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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
$4,005
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
Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602
Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068
Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068
Task Lamp Model 9227
Task Lamp Model 9227
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029
Paavo Tynell, 1950s pair of brass wall sconces model 9414 for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Elevate your home with the timeless elegance of Paavo Tynell's pair of brass wall sconces, model 9414 for Taito Oy. Crafted in exquisite brass, these sconces reflect the hallmark of ...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Large Chandelier by Paavo Tynell , Model K 1-8.
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large Chandelier designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Model K 1-8. Finland, Circa 1950th. Eight opaline glass shades on polished brass with lacquered brass leafs. Stamped "IDMAN"....
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

A pendant by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Paavo Tynell's ceiling light with hand painted glass diffuser by Kyllikki Salmenhaara, manufactured by Taito Oy,Finland. Circa 1940-50´s. 2 Edison sockets. Rewiring available upon r...
Category

1940s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Art Glass

Art Deco Paavo Tynell Pendant 1255 in Brass, Birch & Opaline Glass, Taito 1930s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A beautiful and rare example of Paavo Tynell 1930s lamps. A marvelous piece with dark stained birch, polished and oxidized brass with blown glass shades. The lamp is in its original ...
Category

1930s Finnish Art Deco Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Modern Ceiling Light by Paavo Tynell, Finland, 1950s
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant white lacquered brass ceiling lamp by Paavo Tynell, with a streamlined shade perforated with small holes. The underside of the lamp has a glass shade that covers the light so...
Category

1950s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell Large '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI
By Gubi, Paavo Tynell
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell Large '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI Originally designed by Paavo Tynell, encompassing several variations of a classic 1950s Tynell design, this family of classic ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell ‘1376’ Chandelier for Taito in Brass & Glass, Finland, 1930s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Odense, DK
A refined 1930s ‘1376’ chandelier by Paavo Tynell for Taito, showcasing the early development of his poetic, material-driven design language. The chandelier features a patinated bras...
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Art Deco Paavo Tynell

Materials

Metal, Brass

Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI
By Paavo Tynell, Gubi
Located in Glendale, CA
Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant for GUBI. Originally designed by Paavo Tynell, encompassing several variations of a classic 1950s Tynell design, this family of classic pendants e...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell

Materials

Brass

Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI
Paavo Tynell '1972' Bamboo Pendant Lamp for GUBI
$1,299 / item
H 10.8 in Dm 24.4 in
Browse all Furniture from Paavo Tynell
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Paavo Tynell Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMaterialCreation Year
2025$1,120More Lighting, Chandeliers and PendantsBrass, CanvasContemporary
2025$944Table LampsBrass, RattanContemporary
2025$727Candle SconcesPewterCirca 1930s-40s
2025$972Flush MountBrassContemporary
2025$944Table Lamps, More LightingRattan, Metal, BrassContemporary
2025$2,160Flush MountBrassContemporary
2025$3,053Flush MountBrass, FabricCirca 1950s
2025$4,318Floor LampsBrass, WickerContemporary
2025$972Flush MountBrassContemporary
2025$19,800Chandeliers and PendantsBrass, Opaline Glass1935
2025$1,169More Lighting, Chandeliers and PendantsBrass, CanvasContemporary
2025$12,003Chandeliers and PendantsBrass, Rattan, Opaline Glass1950
2025$2,664Floor LampsBrass, Rattan1960s
2025$4,320Chandeliers and PendantsBrass, Blown Glass, Birch1930s
2025$3,240Chandeliers and PendantsBrassContemporary
2025$972Flush MountBrassContemporary
2025$2,000Flush MountMetal, Brass, GlassCirca 1950s
2025$899Table LampsBrasscontemporary
2025$475Table LampsBrass, Glass1950s-1960s
2025$2,400Chandeliers and Pendants, Flush MountMetal, PaintContemporary
$4,005
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$294-$24,777
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to Paavo Tynell

More Paavo Tynell Designs
Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602
Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602
Average Price
$18,193
Number Available
12
Paavo Tynell Floor Lamp Model 9602
By Paavo Tynell
Materials
Brass, Metal, Natural Fiber, Rattan, Fabric, Wicker
Styles
Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068
Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068
Average Price
$14,862
Number Available
10
Starry Sky Ceiling Light Model 9068
By Paavo Tynell
Materials
Metal, Brass, Glass, Wood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Task Lamp Model 9227
Task Lamp Model 9227
Average Price
$7,944
Number Available
8
Task Lamp Model 9227
By Paavo Tynell
Materials
Brass, Metal
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
Shop All
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029
Average Price
$29,893
Number Available
8
Paavo Tynell Chandelier Model 9029
By Paavo Tynell
Materials
Brass, Glass, Metal
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All

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.

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