Finding the best table for an NYC apartment or any compact home often comes down to one thing: furniture that works harder without taking up more space. Whether you're furnishing a city studio, condo, or cozy work-from-home office, thoughtfully designed Scandinavian furniture can help maximize every square foot while maintaining a clean and timeless aesthetic.
At FinnStyle, we're proud to be the #1 retailer of Finnish design in the U.S., and few brands embody functional living better than Artek. Founded in Finland in 1935, Artek continues to produce iconic pieces by Alvar Aalto and other renowned designers that blend beautiful craftsmanship with everyday practicality. Here are some of the best expandable tables and space-saving furniture pieces from Artek for when you're working with limited square footage and want to make every inch count.
The Best Table for NYC Apartments: DL81C Drop-Leaf
The Artek Aalto Table DL81C might just be the best expandable table on the market for small apartments. And don't worry, it doesn't compromise on style! Originally designed in the 1930s by architect Alvar Aalto, this resourceful piece expands when you need extra surface space and folds away when you don't. Acting as an island, bar, buffet table, work-from-home desk, craft table, and much more, the versatile table can seat up to 2-3 people while easily being extended for extra space with its simple drop-leaf sliding mechanism. Easily expand the tabletop when guests arrive or fold the leaf back down to reclaim valuable floor space!
Artek's Table DL81C is crafted in Finland from high-quality birch, making it an investment designed to last for generations. It features the sturdy, signature bent-leg construction that made Alvar Aalto famous, giving it an elegant look whether fully extended or folded into its smaller shape. The simple silhouette complements everything from minimalist Scandi interiors to bold urban apartments. For those furnishing a New York City apartment (or any home where every square foot matters!), DL81C will be a standout choice. You can even choose from different tabletop colors to perfectly suit your space.
Why DL81C is the Best Compact Table Choice
- Drop-leaf design expands only when you need more surface space
- Functions as a dining table, home office desk, craft table, or serving table
- Ideal for small apartments, condos, studios, and multipurpose rooms
- Made from durable birch for everyday use and long-term longevity
- An authentic, timeless Alvar Aalto design that has remained in production for decades
The Most Versatile Stool in the World: Stool 60
Artek Aalto Stool 60 makes a small-space furniture collection truly complete! The brilliant stackable design allows you to store extra seating vertically when not in use, creating an attractive and space-saving spiraling tower. Stool 60 can also be conveniently tucked underneath a table to save some square footage. Beyond seating, Stool 60 also has a plethora of other functions. Use it as a night stand, plant display, end table and more.
Stool 60 was designed in the 1930s by visionary Alvar Aalto, made from Finnish birch wood with the patented L-shaped leg for extra durability. It is even represented in the collections of Museum of Modern Art (NY), Busch-Reisinger Museum (MA), Vitra Design Museum (Germany) for its innovative function and enduring popularity.
A Home Office That Disappears into Your Living Space: Kaari Shelf Desk
Because remote and hybrid work have started to become the new normal, multifunctional furniture is more important than ever. The Artek Kaari REB 013 Shelf Desk combines workspace and storage in one beautifully minimal design. Use the bottom desk for your computer, phone, and everyday electronics. Above, two additional shelves are integrated into the piece for office supplies, books, decorations, and more. Since it doesn't take up any floor space or require separate furniture pieces, the Kaari Shelf Desk is great for smaller spaces that require ample storage without the big footprint.
Designed in 2015 by brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, the Kaari (Arch) shelf desk is both timeless and modern with hints of industrial style. The desk shelf system utilizes solid oak wall mounts with sleek steel brackets with a generous width, offering a strong and durable piece of furniture for decades.
Flexible Living Areas in Small Apartments: Screen 100
Those open-concept city apartments and NYC studios often benefit from subtle room division. The Artek Aalto Screen 100 offers a beautiful way to separate a sleeping area from a workspace or create additional privacy when you don’t have the luxury of multiple rooms. Instead of making a space feel enclosed, Screen 100 maintains an open, airy atmosphere while still creating visual definition between different areas. This makes it especially ideal in studios or lofts where one space must serve several functions throughout the course of the day.
Made from vertical strips of fine pinewood which can be rolled out to form straight lines or fluid curves, the sculptural wooden slats still allow light to pass through. Designed by the renowned Alvar Aalto, the piece is also a striking design statement beyond its practical use. Choose from four different heights to best cater to your interior!
Live Large in Any Space
Compact living doesn't require sacrificing comfort or style. The best space-saving furniture adapts alongside your lifestyle, offering functionality, durability, and timeless design that lasts for decades. Artek's iconic collection continues to set the standard for practical Finnish design, making it the best choice for apartments, condos, and urban homes of every size. All of these pieces have been thoughtfully crafted with a space-saving mentality.
As the #1 retailer of Finnish design in the U.S., FinnStyle has helped customers furnish homes with authentic Scandinavian furniture for decades. Our carefully curated Artek collection showcases iconic designs that continue to define modern, functional living. Have questions? Contact our team - we're happy to help!
