Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen coffee table
This is model FD-516, a coffee table designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark in 1956. The table is constructed from solid teak, with a surface characterized by expressive grain movement and a richly toned finish. The top is rectangular with subtly curved corners and softened edges, emphasizing the tactile and visual warmth of the wood. The form is low and elongated, a typical characteristic of Scandinavian coffee tables from this period.
Beneath the tabletop is a woven cane shelf suspended by two elegantly curved brass supports. This floating shelf adds a secondary storage surface and visual lightness to the structure, creating a sense of depth without heaviness. The brass brackets have aged to a warm patina, while the cane retains its tight weave and natural tone. The table stands on four tapering round legs, giving it an overall refined and balanced silhouette.
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were influential figures in Danish mid-century design, known for their emphasis on simplicity, clarity, and craftsmanship. Their collaboration with France & Daverkosen produced numerous celebrated works that defined the aesthetic of Danish furniture exported globally during the 1950s and 60s. France & Daverkosen later became France & Søn, one of the key Danish manufacturers bridging traditional craftsmanship and modern production.
This table is in good vintage condition with minor surface marks, edge wear, and gentle patination on the brass consistent with age and use. The teak wood has developed a warm, even tone, and the woven shelf is structurally sound.
The dimensions are 152 cm in width, 50 cm in depth, and 50 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 59.8 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep, and 19.7 inches high.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 152 / D: 50 / H: 50 |
Producer | France & Daverkosen |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Brass, Cane, Teak |
Designed in | 1956 |
Item Number | 125697 |
Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) was a Danish architect and furniture designer, best known for his close collaboration with Peter Hvidt and for his role in shaping Danish modern furniture design in the mid-20th century. He was trained as a fur...
Read morePeter Hvidt
Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) was a prominent Danish architect and furniture designer best known for his influential role in shaping mid-century modern Scandinavian design. He was born in Copenhagen and trained at the School of Arts and Crafts in the ...
Read more