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.
20th Century, Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Six Wooden Chairs, 1960s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Turin, Turin
Finnish Ilmari Tapiovaara, was one of the greatest designers of the twentieth century, a leading exponent of post-war Scandinavian design. Gifted with extraordinary talent, he became...
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Easily Dismantlable X-leg Red Linoleum Table, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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
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, 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
Model Domus Chair, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Domus chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Birch. The chair is refinished. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara wa...
Birch
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 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
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
Paire de chaises scandinaves vintage Fanett par Ilmari Tapiovaara en teck
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in BESANÇON, FR
Suite de 2 chaises vintage des années 50 60, modèle suédois Fanett par Ilmari Tapiovaara, assises en teck, dossier à 7 barreaux et pieds compas en bois noir entièrement repeints, trè...
Teak
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
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
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
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 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
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
“Maija Mehiläinen” Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland 1955
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Model Lukki Stool for Artek Celebration Model, 2015
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
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
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
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Fourtheen Dining Chairs, Permanente Furniture Cantù 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
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
Teak Desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara, around 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
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
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pine Seat, Black Legs, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Berlin, DE
Pirkka stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Features a sculpted pine seat with signature central split and black lacquered birch legs. Branded stamps on the underside confirm ...
Pine
Set of 7 'Fanett' Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 7 'Fanett' dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken.
Wood
$9,750 / set
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Brass
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
Set of Tapiovaara dining chairs by La Permanente Cantù
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in RIDDERKERK, NL
This dining chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Cantù in the 1970s, is a beautiful example of the collaboration between Scandinavian design and Italian craftsmansh...
Leather, Wood
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
Mademoiselle lounge chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara by Asko, Finland 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ranst, VAN
An early 'Mademoiselle' lounge chair, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and made by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. Black edition in very good condition. Dimensions: W: 56 cm D: 63 cm H: ...
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 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
$1,314 / item
Maija 15 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara for ASKO – Pair of Original “Pirkka” Stools, Finland
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
$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 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
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
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
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
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
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
$4,922Sale 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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara, `Pirkka` Stools 4 Pieces, 1970s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Four stools, model Pirkka designed by Imari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1970s. Dining set also available, 4 pieces. See last two pictures.
Wood
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
Maija Table Lamp by Ilmari Tapiovaraa for Santa & Cole
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Santa & Cole
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Maija table lamp originally designed in 1955 by Ilmari Tapiovaraa in Finland. Current re-edition manufactured by Santa & Cole in Spain. 4-8 weeks lead time. Metallic lampshade...
Brass, Metal