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.
$12,500 / set
Danish Modern Teak Sectional Sofa by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt, France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This stunning two-piece sectional sofa represents the pinnacle of Danish modern design, created by the renowned design duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkos...
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 Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, 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
$16,514
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, France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional L Shaped Sofa
By Carsons
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A curvy three piece sectional designed by Carson's Furniture and produced in the early 1980s. It features a unique over lapping cushion design. Fabric is original, and dated, but usa...
Fabric
$7,800
H 28 in W 142 in D 110 in
Mid-Century Post Modern Curved L Shaped Cloud Sectional Sofa by Directional
By Directional
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & stunning L shaped sectional sofa with incredible design lines. This well built sofa is by Directional furniture, circa 1980s. It features the original fabric in a 3 separat...
Fabric
On Hold|$12,500
H 29 in W 128 in D 105 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Serpentine Sectional Sofa by Weiman
By Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sleek and modern, this sofa was produced by Weiman Preview, dating to the 1980s. It features an elegant three-piece design, with the main body set upon an upholstered plinth-style ba...
Fabric, Upholstery
$2,995
H 31.5 in W 122 in D 39 in
Mid-Century Modern to Modern & Hollywood Regency 2 Piece Angled Sectional Sofa
Located in Topeka, KS
Stunning Mid-Century Modern to modern & Hollywood Regency white fabric two piece angled sectional sofa with square tapered wood legs. Beautiful c...
Fabric, Wood
$4,995
H 26.5 in W 171 in D 117 in
Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman Style Hexagonal Curved Sectional Sofa by Drexel
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style hexagonal curved sectional sofa by Drexel. Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman style large hexagonal curved sectional sofa By Drexel Heri...
Fabric
$11,500
H 29 in W 63 in D 129 in
Sulptural Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa by M Fillmore Harty, Preview
By M. Fillmore Harty, Weiman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Available right now is this stunning M. Fillmore Harty for Preview, tagged, two piece sectional. A sculpture that happens to be a sofa! It is upholstered in the original Rose colored...
Fabric
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 48 in D 30 in
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By Peter Hvidt, John Stuart
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
$48,000
H 31 in W 125.5 in D 107 in
Mid-Century Modern Sectional Velvet Sofa by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, USA
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward Wormley for Dunbar, c.1960s, USA, two-piece sectional sofa. The sofa features split arm rests and an exposed sculpted ebonized wood frame. This sofa has been fully reupholster...
Velvet, Walnut, Upholstery
$4,950
H 28.94 in W 90.56 in D 30.71 in
Modern American Sectional Corner Sofa in Structured Yellow Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Modular sectional sofa, structured yellow upholstery, metal, United States, 1960s This two-part sofa is upholstered in soft yellow structured fabric that emphasizes the strong lines...
Metal
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
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 John Stuart Inc., Grete Jalk, Hvidt & Mølgaard, Peter Hvidt
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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Danish Modern Teak Sofa Set
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Fulton, CA
A 3 piece teak Danish Modern sectional sofa set consisting of two sofas and a corner table. Designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for...
Teak
Sold
H 29.5 in W 95 in D 95 in
Peter Hvidt Model FD 451 Sectional sofas Daybed in Teak and Salt & Pepper Bouclé
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Seattle, WA
Fully Restored FD451 Sectional Sofas, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen and produced by France & Son. Cushions retained the original spring frame, while getting new foa...
Bouclé, Teak
Peter Hvidt Teak Sectional Sofa Set
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, John Stuart, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Fulton, CA
A fine Peter Hvidt / Orla Molgaard Nielsen teak Danish modern 3 piece sofa set. Consisting of 2 sofas and a corner table. All pieces retain France & S...
Teak
1960s Vintage Teak Sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable sofa designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen, this is an early model dating from the 1950s. It was made by France & Daverkosen, it reta...
Teak
1960s Vintage Teak Sofa / Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable sofa designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen, this is an early model dating from the 1950s. It was made by France & Daverkosen, it reta...
Teak
1960s Vintage Teak Sofa / Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen
By France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in London, GB
A stunning and extremely comfortable sofa designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen, this is an early model dating from the 1950s. It was made by France & Daverkosen, it reta...
Teak
Peter Hvidt Sofa
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen design sofa for John Stuart, made from teak with chrome supports. Very good condition with Maharam danish wool cushions. Matching corner and sid...
Sold
H 30 in W 101 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen 2 Piece Teak Danish Modern Sofa for France & Son
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most popular sofa / daybeds of the Danish modern history seen here in the 2 part form with arm rests making this piece all the more versatile as illustrated in the accompa...
Chrome