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 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
$2,718Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Ovalette Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1959
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in bari, IT
Vintage coffee table model ovalette by Ilmari Tapiovaara per Artek 1958.
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Door Handle 2 Pairs Finland Original
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Excelsior
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pair of "Pirkka", Lacquered and Solid Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of organic pine "Pirkka" stools. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. With manufacturers stamp. Stools present with moderate areas of w...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stools, Pinewood with Black Legs, 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.
Pine
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
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 KP70 Birch Writing Desk for Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An original KP70 writing desk designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland, circa 1950s. A celebrated example of Finnish Scandinavian Modern de...
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
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
White Metal and Brass Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1955
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare table lamp, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Asko in collaboration with Hienoteräs in Finland in 1955, stands as a sophisticated example of Finnish mid-century...
Brass, Metal
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pedestal/Swivel Chair. Cast iron Base.
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Illmari Taapiovaara Designed This chair in the mid 1960's in Finland. It is from his CARIBE Series. The Pedestal Chair Swivels. The Upholstered Seat and Back are in Black Belgium ...
Iron
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
lmari Tapiovaara Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Permanente Furniture Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of 10 dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. A rare and elegant ensemble that beautifully combines the essential lan...
Leather, Wood
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
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
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 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
$3,009Sale 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
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 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
Teak Desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara, around 1960
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999), a Finnish interior architect and designer, designed this desk around 1960 for ‘La Permanente di Cantú’. Made from solid teak with brass details. The de...
Brass
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Armchair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
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
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 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
Pair of Commissioned Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chairs, Sheepskin, Merivaara 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
A pair of chairs by Tapiovaara that are quite rare and were designed for a private residence. Tapiovaara had quite a lot of commisions through his interior design office. The chairs ...
Metal, Brass
A Superb 20thC Set Of Eight Ilmari Tapiovaara Leather Dining Chairs c.1950
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A superb 20th Century set of eight dining chairs by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Permanente Cantu, dating from the 1950s. The hardwood frame supports a comfortable leather ...
Leather
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
Nordic Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Fanett Teak & Black Dining Table, Asko, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very elegant nordic modern expandable dining table in teak and black stained birch. The table is designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. Amo...
Birch, Teak
$9,750 / set
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Brass
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
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
$867Sale 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 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
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
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
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. It quickly became a ...
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
Set of Four Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka chairs, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
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, 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
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
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
$374Sale Price / item|20% Off
1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Stol Kamnik, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Dining chairs in wood colour 1970s by STOL KAMNIK. Nice vintage set of four beautiful chairs. Pictures talk of quality.
Hardwood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Maya the bee" table lamp, 1950s, Hienoteräs
By Hienoterä, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of the Ilmari Tapiovaara "Maya the Bee" table lamp from the 1950s, an iconic Finnish table lamp inspired by the beloved children's book character. Manu...
Aluminum, Brass
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 'Maija the Bee' Floor Lamp with Cane and Brass Details
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Hienoteräs, 'Maija the Bee' floor lamp, lacquered brass, lacquered aluminum, brass, cane, Finland, 1955 Ilmari Tapiovaara developed the ‘Maija the Bee’ light...
Metal, 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
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Black Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara 1950s Finland
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage rocking chair from beech and teak in black and brown color tone by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Finland, 1950s. A wonderful rocking chair from beech and teak...
Beech, Teak
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 Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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