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.
Pair of Solid Pine Rocking Horses with Leather Details, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare and delightful pair of solid pine rocking horses attributed to Ilmari Tapiovaara, embodying the designer’s distinctive approach to form, material, and playful functionality. ...
Leather, Pine
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Espoo, FI
Pirkka stool, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, made by Laukaan Puu. Manufacturer's stamps on the base. The stool is in good used condition, normal wear and tear. The stool is from arou...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by Asko in Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Asko in Finland.
Teak, Lacquer
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Leather, Wood
Large Low Pine Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Pu, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare large low pine coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Pu, Finland, 1950s.
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pirkka Stool, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s.
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Pirkka stool, Ilmari Tapiovaara. Manufactured by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. Pine seat, painted wood legs. Good vintage condition.
Pine
Midcentury Teak Commodes by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of chests of drawers by Ilmari Tapiovaara, made from teak. Clean design with slanted fronts that create a very cool silhouette and play with light.
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' Pendant Lamp in Brass and White for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Glendale, CA
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' pendant lamp in brass and white for Santa & Cole Founded in 1985 in Barcelona, Santa & Cole produces iconic pieces by such luminaries as llmari Tapiovaara,...
Metal, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Maija the Bee" floor lamp, Hienoteräs, Finland c. 1950's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hienoterä
Located in Hønefoss, 30
Ilmari Tapiovaara, a 'Maija the Bee' floor lamp for Asko/Hienoteräs. White louvered shade, shaft partly covered with rattan in original condition. Wear consistent with age and use
Brass, Metal
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stools, Pinewood with Black Legs, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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.
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.
Pine
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Almelo, NL
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960 These lounge chairs were designed by the renowned Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for the esteemed furnit...
Beech
Dining table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Permanent di Cantù - 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent teak table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Permanent di Cantù in the 1960s. This table features a rectangular teak top resting on two highly designer legs that make th...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara's “Pirkka” Table and Chair set for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in LYON, FR
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka edition Laukaan Puu dining set Table and 4 chairs from the late 1950s by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara. Pirkka model for the manufacturer Laakan Puu. ...
Pine
Early Domus Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Knoll, 1948-1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Centreville, VA
A masterpiece of modern furniture design, the Domus Chair was created as part of a series of furniture for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki. Comfortable enou...
Wood
$3,079Sale Price|33% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara bookcase Laukaan Puu Finland 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Oirlo, LI
Rare modular shelving unit designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Laukaan Puu, Finland 1955. The shelves are made of solid pine which is dark stained. This is from a mo...
Pine
$1,190Sale Price / set|22% Off
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Dining Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Vienna, AT
Birch construction with bent teak seat. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1955 for Edsby-verken in Sweden. Perfect vintage condition. Signed Edsby.
Birch, Teak
Sideboard in Teak, Black Lacquered, Mirrored Glass and Glass, 1957-1958
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sideboard in Teak, Black Lacquered, Mirrored Glass and Glass by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1957-1958 Additional Information: Material: Teak, black lacquered, ...
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Coffee Table / Side Table Produced by Laukaan Puu in Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare coffee table / side table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Laukaan Puu in Finland.
Pine
$2,782Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Midcentury Coffe Table 50's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in bari, IT
Vintage coffee table model ovalette by Ilmari Tapiovaara per Artek 1958.
Wood
Set of 4 Scandinavian Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brescia, IT
Four Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken, Sweden 1960s. Beech frame and molded teak seat. Set of 4 Fanett model chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by ...
Beech, Teak
Set of 6 Fanett Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1949
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Roma, IT
Fanett dining chairs is a mid-century set chairs manufactured in 1949 by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Set of 6 wooden chairs, teak seat, feet and back ...
Wood
$3,549Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Teak Sideboard with Fabric and Brass Details
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Madrid, ES
Sideboard made of teak wood with brass details. Sliding doors, one of them decorated with fabric. Produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù and designed by Finnish interior architect Il...
Brass
"Crinolette" Armchair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Karis, Nyland
An original “Crinolette” armchair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1962 and produced by Asko, Finland during the 1960s. One of Tapiovaara’s most iconic and sculptural designs, the Cr...
Wood, Paint
Pair of Red Ilmari Tapiovaara Caribe Bar Stools For ICF New York, Finland 1960s
By ICF New York, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare pair of gorgeously patinated bar / high stools in red faux leather from the 1960s for the ICF in New York. One chair still has the label to the bottom. The high stools are na...
Copper, Iron
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...
Leather, Beech
Sculptural Pirkka Dining Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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. It quickly became a ...
Pine
Vintage serving cart by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool serving trolley by Ilmari Tapiovaara, made from birch. Small wheels, sled legs. Table top lacquered lipstick red.
Birch
$15,000 / set
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...
Pine
$470Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Scandinavian chair by I.Tapiovaara model Fanett
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in AIGNAN, FR
“Fanett” model chair designed by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1950s. An icon of Scandinavian design, the “Fanett” chair is a timeless piece perfect for a current decora...
Wood
Rocking Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Berlin, DE
Wooden and wicker rocker designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard.
Wicker, Wood
Set of 4 Fanett chairs by Tapiovaara original 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Brescia, IT
Fanett beech chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced by Edsbyverken in 1962. Original mark present. Set consisting of four Fanett model chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara a...
