KIVI Collection by Heikki Orvolla 1988

LANTERN by Harri Koskinen 1999

Alvar Aalto Collection

Aino Aalto Collection

BIRDS by Anu Penttinen 2008

SARPANEVA Pot by Timo Sarpaneva 1960

For a long time, Iittala has been part of an ongoing revolution. This is based on the belief that all human beings can make conscious choices in everyday life. Choosing objects that will last in design and quality will please our senses and create harmony in our everyday lives. Fortunately, this is also a choice for a more sustainable society, and against buying short-lived things destined for the rubbish bin.

The heart of Iittala’s design philosophy is formulated along Kaj Franck’s early thinking. According to Franck, “objects should always be appropriate, durable and functional.” This is why one of the most important functions of design is to make sure that objects designed for everyday use should be universally usable.

Even earlier than Franck, Alvar Aalto made waves in the 1930s when the now iconic Aalto vase was first presented at the Paris World Exhibition. With this mysterious form he made a revolutionary statement against industrial production that failed to meet human needs.

The Iittala design philosophy defines the principles behind our product development. These principles include, in addition to pure functionalism, the qualities of essentialism and emotionalism, which ensures that all objects are both highly usable and that their design will remain relevant in the long-term. For ‘lasting everyday design against throwawayism’, we create eternally relevant and contemporary design that responds to universal human needs.