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.
Hanging Tambour-Doored Bar/Cabinet for Niels Vodder
By Niels Vodder
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hanging bar/cabinet in teak having vertical dividers, U-shaped shelving for glasses, and a milk glass bottom, the unit accessible by a tamboured sl...
Brass
$3,529
H 48.43 in W 43.31 in D 17.72 in
Black Brutalist Bar Cabinet, Two Doors, Three Drawers, Belgium, 1970s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Hilversum, NL
This striking black Brutalist bar cabinet, crafted in Belgium in the 1970s, is a stunning example of minimalist design. Made from black lacquered oak, the sideboard features two door...
Oak
$1,800Sale Price|60% Off
H 28.75 in W 34.5 in D 19.5 in
Midcentury Danish Rosewood Bar Cabinet by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Oakland, CA
Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen expanding midcentury rosewood bar cabinet with two sections that slide out to reveal a stylish interior with...
Rosewood
$3,895
H 43 in W 43.5 in D 20 in
Mid Century Scandinavian Rosewood Bar Cabinet with Sliding Glass Doors
Located in Troy, MI
Circa 1970 Scandinavian bar cabinet in dramatically figured rosewood veneer features two sliding glass doors on the top section over three felt lined drawers on one side and a storage compartment with internal shelf on the other. Tapered legs. Unknown maker. Very good overall vintage condition. Open Shelf Sections...
Glass, Rosewood
Bar Cabinet by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo, Norway, 1960s
By Dyrlund, Reno Wahl Iversen
Located in Karlstad, SE
Sophisticated foldable bar cabinet designed by Torbjørn Afdal for Bruksbo in the 1960s. Crafted in richly grained rosewood, the cabinet features a clever fold-out construction that d...
Brass
$3,349
H 53.15 in W 26.78 in D 13.39 in
French Upright Secrétaire Design Dry Bar, Siding Tambour Doors, Marble Top
Located in Madrid, ES
A 19th century, French secrétaire with beautiful feathered woodwork, eucalyptus fillet inlay with Louis XVI style detailing. The wood grain veneer is artfully arranged in geometric p...
Marble
A Mid-Century Bar Cabinet with Walnut Burl Doors
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique Mid-Century bar cabinet is clad in book-matched walnut burl veneer and has a cubist style. The finish is silky-smooth French polish. All exterior surfaces have a rich ...
Walnut
$11,364
H 45.48 in W 47.25 in D 17.92 in
Bar Cabinet with Tambour Doors in Rosewood and Brass by Kurt Østervig, 1960's
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bar Cabinet with Tambour Doors in Rosewood, Brass and Glass by Kurt Østervig, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Rosewood, brass and glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Pro...
Rosewood
$3,500
H 28.5 in W 34.5 in D 19.75 in
Stunning Rosewood Expansion Bar Cart by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen
Located in Pemberton, NJ
A unique expansion bar in rosewood by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Møbelindustri with a black laminate top. When expanded, the interior two-tier storage holds barware, bott...
Glass, Formica, Rosewood
Mid Century Danish Bar Cart by Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen
By Niels Erik & Glasdam Jensen, Vantinge Møbelindustri
Located in Baltimore, MD
Absolutely Gorgeous expandable, Scandinavian, Mid-Century Modern dry bar cart by famous designer Niels Erik Glasdam Jensen for Vantinge Mobelindustri, made in Denmark circa 1960’s. F...
Wood
1930 Mirrored Bar Drink Cabinet with Rotatable Bull Eye Door
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
Black shell lacquered bar/drink cabinet restored with new anthracite mirror front and plexiglass handle and mirror top. The bull eye door is rotatable and the shelf is 63 x 11 cm . O...
Chrome
$18,500
H 27.5 in W 58 in D 12 in
Leon Benouville Openwork Wood and Textured Glass Hanging Bar Cabinet
By Francois-Leon Benouville
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau "D" shaped hanging cabinet with openwork sides and crest rail, centering a closed cabinet with a light green textured glass door with two open shelves on either si...
Wood, Glass
Model NV54 Tambour Door Sideboard Produced Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl
Located in Stamford, CT
A model NV54 sideboard designed in 1954 produced by Niels Vodder. Exterior is dark brown teak and the interior cabinet is Maple. Having 8 interior drawers and a ...
Maple, Teak