Aalto foldable table DL81C, birch - clay/walnut linoleum

Artek

AU$2,784.00
10% GST is included

Colour: Birch, clay, walnut


Artek
Aalto foldable table DL81C
AU$2,784.00



Description

Artek's foldable table DL81C, designed by Alvar Aalto in 1933, is a compact and versatile wooden dining table with a folding extension that effortlessly offers extra space around the table whenever needed. Therefore, this drop-leaf table is an excellent choice for small dining or working areas. The Aalto foldable table features solid birch legs and edges, and its folding tabletop is finished with a soft, matte linoleum, an ideal material for writing desks. Made in Finland.

To celebrate the re-launch of the folding tables, Artek introduces a two-tone special edition that is available for a limited time only. Drawing inspiration from old drop-leaf tables, the two hues of linoleum reflect the natural colour changes these tables undergo over time: the foldable section of the tabletop is less exposed to light compared to the main surface, so the two tabletops both age gracefully at their own unique pace.

Aalto tables are built on the clever combination of Alvar Aalto's iconic L-legs and various tabletops. Aalto first introduced the bent L-leg in 1933, and it quickly became a standard component in his furniture designs. Reflecting on his legacy as a designer and architect, Aalto considered the development of the L-leg as his greatest achievement, even calling this innovative structure the "little sister of the architectonic column". Thanks to their minimalist charm, Artek tables blend seamlessly with each other and a wide range of chairs, making them a versatile choice for homes, public spaces, and offices alike.

Colour
Birch, clay, walnut
Length
75–112.5 cm
Width
75 cm
Height
74 cm
Table top material
Surface: clay linoleum, drop leaf: walnut linoleum. Core: solid birch, chipboard, honeycomb. Top edge-band: solid birch
Base material
Lacquered solid birch
Weight
24.9 kg
Notes
Comes flat-packed.
Product ID
AK156073

Alvar Aalto

Alvar Aalto (1898-1976) is probably the most famous Finnish architect and designer in the world. In 1921 Alvar Aalto got the Diploma of Architecture at the Helsinki Institute of Technology and his career as an architect started. One of the most important works he was commissioned was the planning of the tuberculosis sanatorium in Paimio, Finland. This project meant also the beginning of Aalto’s career as a furniture designer – in fact, this was the first building planned by Aalto which was entirely furnished with pieces of furniture designed by Aalto himself – including the lighting as well. Other important projects completed by Alvar Aalto are the Viipuri Municipal Library, Villa Mairea, La Maison Carré and the Finnish Pavilions for the 1937 Paris and 1939 New York World Fairs.

In 1935 Alvar Aalto, together with Aino Aalto, Maire Gullichsen and Nils-Gustav Hahl, founded Artek, a world-renowned furniture and lighting company. The company was created "to sell furniture" – designed by Alvar Aalto – "and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means". 

One of the most ingenious innovations by Alvar Aalto is the L-leg, patented in 1933. Aalto considered his L-leg design his greatest achievement and even compared it to the invention of the architectonic column. Thanks to this innovation, the legs could be attached directly to the table, chair and stool tops. Alvar Aalto was a versatile designer whose work covered different fields. He is well-known also for his elegant lamps, which very often were designed for individual construction projects and later on adapted for the serial production. Alvar Aalto was also an esteemed glass designer and his most famous work as a glass designer is the Aalto vase (or Savoy vase) – one of the most iconic glassware pieces in Finnish design.

Would you like to read more about Alvar Aalto and his work? Discover our books:
Aalto, Alvar Aalto Homes, Alvar Aalto Libraries, Alvar Aalto Designer, Alvar Aalto – The Mark of the Hand, Alvar Aalto – A Gentler Structure for Life, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 5, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 18, Alvar Aalto Architect vol. 20, Iittala, Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses, Mid-Century Modern Design, Modernist Escapes: An Architectural Travel Guide

View all products
This product doesn't have any reviews yet. Get your own piece of Nordic Happiness and be the first to review it!
Excellent

The Product Sustainability Framework, our criteria of sustainable design, helps you find the most sustainable products in our selection. Read below which sustainability criteria this product has met.

  • Equal opportunities for all employees
  • Commitment to UN Global Compact, fair compensation for all employees
  • Corporate responsibility requirements defined and communicated for suppliers
  • Systematic work for improved inclusion and well-being in the workplace
  • Transparent supply chain
  • Suppliers' compliance to a code of conduct ensured
  • Compliance to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights ensured in the supply chain
  • Direct suppliers audited and certified
  • Support for community involvement in the supply chain
  • Fair and resource-wise water-use in production
  • No incineration or landfilling of returned items
  • No use of endangered species as materials
  • No direct environmental emissions or waste (excl. GHGs) from production
  • Production and material sourcing that respect biodiversity, animal rights, and natural ecosystems
  • Material-efficient and ecological packaging
  • No potentially harmful chemicals used in own production
  • The sustainability of direct suppliers' production is addressed and monitored
  • Positive impact on nature’s well-being through operations that regenerate natural ecosystems
  • Company's direct greenhouse gas emissions identified and commitment to reduction
  • Product's carbon impact identified and commitment to reduction
  • Guidance on energy- and eco-efficient use of the product
  • Contribution to climate initiatives beyond the brand’s direct operations
  • 100 % renewable energy in own production and operations
  • Low-carbon or compensated transportation
  • Carbon footprint of the product calculated and goals set to reduce it
  • Carbon neutral or carbon negative product
  • Sustainable and long-lasting material choices
  • No harmful or hazardous substances
  • Responsible raw material sourcing and production
  • Materials suited for circularity: monomaterials, recyclable finishings, renewable or recycled contents etc.
  • Ecological materials: natural, biodegradable, recyclable or recycled contents
  • Outstanding materials in terms of innovativeness, responsibility, sustainability and circularity: local production or sourcing, 100 % recycled content, C2C-certification etc.
  • High aesthetic quality promoting long-term use of the product
  • Technically durable product design and material choices
  • Design for enduring life-long quality
  • Design and support for product maintenance, repair and upgradability
  • Innovative circular design solutions: circular service system, resale platform, remanufacturing, collection of used products, etc.

Learn more about the Product Sustainability Framework.