The Whisky Chair | Finn Juhl | 1948

Defined by Finn Juhl’s artistic sense of shape, function, and detail, this exclusive chair was originally presented at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1948, but was not put into production at the time. Unconcerned with critics who found his designs too extravagant, Finn Juhl always dared to stand alone. Now known as the Whisky Chair, it comes with a unique mouth-blown whisky glass. The chair is crafted in walnut and upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather.

The Whisky Chair | Finn Juhl | 1948

Defined by Finn Juhl’s artistic sense of shape, function, and detail, this exclusive chair was originally presented at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition in 1948, but was not put into production at the time. Unconcerned with critics who found his designs too extravagant, Finn Juhl always dared to stand alone. Now known as the Whisky Chair, it comes with a unique mouth-blown whisky glass. The chair is crafted in walnut and upholstered by hand in Denmark in textile or leather.

Please note that the versions shown here represent only a selection of the many available options. For a complete overview of colors and materials, please explore the material page.

Wood Type

  • Walnut

    Walnut

Upholstery

Leather

  • Elegance Walnut

    Elegance Walnut

  • Elegance Black

    Elegance Black

  • Vegetal Nature

    Vegetal Nature

Hallingdal

  • 227 / Cognac

    227 / Cognac

  • 764 / Cognac

    764 / Cognac

  • 227 / 376

    227 / 376

  • 764 / 110

    764 / 110

Vidar

  • 152 / Cognac Leather

    152 / Cognac Leather

  • 1062 / Cognac Leather

    1062 / Cognac Leather

Watercolour

  • Dark Conifer / Cognac Leather

    Dark Conifer / Cognac Leather

  • Himalaya / Cognac Leather

    Himalaya / Cognac Leather

  • Soft Linen / Cognac Leather

    Soft Linen / Cognac Leather

  • Cast Iron / Cognac Leather

    Cast Iron / Cognac Leather

  • Silver Azure / Cognac Leather

    Silver Azure / Cognac Leather

  • Dark Conifer / Mojave

    Dark Conifer / Mojave

  • Dark Conifer / Golden Syrup

    Dark Conifer / Golden Syrup

Remix

  • 123

    123

  • 163

    163

  • 183

    183

  • 242

    242

  • 412

    412

  • 612

    612

  • 823

    823

  • 933

    933

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Product information
Design:
Finn Juhl
Year:
1948, relaunched in 2022
Materials:
Frame: Walnut
Upholstery:
Textile and/or leather
Model and dimensions:
FJ 4880
W: 79 cm | D: 85 cm | H: 95 cm
Seat height: 35.5 cm.
Whisky Chair 2D
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The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with 'Dark Chocolate' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Walnut'.

The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with 'Dark Chocolate' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Walnut'.

Extravagant Details

Walnut, Brass and Mouth-Blown Glass

Designed by Finn Juhl in 1948, the Whisky Chair showcases his artistic mastery of shape, function, and detail. As a pioneer of Danish Modern, Finn Juhl’s sculptural furniture helped establish Denmark’s leading role in furniture design.

Originally presented at the Cabinetmakers’ Guild Exhibition as part of his concept The Living Room of an Art Collector, the chair was never put into production. True to his vision, Finn Juhl stood firm despite critics who deemed his designs extravagant.

With each purchase, customers receive a unique mouth-blown glass crafted by artisan Mikkel Yerst. Finn Juhl's original drawing does not depict the glass, meaning that the chair itself served as the inspiration for the powerful shape of the specially designed glass.

The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with the color 'Dark Chocolate' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Walnut'

The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with the color 'Dark Chocolate' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Elegance' leather in the color 'Walnut'

Finn Juhl's original watercolor drawing of the Whisky Chair. Photo credit: Pernille Klemp, Designmuseum Danmark

Finn Juhl's original watercolor drawing of the Whisky Chair. Photo credit: Pernille Klemp, Designmuseum Danmark

Unconventional Yet Refined

Playfully Provocative

The Whisky Chair is not only extravagant but also playfully provocative – perhaps even borderline politically incorrect. The right armrest unfolds organically towards the end, making way for a handmade half-moon-shaped brass tray. The tray can unfold into a full circle where a hole in the brass surface is shaped to hold a glass.

Finn Juhl's original watercolor drawing from 1948 shows how two chairs fit perfectly together, as the right and left armrests are asymmetrical. The Whisky Chair is overwhelmingly comfortable and invites you to indulge in a special moment of immersion and enjoyment.

The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with 'Dark Conifer' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Mojave'.

The Whisky Chair in walnut, upholstered in 'Watercolour' with 'Dark Conifer' on the back and seat, and the cushion in 'Mojave'.

" To us, it is nothing but extraordinary that Finn Juhl designed a chair which incorporates a glass of whisky in this manner. In a way, it tells you all you need to know about him: he designed freely, without giving much thought to the commercial aspect of his creations. "
- Hans Henrik Sørensen, Co-founder of House of Finn Juhl

The Whisky Chair in walnut with 'Elegance' leather upholstery in the colour 'Walnut'.

The Whisky Chair in walnut with 'Elegance' leather upholstery in the colour 'Walnut'.