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Finn Juhl

Danish, 1912-1989

Along with Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl was one of the great masters of mid-20th-century Danish design. Juhl was the first among that group to have his work promoted overseas, bringing the character of the nation’s furnishings — and the inherent principles of grace, craftsmanship and utility on which they were based — to an international audience. A stylistic maverick, Juhl embraced expressive, free-flowing shapes in chair and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues, yet even his quietest pieces incorporate supple, curving forms that are at once elegant and ergonomic.

As a young man, Juhl hoped to become an art historian, but his father steered him into a more practical course of study in architecture. He began designing furniture in the late 1930s, a discipline in which, despite his education, Juhl was self-taught, and quite proud of the fact. His earliest works, designed in the late 1930s, are perhaps his most idiosyncratic. The influence of contemporary art is clear in Juhl's 1939 Pelican chair: an almost Surrealist take on the classic wing chair. Critics reviled the piece, however; one said it looked like a "tired walrus." Juhl had tempered his creativity by 1945, when the Danish furniture-making firm Niels Vodder began to issue his designs. Yet his now-classic NV 45 armchair still demonstrates panache, with a seat that floats above the chair’s teak frame.

Juhl first exhibited his work in the United States in 1950, championed by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., an influential design critic and scion of America’s most prominent family of modern architecture and design patrons. (Kaufmann’s father commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the house “Fallingwater.”) Juhl quickly won a following for such signature designs as the supremely comfortable Chieftan lounge chair, the biomorphic Baker sofa, and the Judas table, a piece ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes.

As you will see from the offerings on 1stDibs, Finn Juhl’s furniture — as well as his lighting, ceramics, tableware and accessories — has an air of relaxed sophistication and elegance that is unique in the realm of mid-20th-century design.

Average Sold Price
$5,938
Styles
Materials
Related Creators
Iconic Designs from Finn Juhl
Explore timeless pieces that have earned their place in history.
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
46 Armchair
46 Armchair
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Finn Juhl Poet Sofa
Finn Juhl Poet Sofa
Rosewood "Diplomat" Desk by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in VANCOUVER, CA
Rosewood Danish desk by Finn Juhl for France & Son, circa 1960's. The "Diplomat" desk provides an inviting and spacious surface for productivity. Beautiful grain patterns and sleek t...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Metal

Rosewood "Diplomat" Desk by Finn Juhl
Rosewood "Diplomat" Desk by Finn Juhl
H 31.5 in W 67 in D 33.5 in
Outstanding Finn Juhl Rosewood and Silver Inlay "Judas" Dining Table, Restored
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional mid-century Danish Modern "Judas" extension dining table. This iconic table was designed by Finn Juhl, expertly produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, and retailed by Illums Bolighus of Copenhagen, Denmark. The table features an expandable oval top in stunning book-matched Brazilian rosewood, with round silver inlays, floating on a sculptural base with tapered solid rosewood legs. Made in Denmark, circa 1950s. Branded manufacturer’s mark to underside: "Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Copenhagen Denmark, Design: Finn Juhl." Measures: 71"W x 47.25"D x 28.25"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with two 21.75" leaves. Professionally restored. Excellent condition. Along with Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl was one of the great masters of mid-20th-century Danish design. Juhl was the first among that group to have his work promoted overseas, bringing the character of the nation’s furnishings — and the inherent principles of grace, craftsmanship and utility on which they were based — to an international audience. A stylistic maverick, Juhl embraced expressive, free-flowing shapes in chair and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues, yet even his quietest pieces incorporate supple, curving forms that are at once elegant and ergonomic. Juhl quickly won a following for such signature designs as the supremely comfortable Chieftan lounge chair, the biomorphic Baker sofa, and this Judas table, ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Silver

Finn Juhl Three Seat Sofa with Original Black Leather, Model 218/3, Denmark
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl lounge highback chair with original black leather upholstery with a wonderful patina. Frame of solid teak. Model 218 from the Jupiter Series, made by France & Daverkosen.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Leather, Rosewood

Finn Juhl Lounge Chair Model FD 136 in Teak
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Lounge chair model number FD 136 designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, with a curved backrest and an undulating seat that float within a spare, elega...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Cotton, Teak

Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder NV-53 Blue Chairs - Pair
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Countryside, IL
Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder NV-53 Blue Chairs - Pair Each lounge chair measures: 28 wide x 30 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 14.5 and arm height/chair clearance 22.5 inches ...
Category

1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Finn Juhl Model B065 teak extendable dining table for Bovirke, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A model BO65 extendable dining table designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by the Danish cabinetmaker Bovirke. Created in 1952, this model features a sleek and minimalist aesthetic ...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Modular shelving system BO71 in teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Modular shelving system BO71 in teak by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in the 1960s. Comprising 3 columns, 4 rules, 1 unit with 6 drawers, a writing desk, 13 Oregon pine shelves, and 22 brass...
Category

1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Teak

Finn Juhl for Baker Model NV 51/403 Teak and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Countryside, IL
Finn Juhl for Baker Model NV 51/403 Teak and Cane Dining Chairs - Set of 8 Each chair measures: 21.25 wide x 20.5 deep x 31.25 inches high, with a seat height/chair clearance of 16....
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Finn Juhl

Materials

Cane, Teak

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Creators Similar to Finn Juhl

More Finn Juhl Designs
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Average Price
$6,138
Number Available
7
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
By Finn Juhl
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Fabric
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
In its distinctive embodiment of the East-meets-West dialogue represented in mid-century modern art and design, the Japan chair draws on the simple silhouette of the famed Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima, Japan. Designed by legendary Danish architect, interior designer and furniture maker Finn Juhl (1912–89) and produced by furniture manufacturer France & Søn, the chair belongs to a series that includes a two-seater sofa, a three-seater sofa and a footstool. Although he originally wante...
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46 Armchair
46 Armchair
Average Price
$13,669
Number Available
6
46 Armchair
By Finn Juhl
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Hardwood, Teak, Leather, Rosewood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
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Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Average Price
$10,000
Number Available
5
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
By Finn Juhl
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Teak, Brass, Metal, Animal Skin
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
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Finn Juhl Poet Sofa
Finn Juhl Poet Sofa
Average Price
$24,880
Number Available
4
Finn Juhl Poet Sofa
By Finn Juhl
Materials
Animal Skin, Beech, Fabric, Hardwood, Wood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
An admirer of modern art, Finn Juhl (1912–89) debuted a pair of his Poet sofas — originally created for his own home — at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild furniture fair in 1941 alongside abstract plaster sculptures by Icelandic artist Sigurjón Ólafsson. While he aimed to produce functional pieces for small spaces, Juhl spent his formative years exploring the National Art Gallery of Denmark and wanted to make furniture that was expressive and interesting. Accompanying his work with art bec...
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Finn Juhl furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Finn Juhl furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Finn Juhl furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 311 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 765 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Finn Juhl were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Hans Olsen, Carl Hansen & Søn, and EOOS. Prices for Finn Juhl furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $142 and can go as high as $128,707, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $9,653.

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