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.
Outstanding Grete Jalk Teak Lounge Chair, Midcentury Danish Modern
By Grete Jalk
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Grete Jalk teak lounge chair. This chair retain its original orange striped woven fabric in nice vintage condition-some light spots-cleaning recommended. Very usable as i...
Upholstery, Teak
Model 118 Chair by Grete Jalk for France and Sons with Ottoman, Denmark, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Deland, FL
Easy chair model 118 with ottoman by Grete Jalk and manufactured by France & Son in the 1960's paired with a complementary ottoman both in teak and featuring new tweed upholstery in ...
Teak
Grete Jalk Unique Children Chair Produced in Denmark
By Grete Jalk
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Unique children chair designed by Grete Jalk. Produced in Denmark.
Wood
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
Grete Jalk´s Lounge Armchair In Teak Made By France and Søn, 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Lejre, DK
This Scandinavian Modern period armchair or lounge chair, designed by the renowned Grete Jalk and manufactured for France & Søn in the 1960s in Denmark, exemplifies the epitome of mi...
Leather, Teak
$2,595 / set
Rare pair of Danish modern fumed oak side chairs
By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in DK
This rarely seen pair of side chairs (model 3-1) in slightly fumed oak was designed ca. 1956 by Danish designer Grete Jalk (1920-2006). These examples were executed by Poul Jeppesen,...
Oak
Pair of Danish Modern Lounge Chairs by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of Danish modern lounge chairs, designed by Hans Olsen, Denmark, circa 1960s. The chairs are being reupholstered, and can be completed in your fabric. Simply send us 8 yards tot...
Upholstery, Wood, Teak
Pair of Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs
Located in Buchanan, NY
A sophisticated pair of 1950s Italian sidechairs in green leather with wicker backs and brass detailing. Add some classic mid-century modern elegance to your home with this gorgeous pair of 1950s Italian side chairs...
Upholstery
$5,309
H 37.01 in W 29.53 in D 33.08 in
Danish Modern Wingback Chair in Oak & Traditional Danish Olmerdug Wool, 1950s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
Wonderful and large Danish Modern wingback chair hand made by a cabinetmaker in Denmark in the 1950s. Great dramatic angles and proportion...
Oak, Wool
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 France & Søn, Grete Jalk
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
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
$10,029 / set
H 27.96 in W 28.35 in D 25.6 in
Rare Pair of Easy Chairs in Oak and Leather by Alf Svensson, 1960's
By Alf Svensson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare Pair of Easy Chairs / safari chairs in Oak and Leather, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Oak and leather Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Probably produced in Denmark Di...
Oak, Leather
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair 4130, Oak & Vinyl, Danish Modern 1960
By Fritz Hansen, Arne Jacobsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arne Jacobsen Grand Prix Chair, model 4130. Original vinyl seat cover in very nice shape. Pretty clean example, spine in good shape! Solid Chair perfect...
Upholstery, Oak
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
$4,000 / set
H 45.28 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Danish Modern Sculptural Pair of Rocking Chairs Lambswool & Oak, Brutalism, 1950
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
This pair of sculptural rocking chairs, made in the 1950s by a skilled Danish cabinetmaker, embodies the Brutalist aesthetic with its bold design. Crafted from solid oak, the chairs ...
Oak, Lambskin, Wool
$5,899 / set
H 32.68 in W 14.97 in D 16.54 in
Pair of Thorvald Bindesbøll chairs in oak, Denmark 1890’s
By Thorvald Bindesbøll
Located in Valby, 84
A remarkable pair of oak chairs designed by Thorvald Bindesbøll in the 1890s, featuring elegant turned details that highlight the impeccable craftsmanship of this celebrated Danish d...
Fabric, Oak
$1,038Sale Price / item|26% Off
H 29.93 in W 23.23 in D 20.48 in
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
Grete Jalk Armchair
By Grete Jalk, Sibast
Located in London, GB
Incredibly rare oak and teak chairs by Grete Jalk. The model 32-42 designed by Grete Jalk in 1962 and produced by the fine furniture maker Sibast are very rarely seen. Constructed f...
Leather, Oak, Teak
Grete Jalk model 128 lounge chair France & Son Denmark 1960
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Stunning lounge chair model 128 designed by one of the few female mid-century furniture designers Grete Jalk for France & Søn, Denmark 1960. This elegant shaped lounge chair is handc...
