Alvar Aalto Table

Bringing the timeless mid-century design into your modern home

The Alvar Aalto Table is one of the most recognizable and influential furniture designs to emerge from the 20th century. Created by the Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto in 1932, this distinctive table combines natural wood, organic lines and masterful craftsmanship into a true mid-century modern classic.

As one of Aalto’s most iconic and sought-after designs, the Alvar Aalto Table introduces warmth, simplicity and natural beauty into any contemporary interior. Its undulating laminated birch frame exemplifies Aalto’s signature organic functionalism, creating a lightness and airiness unique among modernist tables.

If you are considering buying an original Alvar Aalto Table for your home or office, this in-depth guide covers everything you need to know, from identifying authentic design details to caring for your investment piece.

The Origins and Evolution of Aalto’s Classic Table Design

While simple and subtle, the Alvar Aalto Table synthesizes key aspects of the designer’s groundbreaking career. After founding the architecture firm Artek in 1935, Aalto began experimenting with bending wood, a technique called laminating that allowed him to shape wooden strips into sinuous, sculptural forms.

Seen in iconic chairs like the Paimio armchair and Stool 60, laminating took advantage of wood’s natural strength and flexibility. The same method was used for the Alvar Aalto Table, its undulating birch frame an expression of the material’s hidden beauty.

The table’s beginnings trace back to the Viipuri Library competition in 1927, which first brought Aalto international renown. After winning the project, Aalto designed the library’s furnishings, including a bent laminated birch table. This prototypical desk evolved into the 1933 Standard Desk for the Turun Sanomat newspaper offices, which then became the model for Artek’s serial production of the Alvar Aalto Table in 1935.

While the overall form has remained unchanged, the table has evolved through several iterations:

• Model 15 – Also called the Siipi table, the original model introduced in 1935 had a solid laminated birch top and frame. Offered in a few size variations.
• Model E60 – Launched in 1938, the top changed to be made of edge-glued birch strips. Black linoleum was added as a surface material.
• Model E61 – Various details updated in this mid-century model, including separated legs and retains under the top.
• Modern models – Contemporary production by Artek includes table 2400, a table top with laminated veneer and solid birch legs.

While remaining true to Aalto’s innovative bentwood technique, the Alvar Aalto Table continues to evolve and adapt to modern manufacturing.

Identifying Authentic Design Details

Given its fame in the mid-century canon, the Alvar Aalto Table has spawned numerous copies, reproductions and lookalikes over the decades. If you are hoping to invest in an original vintage table, identifying key signatures of Aalto’s design is essential:

• Undulating laminated birch frame – The most recognizable feature is the sinusoidal wave form of the legs and apron. Smoothly tapering and narrowing at the top, the legs should bend in a continuous “S” shape that mimics nature.
• Birch veneer tabletop – Authentic Alvar Aalto Tables have tabletops made of edge-glued birch veneer strips. Veneer patterns and color may vary, from warm honey tones to pale blond wood.
• Exposed end grain on tabletop – Where the veneer strips meet at the edge, you’ll see the birch end grain exposed, often with darker colors that provide decoration.
• Curved corners – Edges and corners should all have a smooth rounded shape, without sharp joints or flat surfaces.
• Aalto signature stamp – Look under the table for the stamped branding from Artek, the authorized manufacturer. Reproductions lack this signature mark of authenticity.
• Made in Finland – Original vintage models were made by Artek in Finland. Some modern authorized pieces are manufactured in Italy.
• Artek/Alvar Aalto paper label – Affixed to the bottom of the table, the paper labels also confirm the table was produced by Artek.

Scrutinizing these subtle but significant details will help ensure your investment is in a genuine Alvar Aalto original.

Where to Buy a Certified Authentic Table

Once you know what defines real Alvar Aalto Tables, where do you look to buy one you can trust is authentic? Here are top options for finding certified vintage or modern models:

• Vintage dealers – Reputable mid-century furniture dealers will provide provenance for vintage tables, potentially directly from institutions, collectors or previous owners. Expect to pay market prices, which start around $6,000.
• Auction houses – Auction specialists like Wright auction vintage Artek and Aalto works at auction. Preview items beforehand and review condition reports before bidding or buying.
• Authorized retailers – Design Within Reach, Hive Modern and other authorized sellers stock new tables directly from Artek. This ensures authenticity, but fewer size options.
• Artek Studios – Alvar Aalto’s company Artek produces the official tables in a range of models and sizes. Custom-made tables can also be special ordered.
• 1stDibs – Reputable vintage dealers list curated selections on 1stDibs. Look for pieces with verifiable provenance and examine seller ratings.

