Finnish Vintage Finds: From Iittala Glass to Floral Art and Wooden Trays

Summer holidays in Finland have always meant shopping at some of my favourite Finnish design shops and bringing a few new pieces home with me. On a previous trip, I collaborated with the NH Collection Grand Hansa Hotel in Helsinki, which was such an incredible way to experience historic Finnish design up close. But while bringing new pieces home is always tempting, Finnish design isn’t cheap and prices have only become higher over the years. Lately I’ve become much more interested in finding Finnish vintage design second-hand. When it comes to Finnish design, flea markets and second-hand shops can be surprisingly good. The flea market finds often include pieces from some of the country’s best-known design brands, from Iittala and Arabia to lesser-known makers. You never quite know what you’re going to come across, which is part of the fun. I always go in with very low expectations and often leave empty-handed. It’s pure luck. But if you’re willing to walk around and put in the effort, you can come across some really special pieces. I’ve found everything from vintage Finnish glassware and Iittala candle holders to artwork and beautiful wooden pieces. They’re often much more affordable than buying the same designs new or through vintage dealers, which makes the hunt even more rewarding.

Here are some of my favourite vintage finds, without the hefty price tag.

Iittala Kartio Vintage Candle Holder by Kaj Franck, 1959

The vintage Iittala Kartio candle holder, designed back in 1959, is still very much a Scandinavian classic. Iittala resumed production in 1990, although I have to say, I’ve seen very few of these floating around the second-hand market in Finland. This was a steal at €4 at a local thrift shop. I just knew it was Iittala before I even spotted the sticker. I love its minimalist, mid-century-inspired Scandi silhouette. It can be used upright for dinner candles or turned upside down to suit tealight. A functional, timeless design that won’t date and looks as good as new!

Iittala Festivo Vintage Candle Holder by Timo Sarpaneva, 1967

I bought a pair of these iconic Iittala Festivo candle holders, designed in 1967, for €2 each, which was pretty good, I must say. There are no stickers, but since I’m not looking to resell them, it doesn’t matter. This design is quite different from the previous candle holders. The rugged glass almost looks like ice. I’ve seen these listed around €25 to €40 each on Etsy or eBay. You may even be able to find them in some rare colours, but those are like gold dust. I’ve seen the Frosted Ice version before, which really does resemble frost. What I love about these candle holders is what happens when you light the candles. Instant ambience and pure opulence!

Vintage Finnish Flower Oil Painting by Tuula Salonen, 1987

Finnish painter Tuula Salonen is known for her floral oil paintings and I love the depth and richness it brings to her work. When I saw this vintage floral artwork tucked away at the very back of a vintage shop, I knew all the time I’d spent browsing was worth it. I didn’t know where it would go yet but I just knew I had to have it. Luckily, it turned out to be the perfect addition to our cloakroom, which has a floral-themed gallery wall. There’s just something magical about florals, whatever form they come in. The vibrant colours and the beautiful frame really sold it for me, so I was more than happy to part with €5.

Iittala Poppa Vintage Candle Holders by Valto Kokko, 1982

I don’t think you can ever have too many candle holders, especially when they’re vintage Iittala! The Iittala Poppa candle holder is a rare find, made of clear glass with organic groove patterns. I wasn’t sure how much use I’d have for them but decided to get a pair anyway (50 cent each!). When I got home, I found the perfect spot for them on the windowsill and discovered they fit my mini Christmas candles perfectly. Such a lovely duo, aren’t they? I love how I now have a candle holder collection that varies in size.

Vintage Finnish Wooden Tray by Backman, 1960s

This one I actually picked up a while ago, but I wanted to mention it since the dark wood complements all the other wood in the room so nicely. Darker colours are having a major moment right now and you can easily find them in vintage pieces. The tray is by the Finnish company Backman and it’s from the ’60s. Still looking absolutely stunning, of course! I love the simplicity of it and the richness of the wood. And despite being decades old, it’s held up remarkably well. It’s one of those vintage pieces that feels both timeless and completely relevant today which is probably my favourite combination when it comes to interiors.

Why Vintage Matters

So, those are some of my favourite Finnish finds! All pieces are of Finnish design and heritage, with some dating back decades. I don’t know why, but it always feels more meaningful to me to buy vintage. Things are often better made and have a real sense of purpose behind them. Quite often, they have a story too. The best part is that the designs don’t date. They feel timeless rather than tied to a short-lived trend. That is a huge reason why they work so well in a modern home. They’re also a more sustainable way of decorating. Giving well-made pieces a second life feels much better than buying something new. I love the idea that these pieces can be enjoyed for years to come and eventually passed on to the next generation. One thing all these pieces have in common is that they’re Finnish-designed and reflect the design traditions and craftsmanship of their time. I also love that sense of connection to where a piece comes from. I’m a Finn after all! They will always remind me of home. There’s something really special about bringing a little piece of that heritage into my UK home and hopefully keeping it going for another generation.

I can’t wait to continue my vintage journey and see what I find next!