The Finn Juhl Chair – aka Model 45 chair – is a modern masterpiece, and was architect Juhl’s best foray into furniture designing. The style and legacy of this chair remain a precedent for modern designers even to this day. So, to look back and reminisce, here are 5 features that make this chair so unique and timeless:
- Soft curves and lines
While the Finn Juhl Chair is definitely a modernist in origins, it’s got the distinct position of being the very first one to be designed with sleek curves. That’s basically Juhl’s legacy as a designer. He favored soft edges in his furniture rather than sharp, jagged lines that became popular when the modern movement became a full force to be reckoned with. So, this chair features organic lines that have been articulated in tandem with straight aspects, which makes this chair a great precedent for contemporary modern furniture designs.
- A retro vibe
In 1945, the Finn Juhl Chair might have been the epitome of fresh modernism, but today, it has a more retro appeal. People adore its subtle curvature and unique styling, but its distinct wooden finish and upholstery lend it a dated vibe. It’s stylishly vintage with a gorgeous modern flavoring, which makes it an instant hit with audiences even today.
- First Danish modern chair
Finn Juhl belonged to Copenhagen, Denmark and he thrived in a time when the Scandinavian aesthetic was relatively unknown to the mainstream design media. Even then, the Finn Juhl Chair managed to capture the hearts of many and became known as the very first prototype for future Danish chairs. This was, is, and forever will be a landmark achievement that cannot be attributed to many other designers.
- Sculptural inspirations
Another thing that makes the Finn Juhl Chair so unique is the fact that its artistic form was inspired by actual sculptures. Juhl, as a designer, was always inspired and highly influenced by the artwork of abstract sculptor Jean Arp. This takeaway can be easily observed in many of his furniture designs – especially the Pelican series. But even in his first masterpiece, this inspiration can be seen as a clear motif. Therefore, if you ever need some artsy accentuation in your interior designs, this chair would be the perfect solution.
- Common themes
One basic theme that remained apparent in every furniture piece that Juhl ever designed was his preference of the “folating” backrest and seat aesthetic. This actually started when he first designed the Finn Juhl Chair. This model was clearly a prototype for his later designs as well. The upholstered seat and back that’s artfully situated on top of the other wood-bearing elements in the Model 45 chair is another precedent that’s inspired many!
So, these are some lesser known facts about the Finn Juhl Chair and how it become a complete phenomenon from its advent. To this day, it’s extremely beloved and used as an inspiration for contemporary masterpieces!