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.
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
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
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
1950s Minerva Sofa Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s, the Minerva Sofa Daybed is one o...
Steel
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed / Sofa Produced by France & Son
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
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: 79.75 wide x 30.5 wide x 30 inches high, with a seat height of 17.75 and arm height/chai...
Upholstery, Teak, Cane
$3,620Sale Price|25% Off
Scandinavian 2-Seat Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Paris, FR
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 tran...
Faux Leather, Teak
Venfield Modern Sofa / Daybed
By Venfield
Located in New York, NY
Stylish Modern sofa with 6 back pillows and low, wide arms. This sofa's deep single seat cushion is perfectly sized to serve as a daybed or single bed for ...
Upholstery, Wood
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 77 in D 34 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
$7,068 / 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
$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 Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, France & Søn
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
$7,623 / set
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 18.12 in
Set of 6 Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model 316 Teak Dining Chairs, 1955
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Balen, BE
A set of six Model 316 dining chairs in teak, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen in 1955. Exemplifying the elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Danish Modern de...
Seagrass, Teak
$10,013
H 25.99 in W 78.35 in D 35.04 in
Hans J. Wegner Danish Modern Daybed in Teak and Rattan GE7 Made at GETAMA, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated teakwood frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden spa...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Teak
$4,238
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
$2,895
H 33.5 in W 25.5 in D 28.5 in
Expertly Restored -Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model FD-146 Lounge Chair
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen
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 frame wit...
Foam, Beech, Fabric, Walnut
$16,359
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 Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt
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
Danish Modern Modular Sofa by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern "Minerva" Model Modular Sofa, designed by Peter Hvidt for France and Son, Denmark, circa 1960s. It can be used in various configurations. The two sofas can be pushed to...
Metal
$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
$2,815
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
Sold
H 32 in W 62.5 in D 31 in
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
Peter Hvidt Teak Minerva Daybed
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Cambridge, US
Denmark, ca. 1950s. A Minerva Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son. Features a minimalist solid teak base with bullnose profile supported by turned conical ...
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 25.6 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Sofa / Daybed, Denmark ca. 1960
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Geneva, CH
Rare sofa / daybed model FD 451 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark ca. 1950s. Teak frame, with woven cane details. Orange wool origi...
Wool, Cane, Teak
Peter Hvidt Daybed for France & Søn, Denmark 1960s
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Utrecht, NL
Crafted by Peter Hvidt for France & Søn, this daybed exemplifies the clean and functional elegance that characterised Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Peter Hvidt, one of Denmark’...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 33.86 in W 106.3 in D 78.75 in
Minerva seating group by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Dave
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Ranst, VAN
A stunning Minerva seating group designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Daverkosen. The set includes a teak corner coffee table and three seater sofa and a tw...
Fabric, Wool, Teak
Sold
H 32 in W 63.5 in D 32.5 in
Peter Hvidt Orla Mølgaard For John Stuart FD451 Daybed Sofas & Corner Table Set
By Peter Hvidt, John Stuart Inc., Hvidt & Mølgaard, Grete Jalk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard created many enduring and sought-after modern Scandinavian designs. This leather sofa set is an archetypal example of their mastery. Lovingly restored,...
Leather, Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 3.5 in W 48 in D 30.5 in
1960s Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 'Minerva' Daybed for France & Son
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century 'Minerva' daybed or sofa with Teak frame and newly upholstered cushions, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son. In otherwise original condition...
Metal
Teak Sofa Daybed Sectional Set By Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern, teak, three piece sectional seating set designed by Danish architects Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France And Son and retailed by John Stuart in the U...
Upholstery, Teak, Cane
Sold
H 31.5 in W 75 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt France & Son / John Stuart Mid-Century Danish Modern Daybed Sofa
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Beautiful sleek Mid-century design. Original blue wool upholstery and spring cushions with Danish modern teak wooden frame. This sofa would look great as is with any mid century mode...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 30.75 in W 81 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa for John Stuart 1960s
By John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa for John Stuart 1960s Danish modern Minerva sofa, daybed, or loveseat by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. 'Minerva' col...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 27.75 in W 75 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Sofa / Daybed, Danish 1960s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Sofa / Daybed, Danish 1960s Danish modern sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard. Entire set available, inquir...
Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 63.78 in D 35.44 in
Daybed Model FD 451 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in London, England
Beautiful sofa or daybed model FD 451 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Søn in Denmark. Teak frame, with woven cane details....
Sheepskin, Wool, Cane, Teak