Warm, exceptionally versatile and crafted with a range of appealing materials, vintage Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen furniture showcases the Danish duo’s penchant for innovation and durable design. For decades, the pair created sleek coffee tables, seductive lounge chairs and other pieces that are characterized by the practicality and elegance commonly attributed to Scandinavian modernism.
Both Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen attended what is now the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, with Mølgaard-Nielsen having completed his studies under the Danish furniture design pioneer and architect Kaare Klint. Trained as an architect and cabinetmaker, Hvidt established his own firm in 1940 and taught at his alma mater for a few years. After they won a design competition held in Stockholm, Hvidt partnered with Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1944 to establish their firm in Copenhagen.
The collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen yielded more than 250 designs and lasted over 30 years. Aside from having created a wardrobe for the Queen of Denmark as well as numerous architectural structures, the pair’s flagship achievements include 1944’s teak Portex chair, which is Denmark’s first-ever stacking chair (and is occasionally attributed to Hvidt alone), and the AX chair.
A masterpiece of technical expertise and innovative woodworking, the sculptural AX armchair shares commonalities with the work of legendary Finnish designer Alvar Aalto — whose output included similarly curvaceous seating such as the Paimio armchair, often designed in partnership with his wife, Aino. It features double-curved laminated wood in the seat and back — which could be mass-produced — and is an early example of knock-down furniture. This meant that it could be easily dismantled and assembled at its destination, which rendered the chair economical for transport on cargo ships and therefore could reach a worldwide audience.
While vintage Hvidt & Mølgaard furniture isn’t as popular as the work of Finn Juhl, a like-minded Danish modernist who helped popularize Scandinavian design in America as well as the use of teak in furniture, the innovative AX chair is similarly as expressive and inviting as Juhl’s seating. The AX was designed in collaboration with manufacturer Fritz Hansen during the late 1940s and went into production in 1950. It gave way to a series that includes tables and other types of seating.
Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen collaborated regularly with Fritz Hansen, France & Søn and Søborg Møbelfabrik. Their work can be found in New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen’s Design Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
Find vintage Hvidt & Mølgaard dining tables, coffee tables, modular sofas, storage cabinets and more on 1stDibs.
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Three seat sofa, very rare
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen three seat sofa with back of cane. New upholstered with Coda fabric from Kvadrat. Frame in teak and oak. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Fabric, Cane, Oak, Teak
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard FD130 Teak sofa in Cognac Leather - Denmark, 1950's
By Peter Hvidt, Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Amazing minimalistic solid Teak and Cognac leather sofa model FD130 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France and Søn – Denmark, circa 1960. The leather has a lot of patina a...
Leather, Teak
$7,093Sale Price / set|65% Off
Hvidt and Molgaard Sofa and Armchair
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in London, GB
Freestanding three seater sofa and matching easy chair of rosewood. Loose cushions in seat and back upholstered with two different shades of green wool. Model 130...
Wool
Danish 3-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.
By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa composed of two movable armchairs, each with an armrest and a chaise longue in the middle. With its understated and elegant design, this set can be combined ...
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
Danish 2-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Fritz Hansen
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa composed of two movable armchairs, each with an armrest. With a simple and elegant design, these armchairs can be combined with low chairs, available in anot...
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
Mid-Century 2-Seat Sofa, Minerva Series by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 125 x 80 x 85 x 43 cm (WxDxHxSH) This shapely and comfortable sofa was designed by Danish Designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Daverkosen. The ...
Steel, Chrome
High-Backed Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A tailored and sculptural high-backed button-tufted sofa, the upholstered body resting on substantial turned teak dowel legs.
Upholstery, Teak
$4,200
H 37.5 in W 27.25 in D 32 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Classic Danish 1950s Lounge Chair in Leather
By Fritz Hansen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming and very elegant Classic Danish lounge chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard for Fritz Hansen. Simple yet very refined design lines and very comfortable to sit in even for ...
Leather, Beech
$7,044 / set
H 32.68 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
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 ...
Chrome
Gorgeous Sofa
Located in Munich, DE
A cosy organic design i never saw before. Very low and comfortable seating.
Fabric
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt Style Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This unique midcentury sofa features stylish curved armrests, original studded upholstery, and a unique finish. Please confirm item location (NY or ...
Upholstery
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 48 in D 30 in
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
$3,965Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 26.38 in D 30.32 in
1950s Danish "Boomerang" Chair FD135 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen, F&D
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Filigree lounge chair in teak with brass legs, model FD 135, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen. The upholstery has been renewed with the fabric "Hallingdal" by Kvadra...
Brass
$4,236
H 33.47 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Danish Minerva Sofa in Mohair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Renens, CH
A vintage Minerva sofa / daybed designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, originating from the early 1960s, produced by France & Son. The sofa features a teak frame, with ne...
