During 2023, House of Finn Juhl presents the Reading Chair by Finn Juhl in a selection of new materials. This summer, the versatile and elegant chair is introduced in FSC®-certified ash, which adds a light touch to the classic dining chair. With its bright hue and distinctive straight grain, ash offers a subtle and harmonious structure setting it apart from other wood types. The refinement of ash brings a new dimension to the Reading Chair. Read more about the history of the Reading Chair and the new material options below.
Finn Juhl’s Reading Chair is introduced in FSC®-certified ash. Photographed above in VITA leather from Sørensen Leather, crafted from Danish rawhides.
The Unique Character of Ash
With its beautiful light tone and straight grain structure, ash exhibits a truly unique and timeless expression. The ash in the House of Finn Juhl collection is FSC®-certified and is available with two different treatments; untreated, showcasing its natural appearance, or treated with a clear oil that protects the surface from stains and dirt. The oil is absorbed into the wood, leaving a soft surface that feels natural and pleasant to the touch, while still allowing the texture of the wood to shine through. With the oil treatment, the wood maintains its bright, cool colour, while the untreated version develops a patina over time, enhancing the wood’s natural, yellow undertone.
Timeless Aesthetics and Exceptional Craftsmanship
Finn Juhl designed the Reading Chair for the Danish furniture manufacturer Bovirke in 1953. The chair’s timeless design, characterized by its clean lines and subtle details, has made it a beloved classic, suitable as a dining chair for private homes as well as hotels and restaurants. The seat is carefully upholstered by hand in textile or leather, offering excellent comfort. Furthermore, the versatile chair allows for various seating positions, as Finn Juhl designed it to be equally comfortable whether you choose to sit facing the front or the back. When reversed, the horizontal top piece offers a convenient armrest, showcasing Finn Juhl’s thoughtful design and aesthetic balance.
The chair is crafted with care by skilled craftspeople at House of Finn Juhl’s furniture workshop in Vejen, Denmark.
The Reading Chair exhibited at Bovirke’s stand at Købestævnet in Fredericia in 1953. Photo: Design Museum Denmark.
More design from Finn Juhl:
Finn Juhl’s American Dream: The Relaunch of the Kettelhut Chair
As with many of Finn Juhl’s designs, this year’s relaunch is surrounded by a certain …
House of Finn Juhl Draws Inspiration from Rediscovered Watercolour for Limited Anniversary Edition of the Chieftain Chair
75th Anniversary: House of Finn Juhl Draws Inspiration from Rediscovered Watercolour for Limited Anniversary Edition …
House of Finn Juhl Revives a Piece of Design History with the Launch of the Hulsø Shelf
House of Finn Juhl will make their first appearance at the Maison & Objet fair …
Finn Juhl’s Reading Chair is now being introduced in a new version entirely in oak – House of Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl’s Reading Chair is now being introduced in a new version entirely in oak. The …
A Classic Finn Juhl Piece in New Tones: The Reading Chair is Now Available in Ash – House of Finn Juhl
During 2023, House of Finn Juhl presents the Reading Chair by Finn Juhl in a selection …
House of Finn Juhl Relaunches Finn Juhl’s Perhaps Least Iconic Chair @ 3daysofdesign
Finn Juhl is renowned for his iconic furniture designs and for revolutionising the Danish furniture …
House of Finn Juhl Reissues the Fireplace Chair as a Testament to the Resurgence of Danish Craftsmanship
House of Finn Juhl is delighted to announce the relaunch of the Fireplace Chair, a …
The Bone Chair – FinnJuhl’s Personal Favourite is reintroduced – House of Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl’s 44 Chair, also known as the Bone Chair, is being reintroduced by House …
Finn Juhl’s Extravagant Whisky Chair is Being Relaunched – House of Finn Juhl
The Whisky Chair was designed by Finn Juhl in 1948 and is characterized by the …
House of Finn Juhl Introduces the Textile Collection ‘Watercolour’
In collaboration with the Danish weaver, Kjellerup Væveri (Kjellerup Weavers), House of Finn Juhl has …
80th Anniversary: The Poet is Relaunched in a Limited Nubuck and Suede Edition – With Legs in Wenge
Finn Juhl presented the Poet Sofa for the first time at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in the autumn of 1941. To …
Finn Juhl’s Circle Rugs are Launched in Three Natural, Undyed Tones – House of Finn Juhl
In 1963, Finn Juhl designed a series of characteristic circle patterns for the Danish company …
Finn Juhl’s Own House Reopens on the 25th of June
One can argue that Finn Juhl’s most extraordinary piece is his own home, situated in …
Record Sale at Bruun Rasmussen: Most Expensive set of Finn Juhl Furniture
A sofa and two chairs, designed by Finn Juhl and nicknamed “The Elephant Furniture”, have …
Finn Juhl’s Lost Furniture Found After 80 Years – Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers
Finn Juhl’s one-of-a-kind sofa (estimated price EURO 210,000-330,000 // 1,500,000-2,500,000 DKK) alongside vases and bowls …
Every bowl is hand turned and crafted from a single piece of wood by Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl designed the teak bowls in 1951. After several years of preparation, we are …
The 53 Series Relaunches at 3 Days of Design by Finn Juhl
When Finn Juhl’s widow, Hanne Wilhem Hansen, granted Onecollection (with the sub-brand House of Finn Juhl) …
The Little Mother is being relaunched – House of Finn Juhl
After Copenhagen Cabinetmaker’s Guild Exhibition in 1945, joiner Niels Vodder, who produced Finn Juhl’s furniture, …
The Grasshopper Chair – House of Finn Juhl
The Grasshopper Chair is being relaunched at Salone del Mobile – 81 years after Finn Juhl designed it …
Finn Juhl @ nationalmuseum
March 14–September 22, 2019 An exclusive selection of furniture, artwork and art handicraft. The exhibition …
Poet sofa – House of Finn Juhl
Poet sofa 1941 This small two-seater sofa first saw the light of day at the …
Cocktail Bench – House of Finn Juhl
Cocktail Bench 1951 In 1951, Finn Juhl designed the bench for Baker Furniture in USA, …
Reading Chair – House of Finn Juhl
Reading Chair – Veneer Seat 1953 The Reading chair is one of Finn Juhl’s more …
48 Sofa-Bench – House of Finn Juhl
48 Sofa-Bench 1948 The 48 Sofa-Bench is part of the 48 Series which was presented …
Finn Juhl – a Danish design icon. 1/2 – 11/5 2014
Finn Juhl – a Danish design icon – exhibition at Falkenbergs Museum – Design Museum …
Finn Juhl – centenary exhibition @ Trapholt
Finn Juhl was both a pioneering furniture designer and a respected architect, sensitive to the …
Finn Juhl Wall lamp – Pendant – Table lamp back in production – OneCollection
Finn Juhl Wall lamp – Pendant – Table lamp Design: Finn Juhl, 1963 FJ Lamps …
Furniture for the senses – Finn Juhl 100 @ Designmuseum Danmark
Special exhibition 10 February – 31 December 2012 Designmuseum Danmark celebrates the 100th anniversary of …