Santa & Cole Maija Floor Lamp – Design by Ilmari Tapiovaara

Originally designed in 1955 by Finnish designer Ilmari Tapiovaara, the Maija lighting collection has been reissued by Santa & Cole as part of their Design Classics series. Inspired by *Maya the Bee*, a beloved children's book by Waldemar Bonsels, the Maija lamps reflect the rhythmic, beehive-like form of their namesake. Their distinctive columnar shape is created by stacked metal discs that gently diffuse light, casting a warm and atmospheric glow into the space.

Shade Material: Matte-finished metal
Base Material: Brass legs
Color: White with brass accents
Width / Diameter: 36 cm
Height: 67 cm
Light Source: Integrated dimmable 24W LED
Color Temperature: 2700 K (warm white)
Luminous Flux: 820 lumens
Lifespan: 40,000 hours
P Rating: IP20 (indoor use)
Protection Class: II
Voltage: 100–230 V
Frequency: 50–60 Hz
Certifications: CE marked
Plug Type: EU plug
Cord Length: 300 cm
Weight: 5.1 kg
Dimmable: Yes
Product Code: SCMAI21L

Bring a timeless piece of Scandinavian design into your home with the Maija lamp – a poetic tribute to form, function, and light. The object is new in its original box.

Ilmari Tapiovaara (1914–1999) was a defining figure of Finnish modern design—a designer and interior architect whose creations were guided by a profound respect for nature, functional clarity, and social purpose. Born into a large family in Hämeenlinna, his early years among forests and craft traditions deeply influenced his lifelong belief that “nature is the best and closest manual for the industrial designer.”

Graduating in interior design from Helsinki’s Central School of Applied Arts in 1937, he quickly expanded his horizons—working with Alvar Aalto in Arteks London office, Le Corbusier in Paris, and later teaching at the Illinois Institute of Technology under the influence of Mies van der Rohe. These experiences shaped his conviction that industrially produced furniture should be accessible, high-quality, and grounded in meaning.

Tapiovaara’s breakout design, the Domus chair (circa 1946), created for the Domus Academica student residence in Helsinki, brought him widespread acclaim. It combined bent plywood innovation with refined ergonomics and remains in production today. Over his prolific career, he designed memorable chairs such as Lukki, Fanett, Mademoiselle, as well as the functional Pirkka stool for sauna use—demonstrating both versatility and purpose-driven creativity.

Beyond furniture, his design practice was holistic—spanning lamps, cutlery, textiles, interiors, and graphic arts—guided by a belief that design rooted in philosophical clarity was meaningful. His work earned him Finland’s Pro Finlandia medal in 1959 and multiple gold medals at the Milan Triennale in 1964, affirming his status as an essential voice in 20th-century design.

Today, Tapiovaara’s designs are prized by collectors and remain in production through Artek, including enduring models like Domus, Fanett, Crinolette, and Pirkka—testament to the timeless humanity woven through his work.