Wherever you source an Alvar Aalto Table, prioritize trustworthy sellers who provide documentation, such as original order slips or history of previous ownership. Pay the premium for this peace of mind.

Materials and Construction of the Aalto Table

The ingenious materials and construction methods Aalto pioneered make the table so distinctive and contribute to its enduring appeal.

The Iconic Birch Frame

The wave-like frame represents Aalto’s forte in bending and shaping wood. To achieve the undulating form, thin strips of birch wood are soaked in hot water, then compressed and bent using metal molds. The supple steamed wood is permanently set into curved forms once dry.

Multiple bent laminated layers are glued together using a proprietary phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive Artek developed. The glued laminated legs are shaped and tapered, then polished smooth by hand. This creates the sculptural, cantilevered base that appears to grow organically from the floor.

The Tabletop Technique

While the frame showcases Aalto’s almost freeform lamination, the tabletop exhibits masterful precision in its construction:

• Birch veneers are edge glued together, alternating the direction and patterns.
• The veneer is applied over a plywood substrate, making the top lightweight yet strong.
• The table edge has a gently rounded profile, avoiding sharp corners.
• Inlays at the ends decorate the exposed birch veneer with subtlecontrast.

The simple yet elegant solid birch details and laminated veneer top reflect the naturalness and warmth characteristic of organic Nordic design.

Costs, Sizes and Finishes Available

As demand continues for authentic Alvar Aalto Tables, prices have steadily climbed. But various sizes and finishes are produced to fit different spaces and budgets:

• Small – A 60 cm diameter round table starts under $2,000. The smallest tables suit intimatesettings and living spaces.
• Medium – Rectangular tables between 140-200 cm long have prices starting around $6,000. The classic medium size works well in dining rooms.
• Large – Long tables up to 300 cm accommodate conferences and banquets. Prices range from $12,000-$18,000.
• Custom – For a one-of-a-kind Alvar Aalto Table, Artek Studios can fabricate custom sizes and finishes. Expect high price tags around $20,000 and up.
• Veneer – Traditional birch veneer has warm honey tones. Walnut and maple veneers offer richer contrast.
• Laminate – Modern laminate tops come in white or black for pairing with colored chairs.
• Base – Polished chrome adds modern flair. Lacquered birch legs offer a Scandinavian vibe.

Prices vary based on table specifics, provenance and seller, so shop around for deals. Just ensure the authentic details are present before purchasing.

The Significance and History of an Influential Table

It’s hard to overstate how influential the Alvar Aalto Table became after its launch in 1935. As one of the earliest cantilevered laminated wood pieces, it pioneered manufacturing techniques still utilized today.

The curving organic forms stood as a rebuke to strict Bauhaus minimalism, bringing natural warmth to pared-down modernism. Aalto’s humanist approach to Scandinavian design launched a new softer, more livable modern aesthetic that still feels fresh today.

Almost immediately recognizable, the Alvar Aalto Table entered the pantheon of mid-century modern icons. It appealed to tastemakers and design enthusiasts of the era, including Greta Garbo, JFK and the Rockefeller family, who all bought Aalto tables. Photographs showing the table in MoMA exhibitions and the Ford Foundation headquarters further cemented its status.

Today the Alvar Aalto Table remains on permanent display at prestigious museums from the Museum of Modern Art in New York to the Design Museum in Helsinki, honoring Aalto’s legacy. For design lovers, owning this pioneering table brings a piece of furniture history right into the home.

Is the Aalto Table Suitable for Contemporary Interiors?

The Alvar Aalto Table possesses a timeless quality that adapts flawlessly to all styles. Whether your home leans traditional, modern, minimalist or eclectic, the table contributes understated elegance and a sculptural presence.

