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 'Domino' Coffee Table in Teak
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 'Domino' coffee table, teak, birch, Finland, 1954. This Finnish coffee table is designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. The table features a solid rectangular tab...
Birch, Teak
$4,484Sale Price|20% Off
Dining table Ilmari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Milano, IT
Il tavolo è nelle condizioni perfette.In the quiet embrace of the 1950s, Ilmari Tapiovaara created a dining table that has since become a timeless masterpiece: a symphony of wood tha...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Desk or Table for Laukaan Puu
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Miami, FL
Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu. Works also well as desk. The table is signed.
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo Coffee Table in Pine
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ilmari Tapiovaara for Lukkiseppo, coffee table, leather, pine, brass, rope, Finland, design 1958, made 1959 We present the "Chaco" coffee table, meticulously designed by the eminen...
Pine
Nordic Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Fanett Teak & Black Dining Table, Asko, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A very elegant nordic modern expandable dining table in teak and black stained birch. The table is designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Asko in Finland in the 1950s. Amo...
Birch, Teak
X-Leg Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland, 1950s
By Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Karis, Nyland
A classic example of Ilmari Tapiovaara’s functional Nordic design language, this X-leg table was produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy in the 1950s. The table features Tapiovaara’s ch...
Birch
Ilmari Tapiovaara, Bar Cart, Birch, Finland, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in High Point, NC
A birch bar cart or serving cart designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and produced by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland, c. 1940s. Dry crack to joinery near wooden castor as illustrated. T...
Wood, Birch
Rare ''Pirkka'' design dining room set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu 1955
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Experience the timeless elegance of mid-century modern design with the Pirkka dining room set by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, created in 1955. This exquisite set embodies the perfect blend of form and function, making it a standout addition to any dining space. The set consits of the large Pirkka table and 6 Pirkka chairs all marked. Ilmari Tapiovaara, a celebrated Finnish designer, is renowned for his innovative approach and dedication to craftsmanship. The Pirkka set showcases his genius with its clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and impeccable balance of practicality and beauty. Crafted from high-quality materials, the set features a combination of solid pine and birch, offering a warm, natural finish that highlights the wood’s rich grain and texture. The design’s simplicity and robustness ensure durability, making it a lasting centerpiece for your dining area. The Pirkka set includes the large model dining table and 6 matching chairs...
Wood
Table set designed by IIlmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Delft, NL
Pinewood "Hongisto" Table set designed by IIlmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s A lovely dining set table from the “Hongisto” series by Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured b...
Pine
Ilmari Tapiovaara Rectangular Extendable Dining Table in Wood 1970s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Cascina, Pisa
Extendable dining table in wood designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the 1970s. This rare table presents a rectangular top with elegant rounded edges. The table top fits to the base wi...
Wood
Vintage serving cart by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Cool serving trolley by Ilmari Tapiovaara, made from birch. Small wheels, sled legs. Table top lacquered lipstick red.
Birch
Scandinavian Dining Room Set by Ilmari Tapiovaara 1950s Swedish Design F274
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Beautiful Scandinavian dining room set by Finnish designer Ilmani Tapiovaara from the 1950s for Laukaan Puu. It is composed of a dining table and four chairs model "Pikka". The struc...
Pine
$2,709Sale Price|20% Off
Ilmari Tapiovaara Ovalette Coffee Table, Mid-Century Modern, 1959
By Artek, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in bari, IT
Vintage coffee table model ovalette by Ilmari Tapiovaara per Artek 1958.
Wood
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.
Pine
Model Domus Dining Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model Domus dining table, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Birch. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara was one of the most important F...
Birch
Pirkka Coffee Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in New York, NY
Solid pine "Pirkka" coffee table with lacquered black legs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara Produced by Laukaan Puu Finland, 1957.
Pine
Dining table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Permanent di Cantù - 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Uccle, Bruxelles
Magnificent teak table designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Permanent di Cantù in the 1960s. This table features a rectangular teak top resting on two highly designer legs that make th...
Teak
Sculptural Pirkka Dining Table, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu, Finland 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Helsinki, FI
This sculptural Mid-century design table from the Pirkka series was designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara in the mid-1950s and produced by Laukaan Puu and later by Asko. It quickly became a ...
Pine
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...
Wood
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.
Pine
Mid-Century Early Pirkka Dining Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, 60s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Formerly original Pirkka dining table by Laukaan Puu after a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. An original tapiovaara from the time and no current replica. The design comb...
Wood
Mid-Century Pirkka Couch Table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Laukaan Puu, 1960s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Hamburg, DE
Original Pirkka coffee table by Laukaan Puu according to a design by Ilmari Tapiovaara from the 1950s. This coffee table version of the Pirkka is very rare and hardly to be found. A...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Round Walnut Teak Wood Coffee Table, circa 1960
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Vienna, AT
Wenge wood table with, France, circa 1960. Mid-century table from walnut and teak. It's composed of a cross shaped base with five a-symmetrical feet. Beautifully designed with a d...
Teak, Walnut
Ilmari Tapiovaara Easily Dismantlable X-leg Red Linoleum Table, 1940s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
An early and unusual x-leg table by Tapiovaara that rare especially with this colour linoleum. The table is in good vintage condition with beautiful patina. Also, this table can be easily dismanteled. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara...
Birch, Laminate
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka Dining Table for Laukaan Puu, circa 1950s
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in London, GB
A fantastic ‘Pirkka’ dining table by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara, produced by Laukaan Puu, circa 1950s. This classic Scandinavian table features a stained pine top set on an a...
Wood, Pine
Teak Desk by Ilmari Tapiovaara, around 1960
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Berlin, DE
Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999), a Finnish interior architect and designer, designed this desk around 1960 for ‘La Permanente di Cantú’. Made from solid teak with brass details. The de...
Brass
Ilmari Tapiovaara KP70 Birch Writing Desk for Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
An original KP70 writing desk designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Keravan Puuteollisuus Oy, Finland, circa 1950s. A celebrated example of Finnish Scandinavian Modern de...
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara's “Pirkka” Table and Chair set for Laukaan Puu
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in LYON, FR
Ilmari Tapiovaara Pirkka edition Laukaan Puu dining set Table and 4 chairs from the late 1950s by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara. Pirkka model for the manufacturer Laakan Puu. ...
Pine
1950's, Set of Table Red Brown Table Top and Four Pirkka Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Laukaan Puu, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Pirkka table. The table has a beautiful wooden top. The table shows some traces of wear like a slightly lighter spot, a tiny damage of 5 mm and some loss of black paint of the legs. ...
Wood
“Domino” coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s Finland.
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Landgraaf, NL
“Domino” coffee table by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko, 1950s Finland. Designed in 1954. Birch wood Black cross-legged base and teak rectangular top. One honist repair at a corner. Beau...
Birch, Teak