Skip to main content
Chieftain Chair
Iconic Designs

Chieftain ChairBy Finn Juhl

About the Design

Finn Juhl (1912–89) is often credited with having played a pivotal role in the excitement around Danish modern design that swept through the United States during the 1950s. Juhl’s sculptural Chieftain chair, which he designed in 1949, was considered a renewal of Danish design traditions and is a long-celebrated milestone in the furniture maker’s legacy. Mid-century Scandinavian design emphasized warm woods, gentle lines and subtle curves, and while Juhl designed the Chieftain chair with those high standards in mind, modern art was his biggest inspiration.

Years before Juhl completed the Chieftain chair — his most desired piece of furniture in a long and groundbreaking career — the Danish designer was frequenting museums and on a path to study art history. Instead, at his father’s request, Juhl pursued a degree in architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. He worked at architect Vilhelm Lauritzen’s firm, collaborated on chairs with cabinetmaker Niels Vodder and opened his own practice in 1945.

Along with a group of other young Danish craftsmen such as Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, Juhl sought to reawaken the idea of design in their country, pioneering the use of teak in furniture making and going on to create expressive, experimental pieces like the Chieftain.

Juhl’s award-winning Chieftain chair, upholstered in leather with its high back and organically curving armrests, is an imposing piece that dominates in both size and extravagance, but also requires a significant amount of space around it. “Perhaps I had a vague idea for some time that I wanted to design something bigger,” Juhl said of the teak chair, the form of which references Egyptian furniture and tribal art.

The original armchair was in production for a very short period at Baker Furniture and elsewhere over the years. It was relaunched in 2002 by House of Finn Juhl / One Collection. Original versions of the beloved Chieftain chair rarely sell for less than six figures at auction.

Chieftain Chair

to
4
2
6
4
3
3
2
Finn Juhl Diplomat Armchairs Model 196, France and Søn, 1960s, Rare Find!
Finn Juhl Diplomat Armchairs Model 196, France and Søn, 1960s, Rare Find!

Finn Juhl Diplomat Armchairs Model 196, France and Søn, 1960s, Rare Find!

By Finn Juhl, France & Søn

Located in Bochum, NRW

Pair of Armchairs Designed by Finn Juhl for France and Søn, 1960s This is a superb pair of armchairs, model 196, in solid teak frames. They were designed by the famous Danish archite...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Original Finn Juhl NV-53 Lounge Chair
Original Finn Juhl NV-53 Lounge Chair

Original Finn Juhl NV-53 Lounge Chair

By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder

Located in San Francisco, CA

Original Finn Juhl design NV-53 lounge chair for Niels Vodder, Denmark. Sophisticated and elegant looking chair with sculpted solid teak arms and frame produced by Niels Vodder in 19...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son
Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son

Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son

By Finn Juhl

Located in Vigevano, PV

Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Son

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture 1997/8 edition
Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture 1997/8 edition

Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker Furniture 1997/8 edition

By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl

Located in Seattle, WA

The Chieftain Chair is considered to be one of the most important designs by Finn Juhl. It was first presented at the Cabinetmakers Guild in 1949, and it is said that Denmark's King ...

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Leather

Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953
Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953

Finn Juhl NV-53, Original Rosewood Lounge Chair, Niels Vodder, Denmark, 1953

By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl

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...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Brass

Vintage Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair Ottoman Black Spinneybeck Leather, BAKER
Vintage Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair Ottoman Black Spinneybeck Leather, BAKER

Vintage Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair Ottoman Black Spinneybeck Leather, BAKER

By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl

Located in Hyattsville, MD

This 1991, one year production run, Baker Furniture Co. of Grand Rapid Michigan spared no expense, in regards to materials and detail. Outside owning a 1949 Niels Vodder version, thi...

Category

1990s American Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak, Walnut

Related Items
Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs
Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs

Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs

$2,625 / set

H 29 in W 29 in D 30 in

Pair of Mid-Century Finn Juhl Style Lounge Chairs

By Finn Juhl

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This stylish pair of Mid-Century Modern lounge chairs feature sculpted walnut construction with comfortable vintage upholstery. Spingle backs and unique sloped arm rests add to the D...

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Finn Juhl FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen
Finn Juhl FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen

Finn Juhl FD133 Lounge Chair John Stuart France and Daverkosen

By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl, John Stuart Inc.

