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.
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 Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
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
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Side / Newspaper Table Model A 86 in Birch for Artek, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
Alvar Aalto Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, 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
Nesting Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Birch Wood Side Table for Artek, Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Model 901 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Mid-20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
$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
$2,350Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 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 92 Extendable 1940s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 92 extendable table with two extension pieces. Birch frame, hardwood veneer on the surface. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around 1940-1950 and in good used condition....
Birch, Hardwood
Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Birch X600 Fan Leg Stools - Mid-Century Modern 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, ICF New York, Artek
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
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
Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Ab, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
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
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
Modernist Alvar Aalto Round Coffee Table Model 72 in Birch for Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, FI
Mid-Century Modern round coffee table model 72 by Architect Alvar Aalto for Artek from The 1950s. The table is in full birch with the iconic bent legs. This medium sized and light ta...
Birch
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c. 1970s, birch & white laminate top
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Alvar Aalto, Finland (designer) Coffee / Low Table Designed c. 1933, this example produced by Artek, Finland, c. 1970s. Birch and white laminate. Very good condition with some light...
Wood
$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
$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 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
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
Vintage Fan Leg Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage fan leg coffee table by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Excellent original condition, beautiful warm, rich patina. Hand delivery avail to New York City on anywhere enroute from Buffal...
Plywood
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
Model 70 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
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
$2,209Sale Price|20% Off
Drop-Leaf Dining Table Model DL82 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A functional and timeless DL82 drop-leaf table by Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek in the 1960s. The design features Aalto’s signature bentwood legs paired with a white laminate top. T...
Laminate, Birch
Model 915 Side Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 915 side table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Beautiful honey colored patinated birch legs with white painted table tops. Good vintage condition, ...
Birch, Paint
Small Alvar Aalto Side Table Model 86 in Birch for Artek, 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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 model 83 birch dining table by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Hägersten, SE
Early example of the model 83 dining table designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced in Turku, Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas during the 1930s. Signed with stamp Aalto design Made...
Birch
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
Alvar Aalto Tea Cart Model 901, produced by Artek, circa 1980s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Produced during the 1980s by Artek.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Extra Large Dining Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, ES
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960 Special commission, unique piece of measure: 246 x 140 x73 cm Wood legs and structure. In original condition, with minor wear consi...
Wood
$5,876Sale 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
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
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This dining set is in beautiful condition. The table without the serving board "Lazy Susan" is model A 91 ( with the serving board B 91 ), and the chairs are model no. 66 with the hi...
Glass, Birch, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 81B Yellow Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 81B table, birch with yellow linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s/60s. The table has signs of wear.
Birch
Model DL82 Drop-leaf Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustytehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model DL82 drop-leaf table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustytehdas Ab, 1950/960s. Birch frame, red linoleum table top. Birch parts restored. Good ...
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
Mid Century Modern Sculptural Round Table w/ Bent Legs by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Dining Room Set, Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Aino 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
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
$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
$1,128Sale Price|40% Off
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with cream linoleum. Designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s and has beautiful patina.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 90A Blue Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 90A table, birch with blue linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s-1960s and is in good used condition. The table has normal wear and tear.
Birch
1970s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley in Birch with Ceramic Tile
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
1930's Alvar Aalto's Table By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Kangasala, FI
A very early table by Alvar Aalto, manufactured in the 1930's by Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab. Easy to say that this piece is unique due to it's rugged and so patinated look....
Birch, Plywood
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
$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
1980s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek 90A Round Dining Table 40"
By Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Table 90A, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1933. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland and dates to the 1980s. The piece is constructed of...
Birch
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
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Serving Trolley 901 by Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
901 Serving Trolley by Alvar Aalto. Authentic, stamp on bottom. 90s. Birchwood frame and linoleum covered trays. 35w 20d 20h
Laminate, Wood
Vintage Functionalist Desk by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Mid-Century Model 82 Table with Yellow Linoleum by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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 Side Table by Artek 1940s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek two-tier side table, with old finger-jointed legs from the shortage period, designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from the 1940s, in good used condition and has a wonderful pat...
Birch