Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This rare ceiling lamp, designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland, is a quintessential example of mid-century Nordic lighting design. It reflects Tynell’s distinctive approach to combining craftsmanship, lightness, and material warmth—qualities that earned him a reputation as one of Finland’s most revered lighting designers.

The lamp is composed of a central polished brass frame from which six gracefully curved arms radiate symmetrically. Each arm terminates in a vertical cylindrical shade made of pleated fabric in a soft cream tone. The gentle curvature of the arms and the verticality of the shades create a balanced composition, marrying organic rhythm with architectural clarity. The polished brass surface adds a golden luminosity, subtly reflecting both natural and artificial light, while the cream fabric shades diffuse illumination softly, enhancing the atmosphere of the surrounding space.

The pleated shades, a hallmark in many of Tynell’s designs, evoke a sense of delicacy and handcrafted refinement. Their texture introduces visual softness to the structural brass frame, emphasizing the interplay between light and surface. The cylindrical form of the shades also contributes to a clean, vertical alignment, echoing modernist principles of proportion and functional simplicity.

Condition is excellent vintage. The brass retains its bright, golden luster with minimal patina or signs of oxidation, and the armature remains structurally sound. The fabric shades are original and well-preserved, showing only slight signs of age and handling, consistent with the lamp’s period.

Paavo Tynell (1890–1973), known as “the man who illuminated Finland” was a key figure in the evolution of Finnish lighting design. His work with Taito Oy during the mid-20th century helped define a uniquely Nordic aesthetic that merged decorative detail with technical precision. Tynell was particularly celebrated for his ability to make utilitarian fixtures feel poetic, using brass, perforations, and textile elements to craft luminaires that were both functional and emotionally resonant.

Measuring 65 cm in diameter and 100 cm in height (25.6 x 39.4 inches), the lamp is ideally suited for rooms with higher ceilings, such as living areas, dining rooms, or entry spaces. It is a rare and highly collectible piece that encapsulates the elegance and innovation of Paavo Tynell’s legacy in Scandinavian modern design.