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.
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
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
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Tale Stool with Form-Pressed Plywood Seat, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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, Bar Cart, Birch, Finland, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A birch bar cart or serving cart designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland, c. 1940s. Dry crack to joinery near wooden castor as illustrated. T...
Wood, Birch
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
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
$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
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
A Tapio Wirkkala Adjustable Floor Lamp K10-11 in White and Brass, Idman 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Idman
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
Early Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Balen, BE
Early Pirkka stool designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland, in the 1950s. The Pirkka series, introduced during Tapiovaara's important early postwar period, is characte...
Softwood
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
Modernist "Maija the Bee" Table Lamp, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
$1,774Sale Price|35% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Wenge Wood Coffee Table, Mid-Century, 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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Stool, Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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 Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Wooden Domus Armchair, Green Faux Leather, Finland 1950's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Den Haag, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Armchair, Finland 1950's Early edition with it's original green faux leather upholstery.
Faux Leather, 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
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
$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 White & Rattan Floor Lamp Maya the Bee, 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 design...
Aluminum, Brass
Midcentury Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Partly renovated, refreshed. jr
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
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
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 Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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
$3,468Sale 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
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
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 Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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 for ASKO – Pair of Original “Pirkka” Stools, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A beautifully preserved and highly collectible pair of original Pirkka stools designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by ASKO, Finland, circa 1959–1965. These are early, authentic...
Birch
Mademoiselle Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s. Iconic mademoiselle chair painted white but aged. Tagged. Made in Sweden
Birch
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
Paire de tabourets Pirkka par Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
Set of Two "Pirkka" Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
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
“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
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
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
$4,900 / set
Ilmari Tapiovaara Cast Iron and Oak Stools
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A really special set of four solid cast iron and oak stools by the Scandinavian master Ilmari Tapiovaara ca. 1965. These stools are incredibly well built and heavy. Thick oak sol...
Iron
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
$4,898Sale 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
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
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 "Maija the Bee" Floor Lamp by Hienoteras 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 Hienoteras in Finland.
Brass, Steel
Pair of Crinolette Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1962
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of black painted birch 'Crinolette' lounge chairs with bent wood spokes tenon-joined to the solid bent back rest, maintaining original 'Asko Export' stickers.
Birch
Set of 6 Scandinavian Solid Beechwood Chairs from the 60's Ilmari Tapiovaara, G
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of 6 Scandinavian vintage chairs by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara dating from the 60s. Beechwood structure, backs and seats have been painted black (original paint). Very ni...
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
“Domino” coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s Finland.
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Landgraaf, NL
“Domino” coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s Finland. Designed in 1954. Birch wood Black cross-legged base and teak rectangular top. One honist repair at a corner. Beau...
Birch, Teak
ASKO Dining Chair Scandinavian Pine Ilmari Tapiovaara, Set of 4
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Munich, Bavaria
ASKO Dining Chair design by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Scandinavian pine wood. Great dining chairs in a solid wood frame - Clear dfinnish design. Height 78 cm Width 45 cm Depth 44 cm Seat ...
Pine
C. 1949 Set of Four Knoll Domus Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara with Fabric
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a set of four Domus Chairs, Model 141, initially designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1946. These chairs were manufactured in Finland by Keravan Puuteollisuus, and distributed in...
Fabric, Birch, Oak
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
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
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