One half of the influential Danish furniture duo Hvidt and Mølgaard, architect and designer Peter Hvidt created shapely works in teak and rosewood that could be mass-produced and transported at a scale rarely seen before his time. Alongside his business partner, Aalborg-born designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, the pair crafted furniture which stands today as a masterclass in the combination of elegance and practicality that is typical of Scandinavian modernism.
Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry, and graduated from the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Hvidt established his own design firm in 1940 and taught for three years at his former school, during which he designed the teak Portex chair — Denmark’s first stacking chair (this design has alternatively been attributed to Hvidt’s partnership with Mølgaard-Nielsen over the years).
The exceptional collaboration between Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen took shape in 1944. A student of pioneering Danish modernist designer and architect Kaare Klint and fellow graduate of the School of Arts and Crafts, Mølgaard brought his technical prowess and eye for practical design to the partnership. Together, for more than three decades, Hvidt and Mølgaard would produce over 250 furniture designs, a legacy that included the iconic AX chair.
A masterpiece of technical expertise and innovative woodworking, the sculptural AX armchair was designed in collaboration with manufacturer Fritz Hansen during the late 1940s. It features double-curved laminated wood in the seat and back, 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. The AX went into production in 1950 and eventually gave way to a series that featured tables and other seating.
Hvidt’s proclivity for forward-looking design was typical of the venturesome furniture makers of the mid-century modern era. This extended to textures and materials, too — he believed that a tasteful combination of materials could add character and visual intrigue. With Mølgaard-Nielsen, Hvidt designed streamlined coffee tables, rosewood chairs upholstered with sumptuous black leather and teak side tables with cane shelves (teak was a sought-after material for designers at the time).
The duo’s work with celebrated manufacturers Fritz Hansen, France & Søn and Søborg Møbelfabrik has been a part of exhibitions at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen’s Design Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Peter Hvidt seating, tables and case pieces.
1950s Danish Oak Armchair FD 145 by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Wesseling, DE
Timeless vintage Danish armchair designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, model FD 145, circa 1950s. A beautifully balanced design that reflects...
Fabric, Oak
1960s Danish Teak Armchair FD 130 by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Wesseling, DE
Vintage armchair model FD 130 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, made in Denmark, 1960s. Early edition in teakwood with new upholstery i...
Fabric, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Easy Chair Model X-Chair / FH-6135
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare easy chair model X-chair / FH-6135 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Canvas, Mahogany
Eight 316/317 chairs by Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg, 1950s/1960s
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Søborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of six Model 316 chairs and two Model 317 armchairs made of solid teak with seats woven from paper cord. Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950s–1960s. D...
Papercord, Teak
Model AX 6060 Club Chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Fritz Hansen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
This iconic chair is the AX 6060 model created by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Fritz Hansen in the 1950's. The model features soft curved lines and beautifully crafted...
Leather, Beech, Teak
Set of 6 Mid-Century "Portex" Fritz Hansen Birch Stacking Side Chairs
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Atlanta, GA
An exceptional set of six Mid-Century Modern stackable side chairs crafted in natural blond birch, by designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielson, manufactured by Fritz Hansen. O...
Birch
Scandinavian modern dining chair by Peter Hvidt, Denmark, 1950s
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful set of six dining chairs 'model 316' designed by Peter Hvidt in Denmark in 1955. Made in teak with seats of cognac colored leather.
Leather, Teak
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Armchair for Portex Denmark, c. 1950
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare variation of the 1950s Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen armchair manufactured by Porter, Denmark. Striking sculptural frame carved from solid beech. Formed beech ply lacq...
Brass
Pair of Danish Teak Armchairs by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn
Located in London, GB
A stunning, very rare and extremely comfortable pair of Danish teak armchairs by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. This is the model FD-130 lounge chair, made in Denmark by Fran...
Wool, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Mølgaard FD 135 Oak and Teak Armchair by France & Daverkosen, 1950
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Lejre, DK
Model FD 135 armchair designed by Peter Hvidt & Mølgaard and manufactured by France & Daverkosen in the 1950s. The chair is crafted from oak and teak with newly upholstered c...
Oak, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Six Vintage Teak Dining Chairs or Chairs Peter Hvidt Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid Century Modern vintage organic dining chairs or chairs from teak designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Moolgard Nielsenfor Søborg Mobler DK, circa 1956. These wonderful dining chairs ...
Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Hellouw, NL
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...
Fabric, Teak
‘Portex’ settee by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen in Teak & Beech
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Minneapolis, MN
a very rare and curvy settee in laminated teak and beechwood, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen in the 1940's. sold originally by Polexim Copenhagen. Professional...
Beech, Teak
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Son 1960's
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in LYON, FR
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Danish sofa, Minerva model produced by France and Son. Sofa designed in the 1960s by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard. It is a classic Dan...
Cotton, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Boomerang Chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An exceptional and highly recognizable design, the “Boomerang” lounge chair (model FD-135) by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, circa 1950s, captures...
Brass
$7,572 / set
Chairs by Peter Hvidt
By Søborg Møbelfabrik, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brescia, IT
Set of 6 chairs model 316, designed by Peter Hvidt & Olga Mølgaard - Nielsen. Produced in Denmark between the 1950s and 1960s by Søborg Møbelfabrik. Elegance and functionality meet...
Fabric, Teak
Peter Hvidt: Armchair of Rosewood and Black Leather circa 1955
By Thorald Madsens Snedkeri, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
Easy chair with Brazilian rosewood frame. Seat, sides and button fitted back upholstered with black leather. Made by cabinetmaker Thorald Madsen. Literature: Grete Jalk [ed.]: “40...
Rosewood
Sofa Model FD 130/3 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1960
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Barcelona, ES
Three seater sofa model FD 130/3 designed in 1960 by danish designers Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen, Denmark. Early edition in hardwood with new upholst...
Fabric, Hardwood
1940s Danish Birds of Paradise Chair by Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for Fritz Hansen
By Josef Frank, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Fritz Hansen
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A 1940s Danish lounge chair by Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for Fritz Hansen. This elegant vintage lounge chair has been newly reupholstered in stunning Arbre Chinois fabric by Schumacher....
Fabric, Beech
Set of 2 Chairs Made In Rosewood By Peter Hvidt From 1960s
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lejre, DK
This set of two chairs, designed by the renowned duo Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and manufactured by Orum Møbelfabrik in the 1960s, represents...
Fabric, Rosewood
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Armchair Model.350
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Shibuya-ku, 13
An armchair manufactured in the 1960s (estimated). Designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard, it embodies the ultimate in simplicity and functional beauty. The materials combine fine...
Cane, Oak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen Portex Easy Chairs, 1944
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Fantastic pair of easy chairs designed by Peter Hvidt (Designer) and Orla Molgaar Nielsen (Architect and Designer) for Portex, Denmark 1944. This chair was originally designed as stacking armchair for dining...
Fabric, Oak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Arm Chair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Oosterbeek, NL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen are the Danish duo that designed this easy chair. The chair is called the Boomerang chair....
Brass
Mid-Century Set of 6 Chairs Model 316 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Set of 6 Chairs Model 316 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1950s
Wood
Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Scandinavian two-seat sofa Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark. Teak structure with black leatherette upholstered seat and cushions. This vintage sofa can be ...
Faux Leather, Teak
1960s Occasional “Axe” Chair by Peter Hvidt for Fritz Hansen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
New to our collection is an exquisite "Axe" chair, designed by Peter Hvidt for Fritz Hansen. This rare variant features an upholstered seat complemented by elegant leather accents. R...
Leather
Folding stool by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark 1959
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, Ludvig Pontoppidan
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare folding stool designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark 1959. This chair is made out of solid oak and still has the original black leather ...
Leather, Oak
C. 1958 Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for Soborg Dining Arm Chair
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Dining Arm Chair that was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for Soborg. This particular examples dates to 1958. The chair features a solid teak frame with g...
Teak, Cane
Pair of Danish Peter Hvidt Tall Lounge Chairs in Grey Flannel
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Stunning pair of Danish midcentury Peter Hvidt tall lounge chairs newly re-upholstered in grey flannel.
Teak
$4,000 / set
Pair of Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Footrests
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of teak footrests with original black butt leather. Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen 1959 and made by cabinetmaker Ludvig Pontoppidan, Denmark. Well made...
Pair Danish Teak Dining Side Chairs by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Fraser, MI
Pair Danish Teak Dining Side Chairs. Designed by Peter Hvidt. Sea grass seat needs retied.
Seagrass, Teak