1955, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pirkka Table with; Red Brown Wooden Top
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Pirkka table. The table has a beautiful wooden top.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara's “Pirkka” Table and Chair set for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in LYON, FR
Pirkka model for the manufacturer Laakan Puu. Table top, seats, and backs in solid Finnish pine.
Pine
Rare ''Pirkka'' design dining room set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
The set consits of the large Pirkka table and 6 Pirkka chairs all marked. Ilmari Tapiovaara, a celebrated Finnish designer, is renowned for his innovative approach and dedication t...
Wood
'Pirkka' Pine Dining & Bench Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This set includes Tapiovaara's iconic split-top Pirkka table paired with two matching benches, crafted from warm pine with sleek black lacquered legs.
Pine
1950's, Set of Table Red Brown Table Top and Four Pirkka Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Pirkka table. The table has a beautiful wooden top.
Wood
Pirkka Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
Solid pine "Pirkka" coffee table with lacquered black legs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara Produced by Laukaan Puu Finland, 1957.
Pine
Mid-Century Pirkka Couch Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
This coffee table version of the Pirkka is very rare and hardly to be found.
Wood
Sculptural Pirkka Dining Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Helsinki, FI
This sculptural Mid-century design table from the Pirkka series was designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the mid-1950s and produced by Laukaan Puu and later by Asko.
Pine
Mid-Century Early Pirkka Dining Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, 60s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Formerly original Pirkka dining table by Laukaan Puu after a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu Set of Four 'Pirkka' Chairs
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
The first design of this lind was a stool, and Tapiovaara quickly extended the ‘Pirkka’ series with chairs, a table, benches, cabinets and shelves.
Beech, Pine
Pirkka Table and Chairs by Ilmari Taplovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of Pirkka table and four chairs by Imari Tapiovaara from Belgium.
Lacquer, Wood
Pirkka Table Contemporized by Atelier Staab
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Markus Friedrich Staab
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Ilmari Tapiovaaras Pirkka table made in 1956 contemporized by Atelier Staab.
Birch, Pine
Unavailable
H 9.06 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
“Pirkka” Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Wilnis, UT
This is an eye-catching wooden coffee table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Laukaan Puu in Finland around 1950. It is made of two different tones of wood. The base ...
Wood
Unavailable
H 27.56 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Finnish dining set Pirkka by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in LYON, FR
Pirkka model for the publisher Laakan Puu. Table top, seats and backrest in solid Finnish pine.
Pine
Ilmari Taplovaara PIRKKA Table and Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Washington, DC
A set of "Pirkka" table and four chairs/stools - by Ilmari Tapiovaara
Wood
Model Pirkka Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu, 1960s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Pirkka table, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Laukaan Puu, 1960s.
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Table and Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
table and 4 chairs by Laukaan Puu Wood
split seat chairs and table in patinated dark brown pine tone ebonized dowel legs and frame
original finish, burned signature on allCategoryVintage 1950s Finnish Dining Room Sets
Materials
Ilmari Tapiovaara, `Pirkka` Table and Chairs, 1970s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Dining set with table and three chairs, model Pirkka. Designed by Imari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1970s.
Wood
Rare Small Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Table for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Munich, DE
Very early version in rough, worn and later painted condition. Can be used as is or be restored to like new condition as this table is an rare example of a massive wood design piece.
Wood
Sold
H 16.15 in W 47.25 in D 10.04 in
1955, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Early Pirkka Set in Red Brown Wooden Top
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Set of early Pirkka Table and matching early Benches. Not a late reproduction.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Dining Table
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tapiovaara Pirkka pine dining table. Lightly refinished natural wood top.
Pine, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Coffee Table, 1955
By Laukaan Puu
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Coffe Table, model Pirkka, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1955.
Wood
Rare Large Version of the Pirkka Dining Table
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Munich, DE
Massive pine and black lacquered wood. Early version by Laukaan Puu.
Pine
Sold
H 27.96 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Solid Pine Dining Table, 1955 Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pinewood solid large dining table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955 with black lacquered dowel legs. The brand marked on the bottom.
