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.
Canapé 3 places scandinave Grete Jalk pour Poul Jeppesen - 1960
By Grete Jalk
Located in BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, FR
Scandinavian three-seat sofa designed by renowned Danish designer Grete Jalk and manufactured by Poul Jeppesen (PJ) in the 1960s. This model stands out for the superior quality of i...
Palisander
2 Seater Sofa Model 118 Made With a Teak Frame By Grete Jalk From 1960s
By Grete Jalk
Located in Lejre, DK
This 2-seater sofa from around the 1960s is a rare beauty designed by Grete Jalk and manufactured by France & Søn in Denmark. It is made of beautiful teak wood and has newly upholste...
Teak
Danish Midcentury Loveseat by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen Oak legs
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic Danish design by Grete Jalk on of the grand ladies of Danish design and manufactured by Johannses Hansen as model JH 180. Simple yet very elegant and refined design...
Oak
Mid-Century 3 Seat Sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany, 1950s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in München, BY
Dimensions 85-102 x 190 x 74 41 cm (Depth x Width x Height / Seat height) This unique mid-century design sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 28.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21.75 inch...
Upholstery, Teak
“118” Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Brescia, IT
Teak sofa with removable cushions, recently reupholstered in a light-colored cotton-blend fabric. A structure with distinctive metal supports at the back. Designed by Grete Jalk for ...
Metal
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: 75 wide x 30 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vinta...
Upholstery, Teak
Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen
By Grete Jalk
Located in London, England
Grete Jalk (1920-2006) was a Danish architect and furniture designer known for her contributions to the mid-20th-century design movement. She studied architecture at the Royal Danish...
Velvet, Teak
Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly Reupholstered
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
First edition for this sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. Scandinavian sofa Freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.
Fabric, Teak
Grete Jalk for France & Son Teak Leather Sofa
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Grete Jalk sofa in teak and original brown leather, designed by Grete Jalk and produced by France & Son / Daverkosen, Denmark, 1960s. Elegant Danish modern design featuring a solid ...
Leather, Teak
$7,008Sale Price|20% Off
Grete Jalk Sofa in Caviúna, Manufactured in Brazil Móveis Ambiente for Rino Levi
By Grete Jalk
Located in Curitiba, PR
This elegant sofa was designed by Danish designer Grete Jalk and produced in Brazil by Móveis Ambiente under exclusive commission from architect Rino Levi during the 1960s. The piece...
Hardwood
$1,823Sale Price / item|25% Off
1960s Grete Jalke Sofas With Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
Four Available: 1960s Grete Jalke Freestanding Sofas With Stained Oak Legs and Blue Wool Upholstery and made by Johannes Hansen. Require reupholstery. Wool with stains, wear and defe...
Fabric, Oak
Grete Jalk Sofa JH180 Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1955
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Beautiful small Danish sofa or love seat, model JH180 designed by Grete Jalk and manufactured by Johannes Hansen, Denmark 1955. This beautiful shaped...
Leather, Oak
Stunning Three Seater Danish Sofa By Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Portlaoise, IE
A stunningly beautiful sofa designed by the legendary Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen Mobelfabrik. Exceedingly rare in rosewood this piece has remarkable grain pattern and is presented ...
Upholstery, Hardwood
Danish 3-seater sofa in Rosewood and new fabric by Grete Jalk for Poul Jepessen
By Poul Jeppesen, Grete Jalk
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa. Frame entirely in solid Rosewood, robust structure. Very elegant design, very good manufacturing quality. The seat cushions and backrests have been redone...
Fabric, Rosewood
Grete Jalk Three Seat Sofa, Teak and Hallingdal Wool from Kvadrat
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Grete Jalk three seat sofa. With frame of solid teak New upholstery of Hallingdal from Kvadrat. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Wool, Teak
Grete Jalk Three Seat Sofa, Oak and wool
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Grete Jalk three seat sofa. With frame of solid oak New upholstery with green Magrethe wool fabric from Nevotex. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Wool, Oak
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
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
Danish Modern Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A true icon of mid-century modern design, this exceptional sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of...
Fabric, Teak
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
8 Ft. Long Four Seat Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Sons in Teak, c. 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and exceptional is this sculptural sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son. This four-seat sofa features contoured slats that create a spectacular line from the back and side angles...
Teak
Slatted Bench by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A Grete Jalk designed teak slat top bench with tapered dowel legs. Working at a time when women were a rarity in the design world, Grete Juel Jalk completed her education at the D...
Teak
$6,464
Two Seater by Grete Jalk
By Grete Jalk
Located in Copenhagen, DK
2-Seater sofa in black leather and legs in rosewood. Grete Jalk / Johannes Hansen.
Rosewood
Mid 20th Century Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Teak Sofa circa 1960s. Measurements: 98" wide, 29" deep, 29" high with an arm height of 21", seat height of 16.75", seat widt...
Fabric, Teak
High Back Upholstered Settee by Grete Jalk for Johannes Hansen
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An early Grete Jalk designed settee featuring a high back on squared legs with a tight and tailored pale brick upholstery. Crafted by Johannes Hansen in Denmark, circa 1950s. Work...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,491Sale Price|57% Off
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn, Teak and Cane, 1950s
By Hartmut Lohmeyer, Wilkhahn
Located in Rosendahl, DE
1950s sofa by Hartmut Lohmeyer for Wilkhahn. Filigree teak frame with a bast backrest. New upholstery with a coarse weave high quality fabric. Excellent condition with signs of age.
