With the Baker sofa, aesthetics are as important as utility. Its creator, Finn Juhl (1912–89), once said, “Art has always been my main source of inspiration.” This was unusual for a designer associated with Scandinavian modernism, a movement steeped in cabinetmaker traditions and thus laser-focused on craftsmanship. But unlike his peers, Juhl was not trained in cabinetry. While he shared their prevailing interest in materials, details and finishes, he mined the world of modern art for ideas. Beginning with his early work, such as the Pelican chair, Juhl’s designs stood out for their sculptural qualities, evoking both natural forms and the abstract art he loved.
In his youth, Juhl dreamed of becoming an art historian but his father steered him toward architecture, a more financially stable path. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and in 1934, was hired to work on interiors for renowned Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen. Later, Juhl opened his own practice, specializing in furniture and interior design. In collaborating with esteemed cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Juhl developed new methods of joining and bending teak. The elegant results of their experiments have been credited with helping make teak synonymous with Danish modernism.
Not long after his designs were the subject of a feature article in Interiors magazine, Juhl was commissioned to create the exhibition design for Chicago’s “Good Design” show as well as contribute his work to the event. In 1950, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based furniture manufacturer Hollis Baker commissioned Juhl to design a collection for the Baker Furniture Company — “Baker Modern,” the firm's inaugural line of modern furniture.
Introduced in 1951, the Baker sofa marked Juhl’s entrance into the American market. The collection was a great success and is credited with igniting the fervor for Danish modernism that dominated the markets in the 1950s and ’60s.
Juhl admitted to being “fascinated by shapes that defy gravity and create a visual lightness,” and in dividing the backrest of the Baker sofa into two separate parts, the design achieved both these objectives. Soft edges and organic shapes show the influence of Juhl’s favorite Surrealist artists, Jean Arp and Joan Miró.
Juhl’s American success included the commission to design the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the United Nations in New York in 1952, and he was awarded five gold medals at the Milan Triennale. With a frame of oak or walnut and upholstery in fabric or leather, the Baker sofa is manufactured by the House of Finn Juhl, a One Collection company. It remains a sophisticated example of how fine craftsmanship and mass production can coexist.
Finn Juhl, Rare Sofa, Walnut, Fabric, United States, 1951
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in High Point, NC
A rare fabric and walnut sofa designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Baker, USA, 1950s. Fully restored, pre-restoration images available upon request. Overall Dimensions (inches): 4...
Fabric, Walnut
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
$165,000
H 30 in W 221 in D 55 in
Georgis & Mirgorodsky, Libertine, Contemporary Sofa, United States, 2022
By Georgis & Mirgorodsky
Located in New York, NY
This monumental swoosh of a sofa includes two integral side tables and an ottoman. The ottoman can be flanked by two cocktail tables to create two seating groups. The fiberglass side tables can be removed for additional seating. Shown in shearling and Ultrasuede. Finish options: custom colors available for side tables. Note: Custom sizes are available. Georgis & Mirgorodsky has designed and completed numerous residential, institutional, and commercial projects in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. These include new houses in Southampton, New York, the Bahamas, Montana, La Jolla, California, many New York City townhouses, a pied-à-terre for a South American couple at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan, the Tiffany Gallery at the Museum of the City of New York, Casa Lever restaurant in Manhattan, the interiors of a Gulfstream G650 jet, and the renovation of the public spaces of the landmarked Lever House in New York City. In addition the firm has completed the design of Manhattan condominium projects at 350 West Broadway and 530 Park Avenue, and completed designs for the Gramercy Park Hotel...
Upholstery, Fiberglass
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 ...
Teak, Upholstery
Danish Modern Finn Juhl Sheepskin BO46 sofa, 1946
By Finn Juhl
Located in Uccle, BE
Sofa model BO46 by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, made in Denmark in 1946. Round beech legs. Reupholstered in sheepkin. Leather buttons. Excellent vintage condition. Early and important Finn...
Sheepskin, Beech
$21,014
H 32.29 in W 51.58 in D 29.14 in
Danish Modern Finn Juhl "46" Sofa, Dark Lavender Blue Velvet, Carl Brørup, 1940s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Odense, DK
Early and important Finn Juhl "46" sofa made in the 1940s at original manufacturer Carl Brørup. The sofa is upholstered in a beautiful dark blue velvet. The sofa is in very good orig...
Velvet
$3,607
H 31.5 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in
Jupiter Sofa by Finn Juhl for from France and Søn and France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame and black leather seating. The sofa is ...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Sofa BO 46 Bovirke
By Finn Juhl
Located in Pawtucket, RI
The perfect Finn Juhl settee manufactured by Bovirke in 1946. Reupholstered with new Hallingdal fabric. Iconic Danish design in perfect restored condition.
Wool
$10,155
H 30.71 in W 70.87 in D 27.56 in
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa by France & Son, All New Premium Upholstery
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Utrecht, NL
"Japan" series sofa by Finn Juhl, designed in 1957 made by France & Son Denmark. The sublime simplicity of the "Japan" series is inspired by traditional Japanese construction techni...
Fabric, Teak, Wool, Linen
$32,000
H 33 in W 66.75 in D 30.5 in
Rare Finn Juhl Bovirke BO64 Sofa in Fine Belgian Two-Toned Boucle
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Culver City, CA
A prized piece for any Danish modern enthusiast, this Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO64 3 seater sofa is absolutely stunning. Designed in the late 1940's this piece still has its original straps and hand tied springs (repaired and reinforced on the bottom by our restoration specialists). This sofa has been reupholstered in a luxurious creamy white Belgian boucle...
Bouclé, Beech
Finn Juhl Sofa Model BO55 by Bovirke in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model BO55 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Bovirke in Denmark.
Fabric, Beech
$14,328
H 33.47 in W 53.15 in D 27.56 in
Finn Juhl Poet Love Seat Sofa with Oak Legs, 1940s Danish Design
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Finn Juhl "Poet" two seat love seat sofa. Legs og oak. Original upholstered with two colours of fabric. Leather buttons Model Poet, made by House Of Finn Juhl
Fabric, Oak
$11,000
H 32.29 in W 55.12 in D 31.11 in
Norwegian Two-Seater Sofa in the manner of Finn Juhl, Norway 20th Century
By Finn Juhl
Located in Utrecht, NL
Though their country has a long tradition of craftsmanship, for numerous reasons mid-century Norwegian designers never gained the same international renown as their peers in neighbou...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 38.59 in W 76.78 in D 31.5 in
Finn Juhl Baker Sofa 1951, Citron Yellow Kvadret Maharam, Walnut Frame, Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finn Juhl baker sofa 1951, citron yellow Kvadret Maharam, walnut frame, Denmark Edgar Kaufmann Jr., a prolific art collector and director of the Industrial Design Department at th...
Walnut
