The Pelican Chair by Finn Juhl | Fabric
By Finn Juhl
Leadtime: Made to Order 8 to 12 weeks
Denmark
- Description
- Dimensions
- Materials
Originally designed in 1940, the Finn Juhl Pelican Chair stands as a landmark in Scandinavian design. Unconventional and expressive, its curving, organic form was unlike anything seen in furniture at the time. Influenced by surrealism and sculptural art, Finn Juhl created a chair that defied traditional structure, introducing a new visual language to Danish mid-century modern design.
The Pelican Chair made its debut at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1940, where its animal-like posture and enveloping form immediately set it apart. Though it captured attention for its originality, the design would remain dormant for over six decades. It wasn’t until 2001 that the chair finally entered production—proof of just how visionary Finn Juhl’s approach had been.
Soft, rounded, and embracing, the Finn Juhl Pelican Chair offers more than visual intrigue; it provides a deeply comfortable and flexible seating experience. Its form is often compared to a body embracing another, reflecting Juhl’s talent for blending expressive design with human-centered comfort. The chair invites multiple relaxed sitting positions, embodying the functional elegance at the core of Scandinavian design.
Each Pelican Chair is handcrafted in Denmark and upholstered by skilled artisans in textile, leather, or sheepskin. The legs are available in oak, walnut, or painted black, with every detail produced to the high standards set by the House of Finn Juhl. The chair’s sculptural presence makes it an ideal companion to other classics like the Pelican Table and the Poet Sofa, fitting seamlessly into both contemporary and timeless interiors.
The Finn Juhl Pelican Chair remains one of the most distinctive works in the history of Danish mid-century modern furniture. More than a chair, it is an enduring example of the artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation that define Scandinavian design.
The Finn Juhl Pelican Chair is available in walnut or oak legs, with sheepskin or fabric upholstery. To customize your Pelican Chair, please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team. We will be happy to provide you with swatches or a quote for your bespoke piece. info@nordikkacollective.com
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FAQ
What is Nørdikka Collective?
Nørdikka Collective is a new design and lifestyle brand that showcases Nordic & Scandinavian furniture, lighting, décor, and lifestyle products for audiences in the Americas.
Nørdikka opened its first physical showroom in Miami, Florida in January 2024. In December 2024, we announced plans for a new, improved showroom and design studio in Spring 2025.
What is Scandinavian & Nordic Design?
People from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden—and Iceland) obsess over high-quality design, exquisite craftsmanship, and sustainability.
From mid-century modern icons to today's emerging designers, they believe beautiful design improves lives and that intentional consumption can even make us happier.
Why Makes Scandinavian Design Special?
People from Scandinavia and the Nordic countries self-report higher levels of happiness with their lives than than anywhere else on Earth. Despite cloudy, wet summers and long, cold winter nights, many there find a contentment most of us only wish for.
We are not suggesting that incorporating Scandinavian design in your home will make you happier (wink). But we do believe that making intentional choices about the objects that surround us—their beauty, longevity, and functionality—can improve our daily lives.
What "Scandinavian" philosophies & values?
Nørdikka Collective showcases classic pieces by iconic mid-century designers, alongside work by the region's emerging talent. What unites them is a timeless pursuit of design perfection: form follows function; beauty in minimalism; quality is luxury; and longevity is sustainability.
The term "Scandinavian" isn't just about our objects, but rather the philosophies and values the objects represent. Our partners revere environmental stewardship, value human-centered manufacturing, and work to preserve their cultures' design heritage for future generations.
Shipping Information
Quick Ship
Quick Ship items appear alongside 1–3 week lead times. These products are generally in-stock and warehoused in the U.S. for direct fulfillment to our customers.
Shipping for many smaller items is included on orders over $350. For larger furniture, the Nørdikka Collective team will contact you directly to confirm details and ensure prompt delivery.
Special Order
Special Order items appear alongside 4–8 week lead times. They are generally in-stock in Europe, but must travel to the U.S. by sea or air before fulfillment to our customers.
Special Order shipping costs vary depending on how fast you want delivery. Our team will contact you to confirm details and ensure prompt delivery at the lowest possible cost.
Custom & Made to Order
Custom Order items appear alongside 6–12 week lead times. These pieces are highly customizable and must travel to the U.S. by sea or air after production is completed.
Custom Order shipping costs vary depending on how fast you want delivery. Our team will contact you to confirm details and ensure prompt delivery at the lowest possible cost.
About Us
The Vision
Nørdikka Collective is a design and lifestyle brand featuring Nordic & Scandinavian furniture, lighting, and other design-related products for the Americas.
We are a new platform for community-driven conversations about design's role in our daily lives and a bridge between cultures.
The Founders
Co-founder and creative director Amy Larson is an American artist and designer of Danish descent with roots in Western Montana and South Florida.
Co-founder Matthew Aho is a Finnish American New York-native with a trade background and strong ties to South America and the Caribbean.
The Showroom
Nørdikka Collective opened its Miami, Florida showroom doors at design hub Miami Ironside in January 2024 to serve South Florida's local and international communities.
In December 2024, we announced plans for a new, improved showroom and design studio scheduled to open in spring 2025.