Located in Fraser, MI

Finn Juhl FD 133 chair in Teak. Made by France and Daverkosen. Sold through John Stuart of Grand Rapids.

Category

Vintage 1950s Lounge Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Teak

Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark

Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark

By Cado, Finn Juhl, France & Søn

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark. Arms are removable. You can use as armless lounge as well. (See final pho...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Textile, Rosewood

Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Daverkosen
Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Daverkosen

Finn Juhl Model 133 "Spade" Lounge Chair by France & Daverkosen

By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen

Located in Highland, IN

This Finn Juhl model 133 or "spade" lounge chair is not only beautiful and comfortable, but historically important. Designed in 1953, it was the fi...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s
Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s

Danish Collectible Chair "197" Design Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s

By France & Søn, Finn Juhl

Located in taranto, IT

Danish collectible chair, model "197", France & Søn production based on a design by Finn Juhl, mid-1960s made on a teak structure, it measures 76 cm in height, 50 cm in width, 45 ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century
Finn Juhl NV 48 Chair for Niels Vodder Mid Century

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...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Danish Lounge Chair in Teak
Danish Lounge Chair in Teak

Danish Lounge Chair in Teak

$4,950

H 40.56 in W 29.93 in D 32.09 in

Danish Lounge Chair in Teak

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Lounge chair, fabric, teak, Denmark, 1960s Sculptural egg-shaped lounge chair made in Denmark in the 1960s. This wingback chair is a wonderful example of Scandinavian design, featur...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Wingback Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair
Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair

Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair

$7,500

H 33 in W 33 in D 26.5 in

Finn Juhl Delegate's Chair

By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Highland, IN

We feel that Finn Juhl's delegate's chair (or FJ51) is one of his most under appreciated designs. Perhaps overshadowed by the sexy #45 chair, with which it shares many qualities, it ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen

FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen

$5,424

H 30.32 in W 29.14 in D 28.35 in

FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen

By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen

Located in PARIS, FR

The lounge chair nicknamed Spade Chair, presents the aesthetic characteristics of Juhl’s design and is one of his most emblematic projects. This one is in great condition and it is t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Wool, Teak

Finn Juhl Bwana Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Teak and Holland & Sherry Wool
Finn Juhl Bwana Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Teak and Holland & Sherry Wool

Finn Juhl Bwana Lounge Chair and Ottoman in Teak and Holland & Sherry Wool

By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Model-152 Bwana Chair with matching ottoman, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen. The sculptural teak frame reflects Juhl’s refined shaping, featuring the gently flared hea...

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Dining Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s, Set of 4
Dining Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s, Set of 4

Dining Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s, Set of 4

$3,857 / set

H 29.53 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in

Dining Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s, Set of 4

By Finn Juhl, France & Søn

Located in Rovereta, Repubblica di San Marino

Set of 4 Scandinavian chairs designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France and Son in Denmark in the 1960s. They feature solid teak structu...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Finn Juhl Teak FD-136 Lounge Chair for COM
Finn Juhl Teak FD-136 Lounge Chair for COM

Finn Juhl Teak FD-136 Lounge Chair for COM

$4,400Sale Price|20% Off

H 30 in W 32 in D 32 in

Finn Juhl Teak FD-136 Lounge Chair for COM

By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Model FD-136 Lounge Chair, designed by Finn Juhl for France and Daverkosen, imported by John Stuart. The sculptural teak frame features the Danish designer’s signature floating backr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Teak

Previously Available Items
House of Finn Juhl One Collection Chieftains Chair
House of Finn Juhl One Collection Chieftains Chair

House of Finn Juhl One Collection Chieftains Chair

By Finn Juhl

Located in Palm Springs, CA

A Beautiful Classic design by Finn Juhl this Chieftains chair is extremely comfortable as well as being as wonderful sculptural object. This example bears the House of Finn Juhl On...