Pine
Sold
H 26.78 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Large Pirkka Dining Table Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Wonderful large Pirkka dining table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955.
Wood, Pine
Sold
H 27.17 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Retro Finnish 'Pirkka' Dining Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara Vintage, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, GB
A beautiful and very rare dining table by Ilmari Tapiovaara, this was made in Finland during the 1950s. It is extremely well made, with a Pine top and ebonised wood base. We have had...
Pine
Sold
H 9.45 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
Scandinavian Modern- Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Coffee Table, 1955 Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in The Hague, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, coffee table, stained pine, Finland, 1950s. This pine coffee table is modest and simple in its design and therefore breaths the feeling of Nordic ...
Wood, Pine
Sold
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 31.11 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Pirkka' Large Dining Table for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in The Hague, NL
The largest of the Pirkka series dining tables by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s Designed using highest quality pine wood with black lacquer base, giving it an ey...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Series Dining Set
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tapiovaara Pirkka Series Dining Table with 4 Chairs in Natural Pine with Black Stained Birch.
Sold
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 31.11 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara - rare Dining Table Mod° Pirkka for Laukaan Puu, 1955 Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Munster, NRW
Ilmari Tapiovaara - very rare dining table - model Pirkka for Laukaan Puu designed in 1955, Finland Expressive and beautiful table, made of solid pine, very nice condition.
Pine
Sold
H 26.78 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
'Pirkka' Dining Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This dining table is a great item from the Pirrka range that was designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu in Finland. A very charming and warm piece made of a pine top a...
Wood, Birch, Pine
Sold
H 26.78 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
"Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Pirkka' Dining Set – Table and Four Chairs, Finland, 1970s"
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Oirlo, LI
Table: Length: 120 cm Width: 70 cm Height: 68 cm Chairs: Height: 77 cm Width: 38 cm
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Series Dining Set
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Dining set by Laukaan Puu, Ltd. / Finland which includes an 8 person Table, with one long Bench and 5 Stools. In excellent condition
Pine, Birch
Sold
H 9.06 in W 73.63 in L 9.06 in
Scandinavian Modern, Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Coffee Table, 1950's, Alvar Aalto
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Model Pirkka Coffee Table Scandinavian Modern; 1950's; Alvar Aalto; One of the more rare items designed by Finnish designer Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara.
Wood
Rare "Pirkka" dining set by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Dronten, NL
The "Pirkka" series was designed by Wirkkala for Laukaan Puu, Ltd.
Pine
Dining set Pirkka by Iimari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Den Haag, NL
Pirkka dining set. Designed by Iimari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu Finland in the 1950s.
Pine
Sold
H 29.53 in W 14.97 in D 16.54 in
Pirkka Dining Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pirkka dining set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955.
Wood, Beech, Pine
1950's Pirkka Dining Table & Benches by Ilmari Tapiovara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in London, GB
A stunning and very rare 1950’s ‘Pirkka’ dining table & benches by Ilmari Tapiovara, which were made by Asko in Finland.
Birch, Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Dining Room Table, Finland, circa 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999), Pirkka dining room table, Natural wood tabletop, lacquered wood feet, Finland, circa 1960 Measures: Width 120 cm, height 70 cm, depth 73 cm.
Wood
1950s Dining table/desk by llmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu
Located in London, Lambeth
Mid century scandinavian Pirkka dinning table or desk designed by llmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, FInland Cc 1950s Tje table top is rectangular and made in pinexwith splayed eboni...
Pine
Sold
H 15.36 in W 15.36 in L 15.36 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Designed Dining Room Set of Table and 4 Chairs for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in London, GB
The ‘Pirkka’ dining table and chairs consist of solid wood.
Beech, Pine
Sold
H 27.37 in W 31.5 in D 70.87 in
Large Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Pirkka' Dining Table Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
The largest of the Pirkka series dining tables by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s This old 1950s production Pirkka table has been heat treated and refurbished wi...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Dining Table, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, GB
Ilmari Tapiovaara Laukaan Puu (manufacturer), Finland ‘Pirkka’ Dining Table, 1955 Pinewood and black lacquered.
