Paavo Tynell floor lamp
This very rare floor lamp was designed by Paavo Tynell in the 1950s and produced by Idman in Finland. The lamp is executed in brass with a circular weighted base, a slender vertical stem wrapped in cane at the midsection, an opaline glass diffuser, and a newly reupholstered pleated shade in white fabric. The combination of warm brass tones, natural cane, and soft textile creates a harmonious balance between material richness and understated elegance.
The design reflects Tynell’s distinctive approach to lighting, where functional clarity is combined with refined decorative details. The pleated shade diffuses light softly, producing a warm and atmospheric glow, while the opaline glass beneath ensures even illumination. The brass structure is finely proportioned, with the cane wrapping introducing a tactile and organic contrast to the polished metal. This interplay of natural and crafted materials is characteristic of Tynell’s work, which often sought to bring a humanizing warmth to modern interiors.
Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) is regarded as one of Finland’s most important lighting designers. Known as “the man who illuminated Finland” he worked extensively with Idman, creating some of the most iconic Scandinavian lighting of the 20th century. His designs were frequently exhibited internationally and are celebrated for their delicate balance of craftsmanship, modernity, and poetic detail. The use of brass, rattan, and fabric shades became signature elements of his work, often drawing inspiration from nature and traditional Nordic craft.
The condition of this example is excellent, with the brass retaining a warm natural patina, the cane intact, and the shade newly reupholstered in a manner faithful to the original proportions and character of the lamp. It stands as a fine and representative piece of Tynell’s 1950s production for Idman, combining elegance, simplicity, and timeless materiality.
The dimensions are 152 cm in height and 50.5 cm in diameter, corresponding to 59.8 inches high and 19.9 inches in diameter.
Dimensions (cm) | H: 152 / ⌀: 50.5 |
| Producer | Idman |
| Color | White |
| Decade | 1950s |
| Country | Finland |
| Style | Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
| Material | Brass, Cane, Fabric, Opaline glass |
| Designed in | 1950s |
| Item Number | 250308 |
Paavo Tynell
Paavo Tynell (1890–1973) was a Finnish lighting designer renowned for his delicate, poetic approach to light and materials. Often referred to as “the man who illuminated Finland” Tynell played a central role in shaping modern Scandinavian li...
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