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.
1950s Finn Juhl for France & Son 500 Series Side or End Table in Teak
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a solid teak side or end table, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son in 1958. This piece was part of the 500 series, which included several table designs with a raised lip ...
Steel
$4,500
Finn Juhl Table
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful table by Danish master Finn Juhl features solid walnut legs and raised lip that surrounds a delta-shaped top of sycamore. Designed during the peak of his creativity, t...
Sycamore, Walnut
Finn Juhl Fully Restored Teak Side Tables by France and Son Excellent Condition
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Finn Juhl Fully Restored Diplomat Teak Side Tables by France and Daverkosen. Finn Juhl designed a series of furniture´from 1961 and forward called the Diplomat series with cha...
Teak
Finn Juhl FJ-57 Teak Coffee Table, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Paris, FR
Rare teak coffee model table FJ-57 designed by Finn Juhl in 1957. Top made from highly figured teak wood supported by a black lacquered metal X-base frame on turned teak wood feet. ...
Metal
Finn Juhl Side Table for Baker Furniture, Dark Stained Wood, 1955
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century rectangular side / end table with a dark stained and lacquered wooden frame, single drawer with antiqued brass bar drawer pull, an...
Brass
Finn Juhl low table by cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare low table designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by cabinetmaker Niels Roth Andersen in Denmark. Only produced in 2 examples.
Bronze
1960s Finn Juhl Restored Teak Side Table by France and Son Excellent Condition
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Finn Juhl Fully Restored Diplomat Teak Side Table by France and Søn. Finn Juhl designed a series of furniture´from 1961 and forward called the Diplomat series with chairs, des...
Teak
Pair of White Lacquered Mahogany Drink Tables by Baker Furniture
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in North York, ON
Pair of White Lacquered mahogany drink tables by Baker Furniture. Featuring curved jellyfish design with satin white lacquered finish. Brand new, American, by iconic American manufac...
Mahogany
Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table 'Fiori' 140, Oak
By Antrei Hartikainen, Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Fiori Table designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Studio Fiori Collection Available finishes: - Oak - Dark oak - Black oak Model shown in picture : - H. 35 x 140 x 65 cm - Oak ----- Designed by Poiat Studio in collaboration with the master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen, the Fiori Coffee Table Collection epitomises the appreciation of natural materials and the utility of beauty. The collection is an exclusive realisation of craftsmanship and artistry. Available in three sizes, the smaller tables are designed to slot into the bigger ones, enabling the tables to be used in different interiors and spaces. The two larger tables are available with hand-carved wooden flower objects...
Oak
$3,500
H 20.48 in Dm 18.12 in
Midcentury Danish Side Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant side table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Mahogany
$69,500
H 28.25 in W 114.5 in D 47.25 in
Outstanding Finn Juhl Rosewood and Silver Inlay "Judas" Dining Table, Restored
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional mid-century Danish Modern "Judas" extension dining table. This iconic table was designed by Finn Juhl, expertly produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, and retailed by Illums Bolighus of Copenhagen, Denmark. The table features an expandable oval top in stunning book-matched Brazilian rosewood, with round silver inlays, floating on a sculptural base with tapered solid rosewood legs. Made in Denmark, circa 1950s. Branded manufacturer’s mark to underside: "Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Copenhagen Denmark, Design: Finn Juhl." Measures: 71"W x 47.25"D x 28.25"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with two 21.75" leaves. Professionally restored. Excellent condition. 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 and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues, yet even his quietest pieces incorporate supple, curving forms that are at once elegant and ergonomic. Juhl quickly won a following for such signature designs as the supremely comfortable Chieftan lounge chair, the biomorphic Baker sofa, and this Judas table, ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes.
Silver
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 28 in Dm 24 in
Twig Occasional Side Table by Bill Sofield for Baker Furniture
By Bill Sofield, Baker Furniture Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous "Twig" side table by Bill Sofield for Baker Furniture, circa 2000s. This super fun occasional accent table has bronze twig li...
Metal
$4,500
H 21.66 in Dm 26.78 in
Midcentury Danish Low Table, Solid Mahogany by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Elegant low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, circa 1945. Great original condition.
Mahogany
$1,800
H 21.66 in W 32.68 in D 17.33 in
Danish Design Low Table in Mahogany and Tiles by Cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Low table in mahogany by designer and cabinetmaker Frits Henningsen. Made in Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Mahogany
Finn Juhl Dining Table and Chairs
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite dining set by Finn Juhl was designed in 1951 and is Classic Juhl. The sculptural frames of the model FJ 51 chairs support the curved seats and backs giving them the ap...
