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)
1930s “Apu” Side Table by Maija Heikinheimo with Integrated Taito Oy Lamp
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, Asko
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare and characterful Scandinavian functionalist piece combining the iconic “Apu” side table by Maija Heikinheimo with an integrated lamp by Taito Oy, Finland, dating to the 1930s....
Slate, Brass, Nickel
$82,500Sale Price|50% Off
Paavo Tynell Side Table with decoration by Helena Tynell - Finland House 1949
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
This "Cats" table is unique and the only item known from Finland House New York . , made by Taito Oy in Helsinki . Paavo Tynell & Helena Tynell design 3 different small tables with ...
Brass
$2,937
H 21.66 in W 12.6 in D 19.69 in
Maija Heikinheimo Art Deco Side Table Apu Model 604 in Honey Birch, Asko 1930s
By Asko
Located in Helsinki, FI
A functional and beautifully simple Art Deco side table by Maija Heikinheimo, produced by Asko in the 1930s. In the original Asko drawings the model is named “Apu”—Finnish for help—a...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use, including some natural cracking. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.25" Height x 30.0" ...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Recently refinished. Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.0" Height x 35.5" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North ...
Wood
Side table by Svend Thoresen & Torgny Roloff, Sweden, c. 1930s
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant Swedish Grace table in dark-stained oak, designed for Nordiska Kompaniet during the 1930s. Svend A. Thoresen, a Danish interior architect active in Stockholm, worked at N...
Oak
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 28.625"H x 31.75"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Birch
1930s Finnish Wrought Iron Side Table with Blue Ceramic Top
By Taidetakomo Hakkarainen
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
This Finnish early 20th century wrought iron side table is a stunning blend of sturdy craftsmanship and artistic flair, perfect for any Scandinavian modern vintage interior. Its deep...
Wrought Iron
Nordiska Kompaniet, Side Tables, Oak, Sweden, 1930s
By Nordiska Kompaniet
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of oak side tables produced by Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, c. 1930s. Mild tabletop surface wear from normal use; one has darker imperfections. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3...
Oak
TMF, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table produced by TMF, Sweden, 1930s. Dimensions: 23.5” H x 33.625” Diameter
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Tables, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of black-painted birch side tables designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.75"H x 23.5"D All items ship...
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Birch, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A birch side table designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 22.75"H x 27.5"W x 27.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Birch
Swedish Designer, Side Table, Wood, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A wood side table likely designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Heavy wear to surfaces. Minor scuffing on legs and feet. Overall Dimensions (inches): 23.7"H x 21.0"W x 21.0"D ...
Wood
$1,750
H 30.88 in Dm 35.5 in
Circular Side, Game or Dining Table with Abstract & Mosaic Tile Decoration
Located in Fulton, CA
Unique round side or center table with painted black "spider" base and hand decorated abstract top surface. Top surface is painted and decorated in abstract design and incorporated w...
Ceramic, Abalone, Wood
Sold
H 19.5 in W 27.5 in D 28.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy Finland Perforated Metal Oak Table
By Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
Never before seen large end table by Pavvo Tynell for Taito of Finland, circa 1955. Rendered in cold painted steel with brass mounts and screws. Top is made of oak veneer on oak soli...
Steel