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 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 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
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
$2,850
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
$2,181Sale Price|20% Off
Drop-Leaf Dining Table Model DL82 by Alvar Aalto, Artek, Finland, 1960s
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Karis, Nyland
A functional and timeless DL82 drop-leaf table by Alvar Aalto, produced by Artek in the 1960s. The design features Aalto’s signature bentwood legs paired with a white laminate top. T...
Laminate, Birch
1980s Aino and Alvar Aalto for Artek 90A Round Dining Table 40"
By Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Table 90A, originally designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto in 1933. This particular example was produced by Artek in Finland and dates to the 1980s. The piece is constructed of...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Table for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
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
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 81B Yellow Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 81B table, birch with yellow linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s/60s. The table has signs of wear.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Model 83 Birch Dining Table, Finland 1930
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Alvar Aalto Model 83 Birch Dining Table, Finland 1930’s Measures 71.5” long 28.5” tall 39” deep
Birch
Model Y61 Table by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1980s. Finland. Glass top with birch frame.
Glass, Birch
Table 81A by Alvar Aalto for Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
Alvar Aalto designed Table 81A for Artek in the 1950s. Artek is a Finnish furniture manufacturer that Aalto co-founded in 1935. The table is made of solid birch wood, which is maste...
Birch
1970's alvar aalto 82A table with ash top manufactured by artek
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Tomi, Nagano
A vintage Alvar Aalto table ash top. we updated to great condition.
Birch, Ash
Alvar Aalto Teal Top Table 83
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
This striking table by Alvar Aalto exemplifies the Finnish master's signature blend of functional modernism and organic warmth. Designed with Aalto's characteristic focus on human-ce...
Plywood
Early model 83 birch dining table by Alvar Aalto, Finland, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Huonekalu-Ja Rakennustyötedas Oy
Located in Hägersten, SE
Early example of the model 83 dining table designed by Alvar Aalto. Produced in Turku, Finland by Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas during the 1930s. Signed with stamp Aalto design Made...
Birch
Original Alvar Aalto 81B Esstisch Artek Linoleum schwarz Birke
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Esstisch vom finnischen Traditionshersteller Artek zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Alvar Aalto aus dem Jahr 1935 und ist unter dem Namen 81B wel...
Birch
$4,075
Alvar Aalto Table 83
By Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Designed by Finnish architect and modernist pioneer Alvar Aalto, the Model 83 table is a timeless example of functionalist design infused with natural warmth. Originally conceived in...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 90A Blue Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 90A table, birch with blue linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s-1960s and is in good used condition. The table has normal wear and tear.
Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 92 Extendable 1940s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 92 extendable table with two extension pieces. Birch frame, hardwood veneer on the surface. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around 1940-1950 and in good used condition....
Birch, Hardwood
Alvar & Aino Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan Model 91 & a91, Finmar, 1933
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Uxbridge, GB
This Alvar & Aino Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan is a remarkable example of early twentieth century modernist design, blending functionality and elegance in one striking piece. D...
Birch, Plywood
Scandinavian Modern Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Scandinavian Modern round dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, 1960s. Teak. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) ...
Teak
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 81C Turquoise Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 81C table, birch with turquoise linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s/60s. The table has signs of wear and extra holes on the edges of the table.
Birch
Pair Of Alvar Aalto's Tables Model 81C With Bonewhite Linoleum
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Kangasala, FI
A pair of Alvar Aalto's design table model number 81C Rare bonewhite linoleum table top. Good original condition with lovely patinated look to these tables. Tables will be sold as ...
Birch
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
Early Alvar Aalto Dining Set C.1940s
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Great Barrington, MA
Really beautiful, early and rare dining set by Alvar Aalto. Smart color combination and natural patina. Table and six chairs.
Birch
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
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 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
$4,061
H 23.23 in W 35.83 in D 24.41 in
Alvar Aalto for Artek Cart "900" in Birch and Tile, Finland 1970s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Naples, IT
The 900 trolley, designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek, is a classic Finnish design with English tea culture and Japanese woodwork and architecture as its sources of inspiration. Alvar A...
Ceramic, Rattan, Birch
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
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
$1,610
H 23.63 in W 39.38 in D 23.63 in
Alvar Aalto Birch Wood Side Table for Artek, Mid-Century Modern
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Alvar Aalto L leg rectangular side table for Artek. Bentwood laminated-birch legs. Original black linoleum top. Can be used as coffee table, console or child desk. Nice patina.
Birch
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
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
$15,595 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 50.4 in
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, FI
This dining set is in beautiful condition. The table without the serving board "Lazy Susan" is model A 91 ( with the serving board B 91 ), and the chairs are model no. 66 with the hi...
Glass, Birch, Bentwood
$1,723
H 27.96 in W 48.04 in D 29.93 in
Alvar Aalto Artek Table 81B Yellow Linoleum 1950s Finland Vintage Original
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek 81B table, birch with yellow linoleum. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s/60s. The table has signs of wear.
Birch
Sold
H 27.17 in W 48.04 in D 29.93 in
Alvar Aalto for Artek, Birch Dining Table, Laminated Top, Model 81b, 1930s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Alvar Aalto Model 81b Table suitable for use as dining table or writing table L legs and edge bands in Finnish birch, with inset laminate top stamp to underside Aalto Design/Made in ...
Laminate, Birch
Alvar Aalto Artek Table Green Linoleum Finland Vintage Original
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with dark green linoleum top. Designer Alvar Aalto. In good used condition.
Birch
Model X800A Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Artek, Late 20th Century
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model X800A dining table, design Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Artek, Late 20th Century. Birch and ash. Iconic x -leg. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use...
Ash, Birch
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Round Table Model 90A by Artek
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table model 90A, birch with cream linoleum. Some signs of wear. Designer Alvar Aalto. The table is from around 1970s.
Birch
Sold
H 28.35 in W 71.66 in D 35.83 in
Alvar Aalto Dining Table 83, large, Artek c 1970s, birch & white laminate top
By Artek, Alvar Aalto
Located in London, GB
Alvar Aalto, Finland (designer) Model 83. Dining Table Designed c. 1933, this example produced by Artek, Finland, c. 1970s. Birch and white laminate. Good solid condition. Signs of ...
Wood
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with cream linoleum. Designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from around the 1950s and has beautiful patina.
Birch
Alvar Aalto H92 Extendable Table by Artek 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Extendable table model H92, designed by Alvar Aalto and manufactured by Artek, birch with mahogany table top. The table is from around the 1950s, and has beutiful patina of age. The ...
Birch, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.73 in Dm 39.38 in
Rare Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 50s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare round dining table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Birch frame, rare green linoleum table top. Good vintage condition, pa...
Birch
Sold
H 28.35 in Dm 49.61 in
Round Dining Table, Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s
By Alvar Aalto, Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Round dining table, designed by Alvar Aalto, manufactured by Oy Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, 1950s. Beautiful honey colored birch L-legs, table top repainted. Good vintage con...
Birch, Paint
Alvar Aalto L-Legged Table by Artek 1960s
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Espoo, FI
Artek table, birch with yellow linoleum. Designed by Alvar Aalto. The table is from the 1960s and shows nicely signs of life. Some extra holes in the legs.
Birch
Alvar Aalto for Artek Fanleg Dining Table / Desk
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Excellent example of a very rare Alvar Aalto design. Nearly impossible to find, and in all original unrestored condition. Made by Artek in Finland, this is an exceptional all origin...
Birch
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Vintage Red Top
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.
Laminate, Beech, Birch