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.
$2,220 / set
Dining Chairs By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Gloucester, GB
Dining Chairs By Ilmari Tapiovaara Circa 1960s - Price is for the set of 6 - Black frames with teak seats - Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara - Produced by Asko - Finnish ~ 1960s - 43cm...
Beech, Teak
Set of Four Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model Domus chairs, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Birch. The chairs are refinished. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. The chairs a...
Birch
Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko 1960s Finland
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Debrecen, HU
A beautiful Scandinavian Modern rocking chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland during the 1960s. The tall spindle backrest and slender curved armrest...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara, pair of 1950s Wilhelmina chairs, Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of Ilmari Tapiovaara's 1950s Wilhelmina chairs by Laukaan Puu. Crafted with unparalleled Scandinavian craftsmanship, these vintage treasures merge func...
Birch, Plywood
Dining chairs by Ilmari Tapivaara 1970s 1 of 4
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 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
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
Mid Century Modern llmari Lappalainen "Pulkka" Lounge Chair with Ottoman
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous form and comfort. Designed by Lappalainen, circa 1962. Rigid aluminum chair frame has three positions, seat lifts off frame for repositioning. Arms have flexibility, and are covered in leather. Ottoman size 22 W x 20 L x 12 H, and is original. Leather is worn and has some tears. Needs Restoration
Aluminum
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
Mid century Chrome Black leather 3 seat bench by Ilmari Tapiovaara Finland
By Stendig Co., Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid Century Chrome Black leather 3 seat Bench Early production by Designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for Stendig furniture chrome bench with original label. Made in Finland. Located in Brook...
Chrome
Mademoiselle mid century easy chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsbyverken, Sweden
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Forserum, SE
Mademoiselle easy chair designed by renowned Finnish architect Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsbyverken, Sweden, 1956. This striking piece features solid beech dowels and a contoured plywoo...
Beech, Plywood
Rocking Chair by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Wooden and wicker rocker designed by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard.
Wicker, Wood
$1,300 / item
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Stools, 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
Mademoiselle Lounge Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for ASKO 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hannover, DE
Lounge chair by finnish star designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for the manufacturer ASKO. Model name: Mademoiselle firstly designed in 1956.
Birch
Mid-Century Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Pirkka Stool from Laukaan Puu after a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. This is an original Tapiovaara … Read more Original Pirkka Stool from Laukaan Puu after a d...
Wood
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka chairs, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
$885Sale 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
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
Mid-Century Early Aslak Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
An early version of the Aslak Chair from the Finnish manufacturer Asko after a draft by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the late 50s. The chair was reissued by Artek in 2020. A functional de...
Wood
Finnish Design Pirrka Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in Renens, CH
Pirrka Series stool in pine produced by Artek, Finland. Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914) was a Finnish interior and design furniture, during his long career that started with designing furniture at Asko for the Finnish Army, he has worked together with several of the known designers of his age such as Alvar Alto and Le Corbusier. Tapiovaara is considered one of the Nordic countries’ most influential designers, on par with Hans Wegner, Finn Juhl, Arne Jacobsen and Alvar Aalto. Materials: Pine Origination: Finland, 2000s. Most stools are labelled "Artek". Condition: Good, note that all stools...
Pine
Vintage ‘Tale’ Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Tale stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland. Stool was designed around 1953. This was part of a short run of reiditions produced around 2000. Nice fr...
Birch
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
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
Suite de 8 chaises scandinaves vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara pour Asko en pin
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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 Set of Twelve Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
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
$1,281Sale Price|20% Off
Scandinavian Fannet Spindle Chairs by Tapiovaara w/ Curved Teak Seats 60s - 4pcs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Basel, BS
Set of four Fannet dining chairs designed in the 1960s by the Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara. These feature the RARE curved seated in teak and 7 spindles. Beautiful design. The ...
Birch, Teak
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, "Domus" Lounge Chair, Plywood, Finland, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A moulded plywood "Domus" lounge chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus, Finland, 1940s. Seat Height (inches): 12" Arm Height (inches): 21.63" A...
Plywood
$1,198 / item
Model Aslak Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Aslak chairs, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Asko, 1960s. Six pieces in total, sold separately. Birch frame, red faux leather seats. Good vintage condition, pat...
Faux Leather, Birch
Set of 3 Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko Red Vinyl Upholstered "Caribe" Bar Stools
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Queens, NY
Set of 3 Mid-Century (1950/60s) finished metal and burgundy vinyl upholstered "Caribe" bar stools with low backrest, curved seat, pierced foot support and signature machine textured ...
Metal
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
This classic lounge chair is crafted from molded plywood and attributed to Ilmari Tapiovaara’s iconic "Domus" design. The chair bears no maker’s marks. Please note, the seat has been...
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
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo 'Chaco' Lounge Chair in Cognac Leather
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo, 'Chaco' armchair, leather, pine, brass, rope, Finland, design 1958, made 1959 We present an exquisite lounge chairs known as 'Chaco', meticulously...
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, early-production, modernist "Pirkka" stools. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 16.54"...
Pine
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
Mid-Century Modern Italian Set of 4 Leather D Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian set of 4 cognac leather and dark beech wood dining chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù. The chairs are in really good vintage condi...
Leather, Beech
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
Set of 4 Scandinavian Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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...
Birch
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 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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Three Seat Sofa in Cognac Leather and Teak
By Esposizione Permanente mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Esposizione La Permanente Mobili manufactured by Paolo Arnaboldi, sofa, teak, leather, brass, Italy, 1957. This three-seat sofa is designed by Finnish designer...
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
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
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo 'Chaco' Lounge Chairs Cognac Leather
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo, 'Chaco' armchairs with coffee table, leather, pine, brass, rope, Finland, design 1958 We present these exquisite lounge chairs known as the Chaco c...
Brass
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
Set of Four Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka chairs, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
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
Set of 4 Fanett chairs by Tapiovaara original 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Brescia, IT
Fanett beech chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced by Edsbyverken in 1962. Original mark present. Set consisting of four Fanett model chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara a...
Beech
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
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 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
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
$474Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Scandinavian chair by I.Tapiovaara model Fanett
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in AIGNAN, FR
“Fanett” model chair designed by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1950s. An icon of Scandinavian design, the “Fanett” chair is a timeless piece perfect for a current decora...
Wood
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 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
Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Domus chairs (6 pieces, sold separately), design Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1950s. Birch frame with later reupholstered wool fabric. Good vintage condition, patina consistent ...
Fabric, Wool, Birch
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