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France & Son Daybeds

Danish

Danish manufacturer France & Søn is best known for its prolific output of elegant mid-century modern furnishings in teak and leather, yet its multinational beginnings took shape during the 1930s.

After businessman Charles William Fearnley France (1897–1972) moved from his native England to Denmark in 1936, he began to operate a small mattress factory alongside his friend Eric Daverkosen, a Danish cabinetmaker, under the name France & Daverkosen. Shortly afterward, Daverkosen passed away, and when Denmark was invaded during the Second World War, Charles was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany. When he was released, the British entrepreneur set out to produce furniture in the early 1950s, setting up a shop in Hillerød to manufacture the kind of sleek beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. In 1957, France’s son James joined the business, and the company changed its name to reflect the addition.

Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, France & Søn produced a stunning array — and staggering quantity — of designs, with elegant modernist lounge chairs and armchairs, teak and rosewood dining tables and other furnishings by the likes of Finn Juhl, Grete Valk, Ole Wanscher, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen all gracing its catalogues.

Even as there was a focus on mass production at France & Søn — and the brand doesn’t quite enjoy the same renown as fellow mid-century Danish furniture makers such as Carl Hansen & Søn — Charles France believed in making quality furniture, and the company’s offerings evoke the warmth of the handcrafted work that is typically associated with Scandinavian modernism.

In the 1960s, the company was bought by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s. Surviving examples of early work from the brand as well as modern icons by the likes of Verner Panton that followed in later years continue to be in demand.

Find a collection of France & Søn furniture on 1stDibs.

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Creator: France & Søn
Hvidt and Mølgaard-nielsen for France & Søn 'Minerva' Daybed in Teak
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, 'Minerva' daybed, teak, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1957, production 1960s. This elegant daybed or sofa is named 'Minerva'...
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, FD 451 sofa bed for France & Søn, 1960s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful FD451 articulated two seater sofa bed, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn in Denmark around the 1960s. One interesting feature of this ...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Cane, Teak

'Minerva' Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgard Nielsen for France & Son
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
An excellent example of classic Scandinavian modern daybed, best quality Teak and freshly reupholstered in white boucle.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Danish Daybed Sofa Lounge Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in KINGSFORD, NSW
Danish 'Minerva' Daybed Sofa Lounge Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France and Sons. Designed and produced in the 1960s this design classic is named after the god of wisdom...
Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Wood

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Teak Daybed Minerva for France & Son
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Mid century daybed modell minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son. The frame is made of solid teak wood. The fabric is a turquoise colour Halingdal from Kva...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

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sofa "MINERVA" by Peter Hvidt and Olga Molgaard Nielsen in petrol bouclé
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Expertly Restored - Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Teak & Cane Daybed Sofa
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

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Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 'Silverline' Lounge Chair in Leather
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Located in Waalwijk, NL
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 'Silverline' lounge chair, Ohmann Colorado nubuck leather, teak, aluminum, Denmark, 1960s Presenting a stylish lounge chair wit...
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Boomerang Chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
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This is a very good original example of this classic chair, freshly upholstered in white boucle.
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Materials

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Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
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Stunning ‘minerva’ sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn from the 1960s. Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen have played a significant role in the internatio...
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Category

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Materials

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By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare minerva daybed / sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

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Fine Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen France & Son Mid Century Modern Sofa
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Mid Century Modern circa 1960 Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son daybed sofa Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price A super collectable designer daybed sofa by one of the Danish greats! I'll include all the information below about the designer and so on Condition wise, everything is original, this sofa has the period cushions, frame and supports, it is a rare survivor, there are no side arms, the fabric has some light patina but given that its 70+ years old I think we can forgive it, honestly its in wonderful order Dimensions - Height:- 83cm Width:- 191.5cm Depth:- 76cm Seat height:- 45cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Hvidt & Mølgaard was a Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport. Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School (graduating in 1924) and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum (graduating in 1928). From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Danish master Kaare Klint (1888-1954). Danish architect-designer Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. From 1942 to 1945, Hvidt taught at the School of Arts and Crafts. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair, which was one of Denmark’s first stacking chairs. Hvidt, whose design aesthetic was characterized as traditional throughout the 1940s, exhibited frequently at the Cabinetmaker's Guild exhibitions, as both a designer and architect. He also worked with the lighting manufacturer Le Klint on numerous lighting designs. In 1944, the pair co-established Hvidt & Mølgaard Studio, which they ran together until 1975. During this time, the pair created designs for Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Søborg Møbelfabrik. In 1950, the pair designed the AX Chair, which solidified both of their careers as industrial designers and became an icon of Danish mid-century design. AX was inspired by the work of American design duo Charles and Ray Eames, and was the first Danish chair that was crafted with both a seat and back made of curved laminated wood. The chair utilized a laminated technique for production which was carried out by Fritz Hansen. The chair’s design allowed for mass production and easy packaging, opening a successful market for Danish furniture to be exported around the world. The AX Chair was eventually accompanied by the AX Table...
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1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

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Peter Hvidt Gray Daybed or Sofa, Denmark 1950s
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Berlin, DE
Peter Hvidt daybed or sofa in teak, Denmark 1950s. New upholstered in Raf Simons Kvadrat Fabric.
Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

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Peter Hvidt Gray Daybed or Sofa, Denmark 1950s
Peter Hvidt Gray Daybed or Sofa, Denmark 1950s
H 33.86 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in
Previously Available Items
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverkosen in the 1960s.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

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Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
H 16.54 in W 30.32 in D 74.81 in
Mid-Century Danish "Minerva" Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Brussels , BE
Mid-century Danish "Minerva" Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, France & Søn - 1960s.
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern France & Son Daybeds

