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 Table in Birch & Blue Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Mid-Century Sun Series Garden/Side Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Mid-Century Model 82 Table with Yellow Linoleum by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A Mid-Century Model 82 table designed by Alvar Aalto and produced by Artek in Finland, showcasing the designer’s signature bentwood construction and thoughtful use of natural materia...
Formica, 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
Scandinavian Modern Model 81C Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model 81C table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1950s. Birch frame, blue linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
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
Aino & Alvar Aalto Fodlable Table Model DL82, Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Alvar Aalto
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....
Birch
Scandinavian Modern Model 81C Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern model 81C table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Birch frame, blue linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and us...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Mid-Century Modern Center Table, Artek, Finland, 1960
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
Alvar Aalto Bedside Table for Paimio Sanatorium
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Alvar aalto design bed side table for paimio sanatorium It is original paint and mark. it was actually used in paimio sanatorium.
Iron
Aino & Alvar Aalto Foldable Dining Kitchen Table In Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
Alvar Aalto Dining Room Set Model DL82 Table & Model 65 Chairs, circa 1940s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
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
Vintage Alvar & Aino Aalto - Table Top Lazy Susan Karelian Birch Model a91 c1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
This Alvar & Aino Aalto Lazy Susan, crafted from exquisite Karelian birch, epitomises early 20th century modernism with its clean, functional form and timeless elegance. Designed in ...
Birch, Plywood
H 29 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Alvar Aalto Style Work or Dining Table by Farstrup Møbler
By Farstrup, Alvar Aalto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish, 2000's Alvar Aalto style desk or dining table designed with square tables with bentwood legs. Made by Farstrup Møbler. In original condition with four individual legs and be...
Wood, Bentwood
H 28 in W 60 in D 30 in
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
H 25.6 in W 26.38 in D 24.02 in
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
H 26.97 in W 39.38 in D 20.48 in
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
H 22.5 in W 35.5 in D 35.5 in
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
H 28.5 in W 39.25 in D 39.25 in
Round White Dining Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Finland. Linoleum top with birch frame.
Birch
H 28.35 in W 39.38 in D 23.23 in
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch & Red Linoleum, Artek 1950s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
H 27.17 in Dm 35.83 in
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
H 24.81 in W 29.73 in D 16.54 in
Nesting Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Nesting table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1970s. Birch and ash. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with agen and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) i...
Ash, Birch
H 28.35 in W 48.04 in D 29.53 in
1970's alvar aalto 81B table with oak top manufactured by artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
Alvar Aalto dining table, model no. 81B, with oak top and characteristic L‑leg base. This example features a beautifully aged oak top with a warm, even tone and visible grain, resti...
Birch, Oak
H 23.43 in W 35.44 in D 25.6 in
Model 900 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
H 22.05 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Model 901 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Mid-20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
H 28.15 in W 48.04 in D 29.93 in
Rare Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch frame, rare green colored linoleum. Good vintage condition, patina and w...
Birch
H 29.14 in W 71.66 in D 35.83 in
Artek Aalto 83 Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Rochester, England
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...
Wood
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Vintage Red Linoleum Top Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A beautifully crafted 81C square table designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced by Artek in the 1950’s, this table features a bright red linoleum table top with laminated bent birch legs. T...
Birch, Bentwood
H 27.56 in W 49.22 in D 49.22 in
alvar aalto 1970's 91 table blue linoleum
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto 70's blue linoleum table . original condition and great patina.
Birch
H 28.35 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
alvar aalto 60's blue linoleum table
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto 60's blue linoleum table . original condition and great patina.
Birch
H 27.96 in W 43.71 in D 29.93 in
Alvar Aalto Table Foldable 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Alvar Aalto foldable table by Artek in 1960s. In wonderful condition for its age! Birch with white laminate. The bottom of the table is marke...
Laminate, Birch
H 28.75 in W 71.66 in D 36.23 in
Artek Aalto Table Designed by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Rochester, England
The Artek Aalto Table, designed by the iconic Alvar Aalto, epitomizes timeless Scandinavian design. With its sleek rectangular form and signature L-shaped legs, this table showcases ...
Birch
H 17.33 in W 15.01 in D 15.01 in
Set of Two Artek 60 Zebra Fabric Stools by Alvar Aalto in STOCK
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in New York, NY
Alvar Aalto’s iconic stool 60 is the most elemental of furniture pieces, equally suitable as a seat, a table, storage unit, or display surface. The legs are mounted directly to the ...
Birch, Upholstery
H 24.41 in W 16.54 in D 29.93 in
alvar aalto nest table 88 40's for FInsven
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
size W76 × D42 × H62 cm W66 × D42 × H55 cm W57 × D42 × H48 cm nesting table desingned by ALVAR AALTO. Made in Hedemora in Sweden during WW2.And For Finsven that made for comp...
Birch
H 28.35 in Dm 49.89 in
Early Example of a Model 91 Dining Table, Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in London, GB
A Model 91 dining table designed in 1933 by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) and manufactured by Artek, the furniture company founded by Aalto in Helsinki in 1935. Regarde...
Birch
H 27.56 in W 29.53 in D 66.93 in
An Alvar Aalto Foldable Table in Birch, Artek 1950s
By Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
A foldable table in birch with beautiful patina, designed by Alvar Aalto and retailed by Artek in the 1950s. Grown beautiful with age and use for over 70 years, the patina is exactly...
Birch
H 27.17 in W 38.98 in D 20.48 in
alvar aalto 50's desk natural
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
alvar aalto 50's natural top desk ,early model, very rear
Birch