Alvar Aalto’s elegantly simple room divider will be the star of any interior. Created in 1936 for Artek, Screen 100 embodies the pillars of Scandinavian design through a combination of natural materials, organic form, and practical functionality. While minimalist in appearance, the Screen 100 is celebrated almost a century later for its innovative construction, architectural influence, and timeless versatility.
What is Screen 100?
Designed during the height of Aalto's creative career, the Screen 100 emerged at a time when he was redefining modern furniture. Although many of his counterparts of the time were using industrial materials, Aalto believed wood offered a warmer and more human approach to living. Much of his designs explored the aesthetic possibilities of bent timber while maintaining structural practicality.
Unlike traditional folding screens and dividers, Screen 100 is made from thin vertical wood slats connected with flexible wire to give it a soft and organic shape. This means it can be rolled up for storage and rolled out to form gently curving lines that can be shaped according to the needs of the space. Still handcrafted in Finland, Screen 100 is made from Finnish pinewood instead of the birchwood most commonly associated with Aalto furniture. Pine is an abundant species that grows throughout Finland, offering a bold character and developing a rich patina as it ages over time.
Practical Ways to Use Screen 100
One of the key characteristics of Screen 100 is its flexibility. It can be used a plethora of ways all throughout the home or the workplace, making it far more than a simply decorative accessory. In open-plan living spaces, Screen 100 creates clearly defined zones without blocking light. This makes it ideal for separating a lounge room from a dining area, or creating a cozy reading corner. In bedrooms, it offers an elegant way to conceal a dressing area or add privacy around a bed.
Screen 100 is also the perfect design for home offices. It can be positioned behind a desk to create a cleaner video call background, or it can be used to establish a dedicated workspace if you’re in a shared room. Commercial spaces are also well suited to Screen 100. Hotels, boutiques, restaurants and other creative interiors often use the screen to bring warmth, divide seating areas or simply create visual interest in large, open rooms.
Why Choose Screen 100?
Design enthusiasts especially love Screen 100 because it represents more than just furniture, it is a high-quality and authentic piece of design history. Manufactured in Finland by Artek and preserving Alvar Aalto’s original design philosophy, Screen 100 is truly built to last generations.
Screen 100 also has a timeless appearance in a world of fast trends. For almost a century, it has evolved alongside changing interiors and time periods. It pairs perfectly with contemporary Scandinavian furniture trends, mid-century classics, eclectic styles, and more. The flexible flow of the screen also means you can reshape it whenever your space changes, making it an investment that can adapt with multiple homes in your lifetime.
Discover Screen 100
If you’re looking to introduce natural wood and warmth, or flexible zoning in your open-plan interior, Screen 100 is a perfect choice. Whether you’re trying to section off a living area, refreshing a home office, or adding architectural interest to a commercial space, Alvar Aalto’s Screen 100 will be the star of any interior.
Shop Screen 100 by Alvar Aalto and explore available sizes to best cater to your special interior. You may also like our wider range of Artek furniture, which perfectly complement this timeless design classic.