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Dining Table, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful dining table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955 in pinewood and black lacquered dowel legs, marked (see LU848715051572 for the matching stools).
Pine
Sold
H 23.63 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Designed Dining Room Table Made by Laukaan Puu, 1950’s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in London, GB
The ‘Pirkka’ dining table and chairs consist of solid wood.
Pine, Beech
Sold
H 30.32 in W 15.36 in D 15.36 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Designed Dining Room Set of Chairs for Laukaan Puu, 1950’s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in London, GB
We do also have a Pirkka dining table that would work very well with these chairs.
Beech, Pine
Sold
H 26.78 in W 70.87 in D 31.5 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Midcentury Large Finish Pirkka Table by for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Madrid, ES
Original 'Pirkka' large table designed by Finnish interior architect Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Laukaan Puu in Finland, circa 1955-1960.
Birch, Pine
Sold
H 26.78 in W 27.17 in D 47.25 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Dining Table for Laukaan Puu Finnland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An early "Pirkka" dining table designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955.
Pine
Pair of "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A pair of well-used (with lovely patina) and rather old examples of the "Pirkka". These beautiful stools were designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, the idiosyncratic Finnish modernist whose...
Sold
H 9.45 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
“Pirkka” Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Wilnis, UT
This is an eye-catching wooden coffee table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Laukaan Puu in Finland around 1950. It is made of high quality pine wood in a beautiful ...
Wood
Sold
H 30 in W 15.13 in L 30 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Pu "Pirkka” Dining Set, Table, Bench and 3 Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in San Francisco, CA
Offered here is a Ilmari Tapiovaara designed dining suite for Laukaan Pu called "Pirkka”. Set is from the 1950s includes a table, bench and three chairs, all are marked on their un...
Beech, Pine
Sold
H 27.37 in W 69.49 in D 29.93 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara “Pirkka” Dining Set for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Wilnis, UT
An outstanding “Pirkka” dining set designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Laukaan Puu in Finland around 1950.
Pine
Sold
H 27.17 in W 47.25 in D 27.56 in
Rare Pirkka Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, circa 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Wilnis, UT
Very exclusive "Pirkka" set designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Laukaan Puu in Finland around 1950.
Lacquer, Pine, Wood
Sold
H 26.78 in W 47.25 in D 27.17 in
Pirkka Dining Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A dining set consisting of an early "Pirkka" dining table with two "Pirkka" dining chairs and two "Pirkka" stools.
Pine
Sold
H 29.53 in W 14.97 in D 15.75 in
Nice complete set by Ilmari Tapiovaara with special extra Pirkka stool
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Staphorst, NL
Dinnerset by wellknown Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of four Pirkka chairs and large table Extra Pirkka stool included Manufacturer: Laukaan Puu Finland Designed in 1955...
$6,450 / set
H 32.88 in W 78.75 in D 63.19 in
Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Set with Table, Bench, Set of Chairs
By Rainer Daumiller
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining room set consisting of a dining table, bench, and pair of chairs, solid beech, Scandinavia, 1980s This expansive dining room set is a rare find, distinguished by its exceptio...
Beech
$9,207Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 28.75 in W 72.84 in D 47.64 in
Ib Kofod-Larsen rosewood dining table with extension leaf and six chairs
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful rosewood dining table with extension leaf, and its six chairs with cream coffee leather seats. Ib Kofod-larsen (1921-2003), Seffle Mobelfabrik edition, Sweden, 1960s. Tabl...
Rosewood
$14,000Sale Price|60% Off
H 79.5 in W 84 in D 108.5 in
Vintage 1949 Mid-Century Modern Custom L-Shaped Office Desk by George Nelson
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Lafayette, IN
This remarkable piece is a one-off desk/wardrobe/bar/bookcase/storage cabinet custom-designed by George Nelson in 1949 to match his Basic Cabinet Series (BCS) for Herman Miller. The ...
