The IKEA Finnvard and Mittback are both solid wood trestle legs for building a custom desk, but they cater to different needs in terms of style and functionality. The Finnvard offers a more traditional, utilitarian design with a handy built-in storage shelf, while the Mittback features a modern, A-frame silhouette that prioritizes a minimalist aesthetic.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you find the right set of IKEA trestles for your workspace.
IKEA Finnvard Trestle
The Finnvard is IKEA's classic, practical trestle leg designed for stability and extra storage. Made from solid wood and finished in white, it features an adjustable height and tilt function, making it a favorite for artists, architects, and anyone who values a flexible work surface. Its most notable feature is the integrated lower shelf, ideal for storing books, printers, or supplies.
- What it is: A solid wood, adjustable-height trestle leg with a built-in storage shelf, sold individually and used in pairs to support a desktop.
- Key features: Adjustable height and tabletop angle, fixed lower shelf for storage, classic draftsman's design.
- Price: Around $50 per trestle.
- Dimensions: Width: 18 1/8", Depth: 27 1/2", Min. height: 27 1/2", Max. height: 38 5/8".
- Materials/Construction: Solid pine or birch construction with a painted finish. Hardware and adjustable pegs are made of steel.
- Style: Functional, classic, and slightly rustic. It blends well into craft rooms, studios, and traditional home office spaces.
- Pros: Solid wood durability provides excellent stability. The built-in shelf adds significant storage value. Wide range of height and tilt adjustments fits many uses. The traditional look is timeless.
- Cons: The wide base has a larger footprint than the Mittback. Adjusting the height via wooden pegs can be a bit awkward. Only available in white.
The Finnvard is ideal for creators who need built-in storage and an adjustable, tilting surface for drafting or drawing, prioritizing function over a minimalist form.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/finnvard-trestle-with-shelf-white-80150096/
IKEA Mittback Trestle
The Mittback trestle offers an updated, modern take on the adjustable leg, featuring a sleek A-frame design. Constructed from solid birch with a clear lacquer, it showcases natural wood grain and champions a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic. Like the Finnvard, it offers adjustable height and tilt, but it forgoes the storage shelf in favor of a slimmer and more visually light profile.
- What it is: A solid wood, A-frame trestle leg with adjustable height and tilt, designed for contemporary desk setups.
- Key features: Sleek A-frame design, adjustable height and tabletop angle, natural wood finish.
- Price: Around $60 per trestle.
- Dimensions: Width: 16 1/2", Depth: 22 7/8", Min. height: 27 1/2", Max. height: 38 5/8".
- Materials/Construction: Solid birch finished with a durable, clear acrylic lacquer.
- Style: Modern Scandinavian, minimalist, and light. Perfect for contemporary interiors where clean lines and natural materials are valued.
- Pros: Aesthetically pleasing modern design. Natural birch is beautiful and versatile. Slimmer footprint saves floor space. Solid wood construction feels sturdy and premium.
- Cons: No built-in storage shelf. Slightly more expensive than the Finnvard. The angled A-frame could potentially interfere with very wide office chairs.
The Mittback is perfect for those who prioritize a clean, modern look and want the flexibility of an adjustable trestle desk without the bulk of the Finnvard's shelf.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/mittback-trestle-birch-30459997/
Finnvard vs. Mittback Comparison
Dimensions & Footprint
The most practical difference between the two is their footprint. The Finnvard is deeper at 27 1/2 inches, giving it a very stable stance but taking up more floor space. The extra depth accommodates the storage shelf and gives it a substantial presence.
In contrast, the Mittback is considerably slimmer, with a depth of just 22 7/8 inches. This makes it a better choice for smaller rooms or tighter spaces where every inch counts. Visually, its A-frame design also looks lighter and less imposing.
Functionality & Storage
Both trestles offer the same range of height adjustment (27 1/2" to 38 5/8") and can be tilted by setting the front and back pegs at different levels. This makes both of them great for standing desks or angled artistic work.
The deciding factor here is storage. The Finnvard's built-in shelf is a simple but incredibly useful feature. It's strong enough to hold a printer, a stack of books, or storage boxes, keeping clutter off your desktop and the floor. The Mittback completely omits this for a clean look, meaning you will need separate storage solutions.
Style & Aesthetics
Your choice will likely come down to style. The Finnvard has a traditional, almost rustic charm. Its function-forward design feels at home in a workshop, studio, or a comfortable, eclectic space. The solid white finish gives it a versatile but classic look.
The Mittback is purely modern. Its elegant A-frame and clear-coated solid birch construction embody Scandinavian design principles. It's meant for curated, minimalist interiors where the beauty of natural materials and simple forms is the main attraction. It showcases the wood grain and pairs beautifully with other light wood tones.
Price & Value
The IKEA Finnvard is slightly less expensive per trestle, and its added functionality with the storage shelf gives it excellent value for the money. You're getting both support and storage in one unit. The IKEA Mittback costs a little more, and you're paying for its refined design and modern aesthetic rather than extra features. The better overall value depends entirely on whether storage or style is your main priority.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both are excellent solid wood trestles, but they're built for different users and spaces.
Choose the Finnvard if:
- You need built-in storage to keep supplies or hardware off your desk.
- You are an artist or student who frequently needs an angled surface for drawing.
- You prefer a classic, utilitarian aesthetic and the clean look of a white desk base.
- Maximizing practicality and getting the most function for your money is a top priority.
Choose the Mittback if:
- A modern, minimalist look is your primary goal.
- You love the appearance of natural wood grain and want a Scandinavian feel.
- You're furnishing a smaller space and need a desk base with a slimmer footprint.
- You don't need a built-in shelf and prefer an open, airy design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Finnvard and Mittback?
The main differences are style and storage. The Finnvard has a classic design with a built-in lower shelf for storage. The Mittback features a modern A-frame design with no shelf, focusing on a minimalist aesthetic and a smaller footprint.
Do you need to buy two trestles for one desk?
Yes, both the Finnvard and Mittback are sold individually. You will need to purchase two of them to create a stable desk with an IKEA tabletop.
What IKEA tabletops work best with these trestles?
Both trestles are designed to work with IKEA desk surfaces like the LAGKAPTEN or LINNMON series. They can also support countertops like the EKBACKEN or SALJAN for a heavier-duty desk, as long as the tabletop depth is at least 23 inches to ensure stability.
Can you adjust the height and tilt of both trestles?
Yes, both models feature a series of holes and wooden pegs that let you manually adjust the height and set the tabletop at a tilted angle. You simply move the pegs to different holes to change the positioning.
Which trestle is more stable?
Both are very stable due to their solid wood construction. The Finnvard’s wider and deeper stance provides exceptional stability, especially for large, heavy tabletops. The Mittback is also very sturdy, but its stability is designed for standard desk use.
How much weight can the Finnvard and Mittback hold?
When used as a pair with a compatible tabletop, IKEA specifies a maximum load of 110 pounds for both the Finnvard and Mittback trestle systems.
Does the Finnvard's shelf get in the way of your legs?
For most users, the shelf is high enough to avoid interfering with legroom during normal sitting. However, if you are very tall or like to stretch your legs far under the desk, you might occasionally bump it. Most find the storage benefits outweigh this minor issue.
Can you paint or stain the Mittback trestle?
Yes. The Mittback is made of solid birch with a clear lacquer. To paint or stain it, you would first need to lightly sand the surface to remove the clear coat, which would allow the new finish to adhere properly.
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