Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Chairs with Cowhide Upholstery

Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Chairs with Cowhide Upholstery

Vintage Domus chairs designed by Ilmari Tapiovaara. Originally created in 1946 for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki, the Domus chair later became an internationally recognised Finnish design classic. In North America, the model was marketed under the name “Finn Chair”.

The design is known for its curved backrest, short supportive armrests and comfortable proportions. The armrests provide support without preventing the chair from being pulled close to a dining table or desk.

These examples feature warm wooden frames with distinctive cowhide upholstery on both the seats and backrests. Each section of hide has its own natural pattern, making every chair in the set unique. The expressive upholstery gives the otherwise restrained Finnish design a more decorative and individual character.