Our Story
Known for its rigorous standards, Woodnotes designs and manufactures products and concepts inspired by paper yarn for homes and public spaces.
Forerunners in design textiles
Woodnotes is a Finnish design company founded in 1987 by textile designer Ritva Puotila and her son Mikko Puotila.
Inspiration in nature
The original concept of Woodnotes’ products was to combine the artistic creativity inspired by Finland’s rugged nature with valuable craftsmanship and advanced technologies, utilizing basic Finnish raw materials, wood and paper.
Unique innovation
Woodnotes is the first company in the world to use paper yarn in a contemporary way in functional textiles. Ritva Puotila wanted to use paper yarn because of its properties to make the most of its unique characteristics, not as a substitute for other materials.
Paper, our core
See how paper transforms into a carpet.
A timeless collection
The Woodnotes collection, which has expanded over the years from carpets made from paper yarn to a comprehensive concept, is augmented every year with new, relevant, and innovative products.
Global yet local
Woodnotes products are recognized around the globe for their elegant design and superior quality. The company currently exports 70% of its production to over 40 countries. Woodnotes products are sold at higher-end interior design and design retailers.
Ecological design
We respect the environment by producing timeless products and choosing our materials and production processes carefully.
The MoMa piece
A textile artwork by Ritva Puotila, created between 1987 and 1991, is part of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) collection in New York.
Awards
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GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2021: GOLD
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
The Earth Collection paper yarn carpets,
Woodnotes Design Team
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GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2018: WINNER
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Siro+ bar stool, Ilkka Suppanen and Raffaella Mangiarotti
GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2018: Special Mention
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Siro+ chair with armrest, Ilkka Suppanen and Raffaella Mangiarotti
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ICONIC AWARDS 2017: BEST OF BEST AWARD WINNER
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
San Francisco carpet, Ritva Puotila
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ICONIC AWARDS 2016: Interior Innovation winner
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Squarepaly carpet, Woodnotes
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Interior Innovation Award Winner 2015
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Loudwhisper, Woodnotes / Sonolux
Interior Innovation Award Selection 2015
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Swivel k Chair with armrest, Harri Koskinen / Woodnotes
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NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2014
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Midsummer carpet, Ritva Puotila
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INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD WINNER 2013
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Siro+ chair, Ilkka Suppanen and Raffaella Mangiarotti
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INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD WINNER 2012
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Beach carpet, Ritva Puotila
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INNOVATION AWARD WINNER 2011
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
IMM Cologne, Germany
Bridge carpet, Ritva Puotila
Moonlight blind fabric, Ritva Puotila
Whisper acoustic wall panel, Tapio Anttila
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NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2010
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Horizon carpet, Ritva Puotila
BEST ITEM AWARD
IMM COLOGNE, GERMANY
Horizon carpet, Ritva Puotila
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NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2009
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
My and Roo lounge chairs, Ulla Koskinen.
MATERIAL INNOVATION AWARD
IMM COLOGNE, GERMANY
My and Roo lounge chairs, Ulla Koskinen.
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NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2008
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Veil curtain and Mesh partition, Ritva Puotila.
INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD
IMM COLOGNE, GERMANY
Veil curtain and Mesh partition, Ritva Puotila.
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NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2007
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Flake interior element, Mia Cullin.
INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD
IMM COLOGNE, GERMANY
Flake interior element, Mia Cullin.
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RED DOT AWARD, DESIGN CONCEPT, SINGAPORE
Kuutio product concept, Sirpa Fourastié and Susan Elo.
EDITORS AWARD
ICFF INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE FAIR, USA
”Mesh”, handwoven art textile, Ritva Puotila.
NOMINATED FOR THE INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD COLOGNE 2006
IMM COLOGNE, GERMANY
Contract carpet with narrow edging, Ritva Puotila.
Woodnotes bed concept, Woodnotes Design Team.
Kuutio futon and Kuutio light, Sirpa Fourastié and Susan Elo.
Woodnotes blinds, Ritva Puotila.
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TOP NOMINATED DESIGN, INDEX: AWARD 2005
DENMARK
Round zone container, Minna Ahokas.
NOMINATED FOR THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2006
GERMAN DESIGN COUNCIL
Field paper yarn carpet, Ritva Puotila.
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DESIGN & DECORATION AWARD
GREAT BRITAIN
Field paper yarn carpet, Ritva Puotila.
REDDOT DESIGN AWARD 2004
GERMANY
Field paper yarn carpet, Ritva Puotila.
INTERIOR INNOVATION AWARD COLOGNE 2004
GERMANY
k Chair, Harri Koskinen
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GOOD DESIGN AWARD
JAPAN
Woodnotes paper yarn carpets, Ritva Puotila
DESIGNERS CHOICE
GIMME FAIR, HELSINKI, FINLAND
Handwoven paper yarn relief “Points”, Ritva Puotila
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FORM 2001
AMBIENTE FAIR, FRANKFURT, GERMANY
Scroll-paper bags and Box Zone -containers,
Minna Ahokas.
TEXTILE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
TEXTILE ARTISTS RY TEXO
Ritva Puotila
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KAJ FRANCK DESIGN PRIZE
DESIGN FORUM FINLAND AND THE FINNISH FAIR FOUNDATION
Ritva Puotila
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PRO FINNISH DESIGN COMPETITION,
HONORABLE MENTION
Woodnotes paper yarn carpets with edging, Ritva Puotila
HABITARE TOP TEN EXHIBITION
HABITARE FAIR, HELSINKI, FINLAND
Woodnotes blinds, Ritva Puotila
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FINLAND DESIGNS 10 EXHIBITION, HONORABLE MENTION
DESIGN FORUM FINLAND
Woodnotes paper yarn fabrics, Ritva Puotila.
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ORNAMO AWARD
THE FINNISH ASSOCIATION OF DESIGNERS
Woodnotes collection
FINLAND PRIZE OF ART
THE MINISTERY OF EDUCATION
Ritva Puotila
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PRO FINNISH DESIGN 1990 COMPETITION
HONORABLE MENTION
Woodnotes paper yarn carpets, Ritva Puotila
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OSCAR PRIZE
PARITEX 88 FAIR, PARIS, FRANCE
Woodnotes basic collection, Ritva Puotila
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FINLAND DESIGNS 6 EXHIBITION, HONORABLE MENTION
THE FINNISH SOCIETY FOR CRAFTS AND DESIGN
Woodnotes paper yarn carpets, Ritva Puotila