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)
A pair of light by Paavo Tynell for Idman
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of flush mount outdoor light designed by Paavo Tynell for Idman Oy, Model H10-100. Finland, circa 1950th. Large glass bawl with metal mount. Can be modified for mount on hangi...
Glass
Flush mount light by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy / 3 available
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
Flush mount ceiling light designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Circa 1935. Opaline glass shade with wooden wiser. Stamped " OY TAITO AB". Existing wires, rewiring available upon re...
Blown Glass
A pair of flush mount fixtures by Paavo Tynell
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of flush mount lighting designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito/Idman, Model 1621. Circa 1940th. White glass on nickel pated brass hardware. Two Edison type sockets. Existing wirin...
Glass
A pair of ceiling lamps by Paavo Tynell Model 9052
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of rare available Model 9052, designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito/ Idman. Finland, Circa 1950th. Polished brass with opaline glass shade and 3 Edison socket bulbs. Similar mode...
Brass
A pair of wall lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy.
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of indoor/outdoor wall lights designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito Oy, Model 2521-53. Finland Circa 1950th. Painted metal shade with opaline glass globe shade. Marked by manufa...
Metal
Oversized flush mount lighting by Paavo Tynell / 2 available.
By Paavo Tynell, Idman Oy
Located in Long Island City, NY
Oversized flush mount lighting designed by Paavo Tynell for Taito/ Idman Finland. Model 2016. Opaline glass shade with wooden shade with (2) Edison type sockets. Stamped IDMAN. Rewir...
Blown Glass
Rare Pair of Large Flush Mounts, Paavo Tynell, Taito Oy, 1930/1940s
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Rare pair of large flush mounts, designed by Paavo Tynell, manufactured by Taito Oy, 1930/1940s. Metal with milk glass shades. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and ...
Metal
Pair of Model "A2-7" Ceiling Lights by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1960s
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Utrecht, NL
Finnish mid-century design is characterised by simple, elegant forms - which Paavo Tynell was a master of. Reflective of Finnish culture, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability ...
Metal
Paavo Tynell, pair of flush mounts (∅30 cm), Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of Paavo Tynell’s pair of flush mounts from Idman Oy, an iconic addition to your hallway or other low spaces. These flush mount lamps are masterfully d...
Opaline Glass
Paavo Tynell, pair of 1950s ceiling/wall lamps, Idman Oy
By Idman Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover the timeless elegance of this pair of 1950s Paavo Tynell lamps by Idman Oy, featuring an adjustable fixture through brass joints. Perfect for versatile placements, these fix...
Aluminum, Brass
Pair of Modernist Flush Mounts, Architect Ola Laiho, Valaisinpaja Finland 1980s
By Valaisinpaja Oy
Located in Helsinki, FI
A rare pair of architectural flush mount ceiling lamps designed by Finnish architect Ola Laiho (1934–2025) and manufactured by Valaisinpaja in Finland. Executed in white painted meta...
Metal
1940s Paavo Tynell Model #2028 Glass & Metal Flush Mount for Taito Oy
By Taito Oy, Paavo Tynell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1940s Paavo Tynell Model #2028 Glass & Metal Flush Mount for Taito Oy. This rare and exceptional flush mount is executed in white opaline glass and metal. Manufactured by Taito in th...
Metal
