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, credenzas and sofa designs much earlier than his colleagues, yet even his quietest pieces incorporate supple, curving forms that are at once elegant and ergonomic.
As a young man, Juhl hoped to become an art historian, but his father steered him into a more practical course of study in architecture. He began designing furniture in the late 1930s, a discipline in which, despite his education, Juhl was self-taught, and quite proud of the fact.
Juhl’s earliest works, designed in the late 1930s, are perhaps his most idiosyncratic. The influence of modern art is clear in his 1939 Pelican chair: an almost Surrealist take on the classic wing chair. Critics reviled the piece, however; one said it looked like a "tired walrus." Juhl had tempered his creativity by 1945, when the workshop of Danish cabinetmaker Niels Vodder began to issue his designs. Yet Juhl’s now-classic NV 45 armchair still demonstrates panache, with a seat that floats above the chair’s teak frame.
Juhl first exhibited his work in the United States in 1950, championed by Edgar Kaufmann Jr., an influential design critic and scion of America’s most prominent family of modern architecture and design patrons. (Kaufmann’s father commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the house “Fallingwater.”)
Juhl quickly won a following for such signature designs as the supremely comfortable Chieftan lounge chair, the Judas table — a piece ornamented with stylish inlaid silver plaquettes — and the biomorphic Baker sofa. After an article authored by Kaufmann on Juhl and his work appeared in the U.S.-based magazine Interiors in 1948, he began receiving American commissions.
Kaufmann commissioned Juhl to create the exhibition design for, and contribute pieces to, the 1951 edition of the Good Design shows he organized for MoMA and Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Baker Furniture asked Juhl to design for the firm, and he produced a collection of chairs, tables and cabinets, and, later, the 1957 sofa.
Scandinavian modernist seating, such as the chairs and sofas Juhl created for Baker, became immensely popular in postwar America, as the seeds of the Scandinavian style that Juhl sowed took root and spread in the United States. Juhl and his work featured prominently in the landmark show “Design from Scandinavia,” which opened in 1954 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and traveled to 24 museums in the U.S. and Canada; over three years, it was seen by more than a million people.
Juhl’s furniture — as well as his ceramics, tableware and accessories — has an air of relaxed sophistication and elegance that is unique in the realm of mid-century design.
Find vintage Finn Juhl armchairs, coffee tables, desks and other furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
Original Finn Juhl BO46 Sofa for Bovirke, 1946
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl BO46 sofa upholstered with off-white fabric, tapering legs of stained beech. Designed by Finn Juhl, 1946 and manufactured by Bovirke, Denm...
Fabric, Beech
Finn Juhl Model 46 Armchair in Walnut and Black Leather by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This Finn Juhl Model Scandinavian Modern 46 Armchair is a true masterpiece of Danish design. Originally designed in 1946 for the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition for master...
Leather, Wood
Rare "Model 10239" by Finn Juhl, Denmark, c. 1965
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Rare Model 10239 swivel armchair designed by Finn Juhl in 1965 for Ring Möbelfabrikk. This elegant and well-proportioned armchair reflects Juhl’s refined modern aesthetic, combining ...
Aluminum
MCM Teak Armchair Model 196 by Finn Juhl for France and Son, 1960s, Original
By John Stuart Inc., France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Chicago, IL
Stunning upholstered Danish armchair designed in teak by Finn Juhl for France and Søn, retailed in the United States by John Stuart Inc. These were designated model 196 and date from...
Teak
Finn Juhl BO64 Sofa for Bovirke, Savak Wool Upholstery, Denmark, 1940s
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sofa BO64 designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke, Denmark, 1940s. Savak wool upholstery and stained wooden legs. Provenance: Acquired by current owner at Bovir...
Wool, Wood
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa by France & Son, All New Premium Upholstery
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
Danish Modern Teak and Brown Leather Loungechair by Finn Juhl for France and Son
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Vienna, AT
This excellent and comfortable Scandinavian Modern lounge chair model number FD 136 was designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark 1960s. It features a curved backrest and and s...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Spade Chair Model 133 for France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in San Francisco, CA
Finn Juhl design spade chair model 133 for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. Newly refinished teak frame with new cushions upholstered in Danish wool.
Teak
Set of 6 Model 197 chairs by Finn Juhl in teak, 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Torino, IT
In Finn Juhl's work, wood is often treated almost like a carving material, and these chairs show this with great naturalness. The teak structure does not follow rigid or geometric li...
Teak
FJ 56 - 4 pers. sofa in textile by Finn Juhl
By Niels Vodder, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FJ 56 - Rare four-seater sofa in textile with burnished steel frame and rosewood legs. Designed in 1956.
Steel
$15,500 / set
Finn Juhl for Bovirke BO 63 dining chairs, set of 6
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Doylestown, PA
A set of six (6) rare Finn Juhl for Bovirke (Copenhagen, Denmark) BO 63 dining chairs, in teak with original wool upholstery, four (4) in dark grey and two (2) in green. This class...
Wool, Teak
FD 136 - 'France Chair' easy chair in teak by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Model FD 136 - 'France Chair' easy chair in solid teak with new textile 'Cassia Aqua'. Labelled from manufacturer.
Fabric, Teak
Early Finn Juhl ‘Diplomat’ Chairs Model 209 by France & Son – Denmark, 1955-65
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Earlier pair of Finn Juhl model 209 chairs in special wood. Produced by France & Søn, Denmark, circa 1955-65 The chairs are both labeled and numbered. Authentic Model 209 “Dipl...
Leather, Walnut
108-Chair Made In Black Painted Oak By Finn Juhl For House Of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
The Model 108 Chair, designed by the renowned Danish designer Finn Juhl, is a remarkable embodiment of his innovative design philosophy. Produced by the Hou...
