Grete Jalk armchairs

This rare pair of armchairs, designed by Danish architect and designer Grete Jalk and produced in 1971 by Fritz Hansen, exemplifies the late modernist transition in Scandinavian design. Departing from her earlier work in molded plywood and teak, Jalk explores a more industrial material palette in these chairs, combining minimal structure with expressive form.

The frames are constructed from tubular steel with a polished chrome finish, offering a light yet robust foundation. The geometry of the frame is elegantly resolved, with smooth, continuous bends that define both the legs and the integrated arm and backrest supports. The open, cantilevered design provides a visual lightness and architectural precision characteristic of Jalk’s pragmatic yet sculptural design ethos.

Newly reupholstered in a high-quality green felt fabric, the chairs achieve a harmonious balance between vintage structure and contemporary texture. The felt adds tactile richness and visual softness, while the restrained, earthy tone underscores the chairs’ functional elegance. The wrap-around upholstered backrest, seamlessly supported by the tubular frame, offers comfort and a distinctive, modern silhouette.

These armchairs exemplify the international influence on Danish design in the 1970s, where modernist clarity merged with ergonomic sophistication. Their proportions—56 cm wide, 54 cm deep, 73 cm high, with a seat height of 42 cm (approximately 22 x 21.3 x 28.7 inches, seat height 16.5 inches)—make them well-suited for a variety of settings, from lounge areas and offices to gallery-like interiors that appreciate clean, sculptural forms.

Grete Jalk (1920–2006), one of the most important female voices in Danish modernism, is widely celebrated for her intelligent, forward-thinking designs. These rare chairs represent a lesser-known but significant part of her oeuvre, reflecting both the adaptability of her design language and the enduring collaboration between Danish designers and Fritz Hansen.

This pair is not only a highly collectible example of Jalk’s work but also a refined and flexible seating solution for interiors that appreciate historic design with modern sensibility.