Wool, Rattan, Teak
Mid-Century Italian Velvet 3-seater Sofa, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A mid-century italian designer sofa from the 1950’s. Upholstered in a maroon red velvet with an interesting angular design and splayed patinat...
Brass
$2,400
H 36.23 in W 59.06 in D 20.48 in
Danish Modern, Sculptural Three Seater Sofa / Bench, Made by Hans Dau, 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Odense, DK
A lovely romantic Baroque style three seater sofa with cushions covered in vintage fabric. Made in solid oak. Handcrafted by Danish cabinetmaker Hans Dau in the 1950s. The overall im...
Fabric, Oak
$1,119
H 29.53 in W 61.82 in D 31.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s.
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Mid-Century Two Seater Banana Sofa with Floral Fabric, 1950s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern banana shaped sofa with curved armrests, made by Danish cabinetmaker in the earl...
Fabric
$2,850
H 32 in W 85 in D 33 in
Edward Wormley 1950s Mid-Century Designed Dunbar for Modern 3 Seat Sofa
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in St. Louis, MO
Edward Wormley three seat on tapered walnut legs is from his Dunbar for Modern collection, one of his early fully modern furniture collections. This sofa, was reupholstered by the original owners, in the late 90s to fit their new southwest decor...
Upholstery, Walnut
$3,674
H 33.86 in W 99.22 in D 42.13 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Velvet four Seater Curved Sofa, 1950s
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Curved four-seater sofa, Italian design, solid wood structure and legs, original vintage chenille velvet upholstery, 1950s production. Conditions as s...
Chenille, Velvet, Beech
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
$4,200
H 30.32 in W 75.99 in D 33.47 in
New Mohair Upholstery Sofa Bed Model 470 By Hans Bellman, Wilkhahn, Germany 1964
By Hans Bellmann, Wilkhahn
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
This sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960s The sofa comes in a beautiful solid Teak wood frame and has been completely restored with new foam ...
Mohair, Velvet, Teak
1950s Italian 2-Seater Sofa , Restored
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered in Velvet fabric - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet
Italian Mid-Century Three-Seater Sofa, Italy 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
In the 1950s, Italian design took a crucial turn from the technical, formal and artistic point of view. Designers took tips from names in contemporary art and architecture like Alvar...
Velvet, Wood
Mid-Century Three Seats Sofa of Italian Production, 1950s
Located in Parma, IT
Three-seats sofa Italian production of the 1950s. Wooden structure with conical feet, completely restored with vintage fabric. In excellent conditions.
Fabric, Wood
Sold|$5,335
H 31.11 in W 75.99 in D 29.93 in
Danish Vintage Leather Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
A very rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage leather sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, ...
Leather, Wood
Danish Vintage Leather Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
A very rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage leather sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, ...
Leather, Wood
Grete Jalk Teak Sofa Settee for France & Sons, Circa 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Peabody, MA
A model 118 sofa in solid teak by the Danish designer Grete Jalk for France & Sons, ca. 1960s.
Upholstery, Teak
Danish Modern LIght Walnut Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverckosen
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. This example is completely original, clean and ready to use. Truly an iconic example from the Golden Age of Modern Dani...
Walnut
Grete Jalk Danish Teak Lounge Chair
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish Modern teak lounge chair designed by Grete Jalk for France & Sons Denmark, circa 1958 and imported by John Stuart Inc, Crafted of solid teak frames with sculpted arms uph...
Teak
Grete Jalk Teak Three Seat Sofa
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish Modern teak frame sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France & Sons Denmark, circa 1958 and imported by John Stuart Inc. Crafted of a solid teak frame with sculpted arms uphol...
Teak
Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Portland, OR
Three-seater sofa with solid teak frame by Grete Jalk. New cushions upholstered in a dead stock windowpane check brown and ivory linen. Excellent condition overall, frame retaining o...
Linen, Teak
Model 218 Sofa by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Mobelfabrik
By Grete Jalk, Glostrup Møbelfabrik
Located in Ranst, VAN
Beautiful sofa designed by Grete Jalk for Glostrup Mobelfabrik and made in Denmark in the 1960s. The sofa is named as 'model 218', has a teak frame and the original red checkered fab...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 29 in W 98 in D 29 in
Mid 20th Century Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Sofa
By Grete Jalk
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO
Grete Jalk for France & Sons 4 Seater Danish Modern Teak Sofa circa 1960s. Measurements: 98" wide, 29" deep, 29" high with an arm height of 21", seat height of 16.75", seat width of...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century Danish Teak Two Seater Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Vintage Mid-Century Danish Teak Two Seater Sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son. Model 118/2. Excellent vintage condition with minor wear....
Upholstery, Teak
Grete Jalk Three Seat Sofa, Teak and Savak wool
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Grete Jalk three seat sofa. With frame of solid teak Original upholstery of Savak wool. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Wool, Teak
Mid-Century Danish Modern 4-Seater Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition
Teak
Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen Teak Danish Modern Sofa
By France & Daverkosen, Grete Jalk
Located in Fulton, CA
A teak Danish Modern sofa frame designed by Grete Jalk for France & Daverkosen. Denmark, circa. 1950's. Beautiful glow and patina to original finish. Retains Daverkosen tag and brand...
Teak