Aluminum
Sculptural Brazilian Modernist Sofa, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century cylindrical sofa, a masterpiece from Brazil circa 1970 by an unknown designer. The sofa features a unique hammock-like structure crafted from connected wooden slats, supp...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
French Midcentury Formica Dinette Set by SIF
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Midcentury Retro Kitchenette Set in a daring powder blue formica from the SIF brand made during the 1950s. This iconic, complete set includes a statement cupboard, an expandin...
Chrome
1960s iron Salterini outdoor bistro dining set, table and two chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Wrought iron patio Salterini “Radar” Collection bistro set with two hoop dining height chairs and a table. Designed by Maurizio Tempestini, 1960s. One chair leg has a slight bend as ...
Wrought Iron
$32,437
H 34.26 in W 86.62 in D 16.93 in
Sideboard - Carlo Hauner & Martin Eisler Forma Moveis, Brazil, 1950s
By Forma Brazil, Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler
Located in Rosendahl, DE
A rare and exquisite four-door buffet designed by Martin Eisler and Carlos Hauner, founders of the iconic Brazilian furniture company Forma Móveis. Crafted in Brazil in the 1950s, th...
Cane, Wood
$15,605 / set
H 28.35 in Dm 50.4 in
Alvar Aalto Dining Table with Lazy Susan B91 and 6 Chairs Model 66, Artek, 1940s
By Oy Huonekalu-ja Rakennustyötehdas Ab, Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Helsinki, FI
This dining set is in beautiful condition. The table without the serving board "Lazy Susan" is model A 91 ( with the serving board B 91 ), and the chairs are model no. 66 with the hi...
Glass, Birch, Bentwood
$36,516
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 23.63 in
Scandinavian Modern "Skoga" Dining Table, Axel Einar Hjorth, Nk, Sweden, 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Axel Einar Hjorth
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rustic “Skoga” dining table by Axel Einar Hjorth, made from pine. Chunky rounded lines.
Pine
$3,975 / set
H 29 in W 51 in D 34.5 in
1960s Mid Century Dining Room Set by Heywood Wakefield - Set of 9
By Heywood-Wakefield Co.
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mid-century maple dining room set was designed and manufactured by Heywood Wakefield in the United States circa the 1960s. This unique set features eight dining chairs made in s...
Faux Leather, Maple
$38,366 / set
H 33.08 in W 78.75 in D 66.93 in
Pierre Chapo, S35 & T35 Corner Dining Set in French Elm, France - 1980s
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Renens, CH
Vintage Pierre Chapo S35 “Banc à dos droit” or Straight-back bench executed in French elm combined with the T35 “Aban” dining table. As with all furniture by Chapo, this piece shows...
Elm
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by La Permanente Mobili
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by La Permanente Mobili, Cantù in Italy.
Brass
Pair of Benches by Pierre Chapo
By Pierre Chapo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of elm S35 modular benches by Pierre Chapo. Made in France circa 1960s.
Elm
$18,113Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.35 in W 94.49 in D 37.01 in
Complete Dining Room Set by Hans J. Wegner, Teak Table & 8 CH29 Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oirlo, LI
Transform your dining experience with this exquisite Complete Dining Room Set, featuring 8 CH29 Sawbuck Chairs designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, and a vintage ...
Leather, Wood
$10,463 / set
H 29.14 in W 24.02 in D 19.3 in
Extendable Round Dining Room Set by Rainer Daumiller Brutalist Table + 5 Chairs
By Rainer Daumiller
Located in Copenhagen, DK
German architect turned designer, Rainer Daumiller, popularized these playful pine dining sets through the Danish brand, Hirtshals Savvaerk, in the 1960s and ‘70s. Designed to be fun...
Pine
Børge Mogensen Dining Set, 1960s
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of 6 "Spanish"/"Jagt spisestolen" dining chairs model 3237 designed by Borge Mogensen and produced by Frederica Stolefabrik, Denmark, 1960s. Oak with naturally patinated leather ...
Brass
During the mid-20th century, Finnish furniture designer Ilmari Tapiovaara worked with pine, teak and his country’s native birch to create sleek and sculptural chairs, dining room tables and bookcases in the Scandinavian modern style. Tapiovaara’s areas of expertise expanded beyond furniture to include interior architecture, wooden sculptures, film posters and cutlery.