Beech
Mid Century Rocking Chair By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Gloucester, GB
Mid Century Rocking Chair By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1950s - Solid Beech seat and frame - By Ilmari Tapiovaara - Finnish ~ 1950s - 57cm wide x 83cm deep x 92cm tall - 45cm seat heig...
Beech
Mademoiselle Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in Lejre, DK
The Mademoiselle rocking chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek, is an iconic piece of furniture that exudes elegance and si...
Birch
Pair of Mid-Century Teak Drawer Chests, Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very elegant and distinct pair of teak drawer units designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. Among Tapiovaara’s most popular designs, admired...
Teak, Birch
$1,314 / item
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...
Metal
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...
Metal, Brass
$881Sale Price|20% Off
Rocking Chair Made of Beech by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Faversham, GB
A fabulous Ilmari Tapiovaara designed rocking chair for Asko. Made of beech with a blond seat and black lacquered frame, it is a classic piece of mid-century modern design. Finland...
Beech
Iconic Fannett Side Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Evanston, IL
This striking Fannett chair is a classic piece of modern design blending clean lines with organic form. It's sleek frame with minimalist structure makes it both elegant and functi...
Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool Model Pirkka, Designed for Laukaan Puu, 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957.
Wood
Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Vienna, AT
Black lacquered beech structure seating in blond wood, designed in the late 1950s by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland. Traces of use on the armrests and on the footrest.
Beech, Bentwood
Paire de chaises scandinaves vintage Fanett par Ilmari Tapiovaara en teck
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Suite de 2 chaises vintage des années 50 60, modèle suédois Fanett par Ilmari Tapiovaara, assises en teck, dossier à 7 barreaux et pieds compas en bois noir entièrement repeints, trè...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara. A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created. Winner of the Ame...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Floor Lamp “Maija the bee” / Maija Mehiläinen by Hienoteräs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early floor lamp “Maija the bee” / Maija Mehiläinen designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Hienoteräs in Finland.
Metal, Brass
Scandinavian Dining Room Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara 1950s Swedish Design F274
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Beautiful Scandinavian dining room set by Finnish designer Ilmani Tapiovaara from the 1950s for Laukaan Puu. It is composed of a dining table and four chairs model "Pikka". The struc...
Pine
Rocking chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
This classic Scandinavian rocking chair showcases Tapiovaara’s well-known approach to functional modern design, combining clean lines with everyday comfort. The chair features a blac...
Wood
Mid-Century Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Pirkka Stool from Laukaan Puu after a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. This is an original Tapiovaara … Read more Original Pirkka Stool from Laukaan Puu after a d...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Wilman Side Chair, Birch, Finland, 1956
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and birch plywood "Wilman" side chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Wilh. Schauman Ltd., Finland, c. 1956. Provenance: Collection of Ilmari Tapiovaara. Over...
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Four "Pirkka" Dining Chairs for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Utrecht, NL
These “Pirkka” dining chairs are a beautiful example of Finnish modern design. Ilmari Tapiovaara triumphantly won several golden medals during the 1950s at the Milan Triennale for hi...
Wood
Mid-Century Pirkka Couch Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Pirkka coffee table by Laukaan Puu according to a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. This coffee table version of the Pirkka is very rare and hardly to be found. A...
Wood
Early Mademoiselle Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
A striking pair of early Mademoiselle lounge chairs designed by renowned Finnish modernist Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko in the mid-1950s. First introduced in 1956, this model quickly b...
Birch
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hagafors Stolfabrik 1
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...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Floor Lamp Model "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs in Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and early floor lamp “Maija the bee” / Maija Mehiläinen designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Hienoteräs in Finland.
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of twelve dining chairs with wooden frame, seat and back in leather designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in 1950s. This set of chairs presen...
Leather, Wood
$2,161Sale Price|20% Off
Original 1960s Crinolette Chair Designed in 1962 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Surrey, GB
Original 1960s Crinolette chair designed in 1962 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland. Asko label on the base. Very good original condition.
Birch
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. An original tapiovaara from the time and no current replica. The design comb...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pine and black-painted wood stool designed by Ilmari Tapivaara and produced by Laukaan Puu OY, Finland, c. 1950s. Seat height: 13"
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Lounge Chair, Birch, Webbing, Finland, 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A birch and webbing "Colette" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Asko, Finland, c. 1954. Fabric with staining as illustrated. Wear to wood frame consistent w...
Birch
Tapiolina Chairs in Ash Wood by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Fratelli Montina
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, England
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was a renowned Finnish designer and architect known for his significant contributions to the fields of furniture and industrial design. He played a crucial role in shaping the modern design landscape in Finland and gained international recognition for his work. Early in his career, Tapiovaara worked alongside the celebrated Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto. This collaboration greatly influenced his design sensibilities and helped him establish a strong foundation in modernist design principles. Tapiovaara is often associated with the "Finnish Modern" design movement, which aimed to create functional and aesthetically pleasing everyday objects for the Finnish population. He believed that good design should be accessible to everyone. His designs often incorporated natural materials, simplicity, and functionality. Tapiolina chairs in ash wood by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Fratelli Montina...
Metal
Set of 3 Vintage Italian Folding Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Olivo Italy
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Simple folding chairs from the Italian manufacturer Olivo after a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1970s. The design combines rusticity with elegance. The elegantly curved frame...
Leather, Plywood