H18,3cm - Brass - candleholder Nappula - Iittala

The Nappula collection, designed by Matti Klenell and published by Iittala, is a series of iconic candleholders that embodies an elegant fusion of contemporary Nordic design and vintage influences. Launched in 2012, this collection has become a classic of Scandinavian design, appreciated for its soft shapes and versatility.

Origin & inspiration

The story of Nappula begins when Swedish designer Matti Klenell visits the Nuutajärvi Glass Museum in Finland. There, he was captivated by an antique table with curiously “swollen” legs, a strange yet charming shape that inspired the distinctive silhouette of Nappula candleholders. The name “Nappula”, which means “button” or “pawn” in Finnish, reflects this idea of a small, playful and functional piece. Klenell, known for exploring the Nordic philosophy of form and function, blends his love of retro details with a clean modern aesthetic in this collection.

Features

Nappula candleholders are distinguished by their minimalist, organic design: a generous, rounded base that tapers to a narrow neck to accommodate the candle. Available in a range of sizes - including 107 mm and 183 mm high - they are made from a variety of materials:

Powder-coated steel offering a matte finish in a range of colors such as white, gray, dark blue, green or aqua.

Polished stainless steel for a sophisticated metallic sheen.

Brass a luxurious option with a patina that evolves over time.

Solid glass Introduced later in shades such as gray or transparent, adding an elegant translucent texture.

Each piece is designed to hold tapered candles (maximum diameter 2.2 cm), diffusing a warm, subdued light.

Influence

Since its launch, Nappula has consolidated its place among Iittala's flagship creations, testifying to the talent of Matti Klenell, born in 1972, who is constantly exploring the boundaries of Nordic design. The collection has expanded over time, with the addition of plant pots featuring the same signature silhouette, proving his ability to transcend object categories. Awarded prizes such as the Red Dot Design Award for other work (such as Lempi glass for Iittala), Klenell's Nappula captures a balance between artisan heritage and industrial modernity.

Designer

Matti Klenell (b.1972) is a Swedish designer known for his continual explorations into the Nordic design philosophy of form and function. Much like craftsmen during the dawn of industrialism, Klenell seeks to obtain the richest artistic expression within the possible limitations of the production process. His goal is to bring his creations to life by giving them character and personality. His multi-faceted approach to design allows him to work within many platforms including one-man exhibitions of his art glassware. Klenell has received much recognition for his work including the Red Dot Design Award for the Lempi drinking glass that he created for Iittala.