Frequently asked questions

Finn Juhl (1912–1989) was a Danish architect and furniture designer who became one of the leading figures of Danish Modern. Originally trained as an architect, he went on to develop a distinctive approach to furniture design, guided by his fascination with fine art. Breaking with the heavy, traditional furniture style and the strict norms of functionalism, he created pieces defined by organic shapes, sculptural forms, and refined details. In the 1950s, he helped introduce Danish furniture design to the American market and played an important role in bringing Danish Modern to an international audience. Among his best-known designs are the Pelican Chair, the 45 Chair, and the Chieftain Chair.

Finn Juhl approached furniture with the mindset of a sculptor. Rather than focusing solely on practical construction, he explored organic shapes, flowing lines, and forms that seem to have a life of their own. His designs stand out for their sculptural expression, refined details, and distinctive sense of proportion.

A central principle in his work was the relationship between the supporting structure and the elements it carries. In several of his chairs and sofas, the seat and back are subtly separated from and elevated above the frame, creating a sense of visual lightness and making the upholstered parts appear to float.

Finn Juhl also studied the proportions of his own body to understand how each part of a piece of furniture should support and carry the human body. He made full use of the inherent qualities of each material, allowing the individual elements to flow naturally into one another, often with almost seamless transitions. This approach placed considerable demands on the cabinetmakers who brought his designs to life.

Finn Juhl drew much of his inspiration from modern art and international design traditions. He was particularly fascinated by the free, sculptural forms of modern art, which he translated into his furniture designs. Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship from other cultures also influenced his work.

Combined with his interest in the proportions of the human body, these influences helped shape the distinctive design language that set his furniture apart from the traditional styles of his time.Finn Juhl drew much of his inspiration from modern art and international design traditions. He was particularly fascinated by the free, sculptural forms of modern art, which he translated into his furniture designs. Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship from other cultures also influenced his work.

Combined with his interest in the proportions of the human body, these influences helped shape the distinctive design language that set his furniture apart from the traditional styles of his time.

Among Finn Juhl’s best-known designs are The Pelican Chair (1940), The Poet Sofa (1941), The 45 Chair (1945), and The Chieftain Chair (1949).

Together, these pieces showcase the range of  his work. From the organic, almost surreal forms of The Pelican Chair to the sculptural wooden frames of The 45 Chair and The Chieftain Chair, where the upholstered seat and back are subtly separated from the supporting frame.

Each design reflects Finn Juhl’s distinctive approach to furniture, in which artistic inspiration meets an uncompromising attention to detail.

In Finn Juhl’s designs, the carrying and the carried refers to the relationship between the supporting frame and the parts that support the seated body. The frame is the carrying element, while the seat and back are the carried elements.

By separating these parts and often lifting the upholstered seat and back away from the frame, Finn Juhl created a sense of visual lightness, as if the upholstered elements were floating. This principle is especially evident in The 45 Chair from 1945.

It is one of the defining features of Finn Juhl’s work and a clear example of how he challenged conventional furniture construction to create a distinctive design language of his own.

Art was a central source of inspiration throughout Finn Juhl’s life. He was particularly drawn to modern and abstract art, whose freedom of form had a profound influence on his approach to furniture design.

Rather than starting with practical construction, Finn Juhl approached furniture with the mindset of a sculptor. He created organic forms with movement, life, and character, bringing furniture and art closer together.

This connection between art, architecture, and furniture design is especially evident in his own home in Ordrup, where the furniture, artwork, colors, and architecture come together as a carefully considered whole.

Today, Finn Juhl’s furniture is produced by House of Finn Juhl, part of the Danish furniture company OneCollection.

In 2001, the company’s founders, Ivan Hansen and Hans Henrik Sørensen, were entrusted with the exclusive rights to manufacture and relaunch Finn Juhl’s furniture by his widow, Hanne Wilhelm Hansen.

Since then, House of Finn Juhl has been dedicated to preserving and passing on Finn Juhl’s design legacy. The collection continues to grow as Finn Juhl’s original designs are brought back to life with the utmost respect for his vision, original drawings, and uncompromising standards of craftsmanship and quality.

Learn more about our production and craftsmanship.

When House of Finn Juhl reintroduces a design, the process begins with Finn Juhl’s original drawings, historical photographs, and original pieces from his home, private collections, and museums. The drawings are studied closely and compared with the original furniture to understand the intended proportions, construction, and details.

This work requires a deep understanding of Finn Juhl’s design philosophy and the ability to put ourselves in his shoes when the drawings do not provide all the answers. Our aim is to remain true to his original vision while preserving the craftsmanship and uncompromising standards of quality that define his designs.

The vast majority of Finn Juhl’s furniture is made in Denmark, at House of Finn Juhl’s own joinery and upholstery workshops in Ringkøbing and Vejen.

