Iittala has always been known for its pioneering spirit. In the beginning of the 20th century dinnerware was decorated with a variety of ornaments. Iittala was one of the first companies to make the transition from decorative dinner sets to functional, aesthetically pleasing objects infused with progressive Scandinavian design.

The breakthrough came in the early years of modernism and functionalism during the 1930s and 40s. At that time pioneers like Alvar Aalto, Aino Aalto and Kaj Franck led the development of the Iittala brand. This set the foundation for the Iittala design philosophy: to push the boundaries and to give people beauty and function.

While the designer objects created by Iittala may look pure and simple in form, making them is far from easy. A vast amount of human skills, knowledge of materials, colours and production methods are required to create an object of ideal quality.

Iittala has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Highly-skilled, experienced glassblowers, designers and other professionals working closely together in every part of the design and production process. This craftsmanship is essential in realising each object and making Iittala what it is.

The roots of Iittala date back to 1881 when a glass factory was established in a village of the same name in southern Finland. In its early years Iittala produced blown, pressed, polished, painted and etched glass according to continental models.