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 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 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
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
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
$14,594 / 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
$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
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 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
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
$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 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 chairs in teak and leather France & Son 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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
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
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
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
$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 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 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
$11,392 / 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 Armchair BO-46 - 1st. Original Savak Fabric Upholstery
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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
$11,392 / 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 1960 Diplomat Chair in Rosewood
By Finn Juhl
Located in Dronten, NL
Distinguished Diplomat Chair in rosewood designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Cado. All original vintage condition, marked with silver Finn Juhl label. Fabric and foam are worn...
Fabric, 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
Pair of Finn Juhl No. 48 Danish Modern Chairs for Baker, 1950's
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Miami, FL
These are a pair of Finn Juhl's 1950's iconic No. 48 open armchairs manufactured by Baker USA - all original with new boucle upholstery. Extremely solid and well made. NOTE: there ar...
Fabric, Walnut
1950s BO95 Chair by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in teak and blue wool
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
The BO98 Chair was designed by Finn Juhl in the 141950s and produced by Bovirke in Denmark. The chair is defined by its sculpted solid teak frame and open composition, where the upho...
Wool, Teak
Danish armchair in teak and fabric model BO-72 by Finn Jhul for Bovirke 1946.
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
This rare and essential piece by the Danish master Finn Juhl is an evolution of his 1946 NV-46 chair. The chair was produced by Bovirke in Denmark. The NV-46 chair is an iconic piece...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl SW-96 Easy Chair by Søren Willadsen, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
This exceptional lounge chair model SW-96, designed by renowned Danish architect Finn Juhl 1954, showcases his signature approach to organic forms and impeccable craftsmanship. Const...
Cane, Oak, Teak
"Diplomat" armchair by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Brescia, IT
Iconic 1960s Danish teak armchair, original olive green upholstery. Curved arms, tapered silhouette, France & Son branding present. Designed by Finn Juhl, the "Diplomat" condenses D...
Fabric, Teak
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
Pair of Finn Juhl Lounge or Armchairs for France & Son in Greige Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
A pair of midcentury lounge or armchairs by Finn Juhl for France & Son, featuring tight backs and seats supported by a wood frame with flat armrests, the manufacturer's label on the ...
Upholstery, Wood
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, model 209. Designed in 1963. Produced by France & Son. Measures: H. 82 cm, SH. 44 cm, B. 69 cm. Used but st...
Hardwood
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
$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 Easy Chair Model 138 Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare easy chair model 138 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark. Retains original John Stuart badge, Wonderfull original condition.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Vigevano, PV
Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son
Fabric, Teak
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
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 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
Set of 2 FD133 armchairs Finn Juhl yellow fabric new mid-century Nordic
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
MCM Teak Armchair Model 196 by Finn Juhl for France and Son, 1960s, Original
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning upholstered Danish armchair designed in teak by Finn Juhl for France and Søn, retailed in the United States by John Stuart Inc. These were designated model 196 and date from...
Teak
Finn Juhl Model 46 Armchair in Walnut and Black Leather by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This Finn Juhl Model Scandinavian Modern 46 Armchair is a true masterpiece of Danish design. Originally designed in 1946 for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition for master...
Leather, Wood
Early Finn Juhl ‘Diplomat’ Chairs Model 209 by France & Son – Denmark, 1955-65
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Earlier pair of Finn Juhl model 209 chairs in special wood. Produced by France & Søn, Denmark, circa 1955-65 The chairs are both labeled and numbered. Authentic Model 209 “Dipl...
Leather, Walnut
Danish Modern Red Diplomat Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Detroit, MI
These gorgeous vintage mid century modern Model 209 Diplomat chairs were designed by Finn Juhl in the 1960s and manufactured by France & Daverkosen. This sophisticated pair of ch...
Upholstery, Wood, Teak
$29,380 / item
Finn Juhl Grasshopper Armchair in Wood and Leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Sofa bench designed by Finn Juhl in 1938, relaunched in 2019. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. The Grasshopper was designed by Finn Juhl in 1938 and exhibited at Ni...
Leather, Wood
1960s Finn Juhl Model 209 Diplomat Chair in Mahogany and Brown Leather - Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl designed the model 209 chairs in 1961. The chair is part of a series of furniture named the Diplomat series with chairs, desks, tables, cabinets and other furniture. The c...
Leather, Mahogany
Finn Juhl Set of Two Fully Restored Armchairs Including Custom Upholstery Cado
By Finn Juhl, Cado
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl set of two fully restored armchairs including custom upholstery The chairs were designed in 1963 for France and Son that later changed their name to Cado as part of an of...
Leather, Teak, Fabric
1970s Diplomat Chair by Finn Juhl for Cado in wood and black leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
This Diplomat chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Cado in Denmark during the 1970s. The design reflects Juhl’s careful attention to proportion, where structure and comfor...
Leather, Wood
Finn Juhl Model 141 Lounge Chair
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome easy chair by Finn Juhl for France & Sons is a rare model fd141. It shares qualities with many of his famous chairs including the Chieftain, the #45 chair, and the Dele...
Upholstery, Teak
Pair of Teak "Diplomat" Chairs by Finn Juhl Model 209, 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Hamburg, PA
An Iconic pair of Finn Juhl's "Diplomat" Chairs was created circa 1960 made in Denmark. This pair of chairs is in the original faux leather from the period. The pair would work well ...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,729 / set
Pair of "Diplomat" armchairs by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Brescia, IT
"Diplomat" pair by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960s. Rosewood and original cognac leather, with period mark present. Designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Son in the 1...
Leather, Kingwood
Finn Juhl Armchairs Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of 6 armchairs designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
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
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Finn Juhl, Teak, Denmark, Circa 1950
By Finn Juhl
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of armchairs designed by Finn Juhl, made of solid teak and both are in their original upholstery. Finn Juhl's association with the furniture manufacturer France & Son resulted i...
Teak
Finn Juhl Armchairs Model FD 209 / Diplomat Produced by Cado
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 6 armchairs model FD 209 / Diplomat chairs designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Cado in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak