How Does It Feel to Sit in The 53 Chair by Finn Juhl?

It all began with an unexpected invitation. A local couple who had an interest in the Yamazaki whisky we had recently featured reached out to me. They had come across the piece and wanted to connect.
Before I knew it, I found myself sitting across from them in their impeccably designed sitting room, a space that effortlessly combined elegance with a deep appreciation for artistry.

As I walked in, there was a sense of quiet luxury in the air, a space where every detail whispered of refined taste and an appreciation for the finer things in life.

And then, I saw them. Two chairs, side by side, sitting like crown jewels among the other pieces in the room: The 53 Chairs by Finn Juhl. The 53 Chairs!
The ones that have graced design auctions, with prices soaring well over 16,000 euros.

It is easy to romanticise such pieces, and, honestly, my initial reaction was a mix of intrigue and apprehension. At first, I stood there, somewhat taken aback. These chairs, which I had only ever seen in photos or read about in design publications, were now right in front of me. But something felt different; were these the real deals?
They looked a little... smaller than I had imagined. The proportions seemed almost humble compared to the grandiosity I had envisioned in my mind, based on countless photos and stories. And yet, there they were. I couldn’t help but ask, “Are these really the Finn Juhl chairs?”

“Yes,” the man said, with a knowing smile.

I approached the chairs carefully, almost as if they were works of art, afraid that I might damage them. I lowered myself slowly, making sure I didn’t put all my weight on them, worried I might ruin their perfect balance. And then, my back met the chair's backrest.

At that moment, all my apprehension faded away. It was as though the chair had been designed specifically for me. My body sank into the contours of the seat as if it were made to cradle every curve, every muscle. There was an immediate sense of calm, a sense of being enveloped in something that transcended mere comfort.

You have heard the word “comfort” tossed around a thousand times, but this was something more. It wasn’t just the physical ease of sitting down; it was the way the chair seemed to welcome you, inviting you to let go of the world and, for a moment, surrender to pure relaxation.

I have sat in many chairs before, but none that made me feel as though the concept of rest itself had been redefined.

In fact, it felt so comfortable that my brain immediately wanted to shift into a state of quiet contentment. The thought of continuing our conversation seemed almost trivial at that point. It was as if the chairs themselves had a way of silencing the mind, coaxing it into a deeper level of peace.

The 53 Chair is an incredible experience. It is a manifestation of what luxury truly is: not just in the materials but in how it makes you feel.
The chairs don’t demand attention. They don’t scream "luxury." They invite you into their embrace, and once you are there, it is hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else.

It is an experience that is hard to put into words until, of course, you sit in one yourself. Then, all you can say is: I get it now.