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.
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 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
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
$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
Pair of Finn Juhl NV #45 Chairs in Walnut by Baker Circa 1955 Mid Century
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
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 FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, John Stuart Inc., France & Daverkosen
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
$14,204 / 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
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
Teak Lounge Chair 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
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
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
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 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 Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
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 "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 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 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
Finn Juhl, Rare Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, United States, 1951
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
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
$1,700 / item
Finn Juhl Armchair 209 Diplomat, Early 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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 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
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 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
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
$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 Diplomat Armchairs Model 196, France and Søn, 1960s, Rare Find!
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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
$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
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 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 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 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
$11,088 / 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 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 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
Pair of Finn Juhl "Spade" Danish Teak Chairs by John Stuart Inc.
By John Stuart Inc., Finn Juhl
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
$11,088 / 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
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
Jupiter Sofa by Finn Juhl for from France and Søn and France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame and black leather seating. The sofa is ...
Leather, Rosewood
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
$40,690 / set
Pair of Chieftain Chairs by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Experience the timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship of the Pair of Chieftain Chairs by House of Finn Juhl. Designed by the renowned Finn Juhl, these chairs offer the perf...
Leather, Wood
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
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 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 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
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
Finn Juhl SW96 Armchair in Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, 1950s.
By Søren Willadsen, Finn Juhl
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
$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
$2,400 / item
Finn Juhl 51 Chairs by Baker - Three Available
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
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 Model 136 Lounge Chair for France & Son Circa 1950's
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in San Diego, CA
Finn Juhl's Model 136 armchair for France & Son. This is a beautifully sculpted teak frame with Finn Juhl Classic design elements: floating seat and floating backrest. This chair has...
Wool, Wood, Teak
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
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
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 Bwana chairs in teak and leather France & Son 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful pair of Bwana armchairs by Finn Juhl. These armchairs are real sculptures that have been meticulously designed by the man who is considered the greatest designer of the Sca...
Leather, 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
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
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
Bench in Brass and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1953
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The BO101 bench, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Bovirke in Denmark in 1953, represents a refined synthesis of material elegance and structural clarity that defines the best of...
Brass