Artek’s product selection includes several classics of Finnish design, such as Alvar and Aino Aalto’s furniture and lamps. Our customer service is there for you when you want to know more about Artek’s products, have questions about the material options – or just want to order a new set of wheels for your Aalto tea trolley!
FOR DECADES NOW, Artek’s most popular Aalto products have been taking over homes around the world. And no wonder, since Aino and Alvar Aalto’s design combines aesthetics, natural shapes and genuine materials with unparalleled functionality. Since Finnish Design Shop’s customer service team receives questions about the classics almost on a daily basis, we compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions here to help you with your purchase decision.
This Design Stories column provides answers to some recurring questions from our customers, which may be helpful and inspirational to others, as well. We have recruited Miina Lindblad from Finnish Design Shop’s customer service team to answer your conundrums.
1. Is Artek’s Aalto table 90B available in a lower version?
“Yes, it is. A lower version of the Aalto table 90B can be ordered through us. The delivery may just take a little longer, as the product is made to order. We get a lot of questions about the possibility to order an Aalto table in a non-standard height, and we’ve have been able to meet almost all the requests. Over the years, Artek has changed the sizes slightly and some customers prefer the old models.”
• Artek's table 90B > >
• All dining tables >
2. Which material do you recommend for a dining table top, linoleum or laminate?
“For example, in the case of families with children, high-pressure laminate is the best choice for everyday life. Laminate is far more resistant to food stains, knocks and marks left by small aspiring artists than a lacquered or linoleum surface. As a natural product, linoleum is porous and more prone to marks, so any droplets and food and grease stains must be wiped off right away. However, since the surface of a linoleum table is pleasantly soft and warm, it, too, is a good choice that’ll serve you well for years to come!”
• Artek's table 81B >
• Read also: Artek's classics are the foundation of Finnish design >
3. What’s the difference between the Golden Bell lamps?
“Aalto pendant A330S, AKA Golden Bell, is available in two different brass versions. The Savoy model is made of polished and uncoated brass, which will darken and develop a stunning, unique patina over time. The lamp has a black cord, and the brass interior of the shade casts a warm glow.
If, on the other hand, you want a lamp that’ll stay shiny for longer, I recommend choosing the A330S model, whose brass surface has been lacquered after polishing. The interior of the lamp is painted white, and the cord is also white.”
• Artek's A330S pendant lamp >
• All Artek luminaires >
4. Are there spare parts for Artek’s tea trolley 900?
“Yes, almost all parts of the Aalto tea trolley 900 can be ordered as spare parts. The most sought-after spare parts include wheels, rattan baskets and tiled tabletops. For the 901 model, there are wheel sets and laminate/linoleum tabletops available. Handles and rubber rings for the wheels can also be ordered. Artek’s products are made to last from one generation to the next, and the manufacturer makes sure that spare parts are available in case of damage.”
• Artek's tea trolley 900 >
• Read also: Visiting the Artek factory in Turku >
5. Which of the Siena fabrics is best suited for curtains?
“The Siena fabric is available in cotton and canvas and with an acrylic coating. For curtains, I recommend cotton, which is thinner and filters light beautifully. If you’re looking for more structure and cover, you can opt for the heavier cotton canvas. The canvas version is great for cushions and padding, as well.
The Siena with an acrylic coating is a perfect tablecloth fabric for families with children. The Siena fabrics are not suitable for furniture upholstery, as the fabric shrinks slightly when washed – this should also be taken into account when sewing curtains.”
• Artek fabrics >
• Read also: Dictionary of Nordic design: Artek >
Miina Lindblad works as a design sales representative in Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service team. She is currently renovating an almost hundred-year-old house, and the interior seamlessly combines the new and the old. Miina’s newest design treasure is Vitra’s chrome Wire Chair, which fits perfectly into the atmosphere of the old house.
For help with your design purchases:
• Finnish Design Shop’s Customer Service >
Text: Miina Lindblad Illustration: Evi Rinkinen