Paavo Tynell floor lamps

This exceptionally rare pair of floor lamps, model 9609, was conceived by Paavo Tynell in Finland during the 1940s and executed by Taito Oy. Each lamp stands at 151 cm in height with a footprint of 37 cm in width and 70 cm in depth. The overall silhouette is slender and slightly arched, lending the lamps a poised vertical emphasis that draws the eye upward.

The main structural element is a tubular brass stem, carefully formed to describe a gentle arc at its upper section. This stem is sheathed in natural cane weaving for most of its length, creating a continuous organic surface that transitions seamlessly into the shade. At the base, a three-legged support crafted from solid wood is coated in a warm brown lacquer. The tripod geometry provides both stability and a counterpoint to the lamps’ vertical lines.

Each conical shade is hand-woven from pale blond cane, its fine, linear pattern designed to modulate the lamp’s output. When illuminated, the shades cast soft, striated bands of light and shadow onto nearby walls and floors. Brass collars at the rim of each shade are kept minimal in order to preserve the integrity of the woven form and to reinforce the lamps’ elegant proportion.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a pioneer of Finnish modern lighting, blending Scandinavian craftsmanship with an architectural sensibility. As a co-founder of the Taito Oy workshop in 1918, he championed the use of natural materials—particularly brass, cane, and perforated metals—to achieve both functional clarity and poetic warmth. His collaborations with architects such as Alvar Aalto helped define a period in which Finnish design became internationally celebrated.

These lamps remain in very good vintage condition, with only light, age-appropriate wear to the cane and minor surface patination on the brass. All joints are solid and original; there are no visible repairs. Their preserved state ensures that both the structural integrity and the subtle tactile qualities of Tynell’s design are fully intact.