Artek | Alvar Aalto
Since its founding in 1935, Finnish furniture manufacturer Artek has stood at the intersection of Nordic design, architecture and art. By doing so, Artek has elevated Finnish design, along with Aino and Alvar Aalto's furniture, to global recognition. Artek’s furniture and lighting are cornerstones of Finnish design, gracing numerous homes and public spaces worldwide. Even today, most of Artek's wooden furniture is crafted in Finland.
Some popular Artek products:
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Artek – the union of art, architecture and industrial production
In 1935, four young idealists – Aino and Alvar Aalto, Nils-Gustav Hahl, and Maire Gullichsen – founded Artek in Helsinki. They released a manifesto in the spirit of functionalism, declaring Artek's purpose to be "to sell furniture and to promote modern culture of habitation by exhibitions and other means". Their aim was to merge art, architecture and industrial production in a way that enriched people's lives. This visionary approach remains evident in everything Artek does today.
Artek classics and new designs
Artek’s collection features a wide range of furniture, lighting and interior accessories, all designed to withstand the test of time. Artek is best known for Alvar Aalto's iconic designs, such as the classic Stool 60, the Paimio chair and the Aalto vases. The range also includes pieces designed by legendary designers such as Ilmari Tapiovaara and Yrjö Kukkapuro. For contemporary designs, Artek collaborates with renowned modern designers like Hella Jongerius and Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, who bring fresh perspectives and modern interpretations to Artek's traditions.
Finnish woodworking and craftsmanship
Most of Artek’s wooden furniture is made in Finland from local wood, particularly birch, using wood-bending techniques developed by Alvar Aalto. The birches grow in Finnish forests for 50–80 years before harvesting and are processed locally, often by hand, ensuring both material and product quality. All of Artek's bentwood furniture is produced at a-factory in Turku, where wooden furniture has been produced since the 1920s. Artek believes that good design is sustainable design, a principle guiding all its choices.
Natural forms with a human touch
Alvar and Aino Aalto created a warm and humane style for modern interiors, inspired primarily by Finnish nature. The use of natural materials and a human way of approaching, combined with relentless innovation, have made Artek a company whose values are increasingly relevant today. Artek's original values – durability and high quality paired with clean, functional forms – continue to guide the company, still infused with the founders' radical, forward-thinking attitude.
Why choose Artek?
• Timeless design: Artek products are classics that withstand the test of time and trends.
• Quality and durability: High-quality materials and meticulous production processes ensure longevity.
• Eco-friendly design: Artek focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.
• Versatile range: A wide selection of furniture and interior accessories for various needs and spaces.
• Finnish craftsmanship: Purchasing Artek products supports Finnish design and craftsmanship.
Read more at Design Stories
• Artek's classics are the foundation of Finnish design – introducing 7 timeless gems by Alvar Aalto >
• Visiting the Artek factory in Turku – see how the iconic stool 60 is made! >
• Dictionary of Nordic design: Artek >
• Artek’s new collection celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Paimio Sanatorium >
