Aalto Table foldable

Overview

The Aalto Table foldable is a drop-leaf table credited to Alvar Aalto and dated 1933 on Artek's product page. Its folding format is presented for compact living: the leaves can be closed when the table is not in use and opened to provide more seating and surface area.

Construction

Solid birch forms the four legs and top edge-band. Its top core may be solid birch, chipboard, plywood or honeycomb, while the top surface is offered in birch veneer, high-pressure laminate or linoleum.

Image source: Artek — Aalto Table foldable · © Artek and the respective rights holders. Quoted to accompany INTEBEE's independent design commentary and research. · View official product page ↗ · Image use & copyright policy

Specifications

• W 750 x D 585 x H 740 mm for the folded DL81C shown in the main image
• Opened depth 1125 mm; the page drawing also gives 750 mm width and 740 mm height
• Three standard tabletop surface options: birch veneer, high-pressure laminate and linoleum

A table for compact living

Artek describes the foldable Aalto Table as crafted for compact living. Its drop-leaf construction lets the table extend when increased seating and storage space are needed, then close again when it is not in use. The page says the table can serve a wide range of occasions and match a wide variety of chairs.

Three surface directions

The product is available with birch veneer, high-pressure laminate or linoleum. Artek describes the laminate as hard-wearing and easy to clean for dining, birch veneer as warm, and linoleum as matt and soft. Three limited two-tone linoleum editions—clay/walnut, pistachio/olive and vapour/smokey blue—echo the different ageing rhythms of a closed drop leaf and its tabletop.