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.
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
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 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
Coat Rack, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, 1940/1950s
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Coat Rack, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, 1940/1950s. Birch. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Yrjö Ilmari...
Birch
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara White & Rattan Floor Lamp Maya the Bee, Hienoteräs, Asko 1950s
By Hienoterä, Asko, 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 design...
Aluminum, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Desk Lamp "Maija the Bee" by Hienoteräs, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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
$865Sale 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
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
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
$3,451Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Teak Sideboard with Fabric and Brass Details
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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
$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
$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
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
$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
$2,994Sale 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
Ilmari Tapiovaara bookcase for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy ca. 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
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
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
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
$2,705Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Midcentury Coffe Table 50's
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in bari, IT
Vintage coffee table model ovalette by Ilmari Tapiovaara per Artek 1958.
Wood
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
$9,750 / set
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Brass
Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
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
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
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
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
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
Table set designed by IIlmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka chairs, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
The iconic Pirkka chair was designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the mid-1950s and produced by Laukaan Puu and later by Asko. It quickly became a favourite among modern furniture enthusi...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu Set of Four 'Pirkka' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, set of four 'Pirkka' dining chairs, beech, pine, Finland, design 1955 This set of ‘Pirkka’ chairs by Finish designer I...
Beech, Pine
An Ilmari Tapiovaara Tale Stool with Form-Pressed Plywood Seat, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stuningly beautiful stool with a very aerodynamic look that it gives a flying seat illusion. As is the case with most of Tapiovaara's stools, this one is also 3-legged as it is nev...
Birch, Plywood
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Bar Stool for Laukaan Puu, 1950s
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu in the 1950s, the Pirkka bar stool is one of his most recognized works. The sculptural saddle seat is shaped to follow the body's natura...
Wood, Lacquer
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
1955, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pirkka Table with; Red Brown Wooden Top
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
This item is part of the private collection of Casey Godrie and is situated in his private house. Ask him for competitive shipping quotes. His incredible Dune Villa, Amsterdam Beach, find more details on his family name plus eu, is for sale soon too. :-) Pirkka table...
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
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
"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
$457Sale 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
$1,460Sale Price|20% Off
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Large 'Maija' Pendant Lamp in Brass and White for Santa & Cole
By Santa & Cole, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Glendale, 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, 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
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
$7,500 / set
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Colette Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Cambridge, US
Finland, ca. 1950s. A rare pair of Colette lounge chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko. Each features a streamlined birch frame with cantilevered arms and flared legs. Back and seat ...
Nylon, Birch
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 Round Walnut Teak Wood Coffee Table, circa 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Wenge wood table with, France, circa 1960. Mid-century table from walnut and teak. It's composed of a cross shaped base with five a-symmetrical feet. Beautifully designed with a d...
Teak, Walnut
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of 8 dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. A rare and sophisticated set that perfectly reflects the harmony between...
Leather, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Sofa, Wood, Fabric, Finland, 1949
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A white fabric and wood sofa designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus, Finland, c. 1949. Literature: 1949 Ornamo yearbook. Reupholstered at some point in...
Fabric, Wood
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
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
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