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.
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, 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
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 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
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
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table Set by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Rare set by Alvar Aalto, manufactured in the 1930's. Fully original condition. The chairs are very uncommon model A65, which is combination of Aalto's chair number 69 with back rest...
Birch, Plywood
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
Nordic Modern Alvar Aalto Set of 6 L-Leg Stools 60 & Table in Birch, Artek 1930s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
$7,936Sale 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
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
Rare Dining Set with Table and Four Chairs by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare dining set in patinated masur birch. Dining table (model 91) and four chairs (model 611). Maker Huonekalutehdas Korhonen Oy. Table size 125 cm diameter.
Birch
$1,260Sale Price|30% Off
H 17.5 in W 47.25 in D 23.5 in
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 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
$88,378 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 46.07 in
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
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 Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, 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 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 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
$3,357
H 27.96 in W 53.15 in D 31.5 in
Model X800A Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model X800A dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch and ash. Iconic x -leg. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use...
Ash, Birch
Early Alvar Aalto for Finmar Table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Early bentwood side table, designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar, Finland, circa 1940s. Classic example of Danish modern design.
Beech
$1,894
H 22.45 in W 23.43 in D 16.15 in
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
Alvar Aalto Model 83 Birch Dining Table, Finland 1930
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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 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
Sold
H 27.96 in W 47.25 in D 29.53 in
Alvar Aalto for Artek Dining Room Set Model 81B Table & Set of 4 Model 65 Chairs
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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 Table Model DL82 and 65 Chairs by Artek 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table model DL82 and four chairs model 65, designed by Alvar Aalto. Both the table and chairs have light blue linoleum top. The set is from 1950s, is in good condition and has ...
Birch
Model 91 Dining Table With Model 611 Chairs, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 91 dining table with four model 611 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame. The chairs have a rare rattan style -fabric (niinikangas). Good ...
Rattan, Birch
Alver Aalto Dining Table and Four Chairs
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dallas, TX
A fan leg dining table and four woven strap chairs by Alvar Aalto for ICF.
Birch
Sold
H 27.96 in W 29.93 in D 29.93 in
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set, Oy Huonekalu - ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu - ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. The set consists of extendable table and three model E60 stools. ...
Birch
Early Alvar Aalto dining set
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Hudson, NY
Amazing original large suite of Aalto. Beautiful patina. Fun color assortment. Set includes two tables and six chairs. Black table measures H28.25" W48" D30" Blue table measures H28....
Bentwood
Sold
H 29.14 in W 90.56 in D 35.44 in
Alvar Aalto Dining Set, Model 92 Dining Table & Model 62 Chairs, Circa 1950's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
An extendable model 92 dining table and four model 92 chairs designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Finsven for Artek circa 1940/50s. Finsven took ove...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Foldable Table and 6 Stools, Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This extremely colourful set of 6 stools and a clapper table adds playfullness into your home while still keeping up the elegance of classic Alvar Aalto furni...
Birch, Laminate
Alvar Aalto Dining Set for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto, for Artek. This set features a square birch table with blue laminate top that sits atop bentwood legs and four "Model-65" birch chairs. These piec...
Laminate, Birch
Classic Modernist Bent Plywood Dinette Set by Alvar Aalto for Artek / Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Bent Plywood Burch Table and chair set by Alvar Aalto for Artek / Finland,, Great set,, gently used condition.Table measures 49" in diameter,, Chairs measure 15"W x...
Laminate, Bentwood
Model 66 Dining Set by Alvar Aalto for Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Mid century dining room set designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek. The set consists of 4 model66 dining chairs and a rectangular dining table. Beautifully crafted solid birch frame...
Birch
Dining Set Designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929-1935
By Alvar Aalto, Finmar
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set designed by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd., Finland, 1929-1935. The set consists of a table 91 and four 611 stacking chairs. The tabletop and L...
Birch