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 FJ-57 Teak Coffee Table, Scandinavian Modern, Denmark
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Paris, FR
Rare teak coffee model table FJ-57 designed by Finn Juhl in 1957. Top made from highly figured teak wood supported by a black lacquered metal X-base frame on turned teak wood feet. ...
Metal
Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table 'Fiori' 140, Oak
By Antrei Hartikainen, Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Fiori Table designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Studio Fiori Collection Available finishes: - Oak - Dark oak - Black oak Model shown in picture : - H. 35 x 140 x 65 cm - Oak ----- Designed by Poiat Studio in collaboration with the master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen, the Fiori Coffee Table Collection epitomises the appreciation of natural materials and the utility of beauty. The collection is an exclusive realisation of craftsmanship and artistry. Available in three sizes, the smaller tables are designed to slot into the bigger ones, enabling the tables to be used in different interiors and spaces. The two larger tables are available with hand-carved wooden flower objects...
Oak
Finn Juhl Japan Coffee Table
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Coffee table designed by Finn Juhl, for France & France, made of old growth teak wood with an oil finish. Professional, skilled furniture restoration is an integral part of wha...
Teak
Finn Juhl Coffee Table for Baker Furniture Denmark / USA, 1951
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Chicago, IL
Finn Juhl Coffee Table for Baker Furniture Denmark / USA, 1951 Distinctive stretched semi-circle form with a ½-inch lip around most edges, showcasing Juhl's signature blend of organi...
Sycamore, Walnut
$27,834
H 21.66 in W 35.04 in D 21.26 in
Vintage "Eye" Coffee Table by Finn Juhl, Carl Brørup, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Rare early edition “Eye” coffee table by Finn Juhl, in a kidney shape on three sculpted legs. Excellent execution, smooth wood. This iconic design was originally designed for Carl Brørup...
Teak
$1,342
H 15.36 in W 23.63 in D 16.7 in
Teak Coffee / Side Table by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Elegant teak coffee / side table designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s, stamped by the maker. Featuring a beautifully shaped bevel...
Teak
$6,450
H 21.5 in W 63.75 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak Coffee Table by Finn Juhl for Baker, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover a true icon of Danish modern design with this remarkable coffee table, masterfully crafted by the legendary Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture in the 1950s. This elegant piece ep...
Teak
$2,182
H 21.07 in W 60.24 in D 22.45 in
Scandinavian Modern Vintage Teak Coffee Table Johannes Andersen, 1960s, Denmark
Located in Vienna, AT
Scandinavian Modern vintage teakwood coffee table with two drawers and screwable legs. A beautiful Scandinavian modern coffee table designed by Johannes Andersen, 1960s, Denmark. The...
Teak
Finn Juhl Table
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
This beautiful table by Danish master Finn Juhl features solid walnut legs and raised lip that surrounds a delta-shaped top of sycamore. Designed during the peak of his creativity, t...
Sycamore, Walnut
$7,795
H 17.75 in W 63.75 in D 31.25 in
Finn Juhl for Baker Model 521 Mid Century Danish Teak Coffee Table
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Finn Juhl for Baker Model 521 Mid Century Danish Teak Coffee Table This coffee table measures: 63.75 wide x 31.25 deep x 17.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition - Very Light ...
Teak
$1,800
H 17.75 in W 30.75 in D 33.25 in
Danish Solid Teak Mid Century Coffee Table by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, c1950s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Embrace the timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship of Danish Modern design with this authentic mid-century modern teak coffee table, designed by the acclaimed Finn Juhl for th...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Coffee Table 'Fiori' 140, Dark Oak
By Poiat, Antrei Hartikainen
Located in Paris, IDF
Fiori table designed by Antrei Hartikainen for Poiat Fiori Collection Available finishes: - Oak - Dark oak - Black oak Model shown in picture : - H. 35 x 140 x 65 cm - Dark oak ---- Designed by Poiat Studio in collaboration with the master cabinet maker and designer Antrei Hartikainen, the Fiori Coffee Table Collection epitomises the appreciation of natural materials and the utility of beauty. The collection is an exclusive realisation of craftsmanship and artistry. Available in three sizes, the smaller tables are designed to slot into the bigger ones, enabling the tables to be used in different interiors and spaces. The two larger tables are available with hand-carved wooden flower objects...
Oak
Scandinavian Modern Large Danish Teak Coffee Table 1950s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Executed in rich, warm-toned teak, this substantial coffee table exemplifies the refined elegance of the Scandinavian Modern aesthetic from the 1950s. Featuring a sprawling rectangul...
Teak
Sold
H 19.69 in W 21.66 in D 16.54 in
Niels Vodder Pair of Side Tables in Rosewood and Antique Delft Tiles
By Niels Vodder
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Niels Vodder-Scandinavian modern. The close companion of Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder, is the designer and cabinetmaker of these beautiful and rare side tables in rosewood and antique Delft tiles...
Delft, Rosewood