Pair of Alvar Aalto Small Side Tables Model A86 in Honey Birch, Artek, 1940s

This pair of rare Model A86 side tables by Alvar Aalto is distinguished by their smaller-than-usual size, offering greater versatility in placement and ease of movement within interiors. Their compact dimensions and practical shelf design makes them ideal as bedside tables. The tables feature a beautiful vintage honey-toned patina, adding warmth and character. They remain in good condition, having undergone light surface refinishing, with gentle wear consistent with their age and use.

Alvar Aalto (1898–1976) was a world-renowned architect and designer, celebrated for his holistic approach to design. His extensive body of work spans architecture, furniture, textiles, glassware, and even sculpture and painting—though he never considered himself an artist, viewing these disciplines as extensions of his architectural practice.

Throughout his career, from the 1920s to the 1970s, Aalto’s style evolved from Classicism to Modernism, eventually embracing a more organic aesthetic in the 1940s. Together with his wife, Aino, he was known for designing not only buildings but also their interiors—down to the furniture, lighting, and glassware. His pioneering work in bent plywood furniture became a hallmark of Scandinavian Modernism and significantly influenced Mid-Century design.

Highly sought after by collectors, Aalto’s works command record prices at auction and are featured in prestigious private collections and museums worldwide.