Collection by Marianne Colahan
Enjoy the Iittala Sale at the Dwell Store Until August 4
Founded in Iittala, Finland in 1881, Iittala first began as a glass factory and evolved to produce generations of glassware objects including vases, dishes, décor items, and more. For a limited time, all of Iittala's designs are on sale, including some of the brand's most celebrated designs, like the Aalto Finlandia Vase and Kastehelmi Cake Stand. The sale collection also includes the Bouroullec Ruutu Diamond Shaped Vases, newly launched to the Dwell Store. Explore the full sale and enjoy 20% off of these classics until August 4th.
Designed by Oiva Toikka for Iittala, the Kastehelmi series is now an iconic product line within the brand. Finnish for “dewdrop,” the Kastehelmi evolved from a technical challenge—Toikka used the glass droplets to cover joint marks left on the surface of pressed glass pieces. Although the technique originally began with functional intentions, the distinctive look made the Kastehelmi series a popular range of glassware. The Kastehelmi Cake Stand features the iconic dewdrop design, and can either be used for presenting cakes and desserts or as an unexpected display for candles, flowers, and other accents.
The Ateenan Aamu Glass Pendants were designed by Kaj Franck in 1953 and were relaunched by Iittala in 2011 in honor of the 100th anniversary of Franck’s birth. This set of three pendants is light and delicate, and can be used as an interior decoration near a window to create a subtle reflection of light. When moved by a light breeze, the bubbles within each pendant create a soft, enchanting sound. Although each pendant appears similar, Franck designed the bubbles to rest in different places, creating a subtle variance reminiscent of the organic nature of dewdrops on a leaf or rain collected against a windowpane.
Drawing his inspiration from his blacksmith grandfather, Timo Sarpaneva created a timeless and ingenious design that is as functional in the kitchen as it is appealing on the dining room table. Produced by Finnish brand Iittala, the Sarpaneva Casserole includes a wooden handle that gives the pot a natural sensibility, and it can be removed when the casserole is used in an oven. Cast-iron cookware is a safer, longer-lasting alternative to non-stick cookware, meaning this iconic design is prime to become an heirloom piece.
Created by one of the most influential designers of the 20th century, Renzo Piano, the Piano collection of cutlery is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably every hand. Each piece is crafted from stainless steel and is characterized by smooth lines and gentle curves that make the place setting an elegant addition to a tabletop. With a mirror finish, the Piano set gives a sophisticated look to a meal, but the simply designed utensils make the flatware and serving set a fine choice for everyday dining.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of the natural world, the undulating shape of each Aalto vase alludes to the untamed shorelines of Finland's thousands of lakes. The fluid aesthetic reaffirms the deep connection between man and nature, while making a statement against the failure of industrial production to meet universal human needs. The Aalto Finlandia Vase is decidedly sculptural, making it as much a striking visual accent when left empty on a tabletop or shelf as when it is filled with freshly cut flowers. Each Aalto Vase is mouthblown in the Iittala glass factory and is designed to mimic the water that it contains, creating a distinctive and artistic accent piece.
Kaj Franck's Kartio glassware sheds all things unnecessary and superfluous. The result is a timeless aesthetic that stuns with pure geometric shapes embellished only by gentle colors—as Franck put it, "the only decoration needed." Each perfectly balanced piece is simple, yet durable enough for everyday use, infused with the feeling that it could not have been designed any other way. The collection includes a carafe (shown) and small and large tumblers.
Fluid and refined bold and functional, Göran Hongell's Aarne barware collection epitomizes timeless style that trancends the trends of the moment. Aarne barware quickly became the standard for essential barware in the 1950s, and it remains just as essential today. The collection includes Old Fashioned Glasses (shown), Champagne Flutes, Pilsner Glasses, Cocktail Glasses, Highball Glasses, and Cordial Glasses.