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, credenzas 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.
Juhl’s earliest works, designed in the late 1930s, are perhaps his most idiosyncratic. The influence of modern art is clear in his 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 workshop of Danish cabinetmaker Niels Vodder began to issue his designs. Yet Juhl’s 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 Judas table — a piece ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes — and the biomorphic Baker sofa. After an article authored by Kaufmann on Juhl and his work appeared in the U.S.-based magazine Interiors in 1948, he began receiving American commissions.
Kaufmann commissioned Juhl to create the exhibition design for, and contribute pieces to, the 1951 edition of the Good Design shows he organized for MoMA and Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Baker Furniture asked Juhl to design for the firm, and he produced a collection of chairs, tables and cabinets, and, later, the 1957 sofa.
Scandinavian modernist seating, such as the chairs and sofas Juhl created for Baker, became immensely popular in postwar America, as the seeds of the Scandinavian style that Juhl sowed took root and spread in the United States. Juhl and his work featured prominently in the landmark show “Design from Scandinavia,” which opened in 1954 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and traveled to 24 museums in the U.S. and Canada; over three years, it was seen by more than a million people.
Juhl’s furniture — as well as his ceramics, tableware and accessories — has an air of relaxed sophistication and elegance that is unique in the realm of mid-century design.
Find vintage Finn Juhl armchairs, coffee tables, desks and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic example of mid-century modern design, this Finn Juhl No. 48 open armchair dates to the 1950s and was manufactured by Baker Furniture, USA, one of the few American firms lic...
Teak
Finn Juhl FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen
By John Stuart Inc., France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Fraser, MI
Finn Juhl FD 133 chair in Teak. Made by France and Daverkosen. Sold through John Stuart of Grand Rapids.
Fabric, Foam, Teak
The Chieftain Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Chieftain easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark in the early 1960s, stands as one of the most revered and iconic pieces in...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair, Sheepskin Upholstery, Modern Design, Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940, relaunched in 2001. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When i...
Wood
Finn Juhl "Chieftain" Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Astoria, NY
Finn Juhl (Danish, 1912-1989) "Chieftain" Lounge Chair, teak wood frame and tan leather upholstery, with "One Collection / Finn Juhl / House of Finn Juhl" label and stamped "Finn Juh...
Leather, Teak
Set of 10 Finn Juhl Egyptian Chair in Walnut Wood and Dark Red Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 10 Armchairs designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Design critics have described Finn Juhl’s Egyptian chair as a m...
Leather, Wood
Finn Juhl Pelikan lounge chair with Oak Legs, 1940s Danish Design
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Pelikan" lounge chair. Legs og oak. Original upholstered with light patinated tan leather. Model Pelikan, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Oak, Leather
Finn Juhl, NV-45 Lounge Chairs, Teak, Fabric, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1945
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of fabric and teak NV-45 lounge chairs designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1945. Seat Height (inches): 16.5" Arm Height (inches): 27.5" All items ...
Teak, Fabric
Finn Juhl "NV-45" Chair for Baker, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Coronado, CA
Walnut and wool "NV-45" lounge chair, designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Baker in the 1950s. The chair features a masterfully sculpted walnut frame with complimenting gray woo...
Upholstery, Walnut
Pair of Finn Juhl NV #45 Chairs in Walnut by Baker Circa 1955 Mid Century
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Once described as the most beautiful chair in the world, the number 45 chair is certainly one of Finn Juhl's most important designs. Acknowledged as the father of Danish modern desig...
Walnut
Teak Lounge Chair 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Finn Juhl Model 136 Teak Armchair for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s Designed and produced in the 1950s, this sculptural armchair by Danish master Finn Juhl is a rare Model...
Wool, Teak
$14,559 / item
Finn Juhl 45 Chair, Wood and Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1945, relaunched in 2003. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. In the Autumn of 1945, Finn Juhl presented the 45 Chair...