Category

Early 2000s Danish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Chieftains Chair Model FJ4900 With Stool Made In Walnut By Finn Juhl
Chieftains Chair Model FJ4900 With Stool Made In Walnut By Finn Juhl

Chieftains Chair Model FJ4900 With Stool Made In Walnut By Finn Juhl

By France & Søn, Finn Juhl

Located in Lejre, DK

Designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, he invented the chief's chair as we know it today. Produced in walnut wood with cognac leather of the highest quality. The chair has an accompanying st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair, Walnut and Vegetal Nature Leather
Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair, Walnut and Vegetal Nature Leather

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair, Walnut and Vegetal Nature Leather

By Finn Juhl

Located in Dronten, NL

Chieftain Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1949. This example manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark in 2015. Marked with label and signature underneath the chair. Executed in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair by Interior Crafts
Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair by Interior Crafts

Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair by Interior Crafts

By Interior Crafts, Finn Juhl

Located in Kalamazoo, MI

This is a beautiful and solid Mahogany version of Finn Juhl’s mighty Chieftain Chair made by Interior Crafts, Chicago, in the 1990s. Production of this chair was commissioned by the ...

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Finn Juhl Chieftain Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder
Finn Juhl Chieftain Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder

Finn Juhl Chieftain Easy Chair Produced by Cabinetmaker Niels Vodder

By Finn Juhl

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Very rare Chieftain easy chair designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in Denmark.  

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Finn Juhl Pair of Chieftain Chairs by Baker
Finn Juhl Pair of Chieftain Chairs by Baker

Finn Juhl Pair of Chieftain Chairs by Baker

Sold

H 36.5 in W 38 in D 34 in

Finn Juhl Pair of Chieftain Chairs by Baker

By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Highland, IN

Finn Juhl's 1949 masterpiece, the chieftain chair, employs iconography of tribal forms and Juhl’s innovative approach to design which accentuates the separation of the seat, back, an...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair and Ottoman by Baker
Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair and Ottoman by Baker

Finn Juhl Chieftain Chair and Ottoman by Baker

By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dallas, TX

This is the most important of Finn Juhl's chair designs. Shown at the Cabinetmakers Guild in 1949, Denmark's King Frederik is claimed to have sat in the chair and so it was called th...

Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak, Walnut

1950s Teak and Tan Leather Chieftain's Chair by Finn Juhl
1950s Teak and Tan Leather Chieftain's Chair by Finn Juhl

1950s Teak and Tan Leather Chieftain's Chair by Finn Juhl

By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Chieftain's chair, teak by Finn Juhl, manufactured by Niels Vodder, Denmark. The powerful design is supported by the size and extravagance of the impressive chieftain's chair. Fin...

Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair Wood and Leather
Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair Wood and Leather

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair Wood and Leather

Sold

H 36.42 in W 39.38 in D 34.65 in

Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair Wood and Leather

By Finn Juhl

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, relaunched in 2002. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. The iconic Chieftain Chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces, re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Finn Juhl White Chieftain Armchair Walnut Vegetal Nature
Finn Juhl White Chieftain Armchair Walnut Vegetal Nature

Finn Juhl White Chieftain Armchair Walnut Vegetal Nature

By Finn Juhl

Located in Barcelona, Barcelona

Armchair designed by Finn Juhl Manufactured by One collection Finn Juhl (Denmark) The iconic Chieftain chair is one of Finn Juhl’s absolute masterpieces, representing the peak of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker, Walnut and Mustard Color Leather
Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker, Walnut and Mustard Color Leather

Chieftain Chair by Finn Juhl for Baker, Walnut and Mustard Color Leather

By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl

Located in Kansas City, MO

Iconic Finn Juhl Chieftain, licensed manufactured by Baker. No wear whatsoever.

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

More Finn Juhl Designs
46 Armchair
46 Armchair
Average Price
$13,474
Number Available
6
46 Armchair
Materials
Wood, Rosewood, Animal Skin, Leather, Hardwood, Teak
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All
46 Sofa
46 Sofa
Average Price
$23,812
Number Available
4
46 Sofa
Materials
Fabric, Beech, Hardwood, Wood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
Shop All
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Average Price
$8,361
Number Available
3
Finn Juhl Japan Chair
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Hardwood, Teak, Brass, Metal, Upholstery, Wool
Styles
Mid Century Modern
In its distinctive embodiment of the East-meets-West dialogue represented in mid-century modern art and design, the Japan chair draws on the simple silhouette of the famed Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima, Japan. Designed by legendary Danish architect, interior designer and furniture maker Finn Juhl (1912–89) and produced by furniture manufacturer France & Søn, the chair belongs to a series that includes a two-seater sofa, a three-seater sofa and a footstool. Although he originally wante...
Shop All
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Average Price
$7,146
Number Available
3
Finn Juhl Japan Three Seater Sofa
Materials
Wood, Fabric, Hardwood, Teak, Oak
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All