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An exceptional and highly collectible Finn Juhl NV-53 lounge chair, designed in 1953 and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder. Considered one of Juhl’s finest and most sophisticated seating designs, the NV-53 beautifully demonstrates the sculptural, organic approach that made Finn Juhl one of the most important figures of Danish Modern design.
The chair is constructed in richly toned teak, with an extraordinarily delicate frame composed of flowing curves and finely sculpted transitions. Rather than treating the chair as a conventional wooden framework surrounding upholstery, Juhl separated its individual elements visually, allowing the upholstered body to appear almost suspended within the structure.
This effect is particularly evident in the remarkable armrests. Long, beautifully carved teak arms sweep outward and upward, supported by slender brass spacers that create a small visual break between the arms and the upholstered body. The brass gives the arms an almost floating appearance, while adding a subtle jewelry-like detail to the otherwise restrained composition. From every angle, the chair reveals Juhl’s fascination with creating lightness and movement in furniture.
The upholstery itself has an organic, enveloping form, with a high curved back flowing into sculpted sides around the sitter. In contrast, the wooden frame remains exceptionally open and airy. Slender tapered legs and gracefully shaped side rails give the chair a remarkably light profile despite its generous proportions and comfort.
The NV-53 is an excellent example of why Finn Juhl’s furniture is often described as sculpture designed for the human body. There are virtually no visually heavy elements; instead, curved wood, upholstery and brass seem to exist as independent forms brought together into a remarkably balanced composition.
Importantly, this example is stamped to the underside of the rail with the Niels Vodder and Finn Juhl markings, identifying it as a period example produced by Juhl’s legendary cabinetmaker. Furniture produced by Niels Vodder represents some of the most desirable and important work within Finn Juhl’s oeuvre, prized for both its craftsmanship and its close connection to the designer’s original vision.
Custom Upholstery Available
This chair is currently available for custom upholstery through Hobbs Modern. The existing upholstery can be replaced with a textile selected by the buyer, allowing the next owner to tailor the chair to a particular interior while retaining its important original teak frame and brass details. COM (Customer’s Own Material) is also welcome.
The sculptural nature of the NV-53 makes it particularly well suited to a special textile—the large upholstered surfaces provide an opportunity for either a restrained period-inspired fabric or a more graphic contemporary treatment.
A superb example of 20th-century Danish design, the Finn Juhl NV-53 is more than a lounge chair. It represents Juhl at the height of his creative powers: technically sophisticated, visually daring, remarkably delicate and unmistakably his own.
Designer: Finn Juhl
Model: NV-53 Lounge Chair
Cabinetmaker: Niels Vodder
Design Year: 1953
Origin: Denmark
Materials: Teak, brass, upholstery
Markings: Stamped Finn Juhl / Niels Vodder to underside of rail
Upholstery: Custom upholstery available; COM accepted
Style: Danish Modern / Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
An exceptional and highly collectible Finn Juhl NV-53 lounge chair, designed in 1953 and produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder. Considered one of Juhl’s finest and most sophisticated seating designs, the NV-53 beautifully demonstrates the sculptural, organic approach that made Finn Juhl one of the most important figures of Danish Modern design.
The chair is constructed in richly toned teak, with an extraordinarily delicate frame composed of flowing curves and finely sculpted transitions. Rather than treating the chair as a conventional wooden framework surrounding upholstery, Juhl separated its individual elements visually, allowing the upholstered body to appear almost suspended within the structure.
This effect is particularly evident in the remarkable armrests. Long, beautifully carved teak arms sweep outward and upward, supported by slender brass spacers that create a small visual break between the arms and the upholstered body. The brass gives the arms an almost floating appearance, while adding a subtle jewelry-like detail to the otherwise restrained composition. From every angle, the chair reveals Juhl’s fascination with creating lightness and movement in furniture.
The upholstery itself has an organic, enveloping form, with a high curved back flowing into sculpted sides around the sitter. In contrast, the wooden frame remains exceptionally open and airy. Slender tapered legs and gracefully shaped side rails give the chair a remarkably light profile despite its generous proportions and comfort.
The NV-53 is an excellent example of why Finn Juhl’s furniture is often described as sculpture designed for the human body. There are virtually no visually heavy elements; instead, curved wood, upholstery and brass seem to exist as independent forms brought together into a remarkably balanced composition.
Importantly, this example is stamped to the underside of the rail with the Niels Vodder and Finn Juhl markings, identifying it as a period example produced by Juhl’s legendary cabinetmaker. Furniture produced by Niels Vodder represents some of the most desirable and important work within Finn Juhl’s oeuvre, prized for both its craftsmanship and its close connection to the designer’s original vision.
Custom Upholstery Available
This chair is currently available for custom upholstery through Hobbs Modern. The existing upholstery can be replaced with a textile selected by the buyer, allowing the next owner to tailor the chair to a particular interior while retaining its important original teak frame and brass details. COM (Customer’s Own Material) is also welcome.
The sculptural nature of the NV-53 makes it particularly well suited to a special textile—the large upholstered surfaces provide an opportunity for either a restrained period-inspired fabric or a more graphic contemporary treatment.
A superb example of 20th-century Danish design, the Finn Juhl NV-53 is more than a lounge chair. It represents Juhl at the height of his creative powers: technically sophisticated, visually daring, remarkably delicate and unmistakably his own.
Designer: Finn Juhl
Model: NV-53 Lounge Chair
Cabinetmaker: Niels Vodder
Design Year: 1953
Origin: Denmark
Materials: Teak, brass, upholstery
Markings: Stamped Finn Juhl / Niels Vodder to underside of rail
Upholstery: Custom upholstery available; COM accepted
Style: Danish Modern / Scandinavian Modern / Mid-Century Modern
See why our clients trust Hobbs Modern:
Wood Care
Keep the furniture in a cool, dry place
Avoid furniture's direct exposure to rain, sun or wind
Avoid placing hot objects directly on the piece to prevent undesirable marks or permanent circles.
Avoid placing objects that may cause scratches to the surface
Clean using water only in small quantities and apply it with soft, damp cloth
After damp cloth wipe with a soft, dry cloth
You can use other liquids that are especially for cleaning wood furniture. Take into account the type of wood and follow the manufacturer's instructions
Upholstery Care
Do not expose directly to sunlight to provide greater durability colors
Exchange both side pads, the seat and backrest, to obtain uniform wear
Shake the cushions regularly to remove dust and to maintain the stability of the form
Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner in good condition
Use a textile fabric cleaning substance according to and following the manufacturer's instructions
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