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.
Pair of Danish stools in teak and caning by Peter Hvidt 1960.
By Peter Hvidt
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Stunning Scandinavian stools, footrests, or side tables. Adorable stools with multiple uses. Beautifully crafted. Simple and very elegant. Designer: Peter Hvidt Manufacturer: Sobrog...
Cane, Teak
$1,413Sale Price|20% Off
Folding stool by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Denmark 1959
By Ludvig Pontoppidan, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
$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...
$16,361
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
Danish Highback Easy Chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Rare and very classic elegant high back armchair from the early 1950's 1940s by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen with open armrests in beautifully carved t...
Wool, Teak
$3,450
H 37 in W 27.25 in D 31 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Classic Danish Tufted Leather Lounge Chair
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Charming and very elegant Classic Danish lounge chair by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. Simple yet very refined design lines and very comfortable to sit in even for a tall pe...
Leather, Beech
$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. Buil...
Brass
$1,750
H 14.57 in W 15.75 in D 19.3 in
Poul Hundevad PH43 Guldhøj Stool in Teak and Brown Leather, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Iconic Scandinavian Stool model PH-43 designed by Poul Hundevad, Denmark in the 60's. Very good original vintage condition with beautiful crafted solid teak frame and dark brown leat...
Leather, Teak
Sold|$2,943 / set
H 38.19 in W 14.18 in D 16.54 in
Erik Buch set of three bar stools in teak Dyrlund Denmark 1960
By Erik Buch, Dyrlund
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
This exceptional set of three bar stools was designed by Erik Buch for Dyrlund, Denmark, 1960. A fine example of Danish mid-century craftsmanship, the stools feature a clean, elegant...
Leather, Teak
Vintage Danish Teak and Bouclé Stool by Spøttrup, 1960s
By Hugo Frandsen, Spøttrup Stolefabrik
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak stool by Spøttrup 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern ottoman in solid teak and bouclé by Hugo Frandsen for Spøttrup Stolefabrik, Denmark. Round slightly tapered leg...
Bouclé, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Armchair Model.350
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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 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
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, France & Daverkosen, 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
$2,360Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27 in W 13.5 in D 15.5 in
Pair of Danish Mid Century 1960s Teak Bar Stools Mod. 61 by Erik Buch Denmark
By Erik Buch, Oddense Maskinsnedkeri
Located in Madison, WI
Ships very fast from our Basel Switzerland warehouse, professionally and insured, 6-10 days. Very beautiful pair of solid teak and rosewood designer Vintage PAIR of Danish teak Mod....
Teak
$2,450
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 26.38 in
AX Armchair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1963
By Fritz Hansen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Dronten, NL
A Danish design icon, this AX Armchair—designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by Fritz Hansen in 1963—beautifully showcases the innovation and craftsmanship t...
Leather, Birch, Teak
Sold
H 20.87 in W 13.78 in D 21.66 in
Folding Stools, Designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mölgaard Nielsen for Ludvig Pon
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Stockholm, SE
Brazilian rosewood and original leather. Pair available. Sold separately.
Leather, Rosewood
Danish Modern Stool by Peter Hvidt for France & Søn
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Compact and versatile two-tone stool designed and manufactured in Denmark circa 1960s. This beautiful stool features a solid beech-wood frame with stylish teak wood sabots creating a beautiful contrast for a clean and Minimalist aesthetic. This exceptional stool has been newly refinished by our expert craftsmen team and upholstered in a vibrant royal blue tweed fabric for a Classic Danish Modern...
Wood, Beech, Teak
Danish Modern Stools by Peter Hvidt for France & Søn
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern stools designed by Peter Hvidt for France & Søn in Denmark, circa 1960s. This gorgeous and exceptionally crafted design features a sculpted solid walnut wo...
Fabric, Foam, Wood, Walnut