Paavo Tynell

Finnish, 1890-1973

Paavo Tynell was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed “the man who illuminated Finland.” Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy — the first industrial producer of lamps and other lighting fixtures in Finland. With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad.

Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, during which he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, Alvar Aalto being the most notable one. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Aalto’s major projects including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.

Tynell was especially praised for his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company Lightolier.

A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lighting echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells.

Find antique Paavo Tynell chandeliers and pendants, floor lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Side Gallery)

Average Sold Price

$6,297

Styles

Materials

Related Creators

Iconic Designs from Paavo Tynell

Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

Task Lamp Model 9227

Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

$10,000

H 27 in W 22 in D 22 in

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Paavo Tynell

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lamp Cannon Shell Model 9040, Brass & Opaline, Idman 1950s

$35,561

H 23.63 in Dm 19.69 in

Paavo Tynell Ceiling Lamp Cannon Shell Model 9040, Brass & Opaline, Idman 1950s

By Idman, Paavo Tynell

Located in Helsinki, FI

From the iconic Cannon Shell series by Paavo Tynell, this striking piece carries the dynamic silhouette of a falling shell, softened by delicate floral details gracefully applied alo...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Model 1256/5 Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s

$5,261

H 23.63 in Dm 20.87 in

Model 1256/5 Pendant, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s

By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Model 1256/5 pendant, design Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Brass and birch frame, opaline glass shades. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and u...

Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White

$6,900

H 9 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White

By Paavo Tynell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A vintage ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell and produced in the early 60's. Hard to find smaller size here in the States. Very good overall condition. Most likely re-lacquered a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Steel

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light, Brass & Frosted Glass Starry Sky, Idman Oy, 1951

$7,500 / item

H 9.5 in W 9.46 in D 9.46 in

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light, Brass & Frosted Glass Starry Sky, Idman Oy, 1951

By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Vienna, AT

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount "Starry Sky" 9068 for Idman Oy, 1950-1960 3 pieces available, priced individually Starry-sky ceiling light by Paavo Tynell for Idman. Brass, painted & perfor...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Iron

Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Glass Model no. 1017, Taito 1950s

$11,674

H 38.19 in Dm 19.69 in

Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Glass Model no. 1017, Taito 1950s

By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, FI

A refined Scandinavian Modern ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito in Finland during the late 1940s early 1950s. The lamp features a large, softly rounded...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell Pair of ‘80112-25’ Ceiling Lamps in White Opaline Glass, 1950s

$6,600 / set

H 9.85 in Dm 9.85 in

Paavo Tynell Pair of ‘80112-25’ Ceiling Lamps in White Opaline Glass, 1950s

By Idman, Paavo Tynell

Located in Prague, New Town

Pair of flush mount ceiling lamps, model ‘80112-25’, designed by Paavo Tynell. Produced by Idman Oy in Finland, 1950s. Shades in white opaline glass. In good original condition, with...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Metal

Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s

$8,068 / set

H 11.23 in W 4.93 in D 6.5 in

Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s

By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Pair of Model 9447 wall light, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Oy Taito Ab, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shade. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Browse all Furniture from Paavo Tynell

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Paavo Tynell Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$693	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Rattan	Circa 1950
2026	$3,240	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass	Contemporary
2026	$2,227	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Milk Glass	1950s
2026	$4,000	Chandeliers and Pendants	Metal, Glass, Brass	1950s
2026	$6,750	Flush Mount	Brass	1950s
2026	$2,808	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass	Contemporary
2026	$3,017	Chandeliers and Pendants	Metal, Brass, Nickel	1950s
2026	$12,255	Flush Mount	Opaline Glass	1950
2026	$4,250	Table Lamps	Metal, Aluminum, Brass	1950
2026	$8,000	Flush Mount	Brass, Opaline Glass	1955
2026	$4,348	Chandeliers and Pendants	Glass, Brass	1930s
2026	$1,800	Table Lamps, More Lighting	Rattan, Metal, Brass	Contemporary
2026	$4,892	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Fabric	1950-1959
2026	$2,800	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Opaline Glass	1960s
2026	$3,184	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Blown Glass, Birch	1930s
2026	$7,106	Table Lamps	Brass, Fabric	1940
2026	$3,509	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Bamboo, Fabric	Contemporary
2026	$15,368	Chandeliers and Pendants	Glass, Brass	1950s
2026	$4,749	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Opaline Glass	1940s
2026	$1,600	Wall Lights and Sconces	Metal, Milk Glass, Chrome	circa 1930

$6,297

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$1-$74,928

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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More Paavo Tynell Designs

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

Average Price

$31,529

Number Available

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Metal, Natural Fiber, Rattan, Wicker

Styles

Mid Century Modern

Shop All

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

Average Price

$13,539

Number Available

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Metal, Brass, Glass, Wood

Styles

Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern

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Task Lamp Model 9227

Average Price

$9,383

Number Available

Task Lamp Model 9227

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Metal

Styles

Scandinavian Modern

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Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

Average Price

$28,538

Number Available

Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Glass, Metal

Styles

Scandinavian Modern

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This 1950s Paavo Tynell Chandelier Got a Glow-Up

Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.

This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet

The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.

Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room

This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.

Paavo Tynell furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Paavo Tynell furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paavo Tynell furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 357 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 33 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Paavo Tynell were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stockmann-Orno , and Yki Nummi. Prices for Paavo Tynell furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $499 and can go as high as $355,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,807.