Its humanist form provides a warmth that contrasts and complements sleek or sharp furniture. The birch veneer has a neutral, organic look that avoids clashes. Aalto’s motif of undulating lines and rounded corners catches the eye yet still allows the table to recede into the background.

Place in an entry hall or behind a sofa to enjoy the table’s fluid silhouette from all angles. The Alvar Aalto Table allows you to make a refined mid-century statement without overpowering a space.

How the Icon Stacks Up to Other Modernist Tables

The Alvar Aalto Table stands apart from other pioneering modernist designs in a few key ways:

• Warm and organic – Mid-century tables by Mies van der Rohe and Florence Knoll have more rigid, geometric lines. Aalto’s softer curves create an inviting, humanist feel.
• Cantilevered base – Many early modern tables sat on heavy pedestal bases. The Alvar Aalto Table’s cantilevered legs maximize airiness and lightness.
• Wood warmth – Metal and glass dominate other modernist tables, like those by Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. The birch veneer brings uncommon naturalness and coziness.
• Handcrafted production – Manufacturing innovations allowed high quality at lower costs. Each table still shows the mark of craftsmanship.

While other modern tables may compete on historical import, none match the Alvar Aalto Table for its delicate synthesis of textures, contours and materials.

The Range of Customization Options

Part of the Alvar Aalto Table’s enduring versatility comes from the customization Artek makes possible:

• Sizes – Round, square and rectangular tables can be fabricated in whatever length, width, and height you require.
• Materials – Choose birch veneers or modern laminates. Opt for maple or walnut rather than plain birch. Add a contrasting inlay.
• Base styles – Pick between polished chrome, white lacquer or black lacquer base finishes. Or go bold with red or yellow.
• Tabletops – Laminates in black, white or colors work for contemporary contexts. Natural wood tops provide Scandinavian flair.
• Extensions – Extendable tabletops allow your table to adapt to both intimate and hosted gatherings.

While you’ll pay more for full customization, the investment means your table will perfectly suit your space. Contact authorized sellers to explore the possibilities.

The Most Popular and Iconic Models

While any authentic Alvar Aalto Table has presence, a few particular models stand out as the most iconic:

• Model B65 – This rectangular table with laminated birch legs seats up to 8 people comfortably, perfect for entertaining. The extensible model is also quite versatile.
• Table 90 – Hexagonal top and solid birch legs make this a go-to dining table. It exemplifies Aalto’s union of organic and geometric forms.
• Table 83 – The round 83 with chrome base was one of Aalto’s earliest models. Its diminutive scale works beautifully as a side table.
• Table 96 – Hexagonal laminate tops in black or white give this table bold modernist style. Lower heights create lounge table appeal.
• Custom rectangle – For dining areas, a rectangular birch veneer table offers lots of functional space in a clean-lined look.

While personal taste dictates favorites, the versatility of the Alvar Aalto Table means each model has the potential for iconic style.

Caring for and Maintaining Your Investment Piece

To keep your Alvar Aalto Table looking as pristine as the day it was bought, follow these care guidelines:

• Dust regularly – Use a soft cloth to wipe down birch or laminate tabletops. This prevents buildup and keeps the grain looking smooth.
• Clean spills promptly – Accidents happen! Blot spills immediately on wood tops to prevent stains and warping. Use mild soap and water.
• Avoid heat damage – Don’t place hot pans, candles or kettles directly on the table surface. Use trivets to prevent scorching.
• Check leg stability – Ensure all leg screws and connectors are tight. Tighten as needed to keep the table secure and stable.
• Protect surfaces – Use table pads, tablecloths or placemats to shield surfaces from scratches, liquids and wear.
• Polish cautiously – On bare birch tops, use wax polish just a few times yearly. Too much polishing could gradually damage the veneer.
• Purchase furniture polish – For laminate tops, use a non-toxic polish formulated for laminates to restore luster and protection.

With routine maintenance and care, an Alvar Aalto Table will last for generations as a cherished design investment.

The Strong Scandinavian Design Appeal

Beyond its architectural significance, the Alvar Aalto Table embodies the Scandinavian design ethos that still feels fresh today:

Natural – The light birch frame and woodgrain tabletop celebrate natural motifs and textures. This reflects Nordic respect for native materials and admiration for nature.

