The 48 Sofa Bench by Finn Juhl & master joiner Niels Vodder
If any designer mastered the ability to create contemporary pieces capable of maintaining an air of modernism for decades after it's conception, it's Finn Juhl.
Juhl is recognized by many as the pioneer of modern Danish design, having created multiple instantly-recognizable pieces that boast relevance well after his 1940s career. One design in particular stood out to many, including the Danish newspaper 'Politiken' ― which, at the time, concluded that the piece "managed to reach a new level, best classified as a new school of design."
The 48 Sofa Bench is part of the 48 Series which was initially presented at the Cabinet Makers’ Guild Exhibition in 1948. The collaboration with master joiner Niels Vodder made waves at the time, and even to the modern eye the design concept seems to surpass years into the future. Subtle organic forms with geometric shapes embody Juhl's practice of allowing simplicity to speak volumes, while smooth leather solidify the piece's luxury.
Let's hear it for another 70 years of staple-piece relevance.
More designs that'll go down in history are waiting here.