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THE 45 CHAIR | FINN JUHL | 1945
In the fall of 1945, Finn Juhl unveiled the 45 Chair at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition. With this chair, he introduced a groundbreaking design separating the carried from the carrying elements – something previously unseen. Today, the chair is widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary and iconic pieces in Danish furniture design. The chair is upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather. The frame is available in oak or walnut.
Wood Type
Walnut +
Upholstery
Vidar 222 +
Please note that the versions shown here represent only a selection of the many available options. For a complete overview of colors and materials, please explore the material page.
Product details
Designer: Finn Juhl
Year: 1945, relaunched in 2003
Materials: Frame: Oak or walnut / Upholstery: Textile or leather
Dimensions: W 66.5 cm | D 73 cm | H 85 cm | Seat height: 44 cm
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THE BEGINNING OF A DESIGN REVOLUTION
A Defining Silhouette
On the 45 Chair, the space between the frame and the seat creates a sense of lightness which, combined with its organic shape and refined detailing, gives the chair a unique beauty and floating elegance. The chair appeals to all the senses, pleasing both eye and body, and it has even been called “the mother of all modern chairs” by Japanese professor and design collector Mr. Noritsugu Oda.
The groundbreaking 45 Chair marked the beginning of Finn Juhl's distinctive design language, which came to full expression in the late 1940s. During this period, his work was defined by the liberation of the seat and backrest – designed as a single unit, carried independently by the frame. This bold approach became a defining moment in establishing Finn Juhl as a true pioneer in furniture design.
Finn Juhl's own 45 Chairs in his house north of Copenhagen.
FROM EXPERIMENT TO ICON
Immediate Acclaim
While Finn Juhl had already begun exploring the idea of separating the upholstered and wooden elements in earlier works, the 45 Chair marked a turning point. Its sculptural backrest and fluid, organic form elevated the concept to new heights, firmly establishing Finn Juhl as a leading figure in 20th-century design.
"In the early years, Finn Juhl's attempts seemed exaggerated, but now it is much more interesting to observe the result he has achieved by going his own ways. Most beautiful is an armchair, where the frame is organically shaped as a bone, able to support the muscles of an arm and the weight of a body. The expression of the chair is reminiscent of a weapon, sharpened by human hands."
The 45 Chair in walnut with 'Nalia' upholstery in the colour '0430'.
Photo: Elisabeth Heltoft for Sahco
THE PROCESS BEHIND THE COLLECTION
Production and Craftsmanship
We want to continue to shed light upon the great amount of work that goes into producing each and every piece of Finn Juhl's sculptural furniture. It is crucial that the details must be as fine and pure as if it came from the old cabinetmakers' workshop, but our understanding of quality also includes durability. The furniture has to be so durable that the pieces can be enjoyed by people today and by generations to come. With respect for the tradition and the demand for longevity, we put only the best materials in the hands of the most dedicated and skilled craftspeople.
Craftsmanship & Quality
Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, ensuring every detail meets the highest standards. The combination of traditional techniques and modern innovation results in furniture that is both beautiful and enduring.
Learn more →Sustainable Materials
We are committed to using only the finest sustainable materials. From responsibly sourced wood to eco-friendly upholstery, every component is chosen with care for both quality and environmental impact.
Discover our materials →
OUR PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD
Find a Retailer
Locate a retailer near you. Our trusted partners offer a large range of our furniture and will guide you in terms of choosing the right material and finding the perfect piece to fit your need.
The 45 Chair in walnut with 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Black'.
Photo credit: The Monocot Shop / JUST BUILD LTD / Studio Periphery