Aalto table A86, birch

The A86 table, designed by Alvar Aalto, is crafted from birch wood. A distinctive feature of this elegant piece is its lower shelf, ideal for keeping favourite books and magazines within easy reach. This leaves the tabletop free for flower arrangements or serving refreshments. The A86 table also works beautifully as a bedside table or a side table.

Alvar Aalto

Huonekalu- ja Rakennustyötehdas Korhonen was founded in Turku, Finland in 1910. The furniture factory was founded by Finnish carpenters Otto Korhonen, Otto Suonperä, David Kinnunen and Fredrik Lundqvist. In addition to furniture, the HKT Korhonen also manufactured construction materials, such as window frames and doors.

The story of HKT Korhonen is deeply intertwined with Artek. Alvar Aalto’s architectural office began collaborating with the HKT Korhonen in the late 1920s and the factory started to manufacture Aalto’s furniture for various projects, such as Paimio Sanatorium. Simultaneously, Alvar Aalto also began experimenting with bending solid wood together with carpenter Otto Korhonen. The fruitful collaboration resulted in an L-leg which became to be the standard component for Aalto’s furniture design. 

The HKT Korhonen furniture factory was owned by the family Korhonen until 2014 when it was acquired by Artek. With the new ownership, the furniture factory was also given a new name; A-Factory. The majority of Artek furniture is still made at the factory in Kaarina, Finland.