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.
A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Houston, TX
A set of 3 Italian bentwood stools by Alvar Aalto for Armtek, circa 2017. The “E60” model is versatile and suitable as a seat, table, storage unit, or display surface. Overall, in go...
Bentwood
Set of 3 Early Round Nesting Side Occasional Tables by Alvar Aalto Mid Century
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Early Round Nesting Side Occasional Tables by Alvar Aalto Mid Century
Birch
Alvar Aalto Nesting Table Set Model E88 in Birch and Oak, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The perfect practical side table for any scandinavian or modern interior, especially with challenging spaces as you can save space with the nesting tables. The measurments are 60x35...
Birch, Oak
Rare Nesting Tables, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto Desk by Artek 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
$981 / set
H 11.62 in W 17.92 in D 13.19 in
Antique Set Of Nesting Tables, Oriental, Bamboo, Occasional, Side, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique set of nesting tables. An Oriental, bamboo and rattan occasional side table, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Compact nesting tables with a charming ...
Bamboo
$1,500
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
$87,066 / 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
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
Alvar Aalto Side Table 1950s-1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
An L-legged side table designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek. The table is from the 1950s-60s. The table is stained and in fine used condition.
Birch
$750Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 16 in W 14 in D 27 in
Alvar Aalto Style Danish Bentwood Side Tables with Magazine Holder, a Pair
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Embrace the essence of Scandinavian modernism with this stunning pair of Alvar Aalto–style Danish bentwood side tables/benches. Offering a perfect blend of mid century modern and vin...
Plywood
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
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 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
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 Nesting Table by Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 88 nesting table, ash table tops and birch legs. Gorgeous ash patterns on the edges of the table tops. In very good used condition. Small table: width 51 cm, depth 42 cm, heig...
Birch, Ash
Mid-Century Bentwood Stacking Tables By Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning embodiment of functional beauty and minimalist design. Renowned for his innovative approach to furniture, Alvar Aalto's creation is perfect for both modern and traditional interiors, seamlessly blending form and function. Perfect as side tables, coffee tables, or accent pieces, the Alvar Aalto Stacking Tables...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Nesting Tables Model 90C & 90D, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting tables model 90C & 90D, designed by Alva Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch frame, table top birch and white linoleum. Good vintage condition, minor patin...
Birch
Artek Small Aalto Mirror by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Product name: Artek Small Aalto Mirror Designer: Alvar Aalto Year of production: 1950's Material: Mirror glass, birch Artek stamp present ...
Birch, Glass
Vintage Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
This rectangular, low table conveys a relaxed familiarity that resists categorization. In accordance with Alvar Aalto’s conception of versatile furniture, it moves naturally between ...
Birch
Nesting table 88 by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
This trio of nesting tables can serve as side tables, coffee tables, or be used singularly, spread across a room to provide multiple table surfaces. The solid birch legs are craf...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 88 Nesting Tables for Artek, Early 2000s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto model 88 nesting tables for Artek from the early 2000s. Lacquered birch. Classic L-legs. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use.
Birch
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto Round Birch Bent Leg Nesting Tables c.1950s Made in Sweden
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 4 Alvar Aalto round birch bent leg nesting tables c.1950s made in Sweden. Super clean antique condition.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Nesting Table Set Model E88, Artek, 1950s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
The perfect practical side table for any scandinavian or modern interior, especially with challenging spaces as you can save space with the nesting tables. Measuring 60x35, 52x35 and...
Birch, Oak
Early Pair of Tables by Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in New York, NY
Rare early tables designed by Alvar Aalto, made in Sweden. These tables show cosmetic wear, one top has some lifting of the veneer, at the top, please see images.
Birch
Pair of Alvar Aalto Finsven #60 Stacking Stools, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Finsven
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Early Alvar Aalto for Finsven model 60 beech and birch nesting tables. With reinforced tripod bentwood legs. Measures: 13 D seat. Classic. Modernist. Rarity. Finsven label to undersi...
Beech, Birch
Sold
H 17.75 in W 17.75 in D 17.75 in
Two Pair of Alvar Aalto Vintage Fan Leg Nesting Stools or End Tables
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Wayne, NJ
Set of four tables which can be stacked.
Wood