One of the greatest cabinetmakers in Denmark, Niels Vodder had an illustrious career in Danish furniture. And just as like-minded duos Kaare Klint and Rudolph Rasmussen or Hans Wegner and Johannes Hansen had, Vodder — in partnership with Finn Juhl for more than 20 years — set a high standard for Scandinavian modernism.
Vodder had already established his position as an in-demand cabinetmaker by the time Juhl came into his small workshop in 1937. Juhl — a pioneer of 20th-century Danish design and a pivotal figure in the introduction of Danish modern in the United States — had often authored technically complicated designs that other woodworkers found impossible to execute. Vodder, however, would prove otherwise through his skill and ingenuity. Together, the two ushered in an era of innovative Danish design to an international audience at annual Cabinetmakers’ Guild exhibitions in Copenhagen.
Some of Juhl’s most iconic lounge chairs, such as the NV 45 chair and the Chieftain chair, were first built by Vodder. Most of the seating executed by Vodder was done in teak, although some chairs were handcrafted in mahogany, rosewood and other attractive woods. The Chieftain, formally the FJ 49 A, won the Danish Design Award in the “Classic” category, while the NV 45 can be found in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Juhl’s FJ 51 chair was featured in the United Nations Trusteeship Council chamber — designing and furnishing the chamber was one of Juhl’s notable accomplishments in the early 1950s.
One of the keys to the pair’s success lay in the combination of Juhl’s self-taught approach and Vodder’s progressive outlook on his trade. The latter's workshop was modest in size and he was a pioneer with respect to the use of subcontractors in manufacturing, while Juhl had no formal training in furniture design. Juhl's early ambition was to pursue art history; instead, at his father’s request, he earned a degree in architecture. His studies and enthusiasm for art resulted in inspired pieces that were free from traditional norms, while Vodder possessed the technical prowess to refine and bring these ideas to fruition.
As Ejnar Pedersen — founder of P.P. Møbler — once said, “ (I)f we had no Niels Vodder, we would not have had the Finn Juhl we know today.” Vodder passed away in 1982.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage Niels Vodder seating, tables and case pieces.
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder 'Copenhagen II' Lounge Chair in Oak and Leather
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mogens Voltelen for Niels Vodder, 'Copenhagen II' lounge chair, model 'MV60', solid oak, leather, brass, Denmark, design 1960, made 1960s/70s The MV60 lounge chair, also known as Co...
Brass
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
An iconic example of mid-century modern design, this Finn Juhl No. 48 open armchair dates to the 1950s and was manufactured by Baker Furniture, USA, one of the few American firms lic...
Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl '109' Armchairs in Teak, Cognac Leather & Brass, 1946
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Chino Hills, CA
For sale is an exquisite pair of vintage mid-century modern NV-109 chairs, designed by the renowned Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder in the 1950s. An early edition of Juhl's work, these ch...
Brass
$24,960Sale Price|35% Off
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1946 Finn Juhl originally designed the 53-series for master joiner Niels Vodder. It was introduced at the Cope...
Brass
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in High Point, NC
A teak, green and off-white fabric lounge chair, model NV-45, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Niels Vodder, Denmark, c. 1950s. With makers branded stamp to frame. One of two a...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Modern Finn Juhl NV-53 Settee
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Minneapolis, MN
A rare Finn Juhl designed settee produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder known as the NV53. Teak frame with upholstered seat. Frame stamped with Niels Vodder logo. Profession...
Upholstery, Teak
Original Finn Juhl NV-53 Lounge Chair
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Original Finn Juhl design NV-53 lounge chair for Niels Vodder, Denmark. Sophisticated and elegant looking chair with sculpted solid teak arms and frame produced by Niels Vodder in 19...
Upholstery, Teak
$100,000 / set
Set of 8 Finn Juhl Egyptian Teak Dining Chairs
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Kensington, MD
- Designed in 1949 for the Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, this is one of the most iconic designs by Finn Juhl. - The teak has aged to a deep rich patina and is a strik...
Upholstery, Teak
FJ 56 - 4 pers. sofa in textile by Finn Juhl
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FJ 56 - Rare four-seater sofa in textile with burnished steel frame and rosewood legs. Designed in 1956.
Steel
Copenhagen chair in oak by Mogens Voltelen
By Niels Vodder, Mogens Voltelen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
'Copenhagen' easy chair in patinated natural leather with frame in oak. Designed by Mogens Voltelen and mady by Niels Vodder.