Walnut
1950s Solid Teak Side End Table by Hans C Andersen
Located in Victoria, BC
An exquisite solid teak end table, designed by the renowned Hans C Andersen in the 1950s, boasts a stunning display of unique old growth graining, captivating turned legs, and remain...
Teak
$880 / set
H 19.3 in W 25.6 in D 14.18 in
Mid Century, Set of 3 Nesting Tables in Oak Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
A refined set of three Danish Modern nesting tables crafted in oak, dating to the 1960s, made by a Danish cabinetmaker. Designed to slide neatly beneath one another, the set offers...
Oak
$1,400
H 24.02 in Dm 20.08 in
Round Art Deco Side Table in Beech & Marble Top, By a Danish Cabinetmaker, 1940s
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant Art Deco side table / pedestal in beech with an exclusive marble top. Made by a Danish Cabinetmaker in 1940s. This charming vintage table will complement many interior st...
Marble
Baker Furniture Regency Pedestal Side Table
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Empire, Regency, or Neoclassical style pedestal tea table, drinks table, or occasional side table By Baker Furniture, "Milling Road" Collection Italy, Circa Late 20th Ce...
Maple
Sold
H 21.5 in W 20 in D 28 in
Finn Juhl For John Stuart Model 535 Side Or End Table In Teak -Denmark 1950s
By John Stuart Inc., Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Southampton, NJ
A classic side table designed by Finn Juhl having distinctive raised sides over tapered legs with removable center shelf in solid teak. Manufactured by France & Daverkosen and im...
Brass
Sold
H 17 in W 23.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of 1960s Solid Teak FD535 End Tables by Finn Juhl for France & Søn
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
A beautifully matched pair of 1960s teak end tables designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son. These tables showcase Juhl’s signature lightness and sculptural clarity, with softly bevel...
Teak
Sold
H 19.5 in W 20 in D 20 in
Pair of Finn Juhl Solid Teak Side Tables for France & Søn Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in San Diego, CA
A timeless study in restraint and proportion, this pair of side tables by Danish master Finn Juhl embodies the architectural elegance that defines his work. Crafted from solid teak and manufactured by France & Søn, these tables feature a refined silhouette with sculptural leg profiles and a distinctive floating apron—a hallmark of Juhl’s modernist approach. The teak has been expertly restored by Hobbs...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Finn Juhl Model 535 Teak side Table For France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Rarely seen Teak side table designed by one of the most important designers of the Danish Modern movement, Finn Juhl. A pair of these tables can be seen situated next to a Chieftain chair in Finn Juhl’s own home which is now open as a museum. This particular example is offered in outstanding near mint condition. It has very pleasing dimensions and would also work very well as a bedside table. We have pictured the table with our Finn Juhl Model 138...
Teak
Sold
H 23 in W 29 in D 20 in
Danish Solid Teak Mid Century Side Table by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, c1950s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Step into a realm of timeless elegance with this exquisite vintage mid-century modern Teak Coffee Table, a testament to the visionary prowess of renowned Danish designer, Finn Juhl. ...
Teak
Sold
H 20.08 in W 21.26 in D 14.18 in
Mid-Century modern set of teak side tables with removable and reversible tray
By Finn Juhl
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Rare set of 2 Scandinavian teak side tables with removable and reversible tops by Finn Juhl. A top with a black melamine side, and a top with a pale yellow melamine side. Price for t...
Teak
Sidetable model 535 in teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FD 535 sidetable in solid teak by Finn Juhl / France & Daverkosen
Teak
Teak Drink Table by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Portland, OR
Classic solid teak side table by Finn Juhl. Elegant raised edges and very clean design- solidly constructed of old growth teak. Imported by John Stuart NYC manufactured by France & D...
Teak
Finn Juhl Side Table in Solid Teakwood by France & Son, 1959
By Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare side table by Finn Juhl in solid teakwood. Model "no. 535" Made at France & Son, Denmark. Great original condition. Marked by maker.
Teak
Pair of Model 535 Side Table in Teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Warminster, GB
Finn Juhl for for France & Søn, coffee tables from the series ‘500’, teak, Denmark, design 1958 This solid teak coffee table was part of the ‘500’ series that included a square and a...
Teak
Teak Model 534 Coffee Table by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern, model 534, square, teak, coffee or side table by Finn Juhl for France & Son.
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Table by Finn Juhl for France and Sons
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Danish Modern teak table by Finn Juhl for France and Sons,,, Classic Scandinavian modernist design..Retains original France and Sons badge...
Teak