Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Chair with Zebra Upholstery, 1950s

Ilmari Tapiovaara Domus Chair with Zebra Upholstery, 1950s

Vintage Domus chair designed by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara, dating from the 1950s. Originally created for the Domus Academica student housing complex in Helsinki, the Domus chair later became one of the best-known classics of Finnish furniture design.

The design combines a curved plywood backrest with short, supportive armrests and a lightweight wooden frame. This example has been upholstered in a striking black-and-white zebra-patterned fabric, creating a distinctive contrast with the warm-toned wood.

The wooden surfaces have developed a beautiful patina through decades of use. Visible marks, colour variation and worn areas give each chair an individual character and reflect its long history.

A characterful Finnish design classic suitable as a dining chair, desk chair or individual accent chair.