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.
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "FD144" Easy Chair, Denmark, 1953
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
This is a beautiful Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen designed model “FD 144” easy chair, made in Denmark in 1953. It was produced by France & Daverkosen Denmark. This solid oak FD-144 Easy Chair by the designer duo, has distinctive, wide and imposing bent armrests. The darker teak wood on the armrests and legs emphasises the elegant lines of this chair. The back is supported with a series of slender spindles that stand out as the main design element of this model. The chair comes with two loose cushions that have been recently reupholstered in a premium bouclé fabric. Both cushions feature button tufting, giving a classic look. This chair is a Danish mid-century piece to its core, uniting functionality with and understated, yet interesting and elegant design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Re-upholstered in premium bouclé fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 25.4 in W x 28.55 in D x 33.08 in H; seat height 16.93 in 64.5 cm W x 72.5 cm D x 84 cm H; seat height 43 cm About the designer: Hvidt & Mølgaard were the founders of the Copenhagen-based, Danish design and architectural firm which existed from 1944 until 2009. Founded by Peter Hvidt (1916-1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907-1993), the company was a pioneering force in Danish furniture design and industrialized production in the 1950s, creating furniture that was easy to mass-produce and economic to transport. Danish architect-designer Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen was born in 1907. His formative years were spent in Copenhagen, studying at the Aalborg Technical School and at the Art and Crafts School of the Design Museum. From 1931 until 1934, he continued his studies in furniture design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts under the instruction of Kaare Klint. Peter Hvidt was born in Copenhagen in 1916. He studied architecture and cabinetry at the School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen. Subsequently, he worked at various design firms before establishing his own studio in 1942. In 1944, Hvidt designed the Portex Chair...
Fabric, Wood
Expertly Restored -Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model FD-146 Lounge Chair
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge Chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen in Denmark circa 1950’s. This stunning Model FD-146 features a walnut-stained beechwood f...
Foam, Beech, Fabric, Walnut
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
1960s FD451 Daybed by Peter Hvidt for France and Son in teak and rattan
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
This FD451 daybed was designed by Peter Hvidt and produced by France and Son in Denmark during the 1960s. The design reflects Hvidt’s approach to modular living, where flexibility an...
Fabric, Rattan, 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
“Ax” chairs by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard, manufactured by Fritz Hasen, 1970´s
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A pair of original “Ax” lounge chairs, designed by Danish modern masters Peter Hvidt & Orla Mölgaard and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. These iconic pieces feature the distinctive X-s...
Beech
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen "Ax" Lounge Chair for Fritz Hansen
By Peter Hvidt, Fritz Hansen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A striking chair designed by architects Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in collaboration with the famous artisan company Fritz Hansen in Denmark circa 1960s. Our chair uses quali...
Fabric, Foam, Laminate, Wood
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
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
$1,410Sale Price|40% Off
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Teak Black Leather Lounge Chair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Esperance, NY
For sale is this absolute stunning mid century solid teak chair.
Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Model 316 Dining Chair, 1950s
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Paris, FR
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model 316 Dining Chair for Søborg Møbler, Denmark, 1950s Elegant and refined dining chair, model 316, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nie...
Papercord, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Nielsen Molgaard 317 Chair
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1960s Peter Hvidt & Orla Nielsen Molgaard 317 Chair Manufactured by Søborg Møbelfabrik. Chair is in good vintage condition with a beautiful patina throughout. Papercord seat is nic...
Teak, Paper
1950s FD134 Danish Teak Boomerang Chair Hvidt & Mølgaard Nielsen - France & Søn
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in London, England
An original vintage model FD134 Danish "Boomerang" chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen in 1954. Manufactured by France and Søn in solid teak and brass. A comf...
Brass
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Sofa Model Minerva by France & Daverkosen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Sofa model Minerva designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark. Seating group with 3 seater, 2 seater and side table...
Fabric, Cane, Teak
1940s Danish Birds of Paradise Chair by Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for Fritz Hansen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Josef Frank, Peter Hvidt, 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
5er Set Søborg Møbelfabrik Stuhl Peter Hvidt Mølgaard-Nielsen 316
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, Søborg Møbelfabrik
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes 5er Set Teak Stühle aus den 1960er Jahren aus Dänemark zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt aus den 1950er Jahren von Peter Hvidt & Mölgaard Nielsen un...
Teak, Cord
Peter Hvidt Danish Wooden Frame Caned Gold Patterned Upholstered Sleeper Settee
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Queens, NY
Danish Mid-Century expandable sleeper Settee with a teak wood frame with caned sides, a solid seat cushion and two wedge-shaped removable back cushions in light and dark gold pattern...
Wood, Fabric, Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Boomerang Chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
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 the...
Brass
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak & Beech by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1951
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Teak and Beech by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1951 Additional Information: Material: Teak and beech Style: Mid century, Scandinavia Rare pair of ea...
Teak, Beech
Pair of "Ax-chair" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark, 1950s
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Fritz Hansen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Very good condition. Produced by Fritz Hansen, 1950s. An example of this chair can be found at the Museum of Design in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mahogany, Teak
$1,438Sale Price|20% Off
Folding stool by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark 1959
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 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
Boomerang chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen France & Søn
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
Located in Offenburg, Baden Wurthemberg
Boomerang Lounge Chair model FD 134 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Daverkosen Manufactured by France & Daverkosen, this model FD134 becom...
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
Sofa Model FD 130/3 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1960
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
$13,500 / set
Tall Danish Lounge Chairs by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Enjoy modern comfort in a timeless piece with Tall Danish Lounge Chairs by Peter Hvidt. Newly reupholstered in grey flannel, these chairs feature an exquisitely sculpted teak frame, ...
Teak
C. 1958 Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for Soborg Dining Arm Chair
By Soborg Furniture Factory, 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
$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...
Reupholstered Teak Chair Model # 317 by Peter Hvidt for Soborg Mobel, Set of 4
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Dining chair : Model 317 Presenting our exquisite set of four Danish Design Chairs, where classic elegance meets contemporary comfort. Crafted by renowned designers Peter Hvidt & Orl...
Faux Leather, Teak
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
$7,944 / 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
Loveseat in oak and teak by Hvidt & Mølgaard, Denmark.
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in København K, DK
Love seat or 2 seat sofa in teak and oak with original spring cushions. Designed and produced by Hvidt and Mølgaard and France and Daverkosen, Denmark 1950.
Oak, Teak
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