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.
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
$22,800Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31 in W 19.5 in D 20 in
Set of 10 Finn Juhl Attributed Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 10 Danish Midcentury Modern Dining Chairs. This set includes 10 side chairs. The chairs are rendered in polished walnut turned frames with black leather seats and walnut backs...
Brass
Set of 8 Finn Juhl Egyptian Teak Dining Chairs
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
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, Teak
$910,478
H 36.82 in W 40.16 in D 34.65 in
The Chieftain Easy Chair in Leather and Rosewood by Finn Juhl, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The Chieftain easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark in the early 1960s, stands as one of the most revered and iconic pieces in...
Leather, Rosewood
$30,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 31.25 in W 24.75 in D 24 in
Set of 14 Finn Juhl Attributed Mid Century Walnut Dining Chairs, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 14 Danish Midcentury Modern Dining Chairs. This set includes 4 armchairs and 10 side chairs. The chairs are rendered in polished walnut turned frames with the 4 armchairs ha...
Brass
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
Original Finn Juhl NV45 Chair by Niels Vodder Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic original Finn Juhl NV45 chair in teak by Niels Vodder, Denmark, circa 1950s. This fine example retaining its original two tone wool upholstery. O...
Teak
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chair, Teak, Fabric, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
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
$24,960Sale Price|35% Off
H 28 in W 28 in D 30 in
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
$10,000
H 28.38 in W 25.5 in D 20.5 in
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
$175,739
H 32.88 in W 26.97 in D 29.53 in L 32.88 in
NV-45 Easy Chair in Rosewood & Leather by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The very rare NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and crafted by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, stands as one of the most iconic and sculpturally expressive works in t...
Leather, Rosewood
Vintage Finn Juhl NV-53 lounge chair for Niels Vodder, Denmark.
By Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
We are pleased to present Finn Juhl’s 53 Chair, designed and produced in 1953 for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition. A sculptural and organic form showcasing a sweeping...
Teak
NV-45 Easy Chair in Teak, Leather & Wool by Finn Juhl, 1945
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
The NV-45 easy chair, designed by Finn Juhl in 1945 and produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, is a landmark in Danish mid-century furniture design. Introduced shortly after the end ...
Leather, Teak, Wool
Finn Juhl Cognac Leather and Teak Lounge Chair model FD 136
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Karlstad, SE
Beautiful lounge chair model FD 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. This chair is features a beautifully shaped teak frame, supporting pillows in cognac coloured leath...
Leather, Teak
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
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
Finn Juhl NV-45 Teak Armchair for Niels Vodder
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Finn Juhl all original NV45 armchair. Black leather with it's original black suede seat cushion. Often said the most beautiful chair ever designed and probably Juhl's masterpiece! Ch...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 28.38 in W 25.5 in D 20.5 in
Pair of Signed Vintage Finn Juhl '109' Armchairs in Teak, Leather & Brass, 1946
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A very rare pair of vintage signed Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder (Cabinetmaker) 109 armchairs in teak, black leather, and brass. Elegantly suspended backrests supported by Finn Juhl's s...
Brass
Finn Juhl NV45 Lounge Chairs for Niels Vodder, 1945
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Finn Juhl pair of Teak NV45 lounge chairs for Niels Vodder, 1945 Signed with branded manufacturer's mark to frame of each: [Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder Copenhagen Denmark Design Fin...
Leather, Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl by Niels Vodder, Pair of Armchairs, Model NV48
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Amarillo, TX
Pair of Finn Juhl armchairs, model NV-48. Made by Niels Vodder cabinetmaker in Denmark, circa 1948. Teak, black leather Measures: 27.25 W x 25 D x 32 H in each. Signed wi...
Leather, Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl NV-55 Dining Chairs
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Finn Juhl NV 55 dining chairs designed in 1955 and produced by Niels Vodder. Fully restored teak and brass frames, with newly upholstered black ...
Brass
Pair of Sigurd Resell Armchairs for Niels Vodder, 1959
By Niels Vodder, Sigurd Resell
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of Sigurd Resell armchairs with frame of oak and seats upholstered with Nigerian leather Designed by Sigurd Resell in 1959 and made by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Denmark ...
Leather, Oak
Pair of NV 45 Armchairs by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Finn Juhl by Niels Vodder NV 45 teak and fabric armchairs.
Fabric, Teak
Niels Vodder Armchair
By Niels Vodder
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A dark teak wood framed Vodder arm chair with comfort tilt backrest upholstered in a soft red Danish fabric, great joinery and very well made .
Teak, Upholstery