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 & 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
$8,000
H 32 in W 80 in D 30 in
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
$7,081 / 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 Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
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
1950s Danish Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
A rare and elegant sofa by Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, showcasing the refined proportions and architectural clarity that define his early Danish modern work. The sculptural frame, angled ...
Wood
$4,248
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 Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
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
$2,600Sale Price|60% Off
H 29 in W 71 in D 35 in
Mid Century Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Mid Century slipper sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen of Denmark. Companion piece to the FD 172 slipper chairs, this sofa is a rare find. Ve...
Wood
$4,821
H 33.08 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Danish 3-Seater Minerva Daybed Sofa Daybed in Green Bouclé by Peter Hvidt
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A beautiful 1960s three-seater "Minerva" daybed sofa by Danish designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son. In excellent reupholstered condition, the luxurious ...
Bouclé, Teak
$2,820
H 34.65 in W 49.22 in D 32.29 in
Minerva sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard for France & Søn, 1960s
By Fredericia
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s - Made in Denmark - Good original condition - New black upholstery - Wooden parts refreshed - Very good condition ! - Marked by maker.
Upholstery, Teak
$6,500
H 31 in W 100.5 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Daybed Sofa France and Sons Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Rare Extra Long Danish modern Minerva Daybed Sofa. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart circa 1960's. Beautiful sleek Mid Century Design. Rare extra long size...
Teak
$5,310
H 33.47 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in
Rare Armchair Mod. 147 Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Firenze, FI
The model 147 chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & son, is one of the most graceful Danish Modern chairs. A combination of the very expressive f...
Rattan, Teak
$16,398
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 Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen
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
$10,031
H 31.11 in W 78.75 in D 31.5 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed / Sofa Produced by France & Son
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare minerva daybed / sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark.
Fabric, Cane, Teak
$5,900 / set
H 29.93 in W 24.02 in D 29.14 in
Pair of "Ax-chair" by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, Denmark, 1950s
By Fritz Hansen, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
Danish Modern Sofa or Settee by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern sofa, settee, or bench, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, probably produced by France and Sons, Denmark, and retailed by John Stuart, NYC, circa 1960s....
Bouclé, Rush, Teak
Peter Hvidt Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Antwerp, BE
This a Danish Modern sofa/daybed by Peter Hvidt. It has a teak frame and firm cushions upholstered in navy green wool. Great condition with vintage wear.