Fabric, Wood
Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Ranst, VAN
This stunning 'Bwana' lounge chair and ottoman is designed by Finn Juhl in 1962 for France & Son. Known for its sleek lines and elegant design, this chair is a perfect example of mid...
Leather, Teak
Original Finn Juhl NV45 Chair by Niels Vodder Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic original Finn Juhl NV45 chair in teak by Niels Vodder, Denmark, circa 1950s. This fine example retaining its original two tone wool upholstery. O...
Teak
Finn Juhl Japan Series Chair, Wood and Raf Simons Kvadrat
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1957, relaunched in 2007. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Finn Juhl’s partnership with the furniture manufacturer France & Son...
Fabric, Wood
Finn Juhl NV-45 Scandinavian Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Black Leather 1950s
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Dallas, TX
Original vintage pair of NV-45 lounge chairs by Finn Juhl in lacquered walnut & waxed leather, designed in Denmark in 1945 and manufactured circa 1955 for the Baker Furniture Company...
Leather, Walnut
Finn Juhl SW 96 Armchair in Teak, Oak and Cane, Søren Willadsen, Denmark, 1956
By Finn Juhl
Located in The Hague, NL
This very rare armchair was designed by Finn Juhl in 1954, designated as model SW 96. It was produced by the cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen in 1956 and manufactured in very limited qua...
Wicker, Cane, Oak, Teak
Finn Juhl Pair of Original Vintage NV-53 Chairs, c1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - Pair of Rare NV-53 Lounge Chairs, 1953 One of Finn Juhl’s most rare and sought after designs. The NV-53 was produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Juhl’s long-tim...
Fabric, Teak
$1,700 / item
Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Vienna, AT
Finn Juhl, diplomat desk chair or armchair with frame in solid hardwood, seat and backrest upholstered, model 209. Designed in 1963. Produced by France & Son. Measures: H. 82 cm, SH...
Leather, Hardwood
Finn Juhl Model 45 Armchair upholstered with fabric by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Berlin, DE
Stunning 45 Chair made by House of Finn Juhl. In the fall of 1945, Finn Juhl introduced the 45 Chair at the annual Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. Today, it is recognized as one of ...
Teak
Reading Chair by Finn Juhl - Timeless Elegance and Versatility
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Reading Chair by Finn Juhl - Timeless Elegance and Versatility Originally designed in 1953 and relaunched in 2015, the Reading Chair by renowned Danish designer Finn Juhl is an icon...
Wood
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of blue fabric and teak lounge chairs designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Son, Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate to heavy wear on arm rests. Minor wear to the rest ...
Fabric, Teak
Vintage Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair Ottoman Black Spinneybeck Leather, BAKER
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This 1991, one year production run, Baker Furniture Co. of Grand Rapid Michigan spared no expense, in regards to materials and detail. Outside owning a 1949 Niels Vodder version, thi...
Leather, Teak, Walnut
Pair of Armchairs in Rosewood and Original Fabric by Finn Juhl, 1946
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Armchairs in Rosewood and Original Fabric by Finn Juhl, 1946 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood and original fabric Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Very rare pair of...
Rosewood, Fabric
Set of 6 Dining Chairs in Leather and Teak by Finn Juhl, 1952
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The BO-63 dining chairs, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Bovirke in Denmark in 1952, exemplify the organic sophistication and refined craftsmanship that define Danish mid-centu...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Bwana Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Teak and Holland & Sherry Wool
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model-152 Bwana Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen. The sculptural teak frame reflects Juhl’s refined shaping, featuring the gently flared hea...
Teak
Danish Modern Finn Juhl "46" Sofa, Dark Lavender Blue Velvet, Carl Brørup, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important Finn Juhl "46" sofa made in the 1940s at original manufacturer Carl Brørup. The sofa is upholstered in a beautiful dark blue velvet. The sofa is in very good orig...
