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 Vanity Table, 1930 — Dark Stained Birch, Original Condition
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Dronten, NL
An exceptional and early vanity table designed by Alvar Aalto and dating to circa 1930. This piece is a beautiful example of Aalto’s pioneering work in bentwood construction and his ...
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
$2,335
H 48.04 in W 39.38 in D 15.16 in
1960s Small Elegant Fully Restored Rosewood Vanity Table in Excellent Condition
By Niels Clausen
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s small elegant fully restored rosewood vanity table in excellent condition The well designed and manufactored table is flexible and can be turned into a small desk by removing ...
Rosewood
French Art Deco Vanity or Dressing Table, 1930s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Art Deco vanity or dressing table. Design in the style of Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann. Striking French design from the 1930s. Black lacquered walnut and burl base wit...
Granite, Marble, Brass
Alvar Aalto Artek Table Finland 1940s Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
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
$2,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 29.5 in W 40 in D 13.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Mirrored Vanity Table after Alvar Aalto design for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Unique, petite single drawer vanity and mirror after the design of Alvar Aalto for Artek. It's simplistic design is stunning. Circa 1960's, this piece is constructed using natural B...
Mirror, Oak
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 Side Table Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
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
A Fine French 1930s Burled Birch Vanity
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine French Art Deco European burled birch vanity with two drawers and chrome details.
Chrome
$2,896
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 Artek, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
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
$2,850
H 29.25 in W 28 in D 16.25 in
Antique Neoclassical Vanity Table, French, Original Mirror, Circa 1840
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Early nineteenth century neoclassical vanity table with original mirror plate.
Wood
$1,350Sale Price|40% Off
H 38 in W 42 in D 23 in
Edwardian Dark Stained Burlwood Vanity w/ Trifold Mirror, Circa 1910
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Edwardian dark-stained burlwood vanity with 3 drawers and a top trifold mirror. The vanity has a kidney shape with decorative brass pulls
Burl
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