The Artek Corner at Pino
Pino’s Artek corner is not a room from one particular decade. It is a changing meeting place for older and newer Aalto furniture, different finishes and pieces whose next home may look very different from their last.
A shared design language, individual pieces
Pale birch is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Artek. Look closer, however, and familiar models begin to show their differences. One stool has a dark linoleum seat; another has a wood surface warmed by time. A painted chair brings colour, while upholstery changes both the feel and appearance of a piece.
The showroom’s changing selection has included Stool 60, Chairs 66 and 69, tables and lighting. The model name is a useful starting point. Choosing vintage soon becomes a question of the individual object: its proportions, surface, condition and any restoration.
The three-legged Stool 60 belongs to Aalto’s 1933 design. A later production date does not make it a different model. Artek’s current specifications also include several seat finishes, so a familiar outline does not imply one correct colour or material combination. Artek’s Stool 60 specifications.
Making Artek part of your own interior
A room does not need to come from one designer. Birch can sit alongside chrome, glass, soft upholstery or a strongly coloured rug. The connection may come from tone, scale or use, rather than a shared brand.
For a dining area, begin with the table height and the space available for chairs. Check chair width and how the backrest meets the table. Different chairs can work together when their dimensions and seat heights suit the same activity.
A stool can change position as a home changes. It might provide an extra seat for guests or hold a stack of books. If you use it as a side table, consider what will touch the surface and how it should be protected. Match the intended use to the condition and finish of the particular piece.
What to look at in the showroom
A photograph shows the outline. In person, you can compare colour and scale, sit in a chair and see the wood in different light. Vintage furniture does not need to look new, but its wear and repairs should be understandable.
- Compare the dimensions with your room and existing furniture.
- Look at edges, joints and the underside.
- Ask what has been done to the surface or structure.
- Separate documented history from an estimated age.
A changing selection
The pieces in this photograph are not a permanent range. Check the online collection for current availability, measurements and condition descriptions. If you are looking for a particular model or finish, you can also tell us about the space you have in mind.