Ilmari Tapiovaara Set of Four ‘Domus’ Dining Chairs in Black Stained Teak

Ilmari Tapiovaara, set of four armchairs, stained teak, metal, Finland, 1953

This is a wonderful set of early ‘Domus’ armchairs by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara. Executed in a black color, the framework includes laminated teak plywood. This model was designed with high attention to details, as seen in the curved armrests and solid legs. The first model of this chair was designed with solely wood, the only available material in postwar Finland. Tapiovaara created this chair with the idea of creating a comfortable chair that could be pulled close to a table. What is very interesting about this particular model are the brass-colored square joints that attach the backrest to the frame.

Ilmari Tapiovaara designed this chair for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki. This chair has gained widespread reputation and is called the 'Finnchair' in the United States, it has won the American Good Design Award and received the Gold Medal at the Milan Triennale in 1951.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914-1999) was trained as an interior designer and at the beginning of his career, during World War Two, Tapiovaara designed gear for the Finnish army, meaning that he got used to work with very common materials such as local woods and no nails or screws where available. Later in his career, he founded his own practice with his wife and had many assignments for schools and universities.

Please note that these chairs are in fair condition with visible wear, including color fading. For further details, we encourage you to reach out to our team of design specialists.

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