Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Finnish, 1914-1999
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.
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Period: 20th Century
Creator: Ilmari Tapiovaara
Set of Three Domus Armchairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Antwerp, BE
Set of three wooden chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced in 1953 by Keravan Puuteollisuus of Finland for U.S. distribution by Knoll.
The seat is re-upholstered in camel...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù Bookcase in Teak
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Waalwijk, NL
IImari Tapiovaara for Permanente Mobili Cantù, bookcase, teak, lacquered wood, Italy, circa 1957
This grand bookcase executed in teak is designed by the Finnish designer Ilmari Tapi...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Midcentury Coffe Table 50's
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in bari, IT
Vintage coffee table model ovalette by Ilmari Tapiovaara per Artek 1958.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Domino' Coffee Table
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 'Domino' coffee table, birch, Finland, 1953.
This Finnish coffee table is designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The table features a solid rectangular tabletop ...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk or Table for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Miami, FL
Stained pine desk or table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara "Pikku-Pikku" Floor Lamp for Hienoteräs, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Utrecht, NL
“Pikku Pikku”, or “the tiny one”, is a Finnish mid-century classic. From teaching design at the Illinois Institute of Technology, to working in Paraguay an...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
“Domino” Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Finland
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Landgraaf, NL
“Domino” coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Finland. Designed in 1954. Black cross-legged base and teak rectangular top. One honist repair at a co...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Teak
Pair of Large ‘Tale’ Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Rare early pair of 'Tale' stools by by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland circa 1953. Exceptional (and surprisingly) large stools in a fantastic 'freeform'. The stools are made of a...
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
Teak Dining Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Cantù, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Rovereta, SM
Teak dining table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Cantù, 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Teak
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.
Category
1950s Albanian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Metal, Brass
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Pair of Red Midcentury Lounge Chairs Model “2468” Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood, Wool
Ilmari Tapiovaara, "Tale" Stools, Painted Birch, Plywood, Finland, 1953
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black painted birch and plywood "Tale" stools designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Eero, Finland, 1953.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Birch, Plywood
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Oak
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pair of "Pirkka", Lacquered and Solid Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of early production modernist "Pirkka" stools. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s.
With manufacturers stamp. In finely sculpted organ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
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.
Category
1970s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
Mademoiselle Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for Artek
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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...
Category
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1950s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
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.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
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/ ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Copper
Rocking Chair Tapiovaara Model Fanett Scandinavian, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Lyon, FR
Finland rocking chair by Tapiovaara
Model Fanett, 1960s.
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Scandinavian Low Modern Coffee Table, Teak and Oakwood, 1959
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A low Mid-Century Modern coffee table designed in 1959 by Finnish architect and designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Swedish company Edsbyverken. Teak top mounted on an oak base. Original ...
Category
1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Oak, Teak
Tapiovaara "High Back Lounge Chair" for Domus Academy 1948 Signed Keravan Puuteo
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in London, GB
Surprisingly comfortable.
The Tapiovaara's couple produced this leather and plywood armchair in 1948 for the Domus Academy Student complex in Helsinki in Finland.
It was produced by...
Category
1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather, Plywood
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.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass, Steel
Set of Four Swivel Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Set of four swivel dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Hob nailed patinated steel base supports fully leather upholstered swivel chair seat. Perfect...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Steel
Single Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan High Back Pine Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Solid pine high back dining chair by IImari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960's. In good original condition, wear consistent its with age and use.
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Set of 6 Ilmari Tapiovaara Pine High Back Pine Chairs for Laukaan
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice set of 6 pine high back dining chairs by IImari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960's. In good original condition, with nice golden patina and wear that is consistent with ...
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Twelve Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Montecatini Terme, IT
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...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Leather, Wood
Set of 6 'Fanett' Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Set of 6 'Fanett' dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken, 1960s.
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
Midcentury Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Praha, CZ
- Comfortable
- Rare model.
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Wood
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Category
1960s Finnish Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass
Set of Four Rare Tapiovaara Chairs from The Marski Hotel
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, GB
Four chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for his Marski hotel in central Helsinki. Only ever made for the hotel, this "Lulu" chair and the larger "Dumbo" chair a...
Category
20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Materials
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 164 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 10 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ilmari Tapiovaara were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Yrjö Kukkapuro, Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs, and Artek. Prices for Ilmari Tapiovaara furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $384 and can go as high as $91,647, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,136.
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Ilmari Tapiovaara Stools
Ilmari Tapiovaara Rocking Chairs
Ilmari Tapiovaara Floor Lamps
Ilmari Tapiovaara Dining Room Tables
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