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.
Rare Mid-century Danish Solid Teak Cabinet by Peter Hvidt, 1955
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Oakland, CA
This beautifully crafted solid teak cabinet, designed by Peter Hvidt in 1955, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and refined joinery—including expo...
Glass, Teak
$4,743
H 68.12 in W 109.06 in D 19.3 in
Mid-Century Modern Italian Mahogany Sideboard with Mirror by Osvaldo Borsani
By Fratelli Turri, Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern Italian mahogany sideboard with onyx top and mirror by Osvaldo Borsani for "Mobilificio Fratelli Turri", 1950s The mirro...
Brass
Rare Mid Century Modern Teak Danish sideboard, 1960s
By Vintage Specialties
Located in Gaggenau, DE
Rare Mid Century Modern Danish teak sideboard, 1960s Design year: 1960s Dimensions: 45 D x 205 W x 83 H cm It is in good vintage condition...
Teak
Peter Hvidt Tambour Sideboard
By Peter Hvidt, Soborg Mobler
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish modern tambour credenza, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg. Cabinet features carved handles and signature finger-joint cabinet details. Tambour door...
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Teak Credenza Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning vintage teak sideboard makes a stylish storage piece in a variety of settings. Quality Teak veneer, unique carved pulls, interior rosewood drawers and plenty of cabinet...
Teak
Peter Hvidt, Desk, Teak, Steel, Denmark, 1959
By Peter Hvidt
Located in High Point, NC
A teak and steel desk designed by Peter Hvidt and produced by Søborg Møbelfabrik, Denmark, c. 1959. Minor oxidation present to metal and brass Wear consistent with age and use Ove...
Steel
$5,014Sale Price / item|31% Off
H 59.06 in W 41.74 in D 20.48 in
Contemporary by Lucarelli e Rapisarda Cabinet Wood Veneer Cabinet Wood Steel
By Interna8
Located in Pordenone, IT
Design and purpose are fused with eccentric decoration that has real personality. The theme is decoration– elegant, refined, glamorous decoration – used in the best hotels, where the upholstery is admired for the vast array of new patterns and designs. We have brought this decoration style to our furniture, in the form of our “Wallcovering” finishes which come in different shades. We have taken a new slant on a now antiquated technique, in light of new trends. Sideboard in 108 American walnut wood...
Steel
$8,157
H 32.29 in W 78.15 in D 20.08 in
Rare Mid-Century Modern Edmond J Spence Checkerboard Sideboard Chest of Drawers
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable Edmond J Spence Checkerboard sideboard in light walnut circa 1960's Edmond J. Spence This very interes...
Walnut
Peter Hvidt Cabinet
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Turners Falls, MA
1960's cabinet designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for Søborg Møbelfabrik. Two level tambour doors conceal spacious interior with adjustable shelf. Beautifully constr...
Teak
$9,487
H 33.86 in W 61.03 in D 18.9 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen buffet sideboard scandinavian design danish
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Danish sideboard from the 60s, designed by Danish designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Solid teak structure, magnificent straight tail assembly on the sides. Composed of a column of 5 drawers on the right part and a sliding curtain...
Teak
danish-style cabinet, Peter HVIDT, 1960
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This piece of furniture embodies the refined and functional aesthetics of Scandinavian style, combining clean lines and high-quality materials. Peter Hvidt's Cabinet is distinguished...
Wood
$5,264Sale Price|20% Off
H 35 in W 82 in D 25.63 in
Mid Century Modern Rosewood Sideboard Buffet, Large Credenza by Dakota Jackson
By Dakota Jackson
Located in Miami, FL
Stunning mid-century modern buffet, credenza, or sideboard is designed by Dakota Jackson. Excellent craftsmanship that exemplifies the best of American modern design with hints of ...
Rosewood, Sycamore
Peter Hvidt Solid Teak Dressers
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Highly sought after pair of solid teak five drawer dressers designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France and Son in the 1950s. Featuring the distinctive smile shaped ...
Teak
Sold
H 34.25 in W 65 in L 34.25 in
Fully Restored Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Buffet or Credenza by Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt, Soborg Mobler, Arne Vodder
Located in New York, NY
Fully restored teak buffet or credenza designed by Peter Hvidt. Extremely functional, versatile piece of Danish Modern midcentury design. Sculptural, integrated handles and pulls wit...
Teak
Sold
H 32.75 in W 35.25 in D 18.75 in
Pair of Teak Tambour Chests Buffets by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt
Located in San Diego, CA
Great pair of Danish teak tambour chests or buffets by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen. Chests feature two interior adjustable shelves. Doors open an...
Sold
H 36.75 in W 35.5 in D 19 in
1950s Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen (Nessen) Teak Flatware Cabinet
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen for J. Jacobsen & Sonner, Soborg Mobelfabrik A/S Denmark. Teak 3 Drawer Flatware Buffet Cabinet Locking with Skeleton key. Retains Large Paper ...
Brass
Peter Hvidt Credenza
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in San Francisco, CA
Peter Hvidt design teak tambor door credenza with fitted interiors. Excellent original condition.
Teak
Hvidt & Molgaard-Nielsen Teak Credenza Sideboard Denmark
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Miami, FL
SOLD Iconic design from Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen in rich warm teak. Master craftsmanship, quality. Excellent condition. Tambour doors opening to adjustable shelf with...
Sycamore, Teak