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Governor sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, France & Søn
Located in Ranst, VAN
Rare ‘Governor’ sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son. The sofa is in very good condition and is marked by the manufacturer.
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa, Daybed, France & Son
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa, Daybed, France & Son Danish modern Minerva sofa, daybed, or loveseat by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. 'Minerva' col...
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1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

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Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By France & Søn, John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Iconic mid-century sofa or daybed in teakwood with chromed details. All hardware and springs are present. No Cushions and no side arms - holes are factory drilled if you want to hard...
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Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern France & Son Daybeds

Materials

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Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed, Teak, Canvas and Leather, 1960s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. With backrest. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverkosen...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Teak

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed, Teak, Canvas and Leather, 1960s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. With backrest. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverk...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Teak

Midcentury Sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Iconic mid century sofa or daybed in teakwood with chromed details. All hardware and springs are present. Cushions are available as a template but should be recovered. A day bed or s...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverkosen in the 1960s.
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1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Canvas, Teak

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
H 16.54 in W 29.14 in D 74.81 in
Mid Century Teak Sofa and Daybed by Hvidt & Mølgaard for France & Son, Denmark
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn Denmark, 'Minerva' sofa and daybed designed 1957, this one likely dates to the early 1960s. By removing the angled back cushion...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Steel

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen "Minerva" Sofa France & Sons Illums Bolighus
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Illum Bolighus
Located in Hudson, NY
Wonderful daybed/sofa model FD 417 'Minerva' by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s.
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, FD 451 Daybed for France & Søn, circa 1960
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Munster, NRW
Articulated bench, model FD451, by Danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn. The FD 451 bench has the particularity of having articulated armrests, t...
Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

France & Søn daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

France & Søn daybeds are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of France & Søn daybeds, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original daybeds by France & Søn were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider daybeds by Peter Hvidt, Hans J. Wegner, and Børge Mogensen. Prices for France & Søn daybeds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,907 and can go as high as $8,086, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,975.
Questions About France & Son Daybeds
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In France, a fauteuil is any chair that features arms and upholstery. In the U.S. and England, the term usually refers to a chair with an upholstered back and seat and a decorative wooden frame complete with arms. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of antique and vintage armchairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Chanel is from France. Coco Chanel opened her original boutique on the rue Cambon in Paris, France, in 1910. However, some Chanel shoes and bags are made at factories located in Italy. Find a collection of Chanel pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Limoges is an area in France known for its production of fine porcelain and china. Limoges china was first produced in the 1700s and modeled after Chinese fine, white porcelain. Due to its proximity to kaolin, the key ingredient in porcelain, Limoges is still home to several porcelain factories. Find a variety of Limoges porcelain on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Picasso lived in more than one place in France. In 1904, he moved to Paris and settled in the artist quarter of Montmartre. In 1936, he set up his studio at 7 rue des Grands-Augustins in Paris. During World War II, he briefly fled to the south of France but then returned to his Parisian studio in 1940 and remained there until 1955, when he relocated to a villa near Cannes called La Californie. After a brief stay in the French village of Vauvenargues, he finally moved to Mougins, where he lived until he passed away in 1973. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Pablo Picasso art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, all Howard and Sons chairs are stamped. However, the type and location of the stamp varies. You may see a name or number on a caster wheel or foot on some pieces. Others display the stamp on a paper label sewn onto the fabric. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Howard and Sons chairs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    Prada is from Italy, not France. Mario Prada founded the luxury fashion house in Milan's Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in 1913. His original shop remains to this day, but the company now operates from its headquarters in a repurposed industrial space between Via Bergamo and Via Fogazzaro in Milan. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Prada apparel, bags and accessories.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Many eyeglasses are made in France. Some brands, like Lafont and Anne et Valentin, produce their eyewear exclusively in France. Others, like DITA, may do some parts of manufacturing in the country and perform other steps of the process, like polishing, in factories abroad. Some design houses, like Chanel, also split production between France and other locations, producing some styles overseas from start to finish. Find a large selection of eyeglasses on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair, first look for a name or number on the inside of the back foot. There may also be a paper label sewn into the hessian or a name stamp on the wheel. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of expertly vetted Howard & Sons chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Yes, Wm Rogers & Son is real silver. However, most pieces aren't solid silver. The silversmith worked predominantly in silver plate, which is a base metal finished with a thin layer of genuine silver. Shop a selection of Wm Rogers & Sons silver wares from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, Louis Vuitton handbags are typically cheaper in France. On 1stDibs, however, you can find Louis Vuitton handbags at a range of prices.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    Whether Limoges France porcelain is valuable depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the piece in question. Limoges porcelain has withstood the test of time for centuries. The widely cherished ceramics named for the French city and commune in which they are made are synonymous with sophistication, elegance and refinement. Generally, collectors are willing to pay more for Limoges porcelain objects that feature a high level of hand-painted detail. Pieces with machine-transferred decorations are typically less valuable. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with determining how much Limoges pieces are worth. On 1stDibs, shop a range of Limoges porcelain.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    What the traditional dress of France is called depends on the style, as there are several types of dresses that may be considered traditional clothing in the country. One of the most well-known is the Alsatian dress, which features a long, full skirt, a fitted bodice and an apron. The traditional dress in Normandy has a similar shape but usually features a scoop or v-neck as opposed to the higher collar of the Alsatian. In Provence, the traditional dress usually has a more fluid, flowing skirt in a pattern that contrasts with its bodice. Called the Euskara, the traditional dress of the Basque region has intricate pleats along the skirting. Find a wide range of traditional clothing on 1stDibs.

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