Skip to main content

Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

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.

to
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
278
8
7
4
4
Creator: Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto Table Model DL82 by Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table model DL82, design by Alvar Aalto. The table has light blue linoleum top. The table is from 1950s, in original condition, in really good shape and has beautiful patina of...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

Related Items
Swedish Biedermeier Drop-Leaf Pedestal Table Golden Birch Tiger Stripe A
Located in Lewes, England
Antique Swedish Biedermeier drop-leaf table in stunning tiger stripe and quilted golden birch veneers and four elegant curved feet. The pedestal column in particular features beauti...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Biedermeier Antique Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto Table by Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Highland, IN
This terrific vintage Aalto table is entirely original and has a wonderful patina from age and use. Acquired directly from its original owner, it has great provenance. 18"h X 28.25"d
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Wood

Alvar Aalto Table by Artek
Alvar Aalto Table by Artek
H 18 in Dm 28.25 in
Rare Alvar Aalto Model 90 A Round Dining Room Table for Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
Alvar Aalto model 90 A round dining room table for Artek in the mid 1900s, rare teak top with black painted birch L-legs, good original vintage condition. Minor wear consistent with ...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch, Teak

Artek Aalto 83 Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Basildon, London
Introduce a touch of timeless elegance to your home with the Aalto 83 Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Crafted with the highest quality materials, this stunning piece features a sleek...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Modern Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Wood

Artek Aalto 83 Table by Alvar Aalto
Artek Aalto 83 Table by Alvar Aalto
H 29.14 in W 71.66 in D 35.83 in
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....
Category

1930s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

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...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Vintage Functionalist Desk by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Stockholm, SE
Desk by Alvar Aalto made from birch with original green top. Lovely, clean lines. Neat size, small drawer to the left.
Category

1930s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

Desk, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Desk, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950/1960s. Teak table top with painted wood drawers. Good vintage condition, patina and wear con...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Wood, Teak

Desk, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
Desk, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950/1960s
H 27.17 in W 68.9 in D 17.72 in
Alvar Aalto Table & 5 Model 65 Chairs In Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
A dining set consisting of a L-leg table and 5 model 65 chairs, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Huonekalu- Ja Rakennustehdas Oy, and retailed b...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Laminate, Birch

Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley Model 900, White Tiles, Birch & Rattan, Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
One of the most iconic and sought after pieces designed by Alvar Aalto. This traditional, elegant and pragmatic tea cart is made in the style of Scandinavian modern design. The troll...
Category

1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Ceramic, Rattan, Birch

Antique Pine Drop Leaf Cottage Dining Table
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Antique Pine Drop Leaf Cottage Dining Table This type of table is often know as a cottage diner because it is space saving with the leaves down and opens to a good size dining tab...
Category

1870s Country Antique Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Pine

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...
Category

1940s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Birch

Alvar Aalto drop-leaf and pembroke tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Alvar Aalto drop-leaf and pembroke tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. Many of the original drop-leaf and pembroke tables by Alvar Aalto were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in finland during the mid-20th century. Prices for Alvar Aalto drop-leaf and pembroke tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,800 and can go as high as $3,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,800.
Questions About Alvar Aalto Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Alvar Aalto is known for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to global prominence. In his designs for buildings and furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and to organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design. One of his most famous pieces is the Paimio armchair, which he designed in 1930 for a Finnish tuberculosis sanatorium. Comfortable yet light enough to be easily moved by patients, the Paimio chair's frame is made of two laminated birch loops. The seat and back are formed from a single sheet of plywood that scrolls under the headrest and beneath the knees, creating a pillow effect. Aalto's use of plywood had an enormous influence on Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Marcel Breuer and many others. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Alvar Aalto furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The style most commonly associated with Alvar Aalto is Scandinavian modern. As an architect and designer, Aalto deserves an immense share of the credit for bringing Scandinavian modernism and Nordic design to a prominent place in the global arena. In both his buildings and his vintage furniture, Aalto's sensitivity to the natural world and organic forms and materials tempered the hardness of rationalist design, as is indicative of Scandinavian modern pieces. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Alvar Aalto furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    The Paimio chair, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a type of armchair created in 1932. Also called the Armchair 41, it was intended to help people breathe easier and was designed for a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Finnish city of Paimio. For the chair's frame, Aalto and his wife, Aino, opted to use Finland's native birchwood, which is strong and inexpensive and felt warmer and more organic than the tubular steel found in similarly shaped pieces. Laminated wood loops form the arms, legs and a pair of flat skids, while its sculptural seat and back are built from a single piece of thin plywood. Shop a variety of Alvar Aalto Paimio chairs on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All