Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
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.
to
10
73
27
98
2
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
63
21
10
18
8
9
3
6
3
3
2
3
49
38
2
1
98
3
79
13
4
40
18
12
1
93
26
20
19
18
92
71
12
6
5
101
100
100
115
1,452
1,246
1,116
1,079
Creator: Ilmari Tapiovaara
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.
Three available sold separately.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Pine
Mid-Century Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Uccle, BE
Mid-Century Rocking Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1960s
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
Early Mademoiselle lounge chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in PRAHA 5, CZ
Iconic lounge chairs designed by renowned Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1956 for the esteemed furniture company Asko Finland. These chairs exemplify the clean lines and timel...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Birch
$2,366 Sale Price / set
20% Off
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: 16.625” H x 17.125” W x 14” D
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Pine
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...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood, Paint
Ilmari Tapiovaara, ‘Pirkka’ Stools, 1955
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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.
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Pine
$1,300 / item
Pirkka stool Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek 1950
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Torino, IT
Pirkka stool Ilmari Tapiovaara for Artek 1950
Category
1950s Finnish Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Birch
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Beech, Teak
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"
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Pine
A pair of "Wilhelmina" chairs - Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A pair of "Wilhelmina" chairs designed by Finnish designer llmari Tapiovaara for Laukkanpuu in the 1950's. The chairs are made of laminated birch and black lacquered laminated plywoo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Birch, Plywood
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...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Steel
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Stool for Laukaan Puu, 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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 Seating
Materials
Oak
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
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
Midcentury Rocking Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finland, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Praha, CZ
- Good original condition.
- Partly renovated, refreshed.
jr
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
Iconic Fannett Side Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Evanston, IL
This striking Fannett chair is a classic piece of modern design blending clean lines with organic form.
It's sleek frame with minimalist structure makes it both elegant and functi...
Category
1950s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Beech
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Dining Chairs
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Birch, Teak
$1,190 Sale Price / set
22% Off
Set of four 'Tapiolina' chairs by I. Tapiovaara for Fratelli Montina, 1970/80s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Greding, DE
Set of four dining chairs made of solid ash, designed by Illmari Tapiovaara (Finland, 1914-1999) for Fratelli Montina.
Tapiovaara was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland in 1914. He was a ...
Category
1970s Italian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Ash
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Teak
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Almelo, NL
Black "Mademoiselle" Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, Finland, 1960
These lounge chairs were designed by the renowned Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara for the esteemed furnit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Beech
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
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Birch
Set of Three "Pirkka" Stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek, Finland, 1950s
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set of three stools by Ilmari Tapiovaara, from the furniture line “Pirkka”. Cool, rounded design with pine seats and black lacquered legs.
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
$5,531 Sale Price / set
39% Off
Set of Two "Pirkka" Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 6 Fanett Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1949
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Roma, IT
Fanett dining chairs is a mid-century set chairs manufactured in 1949 by Ilmari Tapiovaara.
Set of 6 wooden chairs, teak seat, feet and back ...
Category
1940s Finnish Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
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 Seating
Materials
Pine
$15,000 / set
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Brass
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!.
Category
1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Prototype Congo Folding Chair Finland 1954
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Camden, ME
Congo folding chair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1954 manufactured by Lukkiseppo Ltd. in Finland.
This prototype of the Congo chair comes from the estate of Ilmari Tapiovaara.
...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Metal, Steel
$7,200 Sale Price
20% Off
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...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
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...
Category
1940s American Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Fabric, Birch, Oak
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chair
By Hagafors Stolfabrik 1, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Hagafors, Sweden. Solid wood construction with black lacquer. Newley upholstered in blue leather.
Two part knock down construction. Ne...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of 7 'Fanett' Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsby Verken
By Edsby-verken, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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 Seating
Materials
Wood
Tapiovaara "High Back Lounge Chair" for Domus Academy 1948 Signed Keravan Puuteo
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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 Seating
Materials
Leather, Plywood
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara Colette Chairs
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cambridge, US
Finland, ca. 1950s. A rare pair of Colette lounge chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko. Each features a streamlined birch frame with cantilevered arms and flared legs. Back and seat ...
Category
1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Nylon, Birch
$7,500 / set
Ilmari Tapiovaara Crinolette Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Toronto, Ontario
An exceptional iconic chair designed by Finnish Master Ilmari Tapiovaara.
A rare example of Scandinavian design. Less than 5000 of these chairs were ever created.
Winner of the Ame...
Category
1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Ilmari Tapiovaara Seating
Materials
Wood
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 Seating
Materials
Wool, 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 Seating
Materials
Brass
Price Upon Request
Ilmari Tapiovaara seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Ilmari Tapiovaara seating 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 seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 102 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 1 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Ilmari Tapiovaara were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Yrjö Kukkapuro, Tapio Wirkkala, and Artek. Prices for Ilmari Tapiovaara seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $384 and can go as high as $26,700, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,625.
Creators Similar to Ilmari Tapiovaara
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ilmari Tapiovaara Furniture
Ilmari Tapiovaara Tables
Ilmari Tapiovaara Lighting
Ilmari Tapiovaara Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Ilmari Tapiovaara Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Ilmari Tapiovaara Floor Lamps
Ilmari Tapiovaara Dining Room Tables
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcases
Ilmari Tapiovaara Dining Room Sets
Ilmari Tapiovaara Table Lamps
Ilmari Tapiovaara Tables
Ilmari Tapiovaara Chandeliers and Pendants
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desks and Writing Tables