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 Table Bench Model BO-101 in Teak, Brass & Gun Metal, Bovirke, 1953
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
An authentic and highly collectible BO-101 table bench designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in 1953. Crafted in beautifully figured teak with polished brass rails and a distinctive gun ...
Metal, Brass
BO101 Bench by Finn Juhl, Rosewood and Brass, Danish Modern, 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
$8,800 / set
H 32.68 in W 21.66 in D 18.12 in
Danish Modern, Set of 6 Chairs in Oak & Lambswool, Model SW86 by Finn Juhl, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Søren Willadsen
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
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
$7,767
H 29.53 in W 24.02 in D 25.2 in
Danish Modern Teak and Brown Leather Loungechair by Finn Juhl for France and Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Vienna, AT
This excellent and comfortable Scandinavian Modern lounge chair model number FD 136 was designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark 1960s. It features a curved backrest and and s...
Leather, Teak
Danish Modern Finn Juhl Sheepskin BO46 sofa, 1946
By Finn Juhl
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa model BO46 by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, made in Denmark in 1946. Round beech legs. Reupholstered in sheepkin. Leather buttons. Excellent vintage condition. Early and important Finn...
Sheepskin, Beech
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
$12,800
H 34 in W 28.75 in D 29 in
1950s BO98 Chair by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in teak and original blue wool.
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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
$1,599
H 15.75 in W 23.63 in D 16.15 in
Finn Juhl Rosewood and Leather Stool, Mid-Century Modern, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in PARIS, FR
Rosewood and leather stools that take up the aesthetic characteristics of Finn Juhl's design: a simple design with great attention to detail, organic and Japanese curved lines as wel...
Leather, Rosewood
$10,687
H 28.35 in W 70.87 in D 28.75 in
Finn Juhl - 'Japan' Sofa for France & Son, 1957, Danish Modern
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Designed by Finn Juhl in 1957, the “Japan” sofa combines Scandinavian elegance with the simplicity of traditional Japanese architecture. The finely crafted teak frame, featuring gent...
Fabric, Teak
Danish Modern Model 45 Lounge Chair, Finn Juhl Manner, Pair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Miami, FL
Danish Modern Model 45 Lounge Chair, Finn Juhl Manner, Pair Offered is a pair of the iconic Model 45 Lounge Chairs, originally designed in 1945 by the renowned master of Danish Mo...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Finn Juhl Rare BO-72 Rosewood Armchair, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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
1940s Danish Modern Settee in the Style of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
This Finn Juhn-style settee was originally crafted in the 1940s. It has been newly reupholstered in gold-and-black chevron wool from Donghia with matching piping. While the upholster...
Wool, Upholstery, Walnut
$24,960Sale Price|35% Off
H 28 in W 28 in D 30 in
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
BO46 Armchair Finn Juhl
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
This armchair is a later reissue of Juhl's original design, produced for a wider market. Retaining the beautiful angular details, this chair is more square than its earlier sibling. ...
Leather, Rosewood
$4,718 / set
H 15.56 in W 47.25 in D 13.39 in
Danish Modern Rosewood Bench, Mirror and Drawers by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s.
By Aksel Kjersgaard, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Rosewood Bench, Mirror and Drawers by Kai Kristiansen, 1960s. This Scandinavian mid-century modern hallway set was designed by Danish architect Kai Kristiansen for Aksel Kjersgaard, Denmark in 1960. This set consists of: - Freestanding bench/side table in rosewood/palisander with sleigh legs, Model No. 36. Measures: depth 34 cm, width 120 cm, height 39.5 cm. - Moveable chest of drawers in rosewood/palisander with two drawers, Model No. 32. Depth 31.5, Width 40.5 cm, Height 19.5 cm. - Mirror in solid rosewood Model No. 220. Depth 5.5 cm, Width 52 cm, Height 119.5 cm. High quality craftsmanship with beautiful details. Drawers with dovetail joints. Makers mark stamped on all three parts. Suitable for many purposes at the entrance, in the bedroom or dressing room. This set is the top of the line with the most expensive mirror...
