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 'Palan' Bookshelf for Asko, Finnish Design, 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko
Located in Diest, BE
This monumental bookshelf "Pala" or "Palan" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko, Finland 1950's. Expositions: The exhibition of industrial form, Helsinki ...
Wood, Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Modular Bookshelf "Pala" In Teak, Asko 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
This monumental bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20-th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It is ...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by La Permanente Mobili
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by La Permanente Mobili, Cantù in Italy.
Brass
Mid-Century Bookcase by Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantu, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase by Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantu, 1950s
Brass
Model "Pala" Modular Bookcase, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Asko, 1960s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model "Pala" modular bookcase, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, manufactured by Asko, 1960s. Teak. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. Yrjö Ilmari Tapiovaara was o...
Teak
Ilmari Tapiovaara Bookcase Produced by Asko in Finland
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare and large freestanding bookcase designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Produced by Asko in Finland.
Teak, Lacquer
Ilmari Tapiovaara bookcase for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy ca. 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Architectural bookcase by IImari Tapiovaara for La Permanente Mobili Cantù, Italy ca. 1957. Wonderful piece with a clean lines and refined functional details, nothing is overdone, re...
Natural Fiber, Teak
Modular Bookcase in Teak Design Vittorio Dassi, 1960s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in taranto, IT
Original 1960s teak bookcase, Vittorio Dassi design, composed of three wooden uprights (not metal!), 3 closed elements of which 2 with sliding doors and one with folding doors, and 6...
Metal
$4,600 / set
H 36.42 in W 48.04 in D 9.45 in
Pair of China Bookcases in Oak by Børge Mogensen, Made in Denmark
By C.M. Madsen, Børge Mogensen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of bookcases in oak with adjustable shelves, designed by Maa. Børge Mogensen for C.M. Madsen cabinetmakers in 1958. Made in Denmark.
Oak
$4,534
H 50.4 in W 41.34 in D 11.82 in
1930s Italy Art Decò Bookcase in Mahogany by Permanente Mobili Cantù , Polished
Located in Vigonza, Padua
1930s Italy, Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco bookcase in walnut and mahogany wax-polished by Permanente Mobili Cantù Measures cm: H 128, W 105, D 30. La Permanente Mobili Cantù The His...
Mahogany, Walnut
$2,650Sale Price|40% Off
H 39.38 in W 118.12 in D 20.08 in
Italian Sideboard from La Permanente Mobili Cantù, 1940s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Montelabbate, PU
Eclectic parchment sideboard, maple profiles, finely decorated opaline top, supports in carved and lacquered wood. This vintage item shows signs of wear, such as scratches and other ...
Maple, Parchment Paper
$10,464
H 118.12 in W 35.44 in D 15.75 in
Midcentury LB7 modular bookcase designed by Franco Albini for Poggi, Italy 1957
By Poggi, Franco Albini
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Modular bookcase model LB7 designed by Franco Albini for Poggi. Marked Poggi Pavia. An extremely flexible bookcase, with different modular options, suited to being against a wall or...
Wood
$18,719Sale Price|30% Off
H 65.75 in W 61.03 in D 16.54 in
Taichiro Nakai Teak Wall Cabinet by Consorzio La Permanente Mobili, 1950s
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Modular bookcase with structure in lacquered metal and wood. Glass tops and brass details. Produced by Consorzio la Permanente Mobili, Italy, 1953 Taichiro Nakai is an incredibly ta...
Metal, Brass
A Mid-Century Bookshelf, Oak, France, c. 1950s
Located in Hønefoss, 30
A unique mid-century bookshelf with compass feet in oak, designed by unknown designer in France, c. 1950s.
Oak
La Permanente Mobili Cantù Highboard in Maple
Located in Waalwijk, NL
La Permanente Mobili Cantù, wardrobe, maple, mirrored glass, brass, Italy, 1950s This charming armoire of Italian origin is beautifully crafted and manufactured by La permanente Mob...