Oak
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
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl for France & Son 'Diplomat' Chair
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Denmark, Finn Juhl for France & Son 'Diplomat' chair in rosewood.
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl France Lounge Chair FD 136
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
the france lounge was designed by Finn Juhl in the 1950's and produced in Denmark by France & Daverkorsen. this chair is an earlier example of the design and it is in excellent con...
Wool, Teak
'Jupiter' Sofa by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960s
By John Stuart, France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Danish minimalist style sofa designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Son, 1960s. Beautiful wood frame construction, with manufacturer's label and production mark. Pl...
Rosewood
Finn Juhl Armchairs Model FD 209 / Diplomat Produced by Cado
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of 6 armchairs model FD 209 / Diplomat chairs designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Cado in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Set of 2 FD133 armchairs, Finn Juhl, new light green fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Set of two model FD133 armchairs designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Søn, Denmark, circa 1960. Solid wood frame, upholstered seat and backrest covered in fabric. Iconi...
Fabric, Wood
Finn Juhl Set of Two Fully Restored Armchairs Including Custom Upholstery Cado
By Cado, Finn Juhl
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl set of two fully restored armchairs including custom upholstery The chairs were designed in 1963 for France and Son that later changed their name to Cado as part of an of...
Leather, Teak, Fabric
1960s Finn Juul Restored Reupholstered Model 209 Swivel Chair by France and Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s Finn Juul restored reupholstered model 209 swivel chair by France and Søn The Finn Juhl model 209 office swivel chair is originally part of Finn Juhls and France and Son's Dip...
Metal
Finn Juhl Table Bench Model BO-101 in Teak, Brass & Gun Metal, Bovirke, 1953
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Odense, DK
An authentic and highly collectible BO-101 table bench designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke in 1953. Crafted in beautifully figured teak with polished brass rails and a distinctive gun ...
Metal, Brass
$3,610 / set
Pair of "Diplomat" armchairs by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Brescia, IT
"Diplomat" pair by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960s. Rosewood and original cognac leather, with period mark present. Designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Son in the 1...
Leather, Kingwood
Danish Modern Red Diplomat Chairs by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Detroit, MI
These gorgeous vintage mid century modern Model 209 Diplomat chairs were designed by Finn Juhl in the 1960s and manufactured by France & Daverkosen. This sophisticated pair of ch...
Upholstery, Wood, Teak
Finn Juhl Armchairs Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare set of 6 armchairs designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by Søren Willadsen Møbelfabrik in Denmark.
Fabric, Wool, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Model 141 Lounge Chair
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Highland, IN
This handsome easy chair by Finn Juhl for France & Sons is a rare model fd141. It shares qualities with many of his famous chairs including the Chieftain, the #45 chair, and the Dele...
Upholstery, Teak
1960s FD112 Lounge Chair by Finn Juhl for France and Son in teak and beige fabri
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
The FD112 lounge chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France and Son in Denmark during the 1960s. The design is defined by its sculpted solid teak frame and the independen...
Fabric, Teak
C. 2020 House of Finn Juhl Baker Three Seat Sofa in Grey Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Baker Three Seat Sofa, originally designed by Finn Juhl in 1951. This particular example was produced in Denmark by House of Finn Juhl in 2020. The sofa is comprised of a d...
Foam, Oak, Fabric
1960s Finn Juhl Model 209 Diplomat Chair in Mahogany and Brown Leather - Cado
By Cado, Finn Juhl
Located in Knebel, DK
Finn Juhl designed the model 209 chairs in 1961. The chair is part of a series of furniture named the Diplomat series with chairs, desks, tables, cabinets and other furniture. The c...
Leather, Mahogany
1970s Diplomat Chair by Finn Juhl for Cado in wood and black leather
By Finn Juhl
Located in Victoria, BC
This Diplomat chair was designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Cado in Denmark during the 1970s. The design reflects Juhl’s careful attention to proportion, where structure and comfor...
Leather, Wood
Rare three-seater sofa in grey textile by Finn Juhl
By Bovirke, Finn Juhl
Located in Copenhagen, DK
BO 77 - 3-seater sofa in new grey textile (Ecriture from Kvadrat, colours 270/210) with oxidised steel frame and teak shoes. Designed in 1953. Designed by Finn Juhl for Bovirke.
Steel
Fine Pair of NV53 Chairs by Finn Juhl for Niels Vodder
By Finn Juhl, Niels Vodder
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are a very fine pair of NV53 chairs designed by a master of chair design, Finn Juhl and made by a master cabinet maker, Niels Vodder.The beautiful sha...
Brass
Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl for France and Son.
By Finn Juhl
Located in New York, NY
Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid teak frame and white Holly Hunt Fabric seating. Sofa is marked wit...
Fabric, Teak
1960s Danish Finn Juhl Model 112 Interline Chair For France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Wonderful and very rare design from Finn Juhl in the late 60’s for France & Son, Denmark. We have only ever seen a handful of these appear on the market in nearly 20 years of collec...
Rosewood
$24,200
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
Baker Sofa in Clay by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Baker Sofa in Clay by House of Finn Juhl offers expert craftsmanship and timeless design. With clean lines and a neutral color, this sofa will elevate any living space. Made by t...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Armchairs by Finn Juhl, Teak, Denmark, Circa 1950
By Finn Juhl
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Pair of armchairs designed by Finn Juhl, made of solid teak and both are in their original upholstery. Finn Juhl's association with the furniture manufacturer France & Son resulted i...
Teak
$5,800 / item
Ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1950s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and elegant ottoman or stool crafted of solid teak and upholstered seat in charcoal grey wool.
Teak, Upholstery