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's Extravagant Leather and Walnut Wood Whisky Arm Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
The Whisky chair was designed by Finn Juhl in 1948 and is characterized by his artistic sense of shape, function, and detail. The chair is produced in American walnut and is uphols...
Leather, Textile, Wood
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Wood
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Teak
$3,950 / item
Finn Juhl for Bovirke 'Reading Chairs' in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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 45 Lounge Chairs, Walnut Frame, Cognac Leather, 2000s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present a pair of iconic Finn Juhl 45 Chairs. These 2000s edition chairs are signed by House of Finn Juhl. They are made with an walnut frame and cognac leather u...
Oak
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 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, 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
$10,244 / item
Finn Juhl 53 Chair by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1953, relaunched in 2020. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. The FJ 53 is an extravagant piece of furniture. It integrates the lightnes...
Fabric, Wood
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
$13,929 / 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
$22,396Sale Price|20% Off
Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair + Ottoman in Black Spinneybeck Leather by Baker
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Hyattsville, MD
This 1998, 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
Finn Juhl's Japan Sofa, three seater France & Son Production, Teak and Leather
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Seattle, WA
FInn Juhl Japan Sofa, three seater, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960 production. Recently reupholstered in aniline olive leather, with...
Leather, Teak
NV-45 Easy Chair in Teak, Leather & Wool by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, is a landmark in Danish mid-century furniture design. Introduced shortly after the end ...
Leather, Teak, Wool
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
Danish Modern, Set of 6 Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, Model SW86 by Finn Juhl, 1953
By Søren Willadsen, Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
An amazing set of 6 dining chairs designed by the renowned Danish architect and designer Finn Juhl in 1953 for Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik, this set of six dining chairs exemplifies ...
Lambskin, Oak
$3,950 / item
Finn Juhl for Bovirke 'Reading Chairs' in Teak
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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
Diplomat 209 Armchair in Rosewood & Black Leather by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
Finn Juhl Diplomat 209 armchair by France & Son in rosewood and black leather. Danish design classic from the 1960s. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Finn Juhl — Manufacturer: Fran...
Leather, Rosewood
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
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 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, 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
Vintage Finn Juhl NV-53 lounge chair for Niels Vodder, Denmark.
By Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present Finn Juhl’s 53 Chair, designed and produced in 1953 for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition. A sculptural and organic form showcasing a sweeping...
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 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 Teak Bwana Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Houston, TX
Rare easy chair model Bwana designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark. International Orders: All international sales are final. Buyers are responsible for al...
Leather, 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
Bwana Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Finn Juhl, Black Leather, 1962
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Antwerpen, Vlaanderen
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...
Leather, Teak
Reading Chair by Finn Juhl - Timeless Elegance and Versatility Available Now
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, ES
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
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
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
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
$6,249Sale Price|20% Off
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa Model 137 in Teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Hellouw, NL
Amazing Finn Juhl sofa Model 137 in teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s. This three-seater 'Japan' sofa has the elegance and round shapes that are so recognizable for Finn Juhl and ...
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
Pair of Spade Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1953
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spade armchairs model 133 designed in 1953 by Finn Juhl, Denmark. Old edition from France & Daverkosen with original leather cushions and springs, teak wood structure.
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Model 45 Armchair, American Ash Wood, Modern Design, USA
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
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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
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
Finn Juhl Danish Mid-Century Modern Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Stamford, CT
Finn Juhl Danish Mid-Century Modern Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, France & Daverkosen, Black Leather Early production Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 137, c. 1960 designed...
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 Japan Sofa by France & Son, All New Premium Upholstery
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Utrecht, NL
"Japan" series sofa by Finn Juhl, designed in 1957 made by France & Son Denmark. The sublime simplicity of the "Japan" series is inspired by traditional Japanese construction techni...
Fabric, Teak, Wool, Linen
Danish Solid Teak Extension Dining Table by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By John Stuart, France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
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 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
Rare "Model 10239" by Finn Juhl, Denmark, c. 1965
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare Model 10239 swivel armchair designed by Finn Juhl in 1965 for Ring Möbelfabrikk. This elegant and well-proportioned armchair reflects Juhl’s refined modern aesthetic, combining ...
Aluminum
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
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
Set Six Teak Finn Juhl Chairs Model 197 Scandinavian
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
Finn Juhl Cognac Leather and Teak Lounge Chair model FD 136
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
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
$10,873 / 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 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
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
Set of 2 FD133 armchairs, Finn Juhl, new light green fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of two model FD133 armchairs designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Søn, Denmark, circa 1960. Solid wood frame, upholstered seat and backrest covered in fabric. Iconi...
Fabric, Wood
$10,873 / 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 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 Danish Rosewood Spade Chair, circa 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - Spade Chair, 1954 Designed in 1954 the Model 133 ‘Spadestolen’ was Juhl's first collaboration with Danish producer France & Son. The frame was originally made in teak wi...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Bwana chair in teak and leather France & Son 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful Bwana Chair by Finn Juhl. This armchair is real sculpture that has been meticulously designed by the man who is considered the greatest designer of the Scandinavian moderni...
Leather, Teak
$24,960Sale Price|35% Off
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
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
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
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