Finn Juhl desk

This is a rare model BO-69, also known as the Nyhavn desk, designed by Danish architect and designer Finn Juhl in 1953 and produced by Bovirke in Denmark. The desk is executed in solid and veneered teak, supported by a browned steel frame with brass details, a combination characteristic of Juhl’s refined approach to materials. The construction is visually light yet structurally sophisticated, with the floating top creating a sense of levitation above the frame.

The design is notable for its asymmetry and modularity, featuring a suspended drawer unit with four drawers. The drawer fronts are lacquered in a palette of soft colors — white, cream, light blue, and orange — a distinctive detail that brings a playful, almost painterly quality to the otherwise rational composition. The drawers have curved, recessed handles that enhance the sculptural expression of the piece while maintaining a functional, tactile grip.

The desk exemplifies Juhl’s ability to merge organic forms with architectural clarity, representing a departure from the more traditional, boxy desks of the era. The frame’s exposed metal and the suspended storage unit reflect Juhl’s interest in furniture that interacts with space rather than dominating it. This model was retailed through Illums Bolighus in Copenhagen, one of the most important venues for mid-century Danish design, as indicated by the metal retailer’s plaque affixed to the underside.

The condition is excellent for its age, with a well-preserved teak surface showing a rich, even patina and minor signs of use consistent with careful handling over time. The metal frame and brass fittings display light oxidation, further enhancing the authentic vintage character.

The desk measures 170 cm in width (278 cm when the drop leaf is extended), 85 cm in depth, and 75 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 66.9 (109.4) x 33.5 x 29.5 inches. Its combination of refined joinery, color detailing, and architectural presence make it one of Finn Juhl’s most celebrated desk designs and a defining example of Danish mid-century modern furniture.