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France & Son

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.

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Moduline Sofa in Navy Green Leather
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Moduline Sofa in Navy Green Leather

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Moduline Sofa in Navy Green Leather

By France & Søn

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, three-seat sofa, steel, leather, Denmark, 1960s A modern and beautifully designed navy-green sofa designed by Ole Gjerlø...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Steel

Peter Hvidt Minerva Daybed Sofa, Teak & Upholstery, Mid-Century
Peter Hvidt Minerva Daybed Sofa, Teak & Upholstery, Mid-Century

Peter Hvidt Minerva Daybed Sofa, Teak & Upholstery, Mid-Century

By John Stuart Inc., Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn

Located in Hanover, MA

Minerva daybed sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, made in Denmark by France & Søn, and imported to the USA by John Stuart,Inc for their 1961 Danish Craftsm...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

Mid Century Teak Extending Dining Table by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind
Mid Century Teak Extending Dining Table by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind

Mid Century Teak Extending Dining Table by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind

By Lind & Gjerlou-Knudsen, France & Søn

Located in Highclere, Newbury

An extraordinary Danish Mid Century vintage teak and wenge Model 550 space saving dining table designed by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lin...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Teak, Wenge

6 Sigvard Bernadotte H-line chairs in brushed steel, Walnut and leather
6 Sigvard Bernadotte H-line chairs in brushed steel, Walnut and leather

6 Sigvard Bernadotte H-line chairs in brushed steel, Walnut and leather

$5,423Sale Price / set|20% Off

H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 22.84 in

6 Sigvard Bernadotte H-line chairs in brushed steel, Walnut and leather

By Sigvard Bernadotte, France & Søn

Located in Highclere, Newbury

A rare complete set of 6 Sigvard Bernadotte H-line Danish armchairs in dark burgundy leather with brushed steel frames and solid Walnut arms for France & Son. Designed in the 1960s by the renowned Swedish designer Sigvard Bernedotte the H-line armchairs stand out as one of his rarest designs. Constructed of a steel frame with solid, contoured walnut arms, the chairs also feature a sprung seat and back that adds both comfort and support. And here, finished in a soft dark burgundy leather, they represent probably the finest example of these chairs currently available. Little is known about the design of the chairs other than they were part of a small project that also included a range of modular sofas. The sofas and solo H-line modular system components had open sides rather than arm rests and combined with a coffee table and corner table to create a flexible seating system. It’s believed the system was created in the mid to late 60s at the changeover period in 1967 when Poul Cadovius acquired France & Son and changed the name to Cado. Bernadotte had worked with France & Son on a number of chair designs since 1953 but these were all constructed in wood, which was France and Son’s (formerly France & Daverkosen) great strength. The move to using metal in the H-line coincided with Bernadotte’s own work with metal in other design projects; particularly at Georg Jensen and with Bang & Olufsen, and also with the launch of his own design company in 1964. Bernadotte Design AB helped a number of International and Scandinavian companies explore new materials, technologies, and aesthetic possibilities and it’s believed the H-line was a development in new materials and production techniques for France & Son. This change was later embraced by Cado who created a number of designs using a metal frame by, amongst others, Knudsen & Lind. The quality, as always associated with both France & Son and Cado, shines through on these chairs. From the almost seamless welding of the joints on the square tubing to how all the bolts and screws are recessed to be flush with the frame; everything exhibits an impressive attention to detail. It’s therefore reassuring to note that the renovation of the chairs follows the same ideal. It looks like the frames have been meticulously cleaned, stripped, brushed and polished and the chairs beautifully reupholstered in high quality dark burgundy leather. These details combined with the contoured, waxed and polished solid Walnut arms creates a truly sophisticated and elegant set of chairs that would work well as dining chairs or even as a set of impressive board room chairs...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Steel

Danish Modern Rosewood “Diplomat” Desk by Finn Juhl for France and Son
Danish Modern Rosewood “Diplomat” Desk by Finn Juhl for France and Son

Danish Modern Rosewood “Diplomat” Desk by Finn Juhl for France and Son

By France & Søn, Finn Juhl

Located in North Hollywood, CA

An iconic example of Danish modern design, this exceptional “Diplomat” desk by Finn Juhl for France & Son showcases the designer’s unmistakable balance of elegance, warmth, and funct...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Aluminum

Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s

Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s

By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn

Located in Amsterdam, NL

Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Chrome

Ole Gjerlov Knudsen & Torben Lind Teak Sideboard for France & Sons
Ole Gjerlov Knudsen & Torben Lind Teak Sideboard for France & Sons

Ole Gjerlov Knudsen & Torben Lind Teak Sideboard for France & Sons

By France & Søn, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen, Torben Lind

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This teak sideboard was designed by Ole Gjerlov Knudsen and Torben Lind for France & Sons and is a strong example of clean Danish modern craftsmanship. The piece features a balan...

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s
Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s

Bwana Lounge Chair and ottoman by Finn Juhl for France & Son, Denmark, 1960s

By France & Søn, Finn Juhl

Located in Ranst, VAN

This stunning 'Bwana' lounge chair and ottoman is designed by Finn Juhl in 1962 for France & Son. Known for its sleek lines and elegant design, this chair is a perfect example of mid...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage France & Son

Materials

Leather, Teak

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France & Søn Sale Prices

Sold DateSold PriceCategoryMaterialCreation Year
2026$1,800Coffee and Cocktail TablesTeak1960s
2026$1,225Office Chairs and Desk Chairs, ChairsUpholstery, Rosewood1950s
2026$2,000Dining Room ChairsLeather, Ashcirca 1975
2026$943ArmchairsLeather, Teak1960s
2026$825End TablesRattan, TeakC1960
2026$4,400SofasBouclé, Chrome, Teak1960s
2026$2,205Lounge ChairsFabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut1950s
2026$5,313SofasFabric, Upholstery, TeakUnknown
2026$2,750DaybedsMetal, Upholstery, Teak1960s
2025$7,086Lounge ChairsBrass, Teakcirca 1960
2025$5,700SofasUpholstery, Teak1950s
2025$7,500Lounge Chairs, Living Room SetsFabric, Wool, Teak1950s
2025$2,300Lounge ChairsLeather1960
2025$2,925Rocking ChairsUpholstery, Foam, Teak1950s
2025$1,090Armchairs, Office Chairs and Desk ChairsFabric, Wood, Leather1960s
2025$2,687Ottomans and PoufsLeather, Teak1960
2025$5,000DesksMetal, Rosewood1960s
2025$938Tables, Side TablesCane, Teak1950s
2025$1,901End Tables, Coffee and Cocktail TablesRosewood1960s
2025$2,400SofasUpholstery, Teak1950's
$3,185
Average sold price of items in the past 12 months
$938-$7,500
Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

Creators Similar to France & Søn

France & Søn furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

France & Søn furniture 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 furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by France & Søn were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Johannes Andersen, Illum Wikkelsø, and Ib Kofod-Larsen. Prices for France & Søn furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $571 and can go as high as $19,495, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,735.
Questions About France & Son
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 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 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 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 ExpertJune 6, 2024
    Here are the dimensions of the Finn Juhl France chair: The frame is around 30 inches tall by 29 inches deep by 26.5 inches wide and the seat height is approximately 16 inches. Find a selection of Finn Juhl France chairs from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.