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.
$803 / set
H 31.11 in W 16.74 in D 19.3 in
Set of Four Mid-Century Modern 'Fanett' Chairs by Ilmari Tapiovaara Style
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Set of 4 Scandinavian chairs from the 50s/60s Style 'Fanett' Chairs By Ilmari Tapiovaara Measures : 42,5x49cm H:79 cm SH:43cm
Wood
$2,635Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 17.72 in D 20.08 in
Chairs by Axel Larsson for Bodafors, 1950s, Set of 4
By Bodafors, Axel Larsson
Located in Karis, Nyland
A set of four dining chairs designed by Axel Larsson and manufactured by Bodafors in Sweden. The chairs display thermo-formed curved backs and conical tilted legs. All seats are upho...
Faux Leather, Birch
1950S, Set of Four Prikka Chairs by Tapiovaara
By Ilmari Tapiovaara, Laukaan Puu
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
Four Pirkka chairs with seats of birch wood. The chairs show some traces of use and they diver slightly in dimensions. The chair on the first five pictures has a spot of white pai...
Wood
$3,600
H 31.89 in W 16.15 in D 17.33 in
Set of Four Göran Malmvall "501" Dining Chairs for Karl Andersson & Söner, 1950s
By Goran Malmvall
Located in Utrecht, NL
The “Svensk Fur” furniture line produced by Göran Malmvall and manufactured by Karl Andersson & Söner is a nod to modernist design with traditional Swedish craftsmanship. The design of these chairs relays an insight about the society and culture in which it was produced: closeness to nature, the appreciation of a clutter-free environment and the value of quality handiwork. Göran Malmvall’s Swedish pine designs often get compared to the designs of Axel Einar Hjorth, even though its pieces are exceptional designs on their own merit. Self-taught, Göran Malmvall was a highly skilled cabinetmaker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. This set of dining chairs holds a strong expression with its sturdy shaped, organic design, which is dominated by the natural beauty of the material. The backrests are formed by straight lines that slightly curve near the edges. This curvature is followed by the seats that are carved ergonomically, creating visual interest. The joinery is visible throughout the chairs, and features both bolts and seamless wooden joinery which is always a sign of quality craftsmanship. The wide backrests showcase the solid pinewood’s beautiful pattern, reinforcing the rustic feel of the design along with the conical legs that are gently tapered and tilted to support stability. The simple design of these chairs is in line with the Swedish ideals of functional furniture. However, it also portrays a sense of tranquillity that is unique to Scandinavia. This set is sure to bring this sense to any space while providing stability, sitting comfort, and natural beauty via the Swedish pine. Condition: In vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Items have scratches and marks on the wood. Dimensions: 16.14 in W x 17.32 in D x 31.88 in H; Seat height 17.71 in 41 cm W x 44 cm D x 81 cm H; Seat height 45 cm About the Designer: Göran Malmvall (1917–2001) was the youngest son of the manufacturing company’s founder, Karl Andersson. He studied furniture design under Carl Malmsten and was involved with the family business from an early age until 1982, mainly in the capacity of an in-house furniture designer. Self-taught, he was a highly skilled cabinet-maker with considerable technical expertise, and was renowned for the boldness of his innovations. His most notable designs include Svensk Fur, Svitjod and, not least, the KA 72 cabinet...
Pine
$1,900 / set
H 32 in W 18.25 in D 19 in
Set of Four ‘Eva’ Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik AB
By Sven Erik Fryklund
Located in Miami, FL
Set of Four ‘Eva’ Chairs by Sven-Erik Fryklund for Hagafors Stolfabrik AB. Made in Sweden.
Wood, Teak, Bentwood
$13,236 / set
H 32.29 in W 22.05 in D 18.51 in
Midcentury dining chairs by Børge Mogensen, Denmark, 1960s, set of four
By Fredericia, Børge Mogensen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of four #3238 dining chairs by Børge Mogensen. Made from oak and leather with accentuated white seams and buckles in the back. A great design, comfortable to be seated in. Nice p...
Oak, Leather
Set of Four Chairs by Farstrup Model 250
By Farstrup
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish set of Four Oak chairs. Chairs are sign on the bottom.
Wood, Oak
$2,500 / set
H 29.5 in W 18.5 in D 17 in
Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of 3 Stacking Rare Wilman Chairs Scandinavian Modern
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Set of 3 rare stackable Wilman chairs designed in 1956 by renowned Finnish designer, Ilmari Tapiovaara, and manufactured in Finland by Wilhelm Schauman Fanerfabrik. These innovative...
Wood, Paint
$6,824
H 32.68 in W 15.36 in D 17.33 in
Torsten Claesson set of 4 chairs by Steneby Hemslöjd, Sweden circa 1940.
By Torsten Claeson
Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län
Rare set of chairs design by Torsten Claesson for Steneby Hemslöjd in Sweden circa 1940. The chairs are made in solide pine with a really nice patina. Top condition. Torsten Claesson...
Pine
$3,235 / set
H 31.89 in W 19.69 in D 21.26 in
Arne Hovmand Olsen set of four dining chairs in teak Mogens Kold Denmark 1959
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Arne Hovmand-Olsen set of four dining chairs for Mogens Kold, Denmark, 1959. Crafted in beautifully grained teak and oak, these elegant chairs showcase the organic lines and refined ...
Oak, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Set of Four Model Domus Chairs, Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s
By Ilmari Tapiovaara
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model Domus chairs, design Ilmari Tapiovaara, 1950s. Rare teak and birch frame. Refinished frame. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs a...
Birch, Teak
Set of Four Scandinavian Modern Pine Chairs, Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four Scandinavian Modern chairs, design Göran Malmvall, Sweden, 1970s. Pine. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold together as a set.
Pine
Set of Four Model 78 Chairs, Niels Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, 1960s
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of four model 78 chairs, design Niels Møller, manufactured by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, 1960s. Rosewood frame, burgundy leather upholstery. Marked. Good vintage condition, minor ...
Leather, Rosewood
Model J62 Chairs, Poul Volther, FDB Møbler, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Volther, FDB Møbler
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model J62 Chairs (4 pieces, sold separately), design Poul Volther, manufactured by FDB Møbler, Denmark, 1960s. Teak frame with black leather upholstery. Good vintage condition, pati...
Leather, Teak
Model 31 Chairs, Kai Kristiansen, 1960s
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Model 31 chairs (3 pieces sold separately), design Kai Kristiansen, 1960s. Beech frame, reupholstered with quality model Bond 7 -fabric by Lauritzon. Good vintage condition, minor pa...
Fabric, Beech
Alvar Aalto Rare Set of Early Armchairs, 1939
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Exceptionally rare set of early Alvar Aalto armchairs for O.Y Wilhelm Schauman A.B Jyväskylä, Finland, 1939. Custom ordered for NY World's Fair Restau...
Birch, Plywood
