Working in rich woods to create durable furniture that is today recognized for its elegant simplicity and solid craftsmanship, Niels Otto Møller was one of the original designers of the famed Scandinavian modern movement that swept through postwar Europe and, eventually, the United States.
At the age of 19, Møller studied to be a cabinetmaker, gaining a strong affinity for working with natural materials. He furthered his education at the local design academy in his hometown of Århus, Denmark, where, in 1944, he established J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. Møller’s first chair — called simply No. 1 — was introduced in 1946. In 1961, he expanded his thriving business by opening a factory in Højbjerg, producing his popular dining chairs as well as armchairs, lounge chairs, tables and more. Rather than unnecessary ornamentation, he focused on a warm and more minimalist approach that valued function over form. Nearly all of his pieces, from the 1962 Model 78 chair to his simple tables, feature gentle curves formed from woods such as rosewood and teak (a sought-after material among furniture designers of the time).
Though the furnishings boasted a contemporary look and were a departure from the ornate designs of the recent past, Møller’s company crafted all of them using traditional, age-old techniques. For instance, the 1959 Model 77 side chair’s seat is handwoven using a single 425-foot-long cord. Today, the Danish furniture designer’s refined pieces continue to be as sought after as they were when mid-century modernism was in full swing.
The company, still based in its original factory, remains a family business, now headed by Møller’s granddaughter, Kirsten Møller. Along with new pieces, they craft the celebrated original designs, from raw wood to finished assembled products, that made J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik a renowned name in Danish Modern design.
Find a collection of vintage Niels Otto Møller furniture on 1stDibs.
Niels Otto Møller Teak Serving Trolley
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Warminster, GB
Original 1960's piece, in good condition with one or two minor signs of use. The wonderful teak graining and classic design make this a very desirable piece of designer furniture. Standing on tapered legs, and fitted with original easy glide casters. Two available. Designer: Niels Otto Moller...
Teak
$1,175
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 18.51 in
Italian Midcentury Serving Bar Cart or Trolley with Teak Trays, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Classic serving cart, bar or trolley from the Italian mid-century, 1970s of great quality. The base of the trolley is made of black metal with two beautiful teak wood veneer shelves....
Metal
Vintage Wengler Rattan and Seagrass Serving Trolley, Denmark
By Robert Wengler
Located in Kastrup, DK
Beautiful and rare vintage serving trolley in rattan and seagrass, crafted in the early 1900s and attributed to the Danish wicker master Robert Wengler. The trolley is steam-bent and...
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Italian Serving Trolley
Located in Weesp, NL
Italian Mid-Century Modern serving trolley Beautiful two-tier chrome-plated serving or bar trolley with smoked glass in great condition. This trolley will only be shipped abroad in ...
Chrome
Bar serving Trolley by Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare Serving Bar, or Bar trolley in wood veneer RED goatskin , From Aldo Tura early 1960. Made in Italy. with two flaps of 20 cm each, making a total of 80 cm when they are all open ...
Brass
Bremshey & Co. / Gerlinol Dinette Serving Trolley
Located in Bern, CH
Bremshey & Co. Dinette Chromed steel folding frame with wood effect Formica surface. Practical for easy storage and occasional usage. Producer: Bremshey & Co. (Bremshey Gerli...
Metal
$1,034Sale Price|24% Off
H 27.56 in W 16.93 in D 35.83 in
Maison Jansen Style Brass Mid-Century Serving Trolley
By Maison Jansen
Located in Weesp, NL
Brass Mid-Century Maison Jansen style serving trolley. Chic late 1950s, brass two-tier serving or bar trolley. Measurements: D 91 x W 43 x H 70 cm. The trolley will be shipped insure...
Brass
Magenta Serving Trolley
By Pinetti
Located in Milan, IT
A piece from real, unmistakable Italian design. The perfect synthesis between aesthetics and practicality. Harmonious lines that join the strong burnished metal profile with walnut w...
Wood
Serving Trolley by Cesare Lacca, Italy, 1950s
By Cesare Lacca
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage serving cart by Cesare Lacca. Wood, metal and brass. Very good condition.
Brass, Metal
Vintage Bamboo and Rattan Bar Cart Serving Trolley
By Franco Albini
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage bamboo and rattan bar cart (or serving trolley), typically found in coastal, bohemian, or Mid-Century Modern decor styles. These carts often date ba...
Rattan
Danish Mid-Century Modern Foldable Serving Trolley
By Hans Bolling
Located in Weesp, NL
Introducing the perfect addition to your home entertaining needs - a vintage foldable serving trolley designed by Danish architect Hans Bølling in th...
Laminate, Beech
Hollywood Regency Brass Serving Trolley 1970s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful stylish Serving Trolley .Brass .comes with its original Brown Smoked Glass tops . on wheels Lots of patine on the Brass , Attributed to Maison Jansen . 1970s
Smoked Glass
Midcentury Serving Bar Cart or Trolley, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very practical - rare type.
Glass, Wood
Niels Moller Model 44 Teak Bar Cart
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Very hard to find bar cart designed by Niels Moller in 1959. Produced by J L Moller this example is executed in teak. An incredibly graceful design and very functional too, it can...
Teak
Sold
H 23.63 in W 31.5 in D 17.72 in
Scandinavian Modern Teak Serving Table or Bar Cart by Niels Otto Møller
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Vienna, AT
This charming Scandinavian Modern teak serving table or bar cart has been designed by Niels Otto Møller, Denmark 1960s and produced by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. It has beautiful orga...
Metal