First founded as a glassworks company in 1881, iittala is now a leading company in modern Finnish design producing a range of dinnerware, glassware and art pieces. You'd be hard-pressed to find a Finn or fan of Finnish design that doesn't recognise the iittala brand, which is found in nearly every Finnish home. iittala is also known for collaborations with renowned designers such as Alvar Aalto and Kaj Franck, who contributed iconic pieces like the Aalto vase and Teema dinnerware series. iittala products are celebrated for their clean lines, simplicity, and practicality, which embodies the Finnish design principles of combining beauty with usability. With award-winning artists and designers that bring their own unique vision to each and every piece, iittala has become the face of timeless, modern design that we know today.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.