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.
Finn Juhl, Lounge Chairs, Fabric, Teak, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of blue fabric and teak lounge chairs designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Son, Denmark, c. 1950s. Moderate to heavy wear on arm rests. Minor wear to the rest ...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Teak Chieftain Chair + Ottoman in Black Spinneybeck Leather by Baker
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
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...
Leather, Teak, Walnut
A pair of Japan Chairs designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Seattle, WA
A pair of Japan chairs, designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960 production. recently reupholstered in aniline olive leather, with several natural marking and patterns. Natur...
Leather, Teak
Teak Lounge Chair 136 by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen, Denmark 1950s
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Finn Juhl Model 136 Teak Armchair for France & Daverkosen, Denmark, 1950s Designed and produced in the 1950s, this sculptural armchair by Danish master Finn Juhl is a rare Model...
Wool, Teak
Finn Juhl Model 45 Armchair upholstered with fabric by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Berlin, DE
Stunning 45 Chair made by House of Finn Juhl. In the fall of 1945, Finn Juhl introduced the 45 Chair at the annual Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. Today, it is recognized as one of ...
Teak
Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Ranst, VAN
This stunning 'Bwana' lounge chair and ottoman is designed by Finn Juhl in 1962 for France & Son. Known for its sleek lines and elegant design, this chair is a perfect example of mid...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl NV-45 Scandinavian Lounge Chairs in Walnut and Black Leather 1950s
By Baker Furniture Company, Finn Juhl
Located in Dallas, TX
Original vintage pair of NV-45 lounge chairs by Finn Juhl in lacquered walnut & waxed leather, designed in Denmark in 1945 and manufactured circa 1955 for the Baker Furniture Company...
Leather, Walnut
Finn Juhl Pair of Original Vintage NV-53 Chairs, c1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - Pair of Rare NV-53 Lounge Chairs, 1953 One of Finn Juhl’s most rare and sought after designs. The NV-53 was produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, Juhl’s long-tim...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Japan Series Chair, Wood and Raf Simons Kvadrat
By Finn Juhl
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1957, relaunched in 2007. Manufactured by House of Finn Juhl in Denmark. Finn Juhl’s partnership with the furniture manufacturer France & Son...
Fabric, Wood
$28,800Sale Price|25% Off
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...
Brass
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
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...
Teak
Finn Juhl Model 136 Lounge Chair for France & Son Circa 1950's
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in San Diego, CA
Finn Juhl's Model 136 armchair for France & Son. This is a beautifully sculpted teak frame with Finn Juhl Classic design elements: floating seat and floating backrest. This chair has...
Wool, Wood, Teak
Finn Juhl Danish Mid-Century Modern Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl, France & Daverkosen
Located in Stamford, CT
Finn Juhl Danish Mid-Century Modern Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, France & Daverkosen, Black Leather Early production Japan Lounge Chair and Ottoman, model 137, c. 1960 designed...
Teak
Finn Juhl Pelican Chair in Moonlight Sheepskin by House of Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
The Pelican chair with its soft and organic shape is upholstered in Gotland Sheepskin and supported by natural oak oiled legs. Designed by Finn Juhl in the 1940s and relaunched in 20...
Sheepskin
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model 'Spade' Produced by France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model 'Spade' designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Rosewood
$3,743Sale Price|28% Off
FD 133 lounge chair by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
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...
Wool, Teak
$13,768
Finn Juhl Fireplace chair
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Finn Juhl 'Fireplace' chair designed 1946 and executed at cabinetmaker Bovirke, Denmark. Frame of teak, new upholstery in light fabric by Tove Kindt-Larsen. Very fine condition.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl SW96 Armchair in Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, 1950s.
By Finn Juhl, Søren Willadsen
Located in Asaa, DK
Finn Juhl SW-96 Armchair in Teak and Oak for Søren Willadsen, 1950s. Danish modern lounge chair model SW 96 designed by Danish architect Finn Juhl for c...
Oak, Teak
Finn Juhl Teak Bwana Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl
Located in Houston, TX
Rare easy chair model Bwana designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark. International Orders: All international sales are final. Buyers are responsible for al...
Leather, Teak
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model Bwana Produced by France & Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model Bwana designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark.
Leather, Teak
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...
Upholstery, Teak
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...
Upholstery, Teak
Finn Juhl Teak Lounge Chairs Model FD-136 for France and Daverkosen
By Finn Juhl
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of 1950s Danish modern lounge chairs (model FD 136) designed by Finn Juhl. Early examples produced by France & Daverkosen, the p...
