Grete Jalk sofa

This is a rare three-seat sofa, model 56, designed by Grete Jalk and produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik in Denmark during the 1960s. The design is a fine example of Danish modern craftsmanship and Grete Jalk’s characteristic blend of structural clarity, refined detailing, and restrained elegance.

The frame is constructed in solid rosewood, a prized material in mid-century Scandinavian furniture, known for its deep reddish-brown hues and dramatic grain patterns. The wood has been finely shaped, with smoothly rounded corners and delicately tapered legs. The sculptural armrests are subtly curved and integrated into the frame with softened transitions, creating a continuous and visually cohesive profile. The backrest features vertical slats supported by angled rear uprights, emphasizing both structural stability and aesthetic lightness.

The sofa has been professionally reupholstered in a textured blue fabric that complements the tone of the rosewood. The upholstery features separate seat and back cushions for each of the three seating positions, providing comfort and modular clarity. The cushions are shaped with slightly rounded edges and are generously proportioned without overwhelming the structure.

Grete Jalk (1920–2006) was a pioneering Danish designer recognized for her ability to interpret modernist principles through elegant, user-oriented forms. She was a student of Kaare Klint and became known for both her bent plywood experiments and her finely crafted wood-frame furniture. The collaboration with P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik resulted in some of her most refined designs, including this sofa model, which pairs well with the matching easy chair from the same series.

The sofa belongs to the Scandinavian modern design movement of the mid-20th century, with its emphasis on natural materials, structural logic, and understated beauty. The proportions of the piece are balanced and generous, suitable for both residential and formal interiors.

The overall dimensions are 177 cm in width, 80 cm in depth, and 75 cm in height, with a seat height of 41 cm (69.7 x 31.5 x 29.5 inches, seat height 16.1 inches). The sofa remains in excellent condition, with minimal wear to the frame and newly upholstered cushions, representing a fine collector’s piece within the canon of Danish modern seating.