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 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
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
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
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
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
Authentic Tea Trolley 901 in Birch by Alvar Aalto & Artek
By Hella Jongerius, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
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 Tea Trolley / Bar Cart Model 900 for Artek. Birch and Rattan.
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kansas City, MO
Alvar Aalto iconic Tea Cart 900 produced by Artek. This example is in very good condition with few signs of use. Birch wood frame and rattan basket. Great mid century design. Fun...
Rattan, Birch
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900 Modern Bar Cart
By Alvar Aalto
Located in North York, ON
Alvar Aalto tea trolley 900 Modern bar cart. Iconic Scandinavian modern design by Alvar Aalto. The trolley features ceramic tiles, and a ra...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
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
$5,354Sale Price|30% Off
Tea Trolley Model 901 by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland 1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Greding, DE
Beech tea trolley with white disc wheels and black shelves.
Wood
Scandinavian Modern Vintage White Alvar Aalto Tea Cart 900 Artek, 1937, Finland
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian modern Oorganic vintage tea cart 900 by Alvar Aalto for Artek designed 1937 Finland and manufactured 1980s. A wonderful timeless tea car...
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
Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in MIlano, IT
Finnish modern wood, wicker Cart Tea Trolley 900 by Alvar AAlto for Artek, 1970s Cart mod. Tea Trolley 900 in light wood, wicker and white ceramic. The rec...
Ceramic, Wicker, Wood
Alvar Aalto, Birch Serving Trolley, Model 98/901, Designed 1935, Finmar Label
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto, model 98/901 serving trolley, for tea or drinks, designed in 1935 this is an early original example, bearing Finmar Ltd label, in birch plywood...
Birch, Paint
1950s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley 901 in Birch with Ceramic Tile
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original ‘Tea Trolley 901’ Serving Cart, designed in 1936 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. The piece was manufactured in Finland circa 1950s. The strong frame is made fr...
Birch, Rubber
1950s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Cart 900 in Birch and Rattan
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an original ‘Tea Trolley 900’ Modern Cart, designed in 1937 by Aino and Alvar Aalto for the World Exhibition in Paris. The Aalto’s use of Finnish b...
Rattan, Birch
1970s Alvar and Aino Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley in Birch with Ceramic Tile
By Artek, Alvar Aalto, Aino 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 L-Legged Table by Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
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 L-Legged Table by Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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 Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, 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 Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
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
$3,236
H 22.45 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Small Alvar Aalto Side Table Model 86 in Birch for Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, 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
$2,951
H 22.05 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
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
$6,711
H 21.66 in W 23.63 in D 20.08 in
Sleek Alvar Aalto Side / Magazine Table model. 75, Black & Birch, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
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 Dining Table for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
$1,610
H 23.63 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in
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
Serving trolley 901 by Alvar Aalto, Artek Finland
By Artek, Aino Aalto
Located in Argelato, BO
Alvar Aalto's 901 trolley is one of the icons of Finnish modern design, presented for the first time at the Milan Triennale in 1936. The bar or tea trolley features a birch wood frame and white linoleum-covered trays. Soberly elegant, the Aalto trolley...
Rubber, 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
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1980/1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 900 tea cart, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1980/1990s. Birch frame, ceramic tiles, rattan basket. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use....
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
Sold
H 23.43 in W 35.83 in D 25.4 in
Tea Cart Model 900, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Mid-20th
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Tea cart model 900, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Mid-20th Century. Restored birch frame. Gorgeous original tile and weaved basket. ...
Ceramic, Rattan, Rubber, Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto Trolley Model 99, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Serving cart/trolley designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by his company Artek in Finland in the 1960s. This vintage Scandinavian modern serving trolley, features a minimalist yet hi...
Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Tea Trolley / Bar Cart Model 900
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Oakland, CA
The Alvar and Aino Aalto 900 Trolley Tea / Bar Cart, originally designed in 1937, this is a 1980s production piece. Having a white ceramic tile top with a rattan basket on a bent woo...
Ceramic, Birch, Paint
Sold
H 22 in W 36 in D 18 in
Iconic + Rare Early Edition Bar Cart by Alvar + Aino Aalto for Artek, 1936
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Chicago, IL
An earlier edition of the Alvar and Aino Aalto Tea Trolled for Artek. Using new technology to bend birch wood, the dynamic design duo created a heritage piece that has stood the test...
Wood
Sold
H 22.05 in W 19.69 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Tea Cart Model 901 Trolley by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Tea Cart or Trolley model 901 designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek. Made in Finland. Manufactured probably in the 1950s. Birch frame, contrasting shelving with black linoleum, ...
Birch, Plywood
Aalto Tea Trolley Model 901 for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Aalto Tea Trolley Model 901 for Artek, circa 1950s. Model created in the 1930s. White linoleum top with birch frame and white lacquered wood wheels with rubber rings...
Rubber, Birch
Design Classic: Alvar Aalto Serving Trolley 901, Artek Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Renens, CH
The 901 serving trolley by Alvar Aalto is a Finnish design classic, presented for the 1st time at the 1936 Triennale di Milano. The bar cart or tea trolley features a birchwood structure and linoleum covered trays...
Rubber, Birch
Sold
H 22.05 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
20th Century Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley model 901 for Artek in Birch Wood and Red
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Turin, Turin
Recognised today as one of the great masters of modern architecture, Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) was born in Kuortane, Finland. During a long and prolific career, Aalto designed buildings for almost all key public institutions, as well as standardised housing and private homes. Aalto’s architecture is distinctively Finnish, strongly individual, and marked by a warm humanity. His buildings derive their aesthetic character from their dynamic relationship with their natural surroundings, their human scale, superbly executed details, unique treatment of materials, and ingenious use of lighting. 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 architecture they admired. With a frame composed of two birch lamella loops, Tea Trolley 901...
Laminate, Birch
Sold
H 22.05 in W 36.23 in D 19.69 in
Trolley Model 98 Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Trolley model 98 designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland. 1950s. Birch frame, black linoleum shelving, and white lacquered wooden wheels. Stamped. Measurements: H: 56 cm / 1' 1...
Wood, Birch
Sold
H 22.05 in W 36.23 in D 19.69 in
Trolley ‘Model 901’ Designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Stockholm, SE
Trolley ‘model 901’ designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland. 1950s. Birch frame, black linoleum shelving, and white lacquered wooden wheels. This rare trolley "model 901" has...
Wood, Birch