Paavo Tynell

Finnish, 1890-1973

Paavo Tynell was an industrial designer, known as the great pioneer of Finnish lighting design and fondly dubbed “the man who illuminated Finland.” Tynell was one of the founders and chief designers of Taito Oy — the first industrial producer of lamps and other lighting fixtures in Finland. With the innovation of electricity in the beginning of the 20th century, Taito Oy and Tynell expanded the thinking and manufacturing of modern lighting solutions in Europe and abroad.

Tynell rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s, during which he collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish architects, Alvar Aalto being the most notable one. Working to incorporate artificial lighting into modern environments, Tynell’s company Taito Oy produced fixtures for all of Aalto’s major projects including the Paimio Sanatorium and the Viipuri Library.

Tynell was especially praised for his involvement with the Finland House, a design atelier in New York that showcased the work of Finnish designers and craftspeople. His elegant brass designs became an instant success in North America, and he began creating lighting designs for the prestigious American company Lightolier.

A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were derivative of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of perforated and polished brass. Marked by delicacy and softness, his most famous forms in lighting echo the structures of nature; he adroitly created sculptural shapes reminiscent of the branches of trees, swirling snowflakes and seashells.

Find antique Paavo Tynell chandeliers and pendants, floor lamps and other lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Side Gallery)

Average Sold Price

$6,296

Styles

Materials

Related Creators

Iconic Designs from Paavo Tynell

Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

Task Lamp Model 9227

Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

$10,000

H 27 in W 22 in D 22 in

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

By Lightolier, Paavo Tynell, Gerald Thurston

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model 1076 in Brass & Rattan, Idman 1950s

$6,750

H 9.85 in Dm 24.41 in

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Model 1076 in Brass & Rattan, Idman 1950s

By Paavo Tynell, Idman

Located in Helsinki, FI

An atmospheric ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Idman in Finland during the 1950s. The lamp features a renewed rattan, wood-slatted shade that softens the li...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paavo Tynell, rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, Taito Oy Finland

$31,341

H 17.13 in Dm 10.44 in

Paavo Tynell, rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, Taito Oy Finland

By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell

Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi

Discover the timeless elegance of the Paavo Tynell rare 1940s brass table lamp 9208, crafted by Taito Oy, Finland. This iconic piece exemplifies Scandinavian Vintage Design, blending...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light, Brass & Frosted Glass Starry Sky, Idman Oy, 1951

$7,500 / item

H 9.5 in W 9.46 in D 9.46 in

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Light, Brass & Frosted Glass Starry Sky, Idman Oy, 1951

By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy

Located in Vienna, AT

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount "Starry Sky" 9068 for Idman Oy, 1950-1960 3 pieces available, priced individually Starry-sky ceiling light by Paavo Tynell for Idman. Brass, painted & perfor...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Iron

Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Glass Model no. 1017, Taito 1950s

$12,030

H 38.19 in Dm 19.69 in

Paavo Tynell Chandelier in Brass & Glass Model no. 1017, Taito 1950s

By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy

Located in Helsinki, FI

A refined Scandinavian Modern ceiling lamp designed by Paavo Tynell and manufactured by Taito in Finland during the late 1940s early 1950s. The lamp features a large, softly rounded...

Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White

$6,900

H 9 in W 9.5 in D 9.5 in

Paavo Tynell Flush Mount Mid Century Modern Ceiling Light Chandelier Brass White

By Paavo Tynell

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A vintage ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell and produced in the early 60's. Hard to find smaller size here in the States. Very good overall condition. Most likely re-lacquered a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s

$8,317 / set

H 11.23 in W 4.93 in D 6.5 in

Pair of Model 9447 Wall Light by Paavo Tynell for Oy Taito Ab, 1950s

By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy

Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa

Pair of Model 9447 wall light, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Oy Taito Ab, 1950s. Brass frame, opaline glass shade. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent...

Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Pair of Paavo Tynell 1940s “Umbrella” model 5061, Taito Oy, Finland

$42,190 / set

H 15.75 in W 14.18 in D 14.18 in

Pair of Paavo Tynell 1940s “Umbrella” model 5061, Taito Oy, Finland

By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy

Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi

Discover the timeless elegance of the 1940s with the Paavo Tynell “Umbrella” model 5061 from Taito Oy, Finland. This rare pair of iconic lamps features exquisitely perforated lampsha...

Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Browse all Furniture from Paavo Tynell

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Paavo Tynell Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Material

Creation Year

2026	$4,348	Chandeliers and Pendants	Glass, Brass	1930s
2026	$1,800	Table Lamps, More Lighting	Rattan, Metal, Brass	Contemporary
2026	$4,892	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Fabric	1950-1959
2026	$2,800	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Opaline Glass	1960s
2026	$3,184	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Birch, Blown Glass	1930s
2026	$7,106	Table Lamps	Fabric, Brass	1940
2026	$3,509	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Bamboo, Fabric	Contemporary
2026	$15,368	Chandeliers and Pendants	Glass, Brass	1950s
2026	$4,749	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Opaline Glass	1940s
2026	$1,600	Wall Lights and Sconces	Metal, Milk Glass, Chrome	circa 1930
2026	$16,036	Chandeliers and Pendants	Metal, Glass, Brass	1950s
2026	$2,695	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Glass	Circa 1950s
2026	$3,232	Chandeliers and Pendants	Metal, Blown Glass	1940s
2026	$8,349	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Opaline Glass	1955
2026	$5,700	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Opaline Glass, Cord	1940
2026	$8,000	Chandeliers and Pendants, Flush Mount	Steel	1960
2026	$20,000	Wall Lights and Sconces	Brass, Bentwood	1945
2026	$13,568	Wall Lights and Sconces	Metal, Brass, Blown Glass	1950s
2026	$21,500	Chandeliers and Pendants	Brass, Blown Glass	c.1948
2026	$4,264	Table Lamps	Nickel, Metal	1920s

$6,296

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$1-$74,928

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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More Paavo Tynell Designs

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

Average Price

$32,935

Number Available

Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Metal, Natural Fiber, Rattan, Cane, Wicker

Styles

Mid Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern

Shop All

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

Average Price

$13,742

Number Available

Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Metal, Brass, Glass, Wood

Styles

Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern

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Task Lamp Model 9227

Average Price

$9,097

Number Available

Task Lamp Model 9227

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Metal, Aluminum

Styles

Scandinavian Modern

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Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

Average Price

$29,056

Number Available

Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029

By Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass, Glass, Metal

Styles

Scandinavian Modern

Shop All

This 1950s Paavo Tynell Chandelier Got a Glow-Up

Commissioned for the lakeside villa of a Finnish industrialist, it illuminated visits with dignitaries.

This Paavo Tynell Chandelier Is a Radiant Bouquet

The alluring pendant light exemplifies the designer’s winsome mid-career work.

Paavo Tynell’s Snowflake Chandelier Warms Up Any Room

This circa 1950 piece by the legendary Finnish lighting designer spent the past several decades in a family's home in Michigan.

Paavo Tynell furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Paavo Tynell furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Paavo Tynell furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 357 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 33 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Paavo Tynell were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Lisa Johansson-Pape, Stockmann-Orno , and Yki Nummi. Prices for Paavo Tynell furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $499 and can go as high as $355,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $10,807.