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, Rare Important Sofa Walnut Fabric, Baker Furniture United States 1951
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in High Point, NC
A rare and important sofa, designed by Finn Juhl in 1951 for Baker Furniture Company, Michigan. Introduced to the American design community by Edgar Kaufmann Jr, an art collector a...
Fabric, Walnut
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
Early Baker Sofa by One Collection, Denmark — Teak Frame & Original Fabric
By Finn Juhl, Onecollection
Located in Dronten, NL
A rare opportunity to acquire one of the first Baker Sofas produced by One Collection in Denmark, the company now internationally known as House of Finn Juhl, the official licensed m...
Fabric, Teak
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
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
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
Finn Juhl two seat love seat sofa, model Poet
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
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 Model 137 Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark 1950s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Hellouw, NL
A beautifully resolved design by one of Denmark’s leading modernists, this Model 137 sofa by Finn Juhl was produced in the 1950s by France & Søn. It reflects Juhl’s sculptural approa...
Fabric, 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
Sofa in Stained Beech Legs and Reupholstered by Finn Juhl, 1946
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Stained Beech Legs and Reupholstered with Light Grey Wool, Seat with Dark Blue Wool by Finn Juhl, 1946 Additional Information: Material: Stained beech legs and reupholstered with light grey wool, seat with dark blue wool Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Rare sofa model BO55...
Beech, Fabric, Wool
Original Finn Juhl BO46 Sofa for Bovirke, 1946
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl BO46 sofa upholstered with off-white fabric, tapering legs of stained beech. Designed by Finn Juhl, 1946 and manufactured by Bovirke, Denm...
Fabric, Beech
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
Sofa Bo64 Designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, Denmark, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa BO64 designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, Denmark, 1940s. Savak wool upholstery and stained wooden legs. Provenance: Acquired by current owner at Bovir...
Wool, Wood
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
Niels Vodder produced poet sofa designed by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Björnlunda, SE
Rare vintage Poet sofa designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Niels Vodder. Newly upholstered in rich dark chocolate brown shearling sheepskin. Wooden legs of beech-wood which ret...
Sheepskin, Beech
FJ 56 - 4 pers. sofa in textile by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FJ 56 - Rare four-seater sofa in textile with burnished steel frame and rosewood legs. Designed in 1956.
Steel
$6,595Sale Price|20% Off
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa Model 137 in Teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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
C. 2020 House of Finn Juhl Baker Three Seat Sofa in Grey Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Baker Three Seat Sofa, originally designed by Finn Juhl in 1951. This particular example was produced in Denmark by House of Finn Juhl in 2020. The sofa is comprised of a d...
Foam, Oak, Fabric
Baker Sofa in Clay by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Baker Sofa in Clay by House of Finn Juhl offers expert craftsmanship and timeless design. With clean lines and a neutral color, this sofa will elevate any living space. Made by t...
Wood
$24,200
Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in Pawtucket, RI
The perfect Finn Juhl settee manufactured by Bovirke in 1946. Reupholstered with new Hallingdal fabric. Iconic Danish design in perfect restored condition.
Wool
Rare three-seater sofa in grey textile by Finn Juhl
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BO 77 - 3-seater sofa in new grey textile (Ecriture from Kvadrat, colours 270/210) with oxidised steel frame and teak shoes. Designed in 1953. Designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke.
Steel
$2,182Sale Price|68% Off
H 30 in W 27 in D 23 in
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Cado, France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark. Arms are removable. You can use as armless lounge as well. (See final pho...
Textile, Rosewood
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Manhattan Sofa This sofa measures: 93.25 wide x 37.5 deep x 30.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height of 24 inches We take our photos in a control...
Upholstery
$5,000
H 28 in W 107.5 in D 32 in
Rare 1950s MCM Large 8 Foot + "Chevron" Shaped Sofa designed by Baker Furniture
By Michael Taylor, Baker Furniture Company
Located in St. Louis, MO
Fabulous large Mid-Century Modern "Chevron" shaped sofa on castors, shown in original yellow silk fabric with down pillows. Unusual and I'd say rare, never seen another like it. Clas...
Silk, Down
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
$2,057Sale Price|24% Off
H 29.14 in W 61.42 in D 32.68 in
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa, original condition, furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater "Banana" sofa in original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Brun/beige furniture fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Manufactured by Dani...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
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
FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in PARIS, FR
The lounge chair nicknamed Spade Chair, presents the aesthetic characteristics of Juhl’s design and is one of his most emblematic projects. This one is in great condition and it is t...
