Finn Juhl armchairs

This rare pair of armchairs, model BO-72, was designed by Finn Juhl in the 1950s and produced by Bovirke in Denmark. The BO-72 exemplifies Juhl’s sculptural sensibility and his unique ability to create furniture that is both expressive and meticulously crafted. It stands among his more restrained designs, yet it retains the hallmark fluency of form and careful attention to material contrasts that define his body of work.

Each armchair features a solid rosewood frame with rich, variegated grain patterns and a deep, reddish-brown hue. The rosewood has been preserved in excellent vintage condition, with a smooth, lustrous finish that highlights the natural movement of the wood. The arms extend in a soft, continuous curve from the front legs, flowing seamlessly into the gently rounded backrest supports. This elegant shaping gives the chairs a light and sculptural appearance, despite their sturdy construction.

The backrests are subtly curved to provide lumbar support, and the seat is generously padded for comfort. Both the seat and back are upholstered in original black leather, which has developed a desirable patina. The leather remains supple, with minor surface creasing and natural variations in tone, indicative of careful use and age, but no major flaws or structural concerns. This original upholstery offers a refined visual contrast to the warmth of the rosewood and reinforces the chairs’ mid-century modern aesthetic.

The legs taper elegantly toward the floor, slightly splayed to provide visual lightness and structural stability. This proportional detailing is characteristic of Juhl’s approach, in which the mass and volume of each element are calibrated for balance, both visually and physically.

Finn Juhl (1912–1989) was one of the most influential figures of Danish modernism, celebrated for his ability to merge art and functionality. Unlike some of his contemporaries who adhered more strictly to functionalist principles, Juhl’s designs introduced a sense of organic form, floating elements, and sculptural articulation. The BO-72 model, produced by Bovirke—a firm with which Juhl had a long-standing partnership—is a refined representation of his mid-century output, combining architectural clarity with subtle expressiveness.

The chairs measure 64 cm in width, 54 cm in depth, 81.5 cm in height, and 43 cm in seat height (approximately 25.2 × 21.3 × 32.1 inches with a seat height of 16.9 inches). They are in excellent vintage condition, with well-maintained rosewood frames and leather upholstery that remains both visually and structurally sound.