Velvet
$28,800Sale Price|25% Off
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1946 Finn Juhl originally designed the 53-series for master joiner Niels Vodder. It was introduced at the Cope...
Brass
Finn Juhl for Baker Delegate Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Finn Juhl for Baker Delegate Mid Century Walnut Lounge Chairs - Pair Each chair measures: 29.5 wide x 30 deep x 32.75 high, with a seat height of 16.5 and arm height/chair clearance...
Upholstery, Walnut
Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
We feel that Finn Juhl's delegate's chair (or FJ51) is one of his most under appreciated designs. Perhaps overshadowed by the sexy #45 chair, with which it shares many qualities, it ...
Teak, Upholstery
Finn Juhl, Rare Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, United States, 1951
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in High Point, NC
A rare fabric and walnut sofa designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Baker, USA, 1950s. Fully restored, pre-restoration images available upon request. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4...
Fabric, Walnut
Finn Juhl Diplomat Armchairs Model 196, France and Søn, 1960s, Rare Find!
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Bochum, NRW
Pair of Armchairs Designed by Finn Juhl for France and Søn, 1960s This is a superb pair of armchairs, model 196, in solid teak frames. They were designed by the famous Danish archite...
Upholstery, Wood
Rare Finn Juhl Model B059 Fireplace Chairs by Bovirke, Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Fill Juhl in 1946 and most likely manufactured in the early 1950s by Bovirke, Denmark. Beautiful sculptural, four-legged construction made of solid teak, legs with cross-...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Armchair or Desk Chair in Curved Beech and Grey Fabric, Denmark 1970s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful armchair in beechwood with a deep grey upholstery. This stylish chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced in Denmark during the 1970s. In fantastic condition. Entirely ...
Fabric, Wood, Beech
$3,950 / item
Finn Juhl for Bovirke 'Reading Chairs' in Teak
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, 'Reading' dining chairs, oak, teak, metal, Denmark, 1953 In 1953, Finn Juhl designed this 'Reading Chair' for Bovirke. The chair is organically shaped featuri...
Metal
$19,996Sale Price|20% Off
Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture 1997/8 edition
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Seattle, WA
The Chieftain Chair is considered to be one of the most important designs by Finn Juhl. It was first presented at the Cabinetmakers Guild in 1949, and it is said that Denmark's King ...
Walnut, Leather
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak and Newly Reupholstered by Finn Juhl, 1956
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak and Newly Reupholstered in Gabriel Savak Plain by Finn Juhl, 1956 Additional Information: Material: Teak, and newly reupholstered in Gabriel Savak plain ...
Teak, Fabric
$3,950 / item
Finn Juhl for Bovirke 'Reading Chairs' in Teak
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Bovirke, 'reading' dining chairs, oak, teak, metal, Denmark, 1953 In 1953, Finn Juhl designed this 'Reading Chair' for Bovirke. The chair is organically shaped featuri...
Metal
Finn Juhl armchair model FD 112 France & Søn Sweden 1960
By Finn Juhl
Located in Paris, IDF
Finn Juhl (Denmark, 1912—1989) for France & Son, rare Model FD112 two armchairs/ lounge chairs made in Denmark, 1960s, teak construction, upholstered seat upholstery, with manufactu...
Teak
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Skandilock Sheep Moonlight and Wood
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When it was presented a...
Sheepskin, Wood
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair in Moonlight Sheepskin by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Pelican chair with its soft and organic shape is upholstered in Gotland Sheepskin and supported by natural oak oiled legs. Designed by Finn Juhl in the 1940s and relaunched in 20...
Sheepskin
Original Finn Juhl NV-53 Lounge Chair
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original Finn Juhl design NV-53 lounge chair for Niels Vodder, Denmark. Sophisticated and elegant looking chair with sculpted solid teak arms and frame produced by Niels Vodder in 19...
Upholstery, Teak
Finn Juhl SW96 Armchair in Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, 1950s.
