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.
Rare Vintage Coffee Table by Artek, Teak & Birch, Finland, circa 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare vintage coffee table produced by Artek in Finland, dating to the late 1950s–1960s. The table combines a warm teak tabletop with solid birch legs, a material pairing characteri...
Wood, Birch, Teak
Alvar Aalto Scandinavian Y805 Birch Plywood and Glass Rectangular Coffee Table
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sleek coffee table designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto circa the 1950s. Known for combining functionality with aesthetic beauty, Aalto’s techniqu...
Glass, Birch, Plywood
Mid-Century Modern Yellow Linoleum Coffee Couch Table Alvar Aalto Artek Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Hamburg, DE
Large coffee table by Artek, designed by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. Shown here with a linoleum surface in a special color. This Scandinavian design is hard to beat ...
Wood
Alvar Aalto Table Model.Mx800B 1970's
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
This coffee table, believed to be from the 1970s, is the model MX800B, attributed to renowned Finnish designer and architect Alvar Aalto. Aalto is celebrated as one of the key figure...
Ash, Beech
Alvar Aalto Coffee Table, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Alvar Aalto coffee table, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1930s. Stained birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto...
Birch
Coffee Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Coffee table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, teak table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age a...
Birch, Teak
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley Model 901 in White and Birch for Artek, 1960s
By Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto first introduced this model 901 cart in the 1930s. It is the simplest of his cart series. Inspirations of the British tee culture as well as Japanese wood works is eviden...
Laminate, Birch
Black Alvar Aalto Coffee / Tea Trolley Model 901, Birch, Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto first introduced this model cart in the 1930s. It is one of the simplest of his cart series. Inspirations of the British tea culture as well as Japanese wood works are ev...
Laminate, Birch
Alvar Aalto Tea Trolley 900, Birch, Rattan, & White Tiles, Artek, Finland 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
Alvar Aalto first introduced this model 900 cart in the 1937. It is the larger model of his cart series. Inspirations of the British tee culture as well as Japanese wood works is evi...
Birch, Ceramic, Rattan
1950s Alvar & Aino Aalto for Artek Children's Coffee Table w/ Top, Model 81B
By Artek, Aino Aalto, Alvar Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a child’s table (or can be used as a coffee table), model 81B, designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1933. It was manufactured in Finland circa 1950s. The piece is ...
Birch
Vintage Fan Leg Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Buffalo, NY
Vintage fan leg coffee table by Alvar Aalto for Artek. Excellent original condition, beautiful warm, rich patina. Hand delivery avail to New York City on anywhere enroute from Buffal...
Plywood
Ultra Rare Coffee/Club Table By Alvar Aalto 1930's
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Kangasala, FI
Extremely rare coffee/club table by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab in the 1930's This is a true museum piece! Amazingly well preserved original c...
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
Wood
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
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
Vintage coffee table in teak, Denmark 1960s
Located in Torino, IT
Vintage coffee table in teak, Denmark 1960s
Teak
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 Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Desk for Artek, Model 216C, c. 1970
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Andes, NY
Rare white linoleum top writing desk designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, model 216C, with his signature L leg construction and a five-drawer chest that can be placed on the right or t...
Laminate, Birch
$6,482
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 Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Writing Table Model K81 in Birch, Artek 1940s
By Artek, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy, 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
$2,912
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 Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek
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
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
$2,348Sale Price|20% Off
H 23.63 in Dm 31.5 in
Margaret T. Nordman, 1930's coffee table for Stockmann Oy
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Margaret Travers Nordman
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
In the realm of furniture design and craftsmanship, there exist certain pieces that transcend time, becoming iconic symbols of an era. Margaret T. Nordman's 1930s coffee table, a cre...
Birch
Sold
H 25.99 in Dm 39.38 in
Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c. 1970s, birch & white laminate top
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Alvar Aalto, Finland (designer) Coffee / Low Table Designed c. 1933, this example produced by Artek, Finland, c. 1970s. Birch and white laminate. Very good condition with some light...
Wood
Large Vintage Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Boom, Vlaams Gewest
Alvar Aalto coffee table from Finland, showcasing the designer’s signature organic minimalism and mastery of bentwood construction. The table features Aalto’s iconic L-shaped legs, a...
Bentwood
Alvar Aalto Blue Laminate Side / End Coffee Game Table Artek 1990's
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
A fun example from Alvar Aalto featuring bent birch legs that have Aalto’s patented joint that bends and joins sliced wood to a solid birch leg. The table with a bright blue laminat...
Laminate, Birch
Sold
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
Sold
H 22.25 in Dm 24.61 in
Model A70 Club Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas, 1940/1950
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model A70 coffee table / club table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1940/1950s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina and wear consistent ...
Birch
Model 901 Tea Cart, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1980/1990s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 901 tea cart, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1980/1990s. Birch frame, linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alvar A...
Birch
Sold
H 17.25 in W 51 in D 30 in
Mid century Alvar Aalto Blonde Birch Bentwood Leg Coffee Table or Bench Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Midcentury coffee or cocktail table or Bench by Finnish architect and designer Alvar Allto. Artek. Stands on 4 birch bentwood legs and table top surface rectangle shape all in a blon...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Sold
H 22.05 in W 47.25 in D 31.5 in
Alvar Aalto large coffee low table, Artek c 1970s, birch with white laminate top
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Alvar Aalto, Finland (designer) Coffee Table Originally designed c. 1933, this example produced by Artek, Finland, c. 1970s. Birch and white laminate L 120 cm W 80 cm, H 56 cm Ver...
Laminate, Birch
Sold
H 22.05 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Model "MX800B" Ash and Birch Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
Designed by one of the great masters of Finnish Modernism, the "Fan Leg" table by Alvar Aalto embodies the distinctive six-section fan leg. Manufactured in 1960s. Ash top and birch ...
Ash, Birch
Vintage Aalto Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Vintage Aalto Table (Blue linoleum top) by Alvar Aalto for Artek, (Blue linoleum top is no longer in production) The Aalto Table is a perfect solution for numerous spaces, from a s...
Birch
Vintage Aalto Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Centreville, VA
Vintage Aalto Table (Blue linoleum top) by Alvar Aalto for Artek, (Blue linoleum top is no longer in production) The Aalto Table is a perfect solution for numerous spaces, from a s...
Birch
Sold
H 19.69 in W 35.44 in D 35.44 in
Model "MX800B" Ash and Birch Coffee Table by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
Designed by one of the great masters of Finnish Modernism, the "Fan Leg" table by Alvar Aalto embodies the distinctive six-section fan leg. Manunfactured in 1960s. Ash top and birch...
Ash, Birch