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.
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Leather, Wood
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
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
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
$446Sale 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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Hongisto Pine Chair for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Lisboa, PT
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu in the 1960s, the Hongisto chair embodies the Finnish master’s dedication to honest materials and democratic design. Constructed from so...
Pine
Mademoiselle mid century easy chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Edsbyverken, Sweden
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
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
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
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
$18,222Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Mid Century Modern Folding Chair Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Olivo Italy 70s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Lucija, SI
Mid Century Modern Folding chair designed by Ilmari Taipovaara in the 60s. This chair was produce by Olivo Italy in the 70s
Canvas, Birch
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 ...
Wood
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
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Eight Dining Chairs by Permanente Mobili Cantù 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
$865Sale 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
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara “Oppilastuoli” Armchair, Keravan Puuteollisuus, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Akaa, FI
A very rare “Oppilastuoli” armchair designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Keravan Puuteollisuus in Finland in the 1950s. The chair combines a warm birch frame with a sha...
Birch, Plywood
$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 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
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
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
Rare Ilmari Tapiovaara Congo Lounge Chair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Hagafors Stolfabrik 1
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...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu Set of Four 'Pirkka' Chairs
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
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
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
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
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 Crinolette Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1962
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
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
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...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Set of 6 Leather Dining Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù, 1970s
Leather, Wood
$4,327 / set
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 21.66 in
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 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
$2,505
H 12.6 in W 16.93 in D 11.03 in
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
1950s Ilmari Lappalainen 'Laila' Lounge Chair for Asko Finland
By Ilmari Lappalainen, Asko
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
A beautiful Finnish lounge chair from the 1950s, designed by Ilmari Lappalainen for Asko. This elegant model, known as the “Laila” chair, is a fine example of post-war Scandinavian d...
Velvet, Beech
$2,961Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 31.5 in
Lounge Chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi, Italy 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Oirlo, LI
This lounge chair by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Paolo Arnaboldi was a commission of La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy 1957. This design premiered at the 'Seconda Mostra Selettiva e Conc...
Leather, Wood
$12,000
H 31 in W 22.8 in D 21.3 in
Set of Six Domus Chair By Ilmari Tapiovaara for Keravan Puuteollisuus for Knoll
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Knoll, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
Known as “The Finn Chair” Domus Chairs, Model 141, initially designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in 1946. These chairs were manufactured in Finland by Keravan Puuteollisuus, and distribute...
Cowhide, Birch
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
$3,644
H 30.71 in W 16.54 in D 17.72 in
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
$1,190Sale Price / set|22% Off
H 32.29 in W 17.72 in D 19.3 in
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
Pirkka Stool by Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Kiiminki, FI
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka stool, manufactured by Laukaan Puu, Finland, 1950s. Pine seat, wood legs. This stool is a rarer model where the seat and legs are wood-colored, not painted.
Pine
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' Chairs
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Ilmari Tapiovaara 'Lulu' chairs.
Brass
$2,505 / set
H 29.53 in W 14.97 in D 15.36 in
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
$785 / set
H 33.86 in W 17.33 in D 16.54 in
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 Pirkka Bar Stool for Laukaan Puu, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu in the 1950s, the Pirkka bar stool is one of his most recognized works. The sculptural saddle seat is shaped to follow the body's natura...
Wood, Lacquer
$2,124Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 25.99 in
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 Set of Eight Dining Chairs in Cognac Leather
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, darkened beech and patinated cognac leather, Finland, 1950s. These robust chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara feature a geometric frame for...
Leather, Beech
Sold
H 30.32 in W 22.45 in D 19.69 in
Scandinavian Modern Set of Four Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model Domus chairs, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Rare teak and birch frame. Refinished frame. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs a...
Birch, 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
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
Pair of Scandinavian Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Brescia, IT
Fanett chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Edsby Verken in the 1960s, in beech and shaped teak. Pair of Fanett model chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produc...
Beech, Teak
Set of 4 Scandinavian Fanett chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
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
Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara model Fanett white
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Edsby-verken
Located in Brescia, IT
Scandinavian 1960s dining chairs with white frame and natural wood seat, by Illmari Tapiovaara for Edsbyverken with original stamp. Set of four Scandinavian chairs model Fanett, des...
Beech
Midcentury Stuhl Ilmari Tapiovaara Vintage danish design Teak
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Esszimmerstuhl aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ilmari Tapiovaara und gilt heute als wahrer Designklassiker. Eine H...
Teak
Original Midcentury Stuhl Asko Finnland Ilmari Tapiovaara Teak
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Vintage Esszimmerstuhl von Asko Finnland aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ilmari Tapiovaara, gilt heute als wahrer Designkl...
Teak
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
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
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
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
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 "Domus" Armchair
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Forest, BE
The frame is made from solid birch. Back and seating from laminated plywood covered with patinated original leather. Tapiovaara designed this chair with the idea of creating a comfor...
Leather, Wood