By Finn Juhl, Søren Willadsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Finn Juhl SW-96 Armchair in Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, 1950s. Danish modern lounge chair model SW 96 designed by Danish architect Finn Juhl for c...
Oak, Teak
Early Baker Sofa by One Collection, Denmark — Teak Frame & Original Fabric
By Finn Juhl, Onecollection
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare opportunity to acquire one of the first Baker Sofas produced by One Collection in Denmark, the company now internationally known as House of Finn Juhl, the official licensed m...
Fabric, Teak
$2,600 / item
American Ash Wood Open Arm Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Queens, NY
2 Replica of Finn Juhl Model 45 arm chair. American ash wood open arm chair with a natural finish having a LIGHT BROWN fabric seat and back with a seat cushion (PRICED EACH)
Ash
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model 'Spade' Produced by France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 'Spade' designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Rosewood
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Pair of Finn Juhl '109' Armchairs in Teak, Cognac Leather & Brass, 1946
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite pair of vintage mid-century modern NV-109 chairs, designed by the renowned Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder in the 1950s. An early edition of Juhl's work, these ch...
Brass
Set Six Teak Finn Juhl Chairs Model 197 Scandinavian
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Set of six dining chairs designed by Finn Juhl Chairs are marked with the France & Son's metal medallion as well as gilt stamped.
Fabric, Teak
$11,362 / item
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Upholstered in Wood and Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Pelican chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1940. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Pelican chair was probably the one furthest ahead of its time. When it was presented at t...
Fabric, Wood
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model Bwana Produced by France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Bwana designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark.
Leather, Teak
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Culver City, CA
A prized piece for any Danish modern enthusiast, this Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO64 3 seater sofa is absolutely stunning. Designed in the late 1940's this piece still has its original straps and hand tied springs (repaired and reinforced on the bottom by our restoration specialists). This sofa has been reupholstered in a luxurious creamy white Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Beech
$12,561 / set
FJ 51 - Pair of lounge chairs in walnut by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FJ 51 - Pair of 'Delegate Chair' armchairs in walnut and patinated natural leather. Designed in 1951 by Finn Juhl. Made by Baker Furniture. The chair gets its name from its original...
Leather, Walnut
NV 53 sofa by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Finn Juhl NV 53 is a two-seater sofa made of teak and has been reupholstered in epping textile. Designed in 1953, this stunning and sculptural settee reflects the vision of Danis...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Armchair BO-46 - 1st. Original Savak Fabric Upholstery
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Utrecht, NL
A rare and early example of armchair model BO-46 by Finn Juhl for Bovirke Denmark. Arm chair model BO-46 was designed by Finn Juhl in 1953 based upon his earlier designed chair model...
Fabric, Beech
$2,400 / item
Finn Juhl 51 Chairs by Baker - Three Available
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Finn Juhl Model 51 chairs by Baker Furniture circa 1952 for the Baker Modern line. Priced per chair. One chair displayed in our Los Angeles showroom.
Walnut
Finn Juhl Easy Chairs Model 138 Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chairs model 138 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
FJ 45 - Easy chair in teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FJ 45 - Easy chair in teak and black leather. Labelled by manufacturer House of Finn Juhl. Designed by Finn Juhl.
Leather, Teak
Set of Two Finn Juhl Pelican Chair Upholstered in Sheepskin
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the Pelican chair, a design masterpiece by Finn Juhl dating back to 1940, and reintroduced to the world in 2001 by the House of Finn Juhl...
Wood, Sheepskin
Finn Juhl Egyptian Chair in Walnut Wood and Dark Red Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Armchair designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Design critics have described Finn Juhl’s Egyptian chair as a miraculous m...
Leather, Wood
Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Highland, IN
This Finn Juhl model 133 or "spade" lounge chair is not only beautiful and comfortable, but historically important. Designed in 1953, it was the fi...
Upholstery, Teak