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 Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Large Expandable Alvar Aalto Wooden Dining Table Model 92, 1940s, Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This is a beautiful extending table model 92 by Alvar Aalto from 1940s. The body of the table is solid birch. The surface of the table is laminated by oak veneer. An extension leaf t...
Birch, Oak
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
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
Alvar Aalto Birch & White Laminate Table 90A and Chair 66 Dining Set for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Glendale, CA
Alvar Aalto Birch & White Laminate Table 90A and Chair 66 Dining Set for Artek In the late 1920s, architect and designer Alvar Aalto began experimenting with bending wood. In collab...
Laminate, Birch
$1,200Sale Price|33% Off
Vintage Aalto Table half-round by Alvar Aalto for Artek(coffee table height)
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The Aalto Table designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933 conveys a relaxed familiarity that resists categorisation. With legs and edge-bands of Finnish birch, it radiates natural beauty and w...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Side / Newspaper Table Model A 86 in Birch for Artek, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, 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
Model DL 82 Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model DL 82 extendable dining table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Gorgeous honey color refinished birch frame with rare yell...
Laminate, 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
$2,372Sale 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
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
$2,850
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 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
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
Coffee Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
Trolley in Birch and Lacquer by Alvar Aalto, 1936
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare trolley, model number 901, was originally designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto in 1936 and produced by Artek, the company he co-founded to advance modern ...
Birch, Lacquer
$5,931Sale 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
$1,647Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Desk by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek writing table with drawers, birch with cream linoleum. The desk is from around the 1960s and in good used condition. Designer Alvar Aalto.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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
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
$2,800 / set
Alvar Aalto End Tables or Night Stands
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Alvar Aalto end tables, for Artek, Finland, circa 1980s. They retain their warm original patina. They are a versatile size and can be used as end or side tables, or as night ...
Wood, 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
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
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
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 for Artek Dining Room Set Model 81B Table & Set of 4 Model 65 Chairs
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
An authentic Finnish modern dining set designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek, consisting of the Model 81B dining table and four Model 65 chairs. Crafted in laminated birch, t...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Teal Top Table 83
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
This striking table by Alvar Aalto exemplifies the Finnish master's signature blend of functional modernism and organic warmth. Designed with Aalto's characteristic focus on human-ce...
Plywood
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
Vintage Aalto Table Round (Table 91) by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
The Aalto Table conveys a relaxed familiarity that resists categorisation. With legs and edge-bands of Finnish birch, it radiates natural beauty and warmth, moving easily between p...
Bentwood
Model A70 Club Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas, 1940/1950
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model A70 coffee table / club table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent ...
Birch
Alvar Aalto White 81A Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Created by iconic Finnish designer Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek, this table is an excellent example of midcentury design. Designed in the 1930s, this table boasts Aalto's si...
Laminate, 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
Authentic Tea Trolley 901 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Artek, Hella Jongerius, Alvar Aalto
Located in Glendale, CA
Authentic tea trolley 901 in birch and white laminate by Alvar Aalto & Artek. Alvar Aalto's tea trolleys serve as highly functional and distinctive addit...
Birch
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929. Birch. Stamped. This rare dining set by the Finish design icon Alvar Aalto is character...
Birch
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
Vintage Alvar Aalto Style Bentwood Side Table / Stool
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
A stunning vintage Alvar Aalto style bentwood side table / stool. This was likely made in Finland by Finmar, it dates from the 1930-50’s. It is of amazing quality, the circular top ...
Walnut, Bentwood
Alvar Aalto for Artek Cart "900" in Birch and Tile, Finland 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Naples, IT
The 900 trolley, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, is a classic Finnish design with English tea culture and Japanese woodwork and architecture as its sources of inspiration. Alvar A...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
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
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
$3,701Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Table, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto table, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930/1940s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent with age and use.
Birch
$6,228Sale Price / set|30% Off
Alvar Aalto Folding Table DL82 and 65 Chairs by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek folding table model DL82 and six chairs model 65, designed by Alvar Aalto. The table has beautiful blue linoleum top, and the chairs have blue, yellow and red linoleum tops, tw...
Birch
$1,079Sale Price|35% Off
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with cream linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1960s. A few extra holes in the table legs. Wear consistent with age. Great patina. Size ...
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
$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
Aino & Alvar Aalto Foldable Dining Kitchen Table In Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar & Aino Aalto foldable table in birch with beautiful red linoleum surface, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek in the 1950s. The materials used by Artek were v...
Birch
$7,829Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set Model DL82 Table & Model 65 Chairs, circa 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto dining room set model DL82 table and 3 pieces of model 65 chairs from the 1950s, manufactured by O.Y. Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas A.B. Birch a...
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 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
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
Large Vintage Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Alvar Aalto coffee table from Finland, showcasing the designer’s signature organic minimalism and mastery of bentwood construction. The table features Aalto’s iconic L-shaped legs, a...
Bentwood
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 Extra Large Dining Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
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
Alvar Aalto Mid-Century Modern Center Table, Artek, Finland, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Dining table designed by Alvar Aalto, circa 1960. Manufactured by Artek (Finland). Wood legs and structure. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, prese...
Wood
Classic Modernist Dining / card Table. figured birch, by Alvar Aalto / ARTEK
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Buffalo, NY
A classic L-leg Modernist table designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- ja Rakennustehdas Oy and retailed by Artek in Finland. This piece exhibits a beautiful figured bir...
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood
Alvar Aalto Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
Sleek Alvar Aalto Side / Magazine Table model. 75, Black & Birch, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto side table / spear table model number 75, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, and manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustyötehdas Oy in Finland in the 1950s. Another iconi...
Birch
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
Important Early Alvar Aalto Tea Cart circa 1937
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional world class example of the earliest iteration of the iconic Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley . This example in original untouched condi...
Birch
$1,162Sale Price|30% Off
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with yellow linoleum. Designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from the 1960s and shows nicely signs of life. Some extra holes in the legs.
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