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.
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
$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...
Peter Hvidt Orla Molgaard Danish 1950s Highback Lounge Chair
By France & Daverkosen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very cool highback lounge chair made in Denmark around 1950 by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgard for France & Daverkosen. Beautiful harmonious proportions with a slim and tall silhouette ...
Wool, Beech
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
$7,422 / 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
$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
$15,928
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
$5,731 / 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 Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, Fritz Hansen
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
$3,874
H 30.32 in W 75.2 in D 29.93 in
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
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
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
$3,495
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 29 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen Boomerang FD-134 Lounge Chair, Denmark
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Puslinch, ON
Condition: Great Vintage Condition Dimensions: 24” L x 29” D x 30.75” H (16.25” SH) Description: A vintage solid teak & brass FD134 lounge chair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Niel...
Brass
$3,500
H 33.08 in W 25.4 in D 28.55 in
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
$2,750
H 35.5 in W 28.75 in D 33 in
Peter Hvidt Orla Molgaard Style Classic Danish 1950s Medium Size Lounge Chair
By Fritz Hansen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful lounge chair made in Denmark in the 1950s. The chair bear close resemblance to Peter Hvidt's designs for Fritz Hansen The chair is not marked similar to the vast majority ...
Mohair, Beech, Wool
$6,018
H 31.5 in W 79.93 in D 29.93 in
Mid-Century Modern Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son Denmark, 1950s Original leather.
Leather, Wood
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Pair of Rattan Stools
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Long Island City, NY
These curvaceous rattan and bamboo stools are ready for summer. Their original cushions have been recovered in “Textile Stensöta” by GP&J Baker for Svenkst Tenn and trimmed with ...
Upholstery, Rattan
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
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 Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
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 Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
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