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.
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Fourtheen Dining Chairs, Permanente Furniture Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. A refined example of the dialogue between Scandinavian modernism and excep...
Leather, Wood
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Twelve Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of 12 dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. An exceptional and rare large set that perfectly embodies the balance b...
Leather, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Four "Pirkka" Dining Chairs for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' Table Lamp in Brass and White for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' table lamp in brass and white for Santa & Cole Founded in 1985 in Barcelona, Santa & Cole produces iconic pieces by such luminaries as llmari Tapiovaara, M...
Metal, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Floor Lamp Maya the Bee, White & Rattan, Hienoteräs Asko 1950s
By Asko, Hienoterä, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful version of the "Maya the Bee " (Maija Mehiläinen) floor lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara, one of the leading interior architects and furniture designers in Finland. This series ...
Aluminum, Brass
Mid-Century Ilmari Tapiovaara Teak Drawer Chest for Asko, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very elegant and distinct teak drawer/sideboard designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. One of the most iconic designs by Ilmari Tapiovaara,...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Ten 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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Large 'Maija' Pendant Lamp in Brass and White for Santa & Cole
By Santa & Cole, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ilmari Tapiovaara large '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, Miguel Milá and other European icons with a commitment to faithfully re-edition their legendary designs with uncompromising attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship. The 'Maija' pendant lamp, designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaara, was inspired from typical Baltic cities, where public lighting was scarce and instead streets were illuminated by light streaming through the window shades...
Metal, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' Floor Lamp in Brass and White for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Maija' floor lamp in brass and white for Santa & Cole Founded in 1985 in Barcelona, Santa & Cole produces iconic pieces by such luminaries as llmari Tapiovaara, Miguel Milá and other European icons with a commitment to faithfully re-edition their legendary designs with uncompromising attention to detail, materials and craftsmanship. The 'Maija' floor lamp, designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaara, was inspired from typical Baltic cities, where public lighting was scarce and instead streets were illuminated by light streaming through the window shades...
Metal, Brass
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
Danish Design Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara Model Fanett Scandinavian, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Mid-Century rocking chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for the 60's. Made in Finland, very comfortable!.
Wood
Vintage serving cart by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool serving trolley by Ilmari Tapiovaara, made from birch. Small wheels, sled legs. Table top lacquered lipstick red.
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
A very rare Finnish mid century round desk table lamp with white lacquered cylindrical aluminum shades and brass feet by Ilmari Tapiovaara pro...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of 7 'Fanett' Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 7 'Fanett' dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara bookcase for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy ca. 1957
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Architectural bookcase by IImari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy ca. 1957. Wonderful piece with a clean lines and refined functional details, nothing is overdone, re...
Natural Fiber, Teak
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
Table set designed by IIlmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Delft, NL
Pinewood "Hongisto" Table set designed by IIlmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s A lovely dining set table from the “Hongisto” series by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured b...
Pine
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 4 cognac leather and dark beech wood dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù. The chairs are in really good vintage condi...
Leather, Beech
Ilmari Tapiovaara Rectangular Extendable Dining Table in Wood 1970s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Extendable dining table in wood designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1970s. This rare table presents a rectangular top with elegant rounded edges. The table top fits to the base wi...
Wood
$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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Door Handle 2 Pairs Finland Original
By Excelsior, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Espoo, FI
Two pairs of brass door handles designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The door handles have the manufacturer's stamp EXO. In good used condition. The door handles are sold as both pairs tog...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Set of Four Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model Domus chairs, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Rare teak and birch frame. Refinished frame. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs a...
Birch, Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare Finnish mid century cylindrical table / desk lamp “Maija the Bee” in white lacquered shades and brass by Ilmari Tapiovaara produced by Asko / Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s. In ...
Aluminum, Brass
Set of 4 Fanett chairs by Tapiovaara original 1960s
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
$3,063Sale 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
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
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, 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
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
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. ...
Metal, Steel
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
$885Sale 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
$1,764 / item
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...
Metal
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
Domus Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Balen, BE
Early version of the Domus chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus in the 1950s. The Domus Chair was originally designed in 1946 as part of a series of furnitur...
Birch
$9,750 / set
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Brass
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
Scandinavian Dining Room Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara 1950s Swedish Design F274
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of three stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, from the furniture line “Pirkka”. Cool, rounded design with pine seats and black lacquered legs.
Pine
Rocking Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Wooden and wicker rocker designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard.
Wicker, Wood
A Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp K10-11 in White and Brass, Idman 1950s
By Idman, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
This example of the iconic Tapio Wirkkala floor lamp manufactured and stamped by Idman, retains all original parts and is in beautiful condition. The lamp has only been rewired. Othe...
Brass, Metal
Lukki Chair by IImari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Long Island City, NY
Lukki Chair by IImari Tapiovaara with laminated and lacquered birch plywood seat and back rest and an enameled steel frame. Ilmari Tapiovaara was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland in 191...
Enamel, Steel
Mademoiselle Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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
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 Pirkka Dining Table for Laukaan Puu, circa 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, GB
A fantastic ‘Pirkka’ dining table by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced by Laukaan Puu, circa 1950s. This classic Scandinavian table features a stained pine top set on an a...
Wood, Pine
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
Ceiling Lamp Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceiling lamp designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland. 1955. Copper. Unique. Provenance: Villa Rauma-Repola, Rauma, Finland. L: 158 cm/ 5' 2 3/4'' W: 139 cm/ 4' 7 1/4'' H: 121 cm/ ...
Copper
"Crinolette" Armchair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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
Model Domus Dining Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Domus dining table, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara was one of the most important F...
Birch
Mid-Century Finnish Modern Wooden Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This special rocking chair was created by design legend Ilmari Tapiovaara for the Finnish manufacturer Asko during the 1960s. The chair is made of wood. The black frame perfectly com...
Wood
$3,530Sale 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
Early Mademoiselle Lounge Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
Pair of Red Midcentury Lounge Chairs Model “2468” Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) Pair of lounge chairs model “2468” Manufactured by Laukaan Puu Finland, 1959 Black lacquered wood and red woolen upholstery Measurements: 70 c...
Wool, Wood
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Black Teak Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage rocking chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko 1950s, Finland. A wonderful rocking chair from black lacquered beech and natural brown teak with comfortable armrests. Ideal for a fireplace as a cosy chair...
Beech, Teak