Wool, Teak
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa
By Barbara Barry, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Barbara Barry for Baker Furniture Sofa This sofa measures: 79 wide x 34 deep x 34.75 inches high, with a seat height of 18.5 and arm height of 25 inches We take our photos in a con...
Upholstery, Wood
Vladimir Kagan Sofa, Ochre, United States
By Vladimir Kagan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Vladimir Kagan Sofa model “Directional” Manufactured by Vladimir Kagan Designs, Inc. United States Upholstery, walnut Measurements 244 cm x 147 cm x 75 cm 96 in x 58 in x 29.5 in ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,865 / set
H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in
Dining Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s, Set of 4
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino
Set of 4 Scandinavian chairs designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France and Son in Denmark in the 1960s. They feature solid teak structu...
Teak
Danish Designer, Sofa, Fabric, Wood, Denmark, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A yellow floral-printed fabric and wood sofa designed and produced in Denmark, c. 1940s. Wear to wood legs consistent with age and use Vintage fabric in fair condition, ideally rep...
Fabric, Wood
$1,352Sale Price|42% Off
H 29.14 in W 69.3 in D 31.89 in
1970s, Danish design, 3 seater sofa, original condition, leather, teak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish little 3 seater sofa in original very good condition: no smells, no stains, stable construction. Original black leather, teak wood legs. Manufactured by Danish furnitur...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Two-Seat Sofa NV53
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
NV53 two-seat sofa designed by Finn Juhland made by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1950s. The frame is carved out of teak and covered in a creamy white cotton upholstery....
Upholstery, Teak
Finn Juhl two seat love seat sofa, model Poet
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Poet" two seat love seat sofa. Legs og oak. Original upholstered with two colours of fabric. Model Poet, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Fabric, Oak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 98.43 in D 30.32 in
Sofa in Rosewood, Steel and Original Wool Fabric by Finn Juhl, 1953
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa in Rosewood, Steel and Original Wool Fabric by Finn Juhl, 1953 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, steel and original wool fabric Very rare sofa model BO-77 Produced by...
Rosewood
Finn Juhl two seat love seat sofa, model Poet
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Poet" two seat love seat sofa. Legs og walnut. New upholstered with walnut elegance full grain aniline leather. Model Poet, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 33.86 in W 92.52 in D 32.29 in
Finn Juhl 57 Sofa Scandinavian Mid Century Design in Brown Blue Wool Denmark
By Onecollection, Finn Juhl
Located in Dronten, NL
Finn Juhl, sofa model '57', fabric upholstery, steel, teak, leather, Denmark, design 1957. An extraordinary sofa designed by Finn Juhl. The sofa was exhibited for the very first time...
Stainless Steel
Finn Juhl Model 128 Jupiter Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Armchair by Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's leading designers. Finn Juhl has created his own world with his unique ideas and excellent sense of form, and has made Danish furniture known ...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Model 128 Jupiter 2 seater sofa
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Sofa by Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's leading designers. Finn Juhl has created his own world with his unique ideas and excellent sense of form, and has made Danish furniture known thro...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Model 128 Jupiter 3 seater sofa
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
Sofa by Finn Juhl, one of Denmark's leading designers. Finn Juhl has created his own world with his unique ideas and excellent sense of form, and has made Danish furniture known thro...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Settee by Slagelse Mobelvaerk BO46, Mid-century Danish
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Finn Juhl
Located in Oakland, CA
Finn Juhl for Slagelse Møbelværk sculptural frame sofa, designed in 1946. This exceptional sofa features a sturdy, sculptural frame, newly upholstered in high-quality teal wool fabri...
Wool
Sold
H 31.11 in W 80.71 in D 34.26 in
Finn Juhl model Jupiter sofa brown leather France & Son Denmark 1965
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful shaped 3-seat Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa is executed in chocolate brown leather supported by a solid rosewood fra...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 85 in D 30.5 in
Finn Juhl Rare 'Model 9316' Sofa for Baker in Linen and Walnut, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Coronado, CA
A highly uncommon and elegant 'Model 9316' sofa designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured in small numbers by Baker in the 1950s. This timeless design feature a highly tufted, lightly a...
Feathers, Walnut, Linen
Sold
H 34.65 in W 54.34 in D 30.32 in
Danish Curved Mid Century Poet Sofa by Finn Juhl Produced by Niels Vodder, 1941
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare, fine and early example of the iconic "Poet" sofa by Finn Juhl produced by cabinet maker Niels Vodder Denmark, 1941. In good condition and fully restored and upholstered in...
Sheepskin, Beech