What would the reputation of mid-century Danish furniture be without legendary female designer Grete Jalk? A pioneer of Scandinavian modernism, Jalk sought to craft furniture that was both cost-efficient and high in quality, each piece made for the evolving interiors and design sensibilities of the day. She continues to be celebrated for her sleek and minimal armchairs, lounge chairs, coffee tables and more.
Jalk was born in 1920 in Copenhagen. She studied at the Drawing and Applied Art School for Women before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where famed designer Kaare Klint was among her instructors. Jalk completed her studies in 1946 and began a cabinetmaker apprenticeship. That same year, she won an award at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild competition. Jalk also participated in the 1951 Milan Triennial exhibition, where her designs earned more acclaim and attention.
In 1954, Jalk opened her own design studio and began working with major Danish furniture manufacturers like Fritz Hansen and Glostrup Møbelfabrik. She found inspiration in plywood experiments carried out by Alvar Aalto and Ray and Charles Eames, and she quickly became known for her pared-back, expressive designs, which touted fluid forms and were made of alluring woods such as teak and rosewood.
Jalk’s best-known work is the 1963 GJ chair, a collaboration with cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen that won first place in the Daily Mail International Furniture Competition. Made of two pieces of molded teak plywood, the sculptural GJ lounge chair is part of the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While creating her iconic furniture designs, Jalk wore many other hats. She taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and served as an editor of the Danish design magazine Mobilia from 1956–62 and 1968–74. In 1974, Jalk curated a traveling design exhibition for the Danish Foreign Ministry and was named a member of the Danish Design Council in 1981. She was also the editor of 40 Years of Danish Furniture Design: The Copenhagen Cabinet-makers' Guild Exhibitions 1927–1966, published in 1987.
Jalk passed away in 2006 at the age of 86. In 2008, Danish furniture manufacturer Lange Production was granted exclusive rights to reproduce the GJ chair, a design as fresh and original today as ever.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Grete Jalk seating, tables and storage pieces.
Teak armchair by Grete Jalk, Denmark, 60's
By Grete Jalk
Located in Marinha Grande, PT
Armchair by designer Grete Jalk in solid teak, 1960s Refurbished cushions Very elegant !
Fabric, Teak
Danish Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Grand Rapids, MI
Denmark, 1950s Beautifully made teak armchair with gently curved armrests and coiled spring seat and back, designed by Grete Jalk. Frame is made of old growth teak that has very tigh...
Fabric, Teak
$4,032Sale Price / set|35% Off
Two 1950s Danish "118" Lounge Chairs in Teak by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of "model 118" lounge chairs in teak by Danish designer Grete Jalk for France and Daverkosen. These early 1950s chairs have a beautiful streamlined design, with sculpted a...
Teak
Pair of Grete Jalk Teak Lounge Chairs for France & Søn
By Grete Jalk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
An iconic and beautifully refined pair of Danish teak lounge chairs designed by Grete Jalk for France & Søn, circa 1960s. Known for her elegant, humanist approach to modernism, Jalk’...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Lounge Chair By Grete Jalk
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern, lounge chair by Grete Jalk for France & Son features a teak frame with upholstered seat and back removeable cushions and cove...
Fabric, Teak
$5,413 / set
Pair of Grete Jalk Easy Chairs, Denmark, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of easy chairs by Grete Jalk, Denmark, 1960s.
Teak
Grete Jalk Chair with Arms, Teak with New Leather Upholstery, Beautiful Form
By Grete Jalk
Located in Kansas City, MO
Armchair designed by Grete Jalk (Greta Jalk), Denmark, 1950s. Solid teak frame has been reupholstered in new ivory leather.
Leather, Teak
$1,058Sale Price / item|26% Off
Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Karis, Nyland
Mid-century modern Scandinavian teak armchair by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Møbelfabrik. Manufactured in Denmark in the 1960s. New quality fabric seat and backrest by Lauritzon. We hav...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-century Danish teak lounge chair/ Easy chair by Grete Jalk For France & Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid-century Rare Danish teak lounge chair/ Easy chair by Grete Jalk For France &Son , 1960s Design year: 1960s Style: vintage, Danish modern Designed by: Grete Jalk For France &...
