Pair of Nickel-Plated Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamps by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s (sold)

Pair of Nickel-Plated Brass and Opal Glass Wall Lamps by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s (sold)

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The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. Functionality, a pared down, simple style and a thoughtful colour palette are key principles for Paavo Tynell, and are present in this pair of wall lamps.

In Tynell’s Functionalism inspired lamps, he would often consider how the lamp was to be used, the colour of the light, and the opal glass's nuances. This model dates to the designer’s pre-brass era and is executed in an early modern functionalist style. These lamps have a gentle, round shape that is just as soft as the light they diffuse. Even in the absence of ornamentation or elaborate shapes and forms, there is still an emphasis on interesting materials. Opal glass was a popular material for lighting fixtures of this era, due in part to its ability to difuse light. As this set demonstrates, it was also prized for its lustrous, opaque finish, which gives these lamps a sophisticated and refined look. Tynell was a master of working with this material, and his opal glass lamps are some of his most sought-after designs even today. These wall lamps are not only embodiments of simplicity and elegance, showcasing a design ethos that continues to captivate admirers, but also illustrate how minimalist design can be ingenious and expressive at the same time.

This set was manufactured by the famous Finnish factory Taito Oy, one of the most innovative Scandinavian lighting design companies of the mid-century era. Paavo Tynell was the co-founder and chief designer of the company until 1953. The company’s lighting designs defined the Finnish mid-century era, and the models of the period, including this set, are greatly sought after to this day.

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Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired.

Dimensions:

8.26 in W x 16.14 in D x 12.59 in D

21 cm W x 41 cm D x 32 cm H

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Price category: 7,500 - 10,000 usd / eur

Finnish mid-century design is characterised by simple, elegant forms, which Paavo Tynell was a master of. Like Finnish culture, he embraced timeless beauty, sustainability, and a deep connection to the natural world. His favourite material to work with was brass, and he formed it into distinctive and unique shapes.

Paavo Tynell is one of Finland's best-known and most collected mid-century designers; he pioneered European lighting design and co-founded the first lighting manufacturing company in Finland, Taito Oy. Functionality, a pared-down, simple style, and a thoughtful colour palette are key principles for the Finnish icon, whose "9032" chandelier model features modern elements and focuses on the characteristics of the brass itself paired with five shades. The shades are made of delicate rattan slats which allow the light to shine through, while giving the fixture a subtle sense of organic texture and symmetry. The material introduces depth and visual warmth, softly diffusing the glow while contrasting with the texture of the smooth brass. Small decorative details adorn the central stem, offering the construction a unique charm. Brass, the material of choice for many mid-century lighting pieces, catches the light, creating a layered illumination that is both functional and atmospheric. The proportions of this piece are carefully considered, with the compact cluster of shades balanced by the slender stem above. The prowess of the producer becomes evident as this lamp represents a statement piece.

Rather than relying on excess ornament, this chandelier merges decorative elements with a clear structure. This approach reflects a broader tendency in Finnish mid-century design, where elaborate pieces maintain a sense of restraint and cohesion. Today, ceiling lamps by Taito are appreciated for this balance, offering both sculptural presence and practical illumination.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The chandelier has recently been rewired and reconditioned. The rattan shades are custom made by our in-house atelier. The brass is patinated. Minor dents and scratches in the metal. Due to the age and nature of the brass and rattan, the chandelier may have marks, and discolouration. The lamp is compatible with an E26 / E27 (standard) fitting. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

21.85 in W x 21.26 in D x 17.52 in H

55.5 cm W x 54 cm D x 44.5 cm H

Pair of Model "7239" Wall Lights by Paavo Tynell for Taito, Finland 1930s

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Price category: 9,000 - 12,500 usd / eur

Paavo Tynell was one of the central figures in the development of modern Finnish lighting. Trained as a metalworker, he co-founded the company Taito Oy in 1918, where he served as managing director and chief designer for several decades. By the 1930s, Tynell was designing lighting for major architectural projects and working alongside figures such as Alvar Aalto, developing an approach in which precise metalwork, simple forms and carefully diffused light came together.

Model “7239” is composed around cylindrical opal glass shades suspended from compact nickel-plated metal structures. Each fixture begins with a circular wall plate, from which a short arm projects horizontally before bending downward at a clean right angle toward the shade. This simple curve gives the lamps a clear architectural profile, while the reflective metal introduces a sharp contrast against the softly luminous glass. The shades have an elongated cylindrical form with gently rounded corners, through which light passes evenly thanks to the opal glass. When lit, the shades turn into warm glowing volumes while keeping the bulb concealed. A shallow metal cap closes the upper part of each shade and visually connects it to the arm above, giving the fixture a particularly resolved transition between glass and metal. The proportions are carefully controlled: the round backplate echoes the width of the shade without competing with it, while the short projecting arm holds the glass just far enough from the wall for its full shape to remain visible.

Seen as a pair, the repeated circles, curved arms and vertical glass forms create a strong rhythm. These model “7239” lamps are particularly effective beside a bed, a mirror or artwork, or arranged along a hallway, as they are perfect for adding warmth without dominating the space.

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamps have recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the materials, the items have minor marks, scratches, chips and discolouration. Additional imperfections on the glass may be present due to manufacturing inconsistencies and age. All lighting can be converted for US usage.

Dimensions:

5.51 in W x 9.64 in D x 11.81 in H

14 cm W x 24.5 cm D x 30 cm H

Model "80112" Opal Glass Flush Mount by Paavo Tynell for Idman, Finland 1930s

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Price category: 2,500 - 5,000 usd / eur

The most famous Finnish industrial designer, Paavo Tynell came to be known as the “man who illuminated Finland” thanks to his notable lighting designs. A master craftsman, Tynell’s designs were reflective of a traditional aesthetic with a modern sensibility, mixed with an extensive use of glass and brass as materials.

This lamp embodies the sleek and straightforward aesthetic that characterised Finnish design in the 1930s. Even in the absence of ornamentation, there was always an emphasis on interesting, high-quality materials. Milk glass, appropriately named for its opaque or translucent pure ivory white tone, was first created in Venice in the 16th century, and was known as Lattimo. At that time, it was widely used for decorative purposes and continued to be popular during the 20th century when the material was used as home accents to decorate households. This lamp is a mid-century example of the beauty of this material, rooted in its history. It has an eye-catching blunted cone shape with a strong presence, sticking out quite literally. Still, the edges are just as soft as the light this lamp diffuses. Thanks to the concealed aluminium ceiling holder, this lamp is flush mounted without any exposed parts but the glass shade. Tynell was a master of working with milk glass, and his lamps made of this material are some of his most sought-after designs.

Finnish designers like Tynell pushed the boundaries of what was possible with new materials and manufacturing techniques in the 20th century. At the same time, there was a strong emphasis on simplicity and functionality, as designers sought to create objects that were both beautiful and practical. Tynell's lamps perfectly embody these qualities, with clean lines, and a peculiar, but functional design.‎

Condition:

In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The lamp has recently been rewired and reconditioned. Due to the nature and age of the material, the item may have marks, scratches, and discolouration.

Dimensions:

9.84 in ø x 11.42 in H

25 cm ø x 29 cm H