chieftain chair
whats the history of the chieftain chair?
The Chieftain Chair was introduced in 1949 by the renowned Danish designer Finn Juhl, a pivotal figure in mid-century modern furniture. At the time, the chair marked a bold departure from the minimalist functionalism dominating Scandinavian furniture design. Its dramatic, sculptural form broke new ground and is now regarded as one of the most iconic pieces in Danish modern design history. Despite its fame, Juhl described the creation as an intuitive process rather than a deliberate design statement. Debuting at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition, the Chieftain Chair was displayed alongside tribal weaponry and artifacts, reflecting Juhl’s fascination with global art and craftsmanship. This emphasized his belief that furniture should be expressive cultural objects not merely functional items.
the design
Reflecting on the design process years later, Finn Juhl described how the idea came together almost spontaneously
how is it made?
who was Finn Juhl?
The Chieftain chair in situ in Finn Juhl's house in Ordrup, Denmark.
what are the choices?
wood
The chieftain chair comes in a choice of two woods - walnut or oak dark oil or clear oil.
leather
The upholstery features premium, hand-stitched leather, carefully selected and finished. It comes in 3 different choices:- Camo Nevada Cognac, Elegance Walnut Leather, Elegance Black Leather and Vegetal Nature.
real or fake?
The true value of a Chieftain chair lies in its craftsmanship and authenticity. Authorised reissues are made with extraordinary attention to detail, using the finest materials and traditional Danish techniques. At House of Finn Juhl, each Chieftain Chair is crafted to maintain the original design's integrity from seamless joints to the luxurious feel of the hand-stitched leather. Authentic chairs are built to be lasting works of art, while fakes often fail to match the quality, proportions, and materials of the genuine article. When buying, pay close attention to these details to ensure you own a true piece of Danish design history.
FAQS
Chieftain chair
The Chieftain chair is one of the most celebrated designs by Danish designer Finn Juhl, first introduced in 1949. It’s known for its sculptural, bold silhouette, marrying organic curves with a strong architectural frame. Cimmermann
Why is the Chieftain chair considered a design icon?
When it debuted, the Chieftain chair broke away from the minimal functionalism common in Scandinavian furniture. Its form was inspired by global art and craftsmanship, and it has since become a symbol of mid-century Danish modern design.
What materials is the Chieftain chair made from?
Frame: Available in solid walnut or oak (either clear or dark oil finish). Upholstery: Hand-stitched premium leather, with options such as Elegance Black, Elegance Walnut, and Vegetal Nature. Need samples? get in touch with us.
Width: 100 cm
Depth: 88 cm
Height: 92.5 cm
Seat height: 34.5 cm
Each chair is handcrafted using traditional Danish cabinetmaking techniques. Artisans carefully join the solid wooden frame and upholster the seat in high-quality leather, paying meticulous attention to detail from grain matching to hand-stitched seams.
Yes. The Chieftain chair is still produced by the House of Finn Juhl, crafted by skilled cabinetmakers in Denmark based on Finn Juhl’s original 1949 design.
Authentic Chieftain chairs are built by authorized makers House of Finn Juhl. Use high-quality solid wood (oak or walnut) and premium leather. Feature precise joinery and construction details that imitate Juhl’s original design.
How long does delivery take if I order a Chieftain chair from Cimmermann?
Yes it’s considered a design collector’s piece. Because it’s handcrafted, made in durable materials, and historically significant, it tends to hold value well. It’s also a functional piece, so you get both aesthetics and longevity.
How should I care for and maintain a Chieftain chair?
Wood frame: Clean with a soft cloth; occasionally use a wood-safe oil or wax if recommended by the manufacturer.
Leather upholstery: Use a high-quality leather cleaner/conditioner. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources that may dry out the leather.
General: Keep away from sharp objects and avoid placing heavy or unevenly distributed weight on its arms or frame to preserve its structure.
