The 46 Chair | Finn Juhl | 1947

Finn Juhl designed the elegant 46 Armchair in 1946 for master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, and the following year he created a more minimalist version without armrests. This became known as the 46 Chair, as it originated from the 46 Armchair's design. Both models represent the very finest of modern Danish furniture design and are produced today in oak or walnut, with the seat and backrest hand-upholstered in fabric or leather.

The 46 Chair | Finn Juhl | 1947

Finn Juhl designed the elegant 46 Armchair in 1946 for master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder, and the following year he created a more minimalist version without armrests. This became known as the 46 Chair, as it originated from the 46 Armchair's design. Both models represent the very finest of modern Danish furniture design and are produced today in oak or walnut, with the seat and backrest hand-upholstered in fabric or leather.

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.

Wood Type

  • Walnut

    Walnut

  • Oak Dark Oil

    Oak Dark Oil

  • Oak Clear Oil

    Oak Clear Oil

Upholstery

Vidar

  • 222

    222

  • 152

    152

  • 182

    182

  • 443

    443

  • 472

    472

  • 582

    582

  • 633

    633

  • 723

    723

  • 1062

    1062

  • 1511

    1511

Leather

  • Elegance Black

    Elegance Black

  • Elegance Walnut

    Elegance Walnut

  • Vegetal Nature

    Vegetal Nature

Hallingdal

  • 100

    100

  • 103

    103

  • 110

    110

  • 113

    113

  • 227

    227

  • 376

    376

  • 457

    457

  • 764

    764

  • 960

    960

  • 980

    980

Remix

  • 123

    123

  • 163

    163

  • 183

    183

  • 242

    242

  • 412

    412

  • 443

    443

  • 612

    612

  • 762

    762

  • 823

    823

  • 933

    933

Watercolour

  • Butterscotch Yellow

    Butterscotch Yellow

  • Cast Iron

    Cast Iron

  • Dark Conifer

    Dark Conifer

  • Fresh Sage

    Fresh Sage

  • Golden Syrup

    Golden Syrup

  • Himalaya

    Himalaya

  • Peacock

    Peacock

  • Pumpkin Spice

    Pumpkin Spice

  • Rose Quartz

    Rose Quartz

  • Silver Azure

    Silver Azure

  • Soft Linen

    Soft Linen

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Product information
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1947, relaunched in 2018
Materials:
Frame: Walnut or oak
Upholstery:
Textile or leather
Model and dimensions:
FJ 4652
W: 52 cm D: 53 cm H: 82 cm
Seat height: 44 cm
46 (1)
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The 46 Chair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

The 46 Chair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

The Evolution of a Classic

A Refined Design

The original vintage edition of the 46 Armchair is relatively rare today, perhaps because its armrests made it a less popular choice among private consumers compared to Finn Juhl's classic dining chairs and lounge chairs. At the same time, it was likely considered too costly as a conference chair.

The armless 46 Chair was introduced in 1947, but in 1953 Finn Juhl refined the design further for production with the furniture manufacturer Bovirke, where it was given the name BO72. It is this later version that is still produced today by House of Finn Juhl.

The 46 Chair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

The 46 Chair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

A Distinctive Design Approach

Separating the Carried from the Carrying

The 46 Chair embodies many of Finn Juhl's characteristic traits and refined details. With clear intention, he created a sense of lightness by separating the carrying – the sculptural wooden frame – from the carried – the upholstered seat and backrest. The frame is beautifully crafted in solid wood and paired with a hand-upholstered seat in fabric or leather. The chair is also available in a version with armrests.

The 46 Armchair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

The 46 Armchair in walnut with 'Ecriture' upholstery in the colour ‘0240’.

Discover the 46 Armchair

The 46 Chair originates from the 46 Armchair which Finn Juhl originally designed for the Cabinetmakers' Guild Exhibition for master cabinetmaker Niels Vodder in 1946. Both chairs share the same refined features, but the 46 Armchair stands out with its distinctive curved armrests, shaped to follow the natural angle of the arm.

Discover the 46 Armchair
Finn Juhl sitting in the Chieftain Chair in front of his home in Ordrup north of Copenhagen.

Finn Juhl sitting in the Chieftain Chair in front of his home in Ordrup north of Copenhagen.

Historical Timeline

Finn Juhl's Life and Work

Like other modernist pioneers, Finn Juhl started from scratch without role models or inherited restrictions. He designed by measuring his own body and analyzing how the individual components of the chair should carry the human body. But contrary to his modernist contemporaries, with their streamlined, scaffolding-like structures, Finn Juhl aimed at a more organic and natural form.

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Our Partners Around the World

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.

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