Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Finnish, 1914-1999
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.
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Item Ships From: USA
Creator: Ilmari Tapiovaara
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, c.1950s, Finland. This pine stool features a dark stained rectangular seat and four splayed legs.
Dimensions
17" width x 12.25" d...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Maija 15 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Santa & Cole, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Maija 30
An intimate, classic Scandinavian design. Tapiovaara said that “it is impossible to create a new object without a point of reference, and nature is the best and closes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal
Maija 30 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Santa & Cole, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Maija 30
An intimate, classic Scandinavian design. Tapiovaara said that “it is impossible to create a new object without a point of reference, and nature is the best and closes...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal
Single Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan High Back Pine Chair
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid pine high back dining chair by IImari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960's. In good original condition, wear consistent its with age and use.
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
1960s Finnish Pair of Crinolette Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of black painted birch 'Crinolette' lounge chairs with bent wood spokes tenon-joined to the solid bent back rest, maintaining original 'Asko Export' stickers.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Stools, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful stools designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955 in pinewood and black lacquered dowel legs, marked, priced individually.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Chairs, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955 in dark stained pinewood and black lacquered dowel legs, marked. Priced individually.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Maija 30 Floor Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An intimate, classic Scandinavian design. Tapiovaara said that “it is impossible to create a new object without a point of reference—and nature is the best and closest manual for the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Maija 15 Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Santa & Cole, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An intimate, classic Scandinavian design. Tapiovaara said that “it is impossible to create a new object without a point of reference—and nature is the best and closest manual for the...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Mademoiselle Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Iconic mademoiselle chair painted white but aged. Tagged. Made in Sweden
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of 4 Dining Chairs, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, darkened beech and patinated cognac leather, Finland, 1950s. These robust chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara feature a geometric frame for ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather, Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of 3 Stacking Rare Wilman Chairs Scandinavian Modern
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of 3 rare stackable Wilman chairs designed in 1956 by renowned Finnish designer, Ilmari Tapiovaara, and manufactured in Finland by Wilhelm Schauman Fanerfabrik.
These innovative...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood, Paint
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Domus" Lounge Chair, Plywood, Finland, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded plywood "Domus" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus, Finland, 1940s.
12” seat height
Category
1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Plywood
Illmari Tapiovaara Dining Chairs, Set of 10
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Incredible rare set of 10 leather Italian dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, circa 1950s.
Wonderful thick saddle leather with great patina'd leather o...
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather
Set of Four "Pirkka" Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Norwalk, CT
Elevate your living space with a rare offering: a set of four pine "Pirkka" chairs, masterfully designed by the revered Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Hailing from the heart of F...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stool for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957, stamped.
Three available sold separately.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Tapiovaraa Pine Stool, Denmark 1960's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
Slat stool in solid oak with interesting details and construction.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Set of "Pirkka" Dining Table and 4 Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, circa 1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Skokie, IL
Ilmari Tapiovaara "Pirkka" dining table and set of four chairs for Laukaan Puu, Finland circa 1950
Early set of Ilmari Tapiovaara "Pirkka" dining table and set of four chairs for ...
Category
20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Beech
Three Seat Contemporary Bench on Chrome Frame Ilmari Tapiovaara for Stendig, USA
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Deland, FL
Equal parts style and comfort this luxurious three-seater bench designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Stendig is the epitome of Contemporary design. The solid chrome frame, in wonderful ...
Category
1970s American Regency Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Chrome
Ilmari Tapiovaara Cast Iron and Oak Stools, Finland 1960's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
Fantastic pair of cast iron and oak stools, the bases are solid iron with a dimpled motif while the top are solid oak, the design bears similarity to a Perriand model for Les Arcs.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous form and comfort. Designed by Tapiovaara, circa 1962. Rigid aluminum chair frame has three positions, seat lifts off frame for repositioning. Arms have flexibility, and are covered in leather. Ottoman size 22 W x 20 L x 12 H, and is original. Leather is worn and has some tears. Needs Restoration
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Aluminum
Ilmari Tapiovaara Prototype Congo Folding Chair Finland 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Camden, ME
Congo folding chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1954 manufactured by Lukkiseppo Ltd. in Finland.
This prototype of the Congo chair comes from the estate of Ilmari Tapiovaara.
...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Steel
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chair
By Hagafors Stolfabrik 1, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Hagafors, Sweden. Solid wood construction with black lacquer. Newley upholstered in blue leather.
Two part knock down construction. Ne...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk or Table for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Miami, FL
Stained pine desk or table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Tale" Stools, Painted Birch, Plywood, Finland, 1953
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black painted birch and plywood "Tale" stools designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Eero, Finland, 1953.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pair of "Pirkka", Lacquered and Solid Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of early production modernist "Pirkka" stools. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s.
With manufacturers stamp. In finely sculpted organ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Armchair
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Highland, IN
A wonderful 1946 design by Ilmari Tapiovaara, the Domus chair was offered entirely of wood, with an upholstered seat, or an upholstered seat and back. This nice example, has beautifu...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather, Beech
Set of 6 "Pirkka" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in San Francisco, CA
A set of 6 "Pirkka" chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
A set of Ilmari Tapiovaara design dining chairs, from the series "Pirkka". The sculptural design, is made in pine and black lacquered...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Scandinavian Low Modern Coffee Table, Teak and Oakwood, 1959
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in High Point, NC
A low Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed in 1959 by Finnish architect and designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Swedish company Edsbyverken. Teak top mounted on an oak base. Original ...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Oak, Teak
Set of Four Swivel Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Set of four swivel dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Hob nailed patinated steel base supports fully leather upholstered swivel chair seat. Perfect...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Steel
Set of 6 Ilmari Tapiovaara Pine High Back Pine Chairs for Laukaan
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice set of 6 pine high back dining chairs by IImari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960's. In good original condition, with nice golden patina and wear that is consistent with ...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Maija Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaraa for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maija table lamp originally designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaraa in Finland. Current re-edition manufactured by Santa & Cole in Spain. 4-8 weeks lead time. Metallic lampshade...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Maija Pendant Light by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maija pendant light originally designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole in 1955. Made from a column of small matte white superimposed metal discs j...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass, Metal
Maija 30 Table or Floor Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maija 30 floor or table lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa and Cole originally designed in Spain, 1955. Diffuser in white translucent glass. Nude/Rose ...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Maija 30 Pendant by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maija 30 pendant by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole originally designed in Spain, 1955. Diffuser in white translucent glass. Nude/rose re-edtion. Wired for...
Category
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 164 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 10 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ilmari Tapiovaara were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Yrjö Kukkapuro, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, and Artek. Prices for Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $384 and can go as high as $91,647, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,136.
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