One of Finn Juhl’s most unconventional and exclusive designs, the Butterfly Table was presented at the 1949 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition alongside the Chieftain Chair, the Chieftain Sofa and the Egyptian Chair.
Defined by its unusual three-legged structure, the table demonstrates Juhl’s ability to resolve sculptural form with structural clarity. Each element is pared back to its essential line, allowing the construction to appear light while remaining assured and stable. Crafted in walnut and detailed with a circular brass inlay, the table reflects the meticulous joinery and material sensitivity characteristic of Finn Juhl’s work. The result is a piece that is at once restrained and expressive — a quiet study in balance, proportion, and craftsmanship.
The Butterfly Table is a characteristically expressive work by Finn Juhl, and a clear demonstration of his commitment to marrying practical function with artistic form. Designed in 1949, the table reflects Juhl’s ambition to treat furniture not simply as utility, but as a small piece of architecture within the room.
On the original watercolour drawing, Juhl noted: “Tabletop shape and leg placement allow easy access to the sofa. ‘Free’ form, as no function imposes binding constraints.” The remark captures a central principle in his work, that form could remain fluid and sculptural when function was carefully considered rather than allowed to dictate rigid geometry.
The first example was produced by master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder for the 1949 Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition. Crafted in teak, Oregon pine and matte-polished brass, it was an ambitious and costly object to manufacture. Aside from that exhibition piece, only very few examples were made, the design proving both technically demanding and unusually unconventional for its time.
The table’s ingenious mechanism reveals itself when opened: the suspended leaf is lifted and the top slides into a central position, where it is evenly supported by all three legs. The movement is simple yet precise, resolving what appears to be a delicate structure into a stable working surface.
Today, the table is produced in walnut with a circular brass inlay, a restrained detail that echoes the careful material contrasts favoured by Juhl. Despite its light, almost hovering appearance, the Butterfly Table remains both practical and refined: a small but compelling study in balance, craftsmanship, and sculptural clarity.
Material:Solid walnut with a circular inlay in brass (the brass will patina over time and is part of the inherent beauty intended by Finn Juhl - learn about patina on brass )
Dimensions: Height: 50cm x Length: 110cm x Depth: 46.5 / 69.3cm
Finn Juhl (1912-1989) was the first Danish furniture designer to be recognized internationally. He studied architecture at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen with Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, but as a furniture designer he was self-taught, a fact he always emphasized.
Juhl began designing furniture in the late 1930s, in the beginning mostly pieces intended for himself, but after setting up his own office in 1945 he soon became known for his unusual, expressive and sculptural pieces.
One of Finn Juhl's most well-known pieces is the Chieftains Chair. Designed in 1949, it is a fine example of Juhl's great idea of separating the sculpturally shaped seat and back from the wooden frame.
FAQs
Yes its 100% authentic, licensed design. No replicas, no compromises.
Delivery times vary (1–16 weeks). Estimated dates are quoted above but we will confirm a date after you order. Discover more about details of delivery times.
Orders under £100 delivery is £6.50
Orders over £100 and under £1800 free delivery with DPD/Palletways or pay extra for white glove service.
Orders over £1800 free delivery with white glove service included.
Yes, including Northern Ireland and selected international locations. Contact us for more details.
You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, PayPal and Bank Transfer. There is the option to pay 50/50, 50% on order and 50% prior to delivery, read about split payments. Also there is the option to pay in 3 installments with Paypal on orders under £3000.
Absolutely. All transactions are encrypted and handled through trusted payment gateways.
Report damage or issues within 2 days. We’ll handle replacements or fixes quickly, just send photos and your order number. See our FAQS page for more details.