Brass
Rare Finn Juhl Model B059 Fireplace Chairs by Bovirke, Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Wien, AT
Designed by Fill Juhl in 1946 and most likely manufactured in the early 1950s by Bovirke, Denmark. Beautiful sculptural, four-legged construction made of solid teak, legs with cross-...
Fabric, Teak
Rare Finn Juhl Model BO59 Fireplace Chair, Bovirke, Denmark, 1950s
By Finn Juhl
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare Finn Juhl Fireplace Chair with original fabric. Model BO59, produced by Bovirke in Denmark, designed 1946, and most likely manufactu...
Fabric, Wood
Danish Design Finn Juhl Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Japan Series
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Renens, CH
Finn Juhl’s Japan series is one of his most sought after furniture, its design (1953) was based on the Miamjima water gate nearby Hiroshima. Finn Juhl, a Danish architect born in 19...
Brass
$2,182Sale Price|68% Off
Finn Juhl FD 112 Armchair Lounge, Rosewood, Cado, France & Søn, 1960s, Denmark
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, Cado
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...
Textile, Rosewood
$12,251 / set
FJ 51 - Pair of lounge chairs in walnut by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Copenhagen, DK
FJ 51 - Pair of 'Delegate Chair' armchairs in walnut and patinated natural leather. Designed in 1951 by Finn Juhl. Made by Baker Furniture. The chair gets its name from its original...
Leather, Walnut
Finn Juhl Easy Chairs Model 138 Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chairs model 138 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Danish Rosewood Spade Chair, circa 1960s
By Finn Juhl
Located in London, England
Finn Juhl - Spade Chair, 1954 Designed in 1954 the Model 133 ‘Spadestolen’ was Juhl's first collaboration with Danish producer France & Son. The frame was originally made in teak wi...
Leather, Rosewood
$28,003Sale Price / set|20% Off
Finn Juhl SW96 Lounge Chairs by Søren Willadsen, Teak & Oak, 1956
By Finn Juhl, Søren Willadsen
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful and rare pair of SW96 armchairs by Finn Juhl. These armchairs are more than furniture, they are real works of art that were meticulously designed by the one who is consider...
Oak, Teak, Leather, Cane
Finn Juhl for Soren Willadsen Model SW96 Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl, Soren Willadsen Mobelfabrik
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
This is a really beautiful original example of this scarce lounge chair, designd by Finn Juhl and produced by Soren Willadsen. The frame of the chair is Oak, the arms are Teak and th...
Cane, Oak, Teak
Pair of Finn Juhl Lounge or Armchairs for France & Son in Greige Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Located in Plainview, NY
A pair of midcentury lounge or armchairs by Finn Juhl for France & Son, featuring tight backs and seats supported by a wood frame with flat armrests, the manufacturer's label on the ...
Upholstery, Wood
Finn Juhl Easy Chair Model 138 Produced by France & Son in Denmark
By Finn Juhl
Located in Buffalo, NY
Rare easy chair model 138 designed by Finn Juhl. Produced by France & Son in Denmark. Retains original John Stuart badge, Wonderfull original condition.
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Walnut Lounge Chair with Light Fabric from 1952
By Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
Lounge chair designed by Finn Juhl in 1952. The chair is crafted in walnut and upholstered in light fabric. The design has a light and sculptural appearance, characteristic of many o...
Fabric, Walnut
Mid Century Danish Finn Juhl Model 138 Teak Lounge Chair For France & Son
By Finn Juhl
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
An outstanding Model 138 solid Teak lounge chair designed in the late 50’s by Finn Juhl. This is one of our own personal favourite chairs and we often think this design has a strong...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak and Brown Leather Loungechair by Finn Juhl for France and Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
Expertly Restored - Finn Juhl Model BO-118 Cognac Leather & Teak Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials Teak Wood, Italian Full-Grain Leather, New High-Density Foam ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing ...
Leather, Foam, Wood, Teak
Finn Juhl France Lounge Chair FD 136
By France & Daverkosen, Finn Juhl
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
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
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
Finn Juhl Model 141 Lounge Chair
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
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
Finn Juhl Delegate Chair by Baker Furniture, Walnut, 1950s Modern
By Finn Juhl, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scarce model FJ 51 lounge chair known as the Delegate Chair, designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Baker Furniture. The sculpted frame is shaped through long, continuous armrests tha...
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
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
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