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 Judas Dining Table for Niels Vodder, Brazilian Rosewood, Silver Inlay
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Kansas City, MO
Finn Juhl designed "Judas" dining table made by Niels Vodder and retailed by Illums Bolighus of Copenhagen, Denmark, 1950s. This is one of the most important and rare dining tables o...
Silver
"Desdobramento" Dining Table in Brazilian wood and acrylic
By Jose Marton
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Brazilian contemporary dining table Desdobramento dining table by Jose Marton, 2015, Brazil Limited Edition of 60. Exhibitions: Encontros, Legado Arte gal...
Acrylic, Wood
Finn Juhl Dining Table and Chairs
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
This exquisite dining set by Finn Juhl was designed in 1951 and is Classic Juhl. The sculptural frames of the model FJ 51 chairs support the curved seats and backs giving them the ap...
Walnut
$69,500
H 28.25 in W 114.5 in D 47.25 in
Outstanding Finn Juhl Rosewood and Silver Inlay "Judas" Dining Table, Restored
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in South Bend, IN
An extremely rare and exceptional mid-century Danish Modern "Judas" extension dining table. This iconic table was designed by Finn Juhl, expertly produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, and retailed by Illums Bolighus of Copenhagen, Denmark. The table features an expandable oval top in stunning book-matched Brazilian rosewood, with round silver inlays, floating on a sculptural base with tapered solid rosewood legs. Made in Denmark, circa 1950s. Branded manufacturer’s mark to underside: "Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Copenhagen Denmark, Design: Finn Juhl." Measures: 71"W x 47.25"D x 28.25"H. Extends up to 114.5"W with two 21.75" leaves. Professionally restored. Excellent condition. Along with Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Børge Mogensen, Finn Juhl was one of the great masters of mid-20th-century Danish design. Juhl was the first among that group to have his work promoted overseas, bringing the character of the nation’s furnishings — and the inherent principles of grace, craftsmanship and utility on which they were based — to an international audience. A stylistic maverick, Juhl embraced expressive, free-flowing shapes in chair and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues, yet even his quietest pieces incorporate supple, curving forms that are at once elegant and ergonomic. Juhl quickly won a following for such signature designs as the supremely comfortable Chieftan lounge chair, the biomorphic Baker sofa, and this Judas table, ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes.
Silver
$57,500Sale Price|23% Off
H 28 in W 100.5 in D 55 in
Finn Juhl 'Judas' Rosewood and Sterling Silver Dining Table, c 1950s, Signed
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptionally rare and sought after, this Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder 'Judas' dining table, 1950s Denmark, was professionally restored and features gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood with sterling silver inlaid medallions which assist in tableware placement and gives the table its infamous name. Signed underneath with Finn Juhl / Niels Vodder stamp which reads: "Niels Vodder Cabinetmaker Denmark Design Finn Juhl". The table is expandable, with a 22 inch leaf making the table just over 100" fully expanded. The Judas table...
Sterling Silver
$8,500
H 28.5 in W 39.5 in D 113 in
Finn Juhl Teak Dining Table for John Stuart and France & Son, Model FD 540
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional mid century modern teak dining table designed by Finn Juhl and produced by John Stuart in collaboration with France & Son, Denmark. Model FD 540. This table is a s...
Teak
$4,620 / item
H 29.53 in W 98.43 in D 39.38 in
Minimalist Brazilian Dining Table "Caroline" by Samuel Lamas
By Samuel Lamas
Located in Brasilia, DF
Caroline Dining Table by Samuel Lamas, 2022 Introducing the Caroline Dining Table, an award-winning piece that embodies the elegance of contemporary Brazilian design. Crafted in a m...
Steel
$1,803Sale Price|22% Off
H 28.35 in Dm 43.31 in
Dining Table in Rosewood of Danish Design from the 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This rosewood dining table from the 1960s is an iconic example of Danish furniture design. The table is created with care and expertise, and its timeless aesthetic fits perfectly wit...
Rosewood
Arne Vodder Extension Dining Table, Brazilian Rosewood, 1960
By Sibast, Arne Vodder
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Arne Vodder for Sibast Brazilian Rosewood Expansion Dining Table. 78.5 closed, can open to 98.25 with one added leaf, or 117.63 with both leaves put in. Newly refinished top, self-...
Hardwood
Finn Juhl Desk Model NV-40 by Niels Vodder in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare desk NV-40 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark.
Brass
$14,000
H 29.25 in Dm 56.25 in
Important 19th Century Signed Irish Rosewood Center Table with Marquetry Inlay
Located in Richmond, VA
Exceptional and important singed 19th century signed Irish rosewood center table with polychrome floral marquetry inlay. Beautifully carved pedestal base...
Rosewood
$9,572
H 70.87 in W 35.44 in D 1.19 in
Italian Pietra Dura Rectangular 8-Seat Dining Classical Inlay Table Top
Located in Marbella, ES
Italian pietra dura stone inlay rectangular 8-seat dining tablet top with geometric decorations hand crafted with blue lapis lazules and different se...
Marble
Walnut, Oak or Rosewood Square Dining Table
By Pierre Chareau
Located in Ballard, CA
A handcrafted dining table. The original table is artfully composed of 29 individual disks; the impressive top is constructed of multiple sections of walnut or rosewood, creating a s...
Wood, Rosewood, Walnut