In Ringkøbing, we produce veneered furniture, tables, and storage systems, among other pieces. Our workshop in Vejen specializes in solid wood furniture. Upholstery is carried out at both locations, where skilled and experienced craftspeople uphold the traditions of Danish furniture making

A small select number of designs are made in collaboration with a specialized joinery in Yamagata, Japan, known for its tradition of fine craftsmanship. Our long-standing partner there produces pieces such as the Glove Cabinet and the Television Table, both crafted in Japanese cherry wood.

Producing Finn Juhl’s furniture requires exceptional craftsmanship and a thorough understanding of each design. The organic shapes and refined details place particular demands on both the woodworking and upholstery.

Pieces such as The Pelican Chair and The Poet Sofa are still today hand-sewn and upholstered by experienced craftspeople in Denmark. For the more intricate wooden frames, we combine modern technology with specialized woodworking skills to achieve the precision required for their distinctive shapes and joints.

We use only the highest-quality materials and work with the utmost respect for Finn Juhl’s original vision. Our aim is to create furniture whose refined details and craftsmanship live up to the same high standards as the original designs.

Finn Juhl’s furniture is made using carefully selected materials, chosen for their quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The collection includes wood, leather, textiles, sheepskin, linoleum, and metals such as brass.

Each material has its own distinctive qualities and contributes to the furniture’s appearance and function. We select and work with materials in a way that respects Finn Juhl’s original designs, creating furniture that can be enjoyed, age gracefully, and be passed down through generations.

Wood, leather, and other natural materials each have their own distinctive characteristics. Variations in color, texture, and grain are a natural part of these materials, meaning that no two pieces of furniture are exactly alike. Leather may also show natural markings such as scars, wrinkles, and insect bites.

Natural materials also change over time. The color and grain of wood may develop, while leather and untreated metals acquire a patina through exposure to light, air, and everyday use. These changes are part of the materials’ inherent character and contribute to the individuality of each piece.

Many of Finn Juhl’s designs are available in a range of wood types, textiles, and leathers, allowing you to tailor the look of each piece to your interior.

The available options vary from one piece of furniture to another. We recommend visiting an official Finn Juhl dealer, where you can see the material samples in person and receive guidance on the available options.

Please note that the configurations shown on our product pages represent only a selection of the available materials. For a more complete overview of colors and materials, visit our materials page.

Finn Juhl’s furniture is made to order, and many designs are available in a range of materials and finishes. The choice of wood, upholstery, and surface treatments depends on the individual design and the options offered by House of Finn Juhl.

If you have a particular material combination or other customization in mind, we recommend contacting an official Finn Juhl dealer, who can advise you on the available options.

Proper care helps preserve the appearance of your furniture, allowing it to be enjoyed and passed down through generations. The right care depends on the materials and finishes used, as wood, leather, and textiles each have different properties and require different approaches to maintenance.

As a general rule, we recommend avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and placing furniture too close to heat sources. Always follow the care instructions for the specific material and use the recommended cleaning and care products.

You can find detailed guidance on caring for different materials in our care and maintenance guides.

Finn Juhl’s furniture is made with great care and attention to materials, construction, and detail. With proper care, many pieces can last for generations. Depending on the design, materials, and condition, furniture can often be repaired or reupholstered.

If you have questions about repairing or reupholstering your House of Finn Juhl furniture, we recommend contacting the official dealer where you purchased it.

House of Finn Juhl produces and reintroduces Finn Juhl’s original designs based on his original drawings, with great respect for the forms, details, and craftsmanship that define his work. Each design is carefully reviewed to ensure that the finished piece remains true to Finn Juhl’s original vision.

When you purchase Finn Juhl furniture through an official dealer, you can be sure that it has been produced by House of Finn Juhl. If you have any questions or concerns about authenticity, please contact us at info@finnjuhl.com.

You can experience Finn Juhl’s furniture at our official retalers and in the House of Finn Juhl showroom at Gothersgade 9 in central Copenhagen.

You can also visit Finn Juhl’s own home in Ordrup, part of Ordrupgaard museum. Built in 1942, the house is a remarkable example of Danish Modernism, bringing together architecture, furniture design, and art. It offers a unique opportunity to experience Finn Juhl’s work in context—not only through the furniture itself, but also through the interplay of rooms, colors, light, and artwork.

Finn Juhl’s furniture is available through House of Finn Juhl’s network of official retailers in Denmark and around the world. Our dealers can advise you on the collection, materials, and available finishes, as well as guide you through the ordering process.

Visit our list of retailers to find contact information and details for individual retailers.

You can find information about each piece of furniture on the House of Finn Juhl website, including dimensions and materials. The product pages also provide further details about each design and its history.

For additional technical information, including product sheets and 2D and 3D files, visit our image bank.

House of Finn Juhl provides a range of digital resources for architects, interior designers, press, and other professionals.

In our image bank, you can find product images, technical files, product sheets, and other resources for use in project planning, visualization, and presentations.