The Willadsen Sofa – Finn Juhl FJ 5022

The sculptural SW 50 sofa was created in 1950 through a collaboration between Finn Juhl and Søren Willadsen’s furniture workshop. Now, the sofa and its matching lounge chair are relaunched under the name Willadsen.

Product information – Finn Juhl The Willadsen Sofa FJ 5022:

Design: Finn Juhl, 1950 – Relaunched: 2025

Materials

• Frame: Solid FSC® certified oak or American walnut
• Upholstery: Textile

Dimensions

• Width: 146 cm
• Depth: 74 cm
• Height: 81 cm
• Seat height: 42 cm

Upholstery:

• Fabric Group 1: Main Line Flax | Mood | Remix 3 | Re-Woll
• Fabric Group 2: Canvas 2 | Fiord 2 | Hallingdal 65 | Rami
• Fabric Group 3: Acca | Acce Stripe | Beda | Blans* | Clay | Ecriture | Halk | Moss | Nalia | Siksak | Sunniva 3 | Tonica 2 | Tonus I Watercolour Cold* | Watercolour Warm*
• Fabric Group 4: Cifrado | Coda 2 | Elle | Fuse | Gentle 2 (velour) | Helia | Karakorum | Nara | Safire I Sonar 3 | Steelcut 3 | Steelcut Trio 3 | Tablu | Vidar 4 | Zero

Note! Please specify the fabric type (NAME) and color number (color charts available via links) in the comment field.
*Upholstery recommended by Nordic Urban

Delivery Time:

6 – 8 Weeks + Shipping

The Willadsen Series – A Sculptural Revival

In 1950, Finn Juhl and cabinetmaker Søren Willadsen introduced the SW 50 Series—a sculptural sofa and lounge chair—at the Danish Furniture Fair in Fredericia. Initially produced in limited numbers, these sought-after pieces are now reintroduced as the Willadsen Series.

Defined by its distinctive gap between seat and backrest, the design gives a sense of lightness and movement, a bold innovation for its time. Inspired by art, Finn Juhl approached furniture as sculpture, a vision praised by art historian Henrik Wivel, who likened his work to sculptor Henry Moore’s technique of “punching holes” to create dynamic forms. Even Søren Willadsen himself once joked:

“Had I, as a newly trained cabinetmaker in 1904, attempted to make furniture like this, I would have been locked up.”

Finn Juhl’s original drawings of the Willadsen Sofa, then known as SW 50. Photo: Designmuseum Danmark

The SW 50 series from 1950 photographed in Søren Willadsen’s showroom in Vejen, where customers could experience the furniture arranged as in a private living room setting. Photo: Vejen Art Museum

Honoring Danish Craft Traditions

While Finn Juhl’s collaborations with makers like Niels Vodder and Bovirke are well known, his partnership with Søren Willadsen remains a hidden gem in Danish design history. Established in 1904, Willadsen’s workshop became a hub for visionary designers.

Today, House of Finn Juhl brings the Willadsen Series back to Vejen, where it was originally produced, ensuring its legacy through traditional craftsmanship. With the acquisition of Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik, a century-old Danish manufacturer, the production of Finn Juhl’s designs is now secured for the future.

A true testament to Juhl’s artistry, the Willadsen Series seamlessly blends sculptural beauty with timeless craftsmanship.

Important Information:

If you have questions about the products by House of Finn Juhl or interested in ordering a bigger amount we ask you kindly to contact us directly by mail: shop@nordicurban.com

Nordic Urban is the official German partner of House of Finn Juhl and is guaranteeing for the quality and authenticity of every products. Besides this product we also offer a wide range of Scandinavian furniture, lighting and accessories.
Nordic Urban in Berlin, your expert for Scandinavian design!

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