Paavo Tynell Furniture

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)

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.