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 for France & Søn ‘Japan’ Sofa in Teak and Cognac Leather
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 'Japan' sofa, model ‘137/3’, teak, brass, reupholstered in leather, Denmark, designed in 1957 In the 'Japan' series by Finn Juhl, crafted for France ...
Brass
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
NV-45 Easy Chair in Rosewood & Leather by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The very rare NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and crafted by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, stands as one of the most iconic and sculpturally expressive works in t...
Leather, Rosewood
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
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 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
$14,149 / 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
$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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
A pair of Japan Chairs designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Seattle, WA
A pair of Japan chairs, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960 production. recently reupholstered in aniline olive leather, with several natural marking and patterns. Natur...
Leather, Teak
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
$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 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 "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
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 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
Finn Juhl Egyptian Chair in Walnut Wood and Dark Red Leather Available Now
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Armchair designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2014. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Available now for direct shipping. Wear consisteng of use as it is the show...
Leather, Wood
Foot Stools by Finn Juhl for France & Son in Teak and Leather
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of teak foot stools in new tan leather. As a bonus, the footstools come apart, which makes it very easy to ship anywhere! Attention in every detail of the sculpted legs. Ov...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl '109' Armchairs in Teak, Cognac Leather & Brass, 1946
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
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
Danish Solid Teak Extension Dining Table by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish Modern Finn Juhl for France and Daverkosen extension table model 540, ca. mid-1950s (early example pre-dating the France & Son version). Composed entirely of sold teak (no...
Teak
Finn Juhl NV-45 Scandinavian Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Black Leather 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
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
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
Danish Vintage Leather Armchair by Finn Juhl
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
A beautifully designed and extremely comfortable Danish vintage leather armchair by Finn Juhl. This is the Jupiter armchairs, it was made by France and son in Denmark, and it dates f...
Leather, Wood
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
$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 Delegate's Chair
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
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
Japan Easy Chairs, Model FD-137, Designed by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare pair of Japan easy chairs, model FD-137, accompanied by matching footstools, was designed by the renowned Danish designer Finn Juhl and produced by France & Son in Denm...
Brass
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
$11,044 / 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
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
Pair of Finn Juhl "Spade" Danish Teak Chairs by John Stuart Inc.
By Finn Juhl, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Toledo, OH
Pair of Finn Juhl "Spade" Danish Teak Armchairs by John Stuart Inc. Cicra 1960s. Mid-Century Modern Period. Designed by Finn Juhl and made by John Stuart Inc. The "Spade" armchair (n...
Teak
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
$11,044 / 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
Danish Modern Finn Juhl NV-53 Settee
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A rare Finn Juhl designed settee produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder known as the NV53. Teak frame with upholstered seat. Frame stamped with Niels Vodder logo. Profession...
Upholstery, Teak
Finn Juhl Sofa Model BO55 by Bovirke in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model BO55 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Bovirke in Denmark.
Fabric, Beech
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
Rare Finn Juhl Model BO59 Fireplace Chair, Bovirke, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare Finn Juhl Fireplace Chair with original fabric. Model BO59, produced by Bovirke in Denmark, designed 1946, and most likely manufactu...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in taranto, IT
Danish collectible chair, model "197", France & Søn production based on a design by Finn Juhl, mid-1960s made on a teak structure, it measures 76 cm in height, 50 cm in width, 45 ...
Faux Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Cognac Leather and Teak Lounge Chair model FD 136
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Karlstad, SE
Beautiful lounge chair model FD 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. This chair is features a beautifully shaped teak frame, supporting pillows in cognac coloured leath...
Leather, Teak
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
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 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
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
Finn Juhl Teak Lounge Chairs Model FD-136 for France and Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of 1950s Danish modern lounge chairs (model FD 136) designed by Finn Juhl. Early examples produced by France & Daverkosen, the p...
Brass
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
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 NV46 Chair in Rosewood for Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl NV-46 armchair with frame of Brazilian rosewood, upholstered with Nigerian leather. Designed 1946, executed and burn marked by cabinetmaker ...
Leather, Rosewood
$100,000 / set
Set of 8 Finn Juhl Egyptian Teak Dining Chairs
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Kensington, MD
- Designed in 1949 for the Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, this is one of the most iconic designs by Finn Juhl. - The teak has aged to a deep rich patina and is a strik...
Upholstery, Teak
Finn Juhl Bwana Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Teak and Holland & Sherry Wool
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
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
$45,000 / set
Set of Six Finn Juhl Dining Chairs for Niels Vodder
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1953 by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder, Denmark, the Model 109 and 59 dining chairs are a rare design. This rosewood set featuring two armchairs and four side chairs has been...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Rare BO-72 Rosewood Armchair, 1953
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - BO-72 Armchair, 1953 This rare and important piece by Danish master Finn Juhl was an evolution of his NV-46 chair from 1946. The chair was produced by Bovirke in Denmark...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Poet Love Seat Sofa with Oak Legs, 1940s Danish Design
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Poet" two seat love seat sofa. Legs og oak. Original upholstered with two colours of fabric. Leather buttons Model Poet, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Fabric, Oak
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
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