Willadsen Sofa by Finn Juhl

The Willadsen Sofa by Finn Juhl is a refined example of mid-century modern aesthetics and Scandinavian design at its finest. Originally created in 1950 through Finn Juhl’s collaboration with Danish furniture maker Søren Willadsen, the Willadsen Sofa continues to embody the spirit of classic Danish design and expert craftsmanship. The Willadsen Sofa is a new release from House of Finn Juhl.

Please contact our friendly and knowledgeable team with any inquiries about customizations and pricing for the Willadsen Sofa by House of Finn Juhl. Please email info@nordikkacollective.com for swatches and information about bespoke options.
The Willadsen sofa pictured features the following finishes and upholstery: Walnut legs upholstered in Hallingdal textile in the color '100' on the backrest and '270' on the seat. The Willadsen Chair in walnut is also upholstered in Hallingdal textile in the color '180' on the backrest and '130' on the seat.

About the Willadsen Sofa by Finn Juhl:

Now named the Willadsen Series, this collection stands as a masterful representation of Finn Juhl's artistic and unorthodox approach to furniture design. The Willadsen Series is defined by its signature semi-oval gap, which allows the backrest to arch freely above the seat—a bold innovation in 1950 that introduced an unexpected sense of lightness and highlighted Finn Juhl’s talent for reimagining traditional upholstered forms.

The Willadsen Series features a gently rounded silhouette that envelops the seated person in a dynamic gesture, while the slightly angled legs elevate the design and enhance its airy, weightless quality.

Defined by its distinctive semi-oval gap between the seat and backrest, the Willadsen Sofa allows the gently curved back to float elegantly above the seat—an iconic hallmark of Finn Juhl’s sculptural approach to furniture design. Each Willadsen Sofa by House of Finn Juhl is handcrafted in Denmark and upholstered in premium textile, ensuring both beauty and durability.

This elegant sofa is offered with finely crafted legs in FSC®-certified oak or American walnut, blending sustainable materials with timeless design. The Willadsen Sofa by House of Finn Juhl is a true celebration of Danish modern heritage, ideal for interiors that value form, function, and authenticity.

Finn Juhl drew lifelong inspiration from the world of art, firmly believing that artistic expression—whether found in fine art or functional design—should exist on its own terms. This philosophy is evident in the SW 50 series, a collection that exemplifies Juhl’s bold and experimental spirit. In Henrik Wivel’s book Finn Juhl, the series is recognized as a standout example of Juhl’s sculptural approach to furniture. As Wivel notes:

“Like sculptor Henry Moore, Finn Juhl 'punches holes' in the solidity of the sofas, giving the furniture a vivid and autonomous presence in the room.”

The innovative nature of the SW 50 series even drew comment from master cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen himself, who had collaborated closely with Juhl. Reflecting on the designs in 1951, Willadsen remarked with humor:

“Had I, as a newly trained cabinetmaker in 1904, attempted to make furniture like the pieces architect Finn Juhl has now designed for our workshop, I would have been locked up.”

These words underscore just how groundbreaking—and ahead of its time—the SW 50 series was, combining Danish craftsmanship with an artistic sensibility that challenged convention.While many know that Finn Juhl collaborated with cabinetmakers and manufacturers like Niels Vodder, Bovirke, and France & Son, his partnership with Søren Willadsen in Vejen is less documented. The workshop was founded in 1904 by master cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen, initially as a small workshop. From 1912, it began manufacturing in larger volumes. In the 1930s and 1940s, Willadsen established collaborations with a select group of architects, including Finn Juhl, Nanna and Jørgen Ditzel, Illum Wikkelsø, and Kristian Vedel.

The Willadsen Sofa is part of a collection that includes the Willadsen Lounge Chair.