After completing his studies at the Central School of Applied Arts in Helsinki, Tapiovaara embarked on a design career that would envelop his entire life. As a young man, Tapiovaara idolized revered architect and furniture designer Alvar Aalto — whom, with his wife, Aino Aalto, cofounded Artek, the company that would eventually manufacture the majority of Tapiovaara’s creations. The budding designer had one of Aalto’s chairs in his apartment while he was a student. After graduating, he worked as an assistant in an office at Le Corbusier, then as a designer and artistic director at Asko.
By 1951, Tapiovaara and his wife, Annikki, had established their own studio. A few years previous, the pair had designed the now-legendary Domus chair while creating interiors and furnishings for a new student housing complex in Helsinki. Made of molded plywood and easily stackable, the ergonomic Domus chair, with its slender form, featured a modest silhouette — its lightweight structure allowed for easy exporting, and iconic mid-century modern furniture manufacturer Knoll added a low-backed version to its offerings in the early 1950s. (It was marketed as the Finn chair in the United States.)
Tapiovaara went on to design pieces for Pihlgren ja Ritola and Santa and Cole. His experience earned him teaching positions at the Institute of Applied Arts, the Helsinki University of Technology and the Illinois Institute of Technology. While in Chicago for the latter, he worked in the office of Mies van der Rohe.
Tapiovaara centered his passion for design on social responsibility. He wanted his creations to be accessible to everyone, which was the concept behind his democratic approach. In Finland’s postwar era, the goal was exemplary, affordable designs. With this in mind, he created products such as stackable chairs and “knock-down” pieces packed flat, so they shipped efficiently and cost less.
An influential champion of his profession, he spent two decades as a United Nations ambassador, working to improve design’s contribution to society. His lasting, collectible furniture is a testament to the designer’s goal to create humane, radiant and intimate spaces. The United Nations project included traveling to Paraguay to create much-needed furniture. A similar project followed in Mauritius.
Tapiovaara’s success as an industrial and mass producer of everyday furniture was widely recognized and awarded. He received six gold medals for his chairs alone at the Milan Triennials. He also accepted a Good Design award, the Finnish State Design Award, a prize from the Finnish Culture Foundation and the Furniture Prize of the SIO Interior Architects’ Association of Finland.
Find vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara seating, tables and lighting on 1stDibs.
The right vintage, new or antique tables can help make any space in your home stand out.
Over the years, the variety of tables available to us, as well as our specific needs for said tables, has broadened. Today, with all manner of these must-have furnishings differing in shape, material and style, any dining room table can shine just as brightly as the guests who gather around it.
Remember, when shopping for a dining table, it must fit your dining area, and you need to account for space around the table too — think outside the box, as an oval dining table may work for tighter spaces. Alternatively, if you’ve got the room, a Regency-style dining table can elevate any formal occasion at mealtime.
Innovative furniture makers and designers have also redefined what a table can be. Whether it’s an unconventional Ping-Pong table, a brass side table to display your treasured collectibles or a Louis Vuitton steamer trunk to add an air of nostalgia to your loft, your table can say a lot about you.
The visionary work of French designer Xavier Lavergne, for example, includes tables that draw on the forms of celestial bodies as often as they do aquatic creatures or fossils. Elsewhere, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who looked to Roman architecture in crafting her stately Jumbo coffee table, created clever glass-topped mobile coffee tables that move on bicycle tires or sculpted wood wheels for Fontana Arte.
Coffee and cocktail tables can serve as a room’s centerpiece with attention-grabbing details and colors. Glass varieties will keep your hardwood flooring and dazzling area rugs on display, while a marble or stone coffee table in a modern interior can showcase your prized art books and decorative objects. A unique vintage desk or writing table can bring sophistication and even a bit of spice to your work life.
No matter your desired form or function, a quality table for your living space is a sound investment. On 1stDibs, browse a collection of vintage, new and antique bedside tables, mid-century end tables and more .