Mohair, Teak
$2,567
H 32.29 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Lounge Chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
By France & Daverkosen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
An original version of this very stylish lounge chair by Hvidt & Molgaard-Nielsen, the frame in great condition, and the covers freshly recovered in best quality wool fabric in the o...
Wool, Beech, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Daybed vom dänischen Hersteller France & Søn / France & Daverkosen aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa wurde von Peter Hvidt & Orl...
Teak
$3,895
H 29.5 in W 64.25 in D 31 in
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed This daybed measures: 64.25 wide x 31 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 25.2...
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
Sofa With Sculptural Armrests in Oak and Brown Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Sofa, oak, fabric, Czech Republic, 1960s A comfortable and bulky three seat sofa with a soft feel. This sofa is made in the Czech Republic in the 1960s. One of the elegant character...
Fabric, Oak
$16,313
H 32.29 in W 106.3 in D 82.68 in
Danish Design Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Teak, 1950
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Extremely rare & stunning! This fully original ''Minerva seating group'' by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen 1950. The design & luxurious feeling of this set are just superb. The combination of teak, rattan, wool & chrome are breathtaking. It looks stunning from any angle with the minimalist teak & chrome backrests so you can place it in the center of your room. The set has its original finish & original padded wool upholstery in grey/green. which remains in amazing condition! The FD516 coffee table...
Chrome
Sold
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Sofa, Daybed Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, 1950s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: Daybed: 190 × 80 × 85 × 43 cm (74.8" × 31.5" × 33.5" × 16.9") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height This elegant mid-century modern daybed was designed in the 1950s by Pe...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 28.75 in W 106.3 in D 29.14 in
Danish 5-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.
By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa composed of two movable armchairs, each with an armrest, and three lounge chairs that fit in the middle. With a simple and elegant design, rare in this size,...
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.14 in W 85.83 in D 29.14 in
Danish 4-seater sofa, laminated beech and mahogany model AX by Peter Hvidt 1960.
By Fritz Hansen, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb Scandinavian sofa composed of two movable armchairs, each with an armrest, and two lounge chairs that fit in the middle. With its understated and elegant design, this set can ...
Fabric, Beech, Mahogany
Sold
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Sofa, Daybed Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 208 x 80 x 85 x 43 cm (WxDxHxSH) Dimensions: 81.9 x 31.5 x 33.5 x 16.9 in (W x D x H x SH) This shapely and comfortable sofa was designed by Danish Designers Peter Hvidt ...
Steel, Chrome
Peter Hvidt “Minerva” sofa set in teak France & Son Denmark 1957
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
Beautiful shaped sofa set model “Minerva” designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 1957. This sofa is an iconic example of mid-century modern design ...
Metal
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Three seat sofa, very rare
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Daverkosen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen three seat sofa with back of cane. New upholstered with Coda fabric from Kvadrat. Frame in teak and oak. Made by France & Daverkosen.
Oak, Teak, Fabric, Cane
Sold
H 32.29 in W 49.61 in D 30.32 in
sofa "MINERVA" by Peter Hvidt and Olga Molgaard Nielsen in petrol bouclé
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian two-seater sofa "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark. Teak frame with newly upholstered petrol bouclé seat and back. This vintage piece of furniture...
Bouclé, Teak
Sold
H 32.29 in W 76.78 in D 30.32 in
Canape "MINERVA" by Peter Hvidt and Olga Molgaard Nielsen in petrol bouclé
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in The Hague, NL
Scandinavian three-seater sofa "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark. Teak frame with newly upholstered petrol bouclé seat and back. This vintage piece of furnitu...
Bouclé, Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 84.65 in D 31.11 in
Sofa / Daybed "Minerva" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen France & Søn, 60s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Sofa daybed from the 1960s by France and Søn made of teakwood. This piece is featuring two cushioned armrests. The piece has been restored and covered with a light grey fabric "Halli...
Wool, Teak
Sold
H 32.49 in W 75.2 in D 30.32 in
'Minerva' sofa Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Milano, IT
Vintage three-seater sofa in excellent condition, teak wood frame, seat and back with newly manufactured upholstery and fabric. Unrestored sofa but in excellent overall condition.
Fabric, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Sofa, Daybed Antimott Series by Walter Knoll, Germany, 1950s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 165-205 x 80 x 44 / 78 cm (Width x Depth x Seat Height /Height) This shapely and comfortable sofa is part of the Antimott series and was designed and manufactured by Walt...
Fabric, Wool, Upholstery
Sold
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Sofa, Daybed Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, 1950s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: 182 x 75 x 80 cm (width x height x depth) This mid-century three seat sofa was designed by Ole Wanscher for the Sentator Series for France and Son in the 1950s. This mod...
Steel, Chrome