Brass
Rare Pair of Sigurd Ressell Arm Chairs for Niels Vodder, Oak and Leather
By Niels Vodder, Sigurd Ressell
Located in Miami, FL
Rare pair of Sigurd Ressell arm chairs for Niels Vodder. Oak and leather seats. Foam and leather have recently been replaced, Rotex webbing is original. One chair still has the origi...
Leather, Oak
Finn Juhl, 108 Chair, 1946, in Teak, Made by Niels Vodder, Copenhagen, Stamped
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Finn Juhl, teak 108 Chair, 1946, made by Niels Vodder, Copenhagen, stamped This is an early original chair, made by cabinet maker Niels Vodder in Copenhagen and bearing the stampe...
Leather, Teak
Fine Pair of NV53 Chairs by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are a very fine pair of NV53 chairs designed by a master of chair design, Finn Juhl and made by a master cabinet maker, Niels Vodder.The beautiful sha...
Brass
1959 Sigurd Ressell Armchair of Solid Teak, Seat covered with Natural Leather
By Niels Vodder, Sigurd Ressell
Located in London, GB
1959 Sigurd Ressell Armchair of solid teak, seat covered with natural leather. Made by Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder. Model SR59, designed in 1959 and presented at the Copenhagen Cabinet...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
$1,440Sale Price|58% Off
H 28.5 in W 26 in D 28.5 in
Vintage Arne Hovmand-Olsen for Mogens Kold Teak Lounge Chair-Denmark, 1960s
By Arne Hovmand-Olsen, Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lovely and dynamically-proportioned lounge or easy chair attributed to Arne Hovmand-Olsen and manufactured by Mogens Kold Møbelfabrik (metal manufacturer's stamp to underside) in sculpted teak and original boucle wool upholstery. Deeply patinated teak lends visual contrast against the off-white upholstery. Completely original condition down the the seat straps and brass hardware. Sophisticated seat cushion and backrest mounting system consisting of custom brass spacers which create a suspended effect to the panels keeping the design very airy and light. Hovmand-Olsen’s designs span seating, tables, and secretaries, all of which are characteristically simple in form with clean lines, organic curves, and tapered legs. Like many of his Danish contemporaries, he favored the use of high-quality, beautifully grained woods like teak and rosewood. Notable designs include his Model 175 chair (1955)—which is often mistaken for N.O. Møller’s Model 77 chair...
Brass
Danish Midcentury Settee by Frits Henningsen
By Frits Henningsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Elegant Danish settee or loveseat from circa 1950s by Master Furniture Maker, Frits Henningsen Solid and sturdy small piece with a strong presence and charming demeanor. Coil springs...
Wool, Beech
Finn Juhl Style Sofa or Loveseat by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, 1940s
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Finn Juhl
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl style sofa or settee made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark sometime in the 1940s. Perfectly balanced lines and proportions providing for a solid and sturdy ...
Wool, Beech
$10,002 / set
H 30.71 in W 29.14 in D 31.5 in
Pair of Spade Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1953
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of Spade armchairs model 133 designed in 1953 by Finn Juhl, Denmark. Old edition from France & Daverkosen with original leather cushions and springs, teak wood structure.
Leather, Teak
$8,600
H 33.5 in W 57 in D 32 in
Finn Juhl Attributed Danish Loveseat Model 188 by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, 1950s DN
By Finn Juhl, Slagelse Mobelvaerk
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Superbly elegant Finn Juhl attributed sofa or settee made by Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Denmark sometime in the 1940s as Model Number 188. The lines and proportions of this design are just...
Wool, Beech
Set of 8 Finn Juhl Egyptian Teak Dining Chairs
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Kensington, MD
- Designed in 1949 for the Cabinetmakers Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, this is one of the most iconic designs by Finn Juhl. - The teak has aged to a deep rich patina and is a strik...
Upholstery, Teak
$1,688
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 20.87 in
Diplomat 209 Armchair in Rosewood & Black Leather by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
Finn Juhl Diplomat 209 armchair by France & Son in rosewood and black leather. Danish design classic from the 1960s. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Finn Juhl — Manufacturer: Fran...