Santos Rosewood
1960s Danish Rosewood and Leather Diplomat Chairs by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
A refined and quietly confident pair of Diplomat chairs by Finn Juhl, produced by France & Son and executed here in beautifully figured ros...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Coffee Table / Bench BO101 for Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in PARIS, FR
Bench BO101 by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, created in 1952 in Denmark. Elegant and refined design line in teak, brass and metal, materials with colors that blend very well together especi...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 28.75 in W 73.63 in D 22.84 in
Midcentury Danish Finn Juhl Model 137 Japan Sofa For France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Original solid teak Japan sofa designed by Finn Juhl in 1957 for France & Son, Denmark. An incredibly hard to find item which is a superb showcase for J...
Brass
Rare Finn Juhl 3-Seater Japan Sofa
By Finn Juhl
Located in Munich, DE
Iconic design with amazing original fabric.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Sofa Settee 48 by Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Extremely Rare NV48 settee designed by Finn Juhl and made by Niels Vodder. Gorgeous hand crafted solid old growth teak frame perfectly complemented by a 'floatin...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Teak Bench by Baker
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Remarkable bench by Danish modern master designer Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture's Modern line, circa 1952. Unusual solid teak construction with beautiful grain throughout. Marked wi...
Teak
Sold
H 16.54 in W 59.06 in D 17.72 in
Finn Juhl Bench BO-101 of Teak with Brass Edge by Bovirke, Denmark, 1950s
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Bench or long table model BO-101 designed by the Danish architect and furniture designer Finn Juhl (1912-1989) in 1953. It is made of teak with brass edges and metal frame, legs end...
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 16 in W 88 in D 18 in
Mid-Century Modern Finn Juhl for Baker Model 406 Coffee Table Bench Seat, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a luxuriously long bench seat or coffee table, made of walnut wood, by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture, circa 1950s. In excelle...
Walnut
Sold
H 28 in W 74 in L 28 in
1950s Danish 'Japan Sofa' in Linen Upholstery by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A model 137 sofa from the "Japan" series with teak frame, newly upholstered in off-white linen. Designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Son. Marked.
Linen, Teak
Finn Juhl Walnut Bench
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Finn Juhl designed this walnut bench for Baker in 1951, who then subsequently named it “Rectangular Cocktail Table”, even though Juhl’s original sketch was entitled “bench.” The l...
Walnut
Finn Juhl Teak Bench for Bovirke, 1953
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl table bench in teak with foldable fabric cushion. Frame of gunmetal and brass lists. Designed 1953 and made at Bovirke, Denmark.
Brass
1950s Danish Table Bench by Finn Juhl for Bovirke
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Sagaponack, NY
The "Table Bench," an architectural bench or low table having a rectangular top with raised brass rails supported by a strutted steel base with teak-capped legs.
Brass
Sold
H 15.36 in W 66.93 in D 17.72 in
Finn Juhl Bench, Table, Walnut & Brass with Raf Simons Upholstery
By Onecollection, Finn Juhl
Located in Utrecht, NL
Low bench table by Finn Juhl in walnut with brass edges by One Collection / House of Finn Juhl with loose cushion in SONAR #734 fabric by Raf Simons for Kvadrat. This versatile p...
Brass, Steel
Finn Juhl Table Bench Teak, Brass, 1953
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Table Bench designed by Finn Jhul Manufactured by One collection Finn Juhl (Denmark) Finn Juhl experienced an international breakthrough in the USA during the early 1950s. He sub...
Brass, Steel
Finn Juhl for France and Son Black Leather and Teak Bwana Stool
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Miami, FL
An excellent example of an all original Danish Mid-Century Modern ottoman or footstool, designed by Finn Juhl, and dating from the mid-1960s. The teak frame, with original finish, ha...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Teak Coffee Table Bench for Bovirke, 1952
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Paris, FR
A beautiful architectural bench, also can be used as a low table, by the Danish designer Finn Juhl and manufactured by Borvirke in the 1950s. Rectangular teak top with raised brass ...
Brass, Steel