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.
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
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
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
lmari Tapiovaara Set of Ten Dining Chairs by Permanente Furniture Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of 10 dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. A rare and elegant ensemble that beautifully combines the essential lan...
Leather, Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Twelve Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Set of 12 dining chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by La Permanente Mobili Cantù in the 1950s. An exceptional and rare large set that perfectly embodies the balance b...
Leather, Wood
$655Sale Price / set|20% Off
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, "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
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
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
$2,140Sale Price|20% Off
Original 1960s Crinolette Chair Designed in 1962 by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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, 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
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
$854Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition. - Partly renovated, refreshed. jr
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 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 Set of Ten 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
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, 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
$2,950Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Fourtheen Dining Chairs, Permanente Furniture Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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 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
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pair of "Pirkka", Lacquered and Solid Pine, Finland, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of organic pine "Pirkka" stools. Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, and produced by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. With manufacturers stamp. Stools present with moderate areas of w...
Pine
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
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
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
Pair of Scandinavian beech and mahogany chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brescia, IT
Late 1950s Scandinavian chairs, inspired by Tapiovaara's Fanett model, with mahogany seat and beech frame. Pair of vintage Scandinavian chairs dating from the late 1950s, inspired b...
Beech, Mahogany
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Pine Seat, Black Legs, 1960s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
C. 1949 Set of Four Knoll Domus Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara with Fabric
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
$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
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
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
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Black Teak Rocking Chair Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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 Crinolette Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1962
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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 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
$4,964Sale 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 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
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
$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
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
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 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
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
ASKO Dining Chair Scandinavian Pine Ilmari Tapiovaara, Set of 4
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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 Four "Pirkka" Dining Chairs for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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
$2,731 / set
1950S, Set of Four Prikka Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Four Pirkka chairs with seats of birch wood. The chairs show some traces of use and they diver slightly in dimensions. The chair on the first five pictures has a spot of white pai...
Wood