Fabric, Teak
Danish armchair model "118" by Grete Jalk
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant Danish 1960s teak armchair, an expression of Grete Jalk's organic modernism, with original frame and refined proportions. Iconic armchair model "118" designed by Grete Jalk ...
Teak
Mid-century Danish Teak and White Bouclé Armchair by Grete Jalk, 1960s.
By Grete Jalk
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Designed by celebrated Danish modernist Grete Jalk in the 1960s, this teak lounge chair embodies the sculptural fluidity and understated refinement she is revered for. The frame show...
Bouclé, Teak
Poltrona danese FD118 di Grete Jalk per France & Søn, anni ’60
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Brescia, IT
Poltrona danese modello FD118 di Grete Jalk per France & Søn, struttura in teak e cuscini rifoderati in lana melange grigia. Raffinata poltrona danese modello FD118 disegnata da Gre...
Fabric, Teak
Pj4 Arm Chairs in Teak and Leather by Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Denmark 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully refinished pair of PJ4 armchairs designed by Grete Jalk and produced by Poul Jeppesen, Denmark, in the 1960s. These iconic mid‑century chairs showcase Jalk’s refined Sc...
Teak, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Lounge Chairs in Teak Model 118 by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern pair of lounge chairs in teak model 118 by Grete Jalk for France and Daverkosen.Referenced by the Design Museum Danmark under number RP03605. First edition from 19...
Teak
$6,592 / set
Grete Jalk tek armchairs
By Grete Jalk
Located in PARIS, FR
Pair of Grete Jalk armchairs Large Model with backrest for the head Completely restored, the fabric is nubuk and the foams have been changed Armchair of a very beautiful estheticism,...
Fabric, Wood
Pair of Armchair by Greta Jalk, Denmark, circa 1950s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Paris, FR
Pair of Armchair by Greta Jalk, Denmark, circa 1950s
Wood
Mid century easy lounge chairs by Grete Jalk, Denmark, teak & brass, Set of 2
By Grete Jalk
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Mid century easy lounge chairs by Grete Jalk, Denmark, teak & brass, 19560s, Set of 2 It is in great condition. However, as with all the vintage items some minor wear marks should b...
Brass
Grete Jalk Model-128 Teak & Boucle Lounge Chair for France & Søn
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precision. With over 17 years of artisanal exper...
Upholstery, Teak
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 71.75 wide x 26.5 deep x 27.25 inches high, with a seat height of 15 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vintage Condition ...
Upholstery, Teak
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 80 wide x 32 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.25 and arm height of 21.75 inches Grea...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,190
H 14.97 in W 20.67 in D 16.54 in
Rare 1960's teak ottoman by Grete Jalk for France & Søn, Denmark
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Bern, CH
Rare 1960's teak ottoman designed by Danish designer Grete Jalk for France & Søn, Denmark. Solid teak frame with black leather upholstery. Designer: Grete Jalk Producer: France & Søn...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Lounge Chairs Grete Jalk Danish Teak, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Pair of Grete Jalk lounge chairs, Denmark, 1960s. Excellent condition. New cushions, freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.
Fabric, Teak
$3,200
H 29.14 in W 27.17 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Mid-Century Scandinavian Teak Lounge Chair Armchair, Denmark, 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-century teak lounge chair armchair, Denmark 1960. Set of 2 ! New uoholstery in torquois blue.
Fabric, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Sofa after Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Scandinavian modern teak sofa after Grete Jalk features stylish Mid-Century Modern design, iconic sculpted seat back, and rich vintage teak finish. Vintage upholstered cushions ...
Teak
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 77 in D 28 in
Handsome Teak Grete Jalk 3 Seater Sofa for France and Son
By Grete Jalk
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A Grete Jalk's sculptural sofa for France & Son, this three-seater features sinuously contoured slats that create spectacular lines from all angles. The flared armrests, base and ori...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,250 / set
H 32 in W 28.5 in D 32 in
Pair Mid Century Danish Modern Beech Lounge Chairs by Grete Jalk - John Stuart
By John Stuart, Grete Jalk
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous pair of Beech Mid Century Danish Modern Lounge Chairs by Grete Jalk for John Stuart. Cushions are fairly new and in excellent condition with very little wear. Wood frames we...
