The House of Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair in Oak is an iconic piece of Danish modern design, celebrated for its sculptural form, exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive architectural presence.
Designed by Finn Juhl in 1949, this celebrated lounge chair marked a bold departure from traditional furniture design, combining artistic expression with exceptional comfort.
The Chieftain Armchair is defined by its generously proportioned silhouette, sweeping curves and carefully balanced oak frame. A signature feature of Finn Juhl’s work is the separation of the supporting structure from the seat and back, giving the chair a distinctive sense of lightness despite its impressive scale. Its expressive shapes draw inspiration from modern art and international cultural references, creating a statement piece that is as compelling from the side as it is from the front.
Crafted with an oak frame available in dark oil or clear oil finishes, the Chieftain Armchair is upholstered by hand in Denmark in premium leather. Choose from options including Camo Nevada Cognac, Sørensen Elegance and Vegetal Natural leather, each bringing its own character and texture to the design. The natural qualities of the leather develop individual variations and, depending on the finish, a distinctive patina over time.
With its generous proportions and enveloping form, the Finn Juhl Chieftain Armchair makes a striking centrepiece in a spacious living room, reading area or design-led interior. Pair it with the coordinating Chieftain Footstool for an inviting place to relax, or allow the chair to stand alone as a sculptural expression of authentic Danish design.
Produced by House of Finn Juhl, the Chieftain Armchair remains a landmark of mid-century modern furniture and a lasting testament to Finn Juhl’s pioneering approach to form, materials and craftsmanship.
Material: Oak frame in a dark or clear oil finish, upholstered in Camo Nevada Cognac Leather, Sorensen Elegance leather or Vegetal Natural leather
Dimensions: Chair - Height: 92.5cm x Width: 100cm x Depth: 88cm (Seat Height: 34.5cm) / Footstool - Width: 60cm x Depth: 45 cm x Height: 38 cm
Delivery Time: 12 weeks
Leather Descriptions:
Nevada - Leather type: Full grained, 1.3 - 1.5 mm, vacuum tanned (chrome-free) aniline leather. Natural surface with a light surface coating. Natural marking, visible insect
bites, scars and wrinkles contributes to the exclusive
look of the leather. Due to the natural look, there may
be variations of texture and shades.
Elegance - Leather type: Full grain aniline leather, 1.2 - 1.4
mm, chrome tanned. Natural surface with no surface
coating. A luxurious leather, where insect bites,
scars, wrinkles and other natural marks is part of the
characteristics. Due to the natural look, there may be
variations of texture and shades.
Characteristics: With no protective layer, the natural
leather is sensitive to light and air and therefore it
will develop a great patina over time. The leather is
susceptible to water and stains, which contributes
to a natural patina as part of the characteristics.
Vegetal - Full grain aniline leather from
Scandinavian bullhides, 1.2 - 1.4 mm, vegetable tanned
leather. Natural surface with no coating. A luxurious
type of leather, where insect bites, scars, wrinkles and
other natural marks is a part of the characteristics.Due
to the natural look, there may be variations of texture
and shades.
Characteristics: The classic vegetable-tanned leather
will develop the best patina over time because it
absorbs light and air. The uncoloured vegetable-tanned
leather will develop a patina from light sand colour to
cognac. Vegetable-tanned leather is susceptible to
water and stains, which contributes to the natural
patina and makes this leather extremely luxurious.
*** Leather samples available on request. Other Leather options available, please get in touch by clicking “contact us” or by telephone to obtain options and prices
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
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