Introducing Artek: A Finnish Icon Arrives at Habitus

At Habitus, we believe that furniture should tell a story; one that blends beauty with purpose, heritage with modernity. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that Artek is now part of our curated collection. Rooted in Finland and founded by legendary architect and designer Alvar Aalto, Artek has been a pioneer in the world of modern design since 1935. From timeless seating to iconic lighting, Artek represents a unique intersection of art, architecture, and everyday living.

In a world of fleeting trends, Artek stands apart. Its name, an amalgamation of “art” and “technology”, perfectly captures the brand’s ethos. Every piece is an embodiment of functional beauty, combining form and utility with the craftsmanship of Nordic tradition. The addition of Artek to Habitus is more than just expanding our offerings; it’s about continuing our commitment to meaningful design that lasts a lifetime.

We’re proud to bring Artek to Canada, and to share its story with those who appreciate quality, intention, and timeless design.

To understand Artek is to understand the philosophy of Alvar Aalto, one of the most influential figures in modern architecture and design. Aalto’s work was deeply humanistic; he believed that design should support wellbeing, that furniture should be made for living, and that materials should speak their own language.

He was a pioneer in bending wood, using natural forms, and integrating architecture with its surroundings. His use of birch wood, in particular, became a defining material in Scandinavian design. Aalto’s designs weren’t just beautiful, they were democratic, accessible, and enduring.

When you bring an Artek piece into your home, you’re not just buying furniture. You’re bringing in a piece of design history, a philosophy of living, and a work of art meant to be used and loved for generations.

If there’s one piece that represents the spirit of Artek and the genius of Alvar Aalto, it’s the Stool 60.

Originally designed in 1933, the Stool 60 is deceptively simple: three bent birch legs and a round seat, but its impact on the world of design is anything but minimal. It’s been called the “little black dress” of furniture: versatile, essential, and universally appealing. Whether you use it as a seat, a side table, a plant stand, or stack it artfully in a corner, Stool 60 fits effortlessly into any space.

What makes this stool revolutionary is its use of the L-leg, a patented technique Aalto developed to bend solid wood into a 90-degree angle without weakening the grain. This allowed for flat-pack shipping, easy assembly, and strong, durable construction. Decades before the word “modular” entered the mainstream, Aalto had already created a design system based on rational production and aesthetic unity.

Stool 60 is still made in Finland today, using the same techniques and materials that Alvar Aalto pioneered nearly a century ago. It’s a shining example of sustainable, intentional design, and now it’s available at Habitus.

While the Stool 60 may be Artek’s most iconic product, the brand’s portfolio is full of equally thoughtful pieces that bring beauty and clarity into our homes. Whether it’s the stackable Chair 66, the sculptural Tea Trolley 901, or the A331 “Beehive” Pendant Light, Artek’s pieces are made to be lived with, admired, and passed down.

Each object is built with the same principles that defined Aalto’s work: natural materials, human-centered forms, and a deep respect for craftsmanship.

We love how Artek pieces effortlessly bridge eras; they’re equally at home in a minimal Scandinavian loft as they are in a cozy century home. Their quiet confidence and functional integrity make them perfect companions to other brands we carry at Habitus, including Muuto, Audo Copenhagen, Louis Poulsen, and Gus Modern*.

Bringing Artek to Habitus was a natural next step in our mission to offer timeless design for modern Canadian living. These pieces aren’t just for looking at; they’re meant to be part of your every day. They evolve with your life, adapt to new spaces, and stand the test of time both in function and in form.

And for those who love to mix history with modernity, Artek offers something truly special: an opportunity to live with objects that have shaped the history of design.

Whether you’re a designer, architect, collector, or someone who simply loves beautiful things, we invite you to explore Artek’s world with us.

We’re especially excited to offer the Stool 60 in a wide range of finishes; from classic birch to bold coloured seat tops in tones inspired by Finnish nature. Whether you want a single stool in black lacquer or a stackable trio in cheerful hues, these pieces add warmth, function, and artistry to any room.

They’re perfect for:

• Additional seating that doesn’t take up space

• Stylish bedside or sofa-side tables

• Compact work-from-home setups

• Entryway spots to pull on shoes or hold bags

• Kids’ rooms, creative studios, and more

It’s a rare piece of design that works this hard and looks this good doing it.

We know choosing the right piece can be a journey. That’s why we’re always here to help; whether you’re local to Ontario and want to visit our London showroom, or browsing from anywhere in Canada. Our team is passionate about design and ready to help you find the Artek piece that fits your life perfectly.

From helping you choose the right finish to offering design guidance or white-glove delivery, real people are here to support you: no bots, no runaround.

This is more than a product launch: it’s a celebration of one of design’s most meaningful voices. Artek, and the vision of Alvar Aalto, has shaped the way we live with furniture. And now, that story continues here at Habitus.

We couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.