Brass
$6,743
H 77.96 in W 32.68 in D 12.21 in
Osvaldo Borsani anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex E60 bookshelf Italy 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
The E60 bookshelf, crafted from anodized aluminum, wood, and Resinflex, is a distinguished model designed by the renowned Osvaldo Borsani and produced by Tecno in the 1950s. Minimal...
Aluminum
$4,500 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 10.83 in
Pair of Wall-Mounted Bookcases in Solid Teak by Mogensen Koch
By Mogens Koch, Rud Rasmussen
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of wall-mounted units in solid teak. Designed by Mogens Koch for Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers in 1933. Made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Teak
$6,046
H 32.29 in W 70.87 in D 21.26 in
Italian Midcentury Sideboard by La Permanente Mobili di Cantù, 1950
By La Permanente Mobili Cantù
Located in Traversetolo, IT
This exquisite Italian sideboard or chest of drawers crafted by Permanente Mobili of Cantù in the late 1950s is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. The beautiful woodwork on the front of the six drawers creates a striking contrast between light and dark tones, while the sides feature an elegant herringbone pattern that adds a touch of refinement. A hammered black lacquer band underneath the top adds a subtle but distinct touch of sophistication to the piece. The original and distinctive handles are crafted from the same wood as the drawers, adding to the seamless and cohesive design. The chest of drawers is topped with a sleek black glass plate...
Glass, Maple, Walnut
Modern Bookcase in Teak by Lawrence Peabody
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Teak This Lawrence Peabody modern bookcase cabinet for Craft Associates Furniture is expertly hand crafted. The Peabody collection pieces are licensed reintroductions for Craft Associates. This bookcase cabinet is solid black walnut and Claro walnut veneer. It is available in multiple variations (all walnut / black or normal sliding door / brass or black pulls). Craft Associates Furniture is proud each modern piece is made in the US. We strive to craft a product that will stand the test of time. We use the best materials and have the best craftsman and upholstery in the business. We stand 100% behind our product. Dimensions: H 49" (124.46cm) L 58.875" (149.54cm) D 14.5" (36.83cm) Drawer interiors 8" width (20.32cm) x 12" depth (30.48cm) History Lawrence “Larry” Peabody (1924-2002) was an architect, interior designer, and furniture designer. As an American born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, his distinctive design were often influenced by his Scandinavian roots. Lawrence studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the Rhode Island School of Design. His early career with Selig Mfg. Co. was prolific and helped put both himself and Selig on the map for modern furniture. He then started Lawrence Peabody & Associates in 1955, a design firm in Boston which included a vast client list (Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohler, Regal Rugs, Boyd Lighting, Chapman Lamps, and Richardson Brothers). In 1961, Mr. Peabody won a Citation for Merit for his Peabody Collection for Richardson/ Nemschoff. Winner of the 1962 International A.I.D. design award for his wood frame rattan cradle...
Teak
Sold
H 77.56 in W 137.8 in D 12.6 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara - 'Pala' Teak Bookshelf Asko, Mid-Century, Finland, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Ilmari Tapiovaara - 'Pala' Bookshelf Asko Finland, 1950s Modular bookshelf designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara for Asko in the 1950s. Crafted from warm teak veneer with contrasting black ...
Teak
Sold
H 48.43 in W 68.9 in D 12.8 in
Beautiful Ilmari Tapiovaara, Modular Teak 'Pala' Bookshelf, Asko, 1950s
By Asko, Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, FI
This minimalistic bookshelf "Pala" is by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) for Asko. A perfect example of a mid 20th century bookshelf design from the 1950-1960s. It i...
Teak
Sold
H 91.34 in W 88.39 in D 13.59 in
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Sliding Doors by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bookcase with Sliding Doors by Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
Wood
Ilmari Tapiovaara Permanente Cantu bookcase 1957
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
This monumental bookcase was designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara and manufactured by Permanente Mobili Cantu, Italy 1957. The grand sized bookcase is executed in teak wood which has a nice...
Fabric, Teak