Democratic – Produced industrially but finished by hand, the table was designed as an accessible piece for the masses. Its clean lines suit simple homes or grand estates equally.

Harmonious – Gentle contours and proportions please the eye while creating a soothing sense of order. This sense of harmony is a hallmark of Finnish design.

Purposeful – Every curve and angle has an intentional purpose, usually rooted in ergonomics and practicality. Form follows function, as everything serves a use.

Modern – Despite being decades old, the sleek lines and minimalist birch design still appear fresh and contemporary. Scandinavian style eschews trends.

These core tenets give the table a crisp yet cozy feel that looks at home in any contemporary interior with Scandinavian influences or mid-century roots.

Possible Uses Beyond the Dining Table

While intended as a dining table, the Alvar Aalto Table’s versatility allows it to serve multiple functions:

• Desk – The table’s generous surface and stylish simplicity create an inspiring home office centerpiece. Just add a comfortable desk chair.
• Console – Place against a wall or behind a couch to use as a chic console for displaying decorative objects.
• Side table – Flank seating with the small round side table models. Their organic shape contrasts modern sofas.
• Entryway table – Situate a long rectangular Alvar Aalto Table behind the front door to drop keys and mail.
• Kitchen island – Use a base model with tall chrome legs and pair with bar stools for an inviting kitchen island.
• Café table – The hexagon and round versions work nicely as restaurant-style small plates and tasting tables.
• Outdoor table – While indoor use is recommended, some laminate models can work well in protected outdoor areas.

Place your Alvar Aalto Table where you’ll most appreciate its supple contours and lustrous wood grain.

Why the Table Stands the Test of Time

Few furniture designs reach the cultural status and timelessness of the Alvar Aalto Table. What gives this piece such enduring staying power?

• Innovative manufacturing – The lamination process paved the way for affordable mass production with hand-finished quality.
• Sculptural form – The cantilevered base and organic shape feel simultaneously vintage and futuristic.
• Adaptability – Current table options in sizes, colors and materials keep the table highly adaptable over 70+ years.
• Warm minimalism – Lack of ornamentation provides simplicity. The blonde birch offers coziness and texture.
• Cultural significance – Museums and institutions ensure the table remains relevant by keeping it on display globally.

Well-designed and expertly-crafted, the practical yet poetic Alvar Aalto Table remains as desirable today as ever. For a certified mid-century jewel, accept no substitutes.

Finding Alternatives to the Iconic Originals

Given how rare and costly genuine vintage Alvar Aalto Tables can be, some alternatives allow you to achieve a similar Scandianvian bentwood look:

• Modern Artek reissues – New tables licensed by Alvar Aalto’s company replicate his designs at lower prices. Details stay true to the originals.
• Knock-offs – Ikea produces a 63-inch dining table mimicking Aalto’s bent legs and natural birch, but without certification.
• Custom furniture – Bespoke furniture makers can hand build custom tables in organic Aalto-inspired styles for one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Mid-century vintage – Tables by designers influenced by Aalto also have similar sculptural legs and woodgrain patterns. Bruno Mathsson is a good option.

However, to get the genuine article – with the cultural cache, collector’s value and design pedigree – only an authorized original Alvar Aalto Table will suffice.

Seeking Out Guarantees and Certificates

So you’ve fallen for the Alvar Aalto Table and are ready to make a serious investment. While exciting, dropping thousands on a designer antique comes with risks. Protect your purchase with the following:

• Receipts or invoices – Sellers should provide documentation like original sales invoices showing provenance.
• Appraisals – Independent appraisals by qualified experts can confirm condition assessments and fair market valuations.
• Serial numbers – Etched factory numbers help trace a table back to Artek production records.
• Certificates – Authorized dealers can provide certificates of authenticity and guarantees for new table purchases.
• Warranties – Modern manufacturers typically guarantee tables against defects in materials and workmanship for 1-3 years.
• Return policies – Many sellers allow short return periods so you can inspect pieces for authentic markers upon arrival.

While not bulletproof, documentation helps secure your investment in a true Alvar Aalto Table. But as they say, the finest designs speak for themselves. One look and touch confirms you’ve found mid-century treasure.