The 53 Chair | Finn Juhl | 1953

Originally introduced in 1953 as NV 53 – named after master joiner Niels Vodder – this extravagant chair was designed for the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition. With its elegant, sculptural lines and softly embracing form, the 53 Chair offers both visual lightness and exceptional comfort. It is hand-upholstered in Denmark in textile or leather, and the frame is available in oak or walnut. An optional cushion can be added for extra comfort.

The 53 Chair | Finn Juhl | 1953

Originally introduced in 1953 as NV 53 – named after master joiner Niels Vodder – this extravagant chair was designed for the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition. With its elegant, sculptural lines and softly embracing form, the 53 Chair offers both visual lightness and exceptional comfort. It is hand-upholstered in Denmark in textile or leather, and the frame is available in oak or walnut. An optional cushion can be added for extra comfort.

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

Leather

  • Vegetal Nature

    Vegetal Nature

  • Elegance Black

    Elegance Black

  • Elegance Walnut

    Elegance Walnut

Remix

  • 183

    183

  • 123

    123

  • 163

    163

  • 242

    242

  • 412

    412

  • 443

    443

  • 612

    612

  • 762

    762

  • 823

    823

  • 933

    933

Hallingdal

  • 100

    100

  • 103

    103

  • 110

    110

  • 113

    113

  • 227

    227

  • 376

    376

  • 457

    457

  • 764

    764

  • 960

    960

  • 980

    980

Vidar

  • 152

    152

  • 182

    182

  • 222

    222

  • 443

    443

  • 472

    472

  • 582

    582

  • 633

    633

  • 723

    723

  • 1062

    1062

  • 1511

    1511

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:
1953, relaunched in 2020
Materials:
Frame: Walnut or oak
Upholstery:
Textile or leather
Model and dimensions:
FJ 5325 (With cushion)
FJ 5321 (Without cushion)
W: 71 cm | D: 77.5 cm | H: 73 cm
Seat height: 37.5 cm
53
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The 53 Chair in oak (dark oil) with 'Vegetal' leather.

The 53 Chair in oak (dark oil) with 'Vegetal' leather.

An Elevated Design

Separating the Carrying Elements from the Carried

The 53 Chair is an extravagant piece that offers genuine comfort while embracing the seated person. Finn Juhl’s characteristic design feature – separating the carrying and the carried elements – is also present here, though achieved in a more refined and sophisticated manner. The rear legs, completely free of upholstery, rise from the floor in a single, fluid motion and evolve into organically shaped armrests, almost animalistic in their form.

Originally produced in teak and rosewood, which are no longer available, the 53 Chair has long been one of Finn Juhl’s most popular and sought-after designs. Vintage editions are rare and command exceptionally high prices at auctions around the world.

Detail of the 53 Chair in oak (dark oil) with 'Vegetal' leather.

Detail of the 53 Chair in oak (dark oil) with 'Vegetal' leather.

Carefully Considered Curves

Comfort From a Lost Time

The 53 Chair is masterfully crafted from solid wood, carefully shaped and assembled to form a unique, organic frame that seems to float around the upholstered seat. Delicate transitions between rounded and sharp elements highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain. Finn Juhl’s artistic approach to design, combined with a deep understanding of function, gives meaning to every curve and detail – offering a level of comfort with echoes of a past age.

Generously proportioned, the lounge chair naturally extends an invitation to be seated, while its light, sculptural presence ensures it looks striking from every angle. The refined form makes it ideal as a free-standing piece in both private interiors and elegant lounge areas in hotels and corporate settings.

Finn Juhl's original watercolor depicting the 53 Chair from 1953. Photo credit: Pernille Klemp, Designmuseum Danmark

The 53 Chair in walnut with Blans upholstery in the colour 01-100 with a cushion in the colour 01-161.

The 53 Chair in walnut with Blans upholstery in the colour 01-100 with a cushion in the colour 01-161.

Our Partners Around the World

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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.

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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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