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.
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
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
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
$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
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
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
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: 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
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
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
Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly Reupholstered
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
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
$1,863Sale 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
Mid-Century 3 Seat Sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany, 1950s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in München, Bavaria
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
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
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
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
Danish 3-seater sofa in Rosewood and new fabric by Grete Jalk for Poul Jepessen
By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesen
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 Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
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
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
8 Ft. Long Four Seat Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Sons in Teak, c. 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
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
Danish Modern Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
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 the...
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
$6,650
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
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
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
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
By France & Søn, Arne Vodder
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Teak Sofa with Chenille Upholstery, 1960s Denmark
By Illum Wikkelsø, Grete Jalk, Svend Åge Madsen, Ib Kofod-Larsen, Folke Ohlsson
Located in Burbank, CA
1960's Midcentury Danish Modern couch for sale. It's a really long sofa, and was reupholstered in 2015. It has a solid teak frame in excellent condition. It was reupholstered using R...
Chenille, 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
$3,248 / 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 Grete Jalk, France & Søn
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
Grete Jalk for France & Son Danish Teak Lounge Chair 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful and iconic Danish lounge chair designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. Crafted in solid teak with the original makers badge still intact, this piece showcases the sculpt...
Fabric, Teak
$2,776
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 beautiful lounge chair was designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son in the 1950s in Denmark. The elegant shape and the f...
Fabric, Upholstery, 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
$3,662
H 28.75 in W 29.93 in D 61.42 in
Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly Reupholstered
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
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
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
$3,200
H 28 in W 63 in D 27.5 in
Danish Midcentury Loveseat 2 1/2 Seat Sofa Grete Jalk Style with Teak Legs
By Grete Jalk, Johannes Hansen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic Danish design very similar to Grete Jalk's one of the grand ladies of Danish design, and Johannes Hansen's model JH 180. Simple yet very elegant and refined design ...
Wool, Teak
Danish Midcentury 2 1/2 Seat Sofa Grete Jalk Style with Teak Legs
By Johannes Hansen, Grete Jalk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful Classic Danish design very similar to Grete Jalk's one of the grand ladies of Danish design, and Johannes Hansen's model JH 180. Simple yet very elegant and refined design ...
Oak, Wool, 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
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
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 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
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
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 Grete Jalk, France & Daverkosen
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
Pair of Vintage Danish Sofas by Grete Jalk for France and Son
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare and absolutely stunning pair of vintage Danish sofas by Grete Jalk for France and Son. They were made in Denmark, and date from the 1960’s. They are of outstanding...
Fabric, Wood