Leather, Rosewood
$1,950 / set
H 40.56 in W 27.17 in D 33.47 in
Ingmar Relling Siesta Lounge Chair and Ottoman in naturel Oak and Black Leather
By Ingmar Relling, Westnofa Furniture
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Ingmar Relling Siesta armchair and footstool for Rybo / Westnofa, Norway. Frame of natural oak with a strong canvas stretched between the bentwood studs. Fitted with loose cushions i...
Leather, Rope, Oak
Midcentury Settee, possibly Finn Juhl /Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Richmond, VA
Great, sleek midcentury settee recently upholstered. No markings but very similar to Niels Vodder's model NV53.
Upholstery, Wood
Danish Settee
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Danish settee upholstered in beige linen, with piping along all the edges, including the rolled arms, and mahogany legs. Seat has eight-way hand tied springs in good condition. T...
Linen, Mahogany
Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Highland, IN
We feel that Finn Juhl's delegate's chair (or FJ51) is one of his most under appreciated designs. Perhaps overshadowed by the sexy #45 chair, with which it shares many qualities, it ...
Teak, Upholstery
Sold
H 32.68 in W 27.56 in D 30.32 in
Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder Armchair 'NV 45' in Teak and Blue Fabric Upholstery
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder, NV45, teak, blue fabric, Denmark, design 1945, production, 1950s This ‘NV45’ chair by Finn Juhl is executed in teak and blue fabric. The chair is made by...
Fabric, Teak
Mogens Voltelen Cognac Copenhagen Chair
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair model 'Københavnerstolen', in oak and leather, by Mogens Voltelen for cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1936. Stunning Copenhagen lounge chair by Mogens Voltelen (...
Leather, Oak
Mogens Voltelen Early and Rare Copenhagen Chair
By Mogens Voltelen, Niels Vodder
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair model 'Københavnerstolen', in oak and leather, by Mogens Voltelen for cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1936. Stunning Copenhagen lounge chair by Mogens Voltelen (...
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 31.5 in W 27.1 in D 24.8 in
1950s NV48 Dining Chair by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder in Teak and Sorensen
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Victoria, BC
he NV48 dining chair was designed by Finn Juhl in the late 1940s and produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark. The design reflects Juhl’s early exploration of separating upho...
Teak
Set of Six Finn Juhl Dining Chairs for Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designed in 1953 by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder, Denmark, the Model 109 and 59 dining chairs are a rare design. This rosewood set featuring two armchairs and four side chairs has been...
Leather, Upholstery, Rosewood
A pair of Finn Juhl NV53 easy chairs for Niels Vodder, 1953
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare pair of NV-53 teak easy chairs upholstered with blue fabric. Designed 1953, executed by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark. Marked with burn mark by the cabinetmaker. Acq...
Brass
Finn Juhl 45 chair made of rosewood by Niels Vodder c1950
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in London, GB
This early edition of Finn Juhl's iconic 45 chair was made circa 1950 by Niels Vodder and has recently been restored as an investment piece. The rosewood frame has been disassembled...
Rosewood
Sold
H 32.68 in W 25.2 in D 24.41 in
Finn Juhl Armchair NV46 by Niels Vodder in Teakwood & Natural Leather, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Odense, DK
Early edition FJ46 (NV46) armchair by Finn Juhl executed by Master Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder at his workshop in the 1950s. The chair has never been restored in any way and retains t...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 34.65 in W 54.34 in D 30.32 in
Danish Curved Mid Century Poet Sofa by Finn Juhl Produced by Niels Vodder, 1941
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very rare, fine and early example of the iconic "Poet" sofa by Finn Juhl produced by cabinet maker Niels Vodder Denmark, 1941. In good condition and fully restored and upholstered in...
Sheepskin, Beech
Finn Juhl 'Poet' Sofa for Niels Vodder, 1941
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare Finn Juhl 'The Poet' sofa upholstered with two-tone fabric. Legs of stained beech. Designed by Finn Juhl 1941, manufactured by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark. Very fine ...
Fabric, Beech
Finn Juhl Lounge Chair
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Finn Juhl model NV-45 lounge chair. Teak, fabric. This design first debuted at the 1945 Copenhagan Cabinetmaker's Guild Exhibition, which ran annually from 1927 to 1966. Finn Juhl a...
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 32.88 in W 27.17 in D 27.56 in
Model NV45 Easy Chair, Designed by Finn Juhl, Made by Niels Vodder, 1940s
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Model NV45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1940s. Original teak frame, recently upholstered in light oatmeal wool fabric with pale grey ...
Upholstery, Teak