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.
$2,153Sale Price|20% Off
Original 1960s Crinolette Chair Designed in 1962 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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 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
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
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
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...
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Dining Table for Laukaan Puu, circa 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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 Tale Stool with Form-Pressed Plywood Seat, Asko 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A stunningly 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 ne...
Birch, Plywood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pine Bench made in Scandinavian 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Oirlo, LI
Bring authentic Scandinavian heritage into your interior with this beautiful Hongisto pine bench, designed by renowned Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu in 1963. Cra...
Wood
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, "Maya the bee" table lamp, 1950s, Hienoteräs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hienoterä, 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, 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
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
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
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
Rocking chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960's
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
Pair of Finnish Mid Century Maija The Bee Ceiling Pendants by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare pair of Finnish mid century cylindrical "Maija The Bee" ceiling pendants in white lacquered aluminum shades and brass by Ilmari Tapiovaara produced by Asko / Hienoteräs, Finla...
Aluminum, Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara Easily Dismantlable X-leg Red Linoleum Table, 1940s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early and unusual x-leg table by Tapiovaara that rare especially with this colour linoleum. The table is in good vintage condition with beautiful patina. Also, this table can be easily dismanteled. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Birch, Laminate
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pirrka Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A black-lacquered pine "Pirrka" stool designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. Dimensions (inches): 16.625” H x 17.125” W x 14” D Seat Height (inc...
Pine
Modernist "Maija the Bee" Table Lamp, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking “Maija Mehiläinen” (“Maija the Bee”) table lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Stacked white lacquered lamellas in a tall cylinder form let out a soft light.
Metal
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
$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
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
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Black Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara 1950s Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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 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
Suite de 8 chaises scandinaves vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Asko en pin
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in BESANÇON, FR
8 chaises vintage des années 70, en pin, de Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Asko, bon état général avec marques et patine du temps qui passe. Ref 250 512 Hauteur : 79 cm Largeur : 45 cm Profo...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara White & Rattan Floor Lamp Maya the Bee, Hienoteräs, Asko 1950s
By Hienoterä, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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 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...
Wood, Paint
Paire de tabourets Pirkka par Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in TOURCOING, FR
Paire de tabourets Pirkka par Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Laukaan Puu (première édition, estampillé) 1950's Voici une superbe paire de tabourets Pirkka (première édition), dessinés au mi...
Wood
$376Sale Price / item|20% Off
1970s Mid-Century Modern Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stol Kamnik
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 Model Lukki Stool for Artek Celebration Model, 2015
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Ilmari Tapiovaara model Lukki stool for Artek, celebration model. Birch, beech and steel. Good vintage condition, minor wear consistent with age and use. Ilmari Tapiovaara design...
Steel
Modernist "Maija the Bee" Floor Lamp, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking “Maija Mehiläinen” (“Maija the Bee”) floor lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Stacked white lacquered lamellas let out a soft light, contrasting industrial looking base. Rattan deta...
Metal
$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
$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
“Maija Mehiläinen” Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Utrecht, NL
With pieces inspired by nature and the tranquility of everyday life, Ilmari Tapiovaara was able to showcase designs that captured the essence of Finnish identity. In a region where d...
Brass, Metal
Set of Two "Pirkka" Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of two wooden "Pirkka" chairs, masterfully designed by the revered Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Hailing from the heart of Finnish design excellence, these chairs embody the...
Wood
Midcentury Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Partly renovated, refreshed. jr
Wood
Vintage wooden armchair by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This armchair was designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999). The seat is teak and the rest of the structure is black-painted beech. This piece is in good origina...
Beech, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Black Brown Wood Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage rocking chair from teak in brown and black color by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland 1950s Finland. An amazing vintage rocking chair in sleek design i...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stool for Laukaan Puu, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Munich, DE
Ilmari Tapiovaara designed the Pirkka stool in the 1950s. The black legs and seats in oak result in a timeless finnish design. This Pirkka stool is made b...
Oak
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 Stool for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in San Francisco, CA
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Designed for Laukaan Puu in 1957, stamped. Only one is available.
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara chair with armrest , 1960’s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Delft, NL
Designer: Ilmari Tapiovaara Dimensions: 59,5cm W, 88,5cm H, 45cm H seat, 47cm D Period: 1960’s Condition: Good Material: Teak wood
Wood
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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...
Pine
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
$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
Original pair of Fanett chairs from the 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brescia, IT
Pair of Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Danish production 1950s, with beech frame and original label. Original pair of Fanett chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced in D...
Beech
Set of 4 Scandinavian Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
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
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
Chairs Lulu-Ilmari Tapiovaara-Finland-Mid 20th Century-Manufactured by Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Chair Lulu by Ilmari Tapiovaara Finland, 1960 Manufactured by Asko for the Marski Hotel in Helsinki "Asko" labelled Wood, brass, fabric upholstered Literature: Korvenmaa P., Tapiova...
Brass
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
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
Birch
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...
Metal, Brass
Maija 15 Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
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
$4,932Sale Price / set|44% Off
Rare Set of 4 Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Munich, DE
Made by Hagafors / Sweden. Two in natural wood, clear lacquered. One with removed lacquer and one lacquered black. All with various signs of use. Two part knock down construction.
Wood
Rocking Chair Tapiovaara Model Fanett Scandinavian, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Finland rocking chair by Tapiovaara Model Fanett, 1960s.
Beech