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, Rare Teak Coffee Table FJ-57, 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
$28,551
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
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
$3,462
H 19.89 in W 63 in D 19.89 in
Hans J. Wegner coffee Table model AT-10 in Teak and Cane by Andreas Tuck, 1950s
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A teak and woven cane coffee table, danish manufacture, Andreas Tuck, design by Hans Wegner, 1950s The clean, organic lines of Scandinavian fu...
Cane, Teak
Finn Juhl Japan Coffee Table
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
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
$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 Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
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
Finn Juhl Coffee Table for Baker Furniture Denmark / USA, 1951
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 17.75 in W 30.75 in D 3,325 in
Danish Solid Teak Mid Century Coffee Table by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, c1950s
By John Stuart Inc., Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
Finn Juhl, model 531/45 coffee table in solid teak.
By Finn Juhl
Located in Milano, IT
COD-2188A Finn Juhl (1912 - 1989) Model 531/45 coffee table in solid teak. This stunning piece features Finn Juhl's distinctive raised lips, adding a touch of elegance and functiona...
Wood
$8,269
H 19.69 in Dm 28.35 in
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table , Italy, 1950s
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
Rare Osvaldo Borsani Marble and Brass Side / Coffee Table, Italy, 1950s. Manufactured by ABV Arredamento Borsani Varedo. Ships worldwide.
Marble, Brass
$1,095
H 21.5 in W 20 in D 28 in
Finn Juhl For John Stuart Model 535 Side Or End Table In Teak -Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl, John Stuart Inc., France & Daverkosen
Located in Southampton, NJ
A classic side table designed by Finn Juhl having distinctive raised sides over tapered legs with removable center shelf in solid teak. Manufactured by France & Daverkosen and im...
Brass
Finn Juhl Coffee Table by Baker
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Highland, IN
A sublime shape, a wonderful large scale, and delightful details all mark this coffee table by Danish master Finn Juhl. One of the designs that Juhl created in 1951 for American manu...
Sycamore, Walnut
Jacques Adnet Leather Coffee Table, 1950s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Well proportioned French modernist leather coffee table by Jacques Adnet. Iron frame entirely wrapped in black leather, with delicate bends give this piece stunning presence. Very we...
Metal, Brass
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