Paavo Tynell ceiling lamp

This ceiling lamp or flush mount was designed by Paavo Tynell and produced by Taito Oy in Finland during the 1950s. It is an example of Tynell’s refined approach to architectural lighting, combining functional light control with delicate material contrasts and subtle decorative details. The model reflects the period’s emphasis on indirect illumination and carefully modulated glare, intended for both domestic and public interiors.

The lamp is constructed in white lacquered metal with brass components. The cylindrical outer shade is perforated with a band of narrow vertical slots, allowing light to escape laterally and create a soft, rhythmic pattern around the fixture. The interior brass elements function as reflectors, directing light downward while also producing a warm halo effect against the ceiling. The combination of matte white lacquer and patinated brass gives the lamp a restrained yet expressive character, typical of Tynell’s mid-century work.

The condition is good vintage, with visible signs of age and use consistent with its production period. These include surface wear to the lacquer and an even patina to the brass components, which contribute to the lamp’s authenticity and visual depth. There are no apparent structural issues, and the lamp presents well both illuminated and unlit.

Paavo Tynell was one of the most influential figures in Finnish lighting design, known for his mastery of indirect light and innovative use of perforated metal and brass. His work for Taito Oy during the 1940s and 1950s helped define the visual language of Nordic modern lighting, balancing technical precision with a poetic treatment of light.

The dimensions of the lamp are approximately 22 cm in diameter and 31 cm in height, corresponding to about 8.7 inches in diameter and 12.2 inches in height.