and early Finnish mid century modern wooden sculptural side table model "915 / 75" in stained and form pressed laminated birch designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Oy Huone...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Table for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, for Artek. The table features a rectangular blue laminate top that sits atop bent birch wood legs. This design features Aalto’s signature metho...
Laminate, Birch, Bentwood
Vintage Functionalist Desk by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Desk by Alvar Aalto made from birch with original green top. Lovely, clean lines. Neat size, small drawer to the left.
Birch
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant Bentwood Side Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Riverdale, NY
Elegant side table by Alvar Aalto, made from natural bent wood birch contrasting with black lacquer. Iconic design originally designed in 1932, originally for the Paimio Sanatorium...
Bentwood
Finnish Tea Trolley model 900 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
A true Finnish classic Tea trolley by Alvar Aalto, model number 900. Made from bentwood birch with a white tiled table top and a rattan basket for storage. The model can be seen in ...
Birch, Ceramic, Rattan
Round White Dining Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Finland. Linoleum top with birch frame.
Birch
Rare Dining Room Set, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, 1930s
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare dining room set, includes 4 pieces of the model 66 chairs designed by Alvar Aalto with rare extendable dining table designed by Aino Aalto, 1930s. Chairs painted wood with fabri...
Fabric, Birch, Mahogany, Teak
Mid-Century Model 82 Table with Yellow Linoleum by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Mid-Century Model 82 table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland, showcasing the designer’s signature bentwood construction and thoughtful use of natural materia...
Formica, Birch
Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf Table by Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek drop-leaf table, design by Alvar Aalto. The table has cream linoleum top. The table is from around 1950s, in original condition, in really good shape and has beautiful patina o...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This small size side table can be used in any room, and for a variety of purposes. The shelf feature makes it perfect as an arm chair or reading space side table. The vintage honey l...
Birch
Model 901 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Mid-20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 901 tea cart, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Mid-20th Century. Birch frame with black linoleum table tops. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Birch
Scandinavian Modern Model 81C Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model 81C table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950s. Birch frame, blue linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Birch
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Early Model
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The tea trolley was inspired by British tea culture, which Aino and Alvar Aalto had become acquainted with though their many travels, as well as by the Japanese woodwork and architec...
Ceramic, Rattan, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Coffee Table, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto coffee table, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Stained birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Nesting Table Set Model E88 in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The perfect practical side table for any scandinavian or modern interior, especially with challenging spaces as you can save space with the nesting tables. The measurments are 60x35...
Birch, Oak
Model 70 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 70 side table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch. Marked. Good vintage condition, rich patina consistent with age and...
Birch
1970s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley in Birch with Ceramic Tile
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Tea Trolley 900, originally designed in 1937 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the World Exhibition in Paris. The trolley features a white ceramic-tiled top, and has an attached ...
Birch, Rattan
Alvar Aalto Model 83 Birch Dining Table, Finland 1930
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Alvar Aalto Model 83 Birch Dining Table, Finland 1930’s Measures 71.5” long 28.5” tall 39” deep
Birch
Alvar Aalto Vanity Table, 1930 — Dark Stained Birch, Original Condition
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and early vanity table designed by Alvar Aalto and dating to circa 1930. This piece is a beautiful example of Aalto’s pioneering work in bentwood construction and his ...
Birch
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 900 cart, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, ceramic tiles, rattan basket. Marked. Good vintage condition, patina and minor wear consistent with age...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Alvar Aalto Side Table by Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek two-tiered side table, designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from the 1940s-1950s, in good used condition and has a wonderful patina. On the bottom there is an old Artek stamp.
Birch
Model Y61 Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Finland. Glass top with birch frame.
Glass, Birch
Aino & Alvar Aalto Fodlable Table Model DL82, Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A petit foldable table model DL82 by Artek in birch with a beautiful red linoleum surface, designed by Aino Aalto and manufactured by Huonekalu-Ja Rakennus työtehdas Oy in the 1930s....
Birch
Vintage Dining Set, with 6 chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, circa 1930
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
A rare and highly collectible dining set by Alvar Aalto for Artek, dating to the 1930's. The set includes six dining chairs in laminated birchwood sculptural bentwood legs, cut out b...
Birch
$3,000Sale Price|21% Off
Alvar Aalto For Finsven Birch Drop-Leaf Dining Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This drop-leaf, gatefold birch, dining table was designed by the Finnish designer Alvar Aalto and retailed by Finsven in the late 1940s. This early model has two drop-leaves that can...
Birch
Original Alvar Aalto 81B Esstisch Artek Linoleum schwarz Birke
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Esstisch vom finnischen Traditionshersteller Artek zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Alvar Aalto aus dem Jahr 1935 und ist unter dem Namen 81B wel...
Birch