Wool, Teak
Grete Jalk, Midcentury 4 Rosewood and Leather Chairs P Jeppesens Denmark
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Forest, BE
Elegant massive rosewood and black leather chairs by female designer Grete Jalk. Produced in the 60's by cabinetmaker Poul Jeppessens. We have 4 chairs available and a table. 8 more chairs without leather on the backrest so 12 chairs in total. Please ask for more pictures. _____________________________________________________________ Grete Juel Jalk est née à Copenhague. Après avoir été diplômée de l'école secondaire, section langues et philosophie, elle a étudié à l'École de design pour femmes (de 1940 à 1943) avec l’ ébéniste Karen Margrethe Conradsen. Elle a terminé ses études à la Danish Design School en 1946, et a également suivi un enseignement avec Kaare Klint à l'Académie royale des beaux-arts du Danemark. Elle a pris part aux compétitions annuelles du Musée du Design et du département mobilier de la Design School, où elle a également enseigné de 1950 à 1960. En 1953, Jalk ouvre son propre studio de design. Inspirée par le mobilier stratifié, courbé, contreplaqué de Alvar Aalto et les créations en contreplaqué moulé de Charles Eames, elle commence à développer ses propres modèles tout en courbes. L’intérêt pour ces modèles non conventionnels a progressé lentement. En 1963, le journal anglais The Daily Mirror...
Leather, Rosewood
Grete Jalk, Midcentury 8 Rosewood and Leather Chairs P Jeppesens Denmark
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Forest, BE
Elegant massive rosewood and black leather chairs by female designer Grete Jalk. Produced in the 6à's by cabinetmaker Poul Jeppessens. We have 8 chairs available and a table. 4 more chairs with leather on the backrest so 12 chairs in total. Please ask for more pictures. _____________________________________________________________ Grete Juel Jalk est née à Copenhague. Après avoir été diplômée de l'école secondaire, section langues et philosophie, elle a étudié à l'École de design pour femmes (de 1940 à 1943) avec l’ ébéniste Karen Margrethe Conradsen. Elle a terminé ses études à la Danish Design School en 1946, et a également suivi un enseignement avec Kaare Klint à l'Académie royale des beaux-arts du Danemark. Elle a pris part aux compétitions annuelles du Musée du Design et du département mobilier de la Design School, où elle a également enseigné de 1950 à 1960. En 1953, Jalk ouvre son propre studio de design. Inspirée par le mobilier stratifié, courbé, contreplaqué de Alvar Aalto et les créations en contreplaqué moulé de Charles Eames, elle commence à développer ses propres modèles tout en courbes. L’intérêt pour ces modèles non conventionnels a progressé lentement. En 1963, le journal anglais The Daily Mirror...
Leather, Rosewood
Pair of Grete Jalk Dining Chairs Walnut & Leather, 1960s
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk
Located in Basel, BS
Pair of dining chairs, designed by Grete Jalk for P. Jeppesen, model No. PJ4-2, made in Denmark in the early 1960s. Solid walnut frame with a beautiful grain, refinished with laq...
Walnut
Sold
H 33.08 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
1960's Danish Easy Chair by Grete Jalk for France & Son Teak and Boucle
By Grete Jalk
Located in Forest Row, East Sussex
A Mid-Century easy chair designed by Grete Jalk for France & Son. Teak framed with curved arms and original label to inside of seat. Original cushions re-upholsted in white Bouclé. F...
Bouclé, Teak
Mid Century Danish Teak armchair by Grete Jalk, c1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in Paddock Wood Tonbridge, GB
This Teak armchair was designed by Grete Jalk in 1963 and produced by renowned cabinetmakers France and Son. The chair has been restored where necessary and been fully re finished, this has had replacement cushions...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 30.71 in D 29.53 in
1960s Danish Teak Easy Chair Model 118 Grete Jalk for France & Son Verner Panton
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Sherborne, Dorset
Incredibly stylish midcentury easy chair designed by Grete Jalk (Model 118), manufactured by France & Son in Denmark. The frame is made from teak and the cushions have been upholster...
Fabric, Teak
Pair of Teak Lounge Chairs by Grete Jalk for France & Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant pair of Model 128 lounge chairs designed by Grete Jalk for France & Son in 1963. The chair has an elongated seat framed by broad, boomerang-reminiscent armrests. The open ...
Cotton, Teak
Sold
H 29.63 in W 19.5 in D 19 in
10 Grete Jalk for P. Jeppesens Mid-century Danish Rosewood Danish Dining Chairs
By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik
Located in Oakland, CA
Exquisite set of ten solid Brazilian rosewood dining chairs designed by Grete Jalk for P. Jeppesens in 1961. Model P J 3-2 features hand sculptured back rests of solid Brazilian rose...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Teak Lounge Chair by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century lounge chair by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Mobelfabrik in teak. This piece has a unique angled backrest and has been professionally reuph...
Teak
Sold
H 30 in W 30.75 in D 27.5 in
Pair of Grete Jalk Scandinavian Modern Teak Armchairs for France and Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Astoria, NY
A vintage pair lounge armchairs in the Scandinavian Modern style, by designer Grete Jalk for France and Son of Denmark, each with teak frame and two supportive back splats on tapered...
Fabric, Teak