France & Son Furniture

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.

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.

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Questions About France & Son Furniture

Why are dining chairs with arms called carvers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
No one knows for sure why some dining chairs with arms are called carvers. However, it likely relates to the historical use of these chairs. Technically, carver is the nickname for a specific type of dining chair with arms, not for all dining armchairs. A Colonial American design, a carver chair features a backrest that wraps around the sides and forms arms. Traditionally, the carver chair went at the head of the table, and often the family member responsible for carving the primary entrée sat at this place. As a result, the chair's purpose for seating the carver of the meal is one potential explanation for the nickname. Another is that the name comes from John Carver, the governor of the Plymouth Colony. Reportedly, Carver owned one of these chairs, and people began referring to them by his name as a result. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of carver chairs.
What is a fauteuil in France?
1 Answer
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.
What is Limoges, France, known for?
1 Answer
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.
Where did Picasso live in France?
1 Answer
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.
Is Chanel from Italy or France?
1 Answer
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.
What eyeglasses are made in France?
1 Answer
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.
Is Prada from Italy or France?
1 Answer
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.
Are all Howard and Sons chairs stamped?
1 Answer
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.
What is the traditional dress of France called?
1 Answer
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.
Is Louis Vuitton cheaper in France?
1 Answer
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.
Is Limoges France porcelain valuable?
1 Answer
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.
Is Wm Rogers & Son real silver?
1 Answer
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.
How can I spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair?
1 Answer
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.
What are the dimensions of the Finn Juhl France chair?
1 Answer
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.