Fabric, Rubber, Beech, Lacquer
$3,308 / set
H 29.93 in W 27.96 in D 29.93 in
Pair of Danish mid-century modern 1960s teak Lounge chairs by Grete Jalk
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Set of lounge chairs by one of the few Danish female mid-century furniture in the refined teak woodwork. A beautiful pair of chairs with organic shapes and clean lines giving them a ...
Teak
$2,827
H 29.53 in W 28.75 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Design Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk for France & Søn, Denmark, 1950s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 73 x 75 x 77 cm (Width x Height x Depth) This exquisite lounge chair exemplifies the essence of Scandinavian design, created by Grete Jalk and crafted by France and Son ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Longue Chair By Grete Jalk for france and Son 1950s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Čelinac, BA
Grete Jalk Longue Chair Denmark for France and Son 1950
Fabric, Teak
Poltrona in teak di Grete Jalk
By Glostrup Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Brescia, IT
Poltrona scandinava in teak di Grete Jalk per Glostrup, anni ’60: profilo sottile, braccioli scolpiti, cuscini rifoderati grigio ghiaccio e completamente sfoderabili. Struttura in t...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 30.91 in D 28.35 in
Coppia di poltrone in teak di Grete Jalk per France & Daverkosen
By Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
Located in Brescia, IT
Poltrone danesi disegnate da Grete Jalk. Cuscini rifatti, sfoderabili e rivestiti in tessuto beige. Coppia di poltrone in teak disegnate da Grete Jalk per France & Daverkosen, Danim...
Fabric, Teak
Armchair, Grete Jalk, France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Armchair, designed by Grete Jalk, manufactured by France & Søn, 1960s. Restored teak frame. Reupholstered with quality Lauritzon's Sorrento 400-fabric. Good vintage condition, minor patina consistent with age and use. Grete Jalk (1920-2006) is one of Denmark's most talented and influential mid-century designers. Her work raised the profile of Danish furniture internationally and is held in the permanent collections of many leading design museums. The MoMA has held Jalk's GJ chair...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Armchairs by Grete Jalk for France & Son, Denmark, 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Torino, IT
Pair of Armchairs by Grete Jalk for France & Son, Denmark, 1960 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Denmark Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Style – Midcen...
Teak
Grete Jalk Armchair for French & Son, Denmark, 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Torino, IT
Grete Jalk Armchair for French & Son, Denmark, 1960 Additional information: Country of Manufacture – Denmark Design Period – 1960 Production Period – 1960 Style – Midcentury / Danis...
Teak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 28.55 in D 30.52 in
Iconic Pair of Armchair by Rino Levi, c. 1950, Brazilian Mid-century Design
By Grete Jalk
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous armchair was created by the Danish designer Grete Jalk and produced in Brazil in circa 1951 by Móveis Ambiente under the order of the arc...
Leather, Wool, Hardwood
Danish Armchair by Grete Jalk for France and Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely rare Danish armchair by Grete Jalk for France and Son. It was made in Denmark and dates from the 1960’s. This is of superb quality, and looks fantastic from...
Fabric, Wood
Armchair by Grete Jalk for France et Son 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Milano, IT
Teak wood armchair, cushions with springs and fabric upholstery. Restaurata. ...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 27.96 in W 31.11 in D 27.56 in
Armchair In Teak and black leather, Model 118 Designed By Grete Jalk From 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
Enjoy a sophisticated resting experience with this recliner, model 118, designed by the talented Grete Jalk and manufactured by France & Son in the 1960s. Crafted in teak and elegant...
Leather, Teak
Set of Two Armchairs by Grete Jalk, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Helsinki, Uusimaa
Set of two armchairs by Grete Jalk from the 1960s. Teak frame with fabric upholstery. Good vintage condition, minor wear and patina consistent with age and use. The armchairs are sol...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 29.14 in W 28.55 in D 30.52 in
Pair of Armchairs by Grete Jalk/Rino Levi, c. 1951, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Grete Jalk
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous armchair was created by the Danish designer Grete Jalk and produced in Brazil in circa 1951 by Móveis Ambiente under the order of the arc...
Wool, Leather, Hardwood
Armchairs by Grete Jalk for France & Søn, 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in bruxelles, BE
Pair of armchairs in wood and white curly fabric. Stamped. Measure: Seat height: 42cm. Wear due to time and age of the chairs.
Fabric, Wood