Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen sofa

The Minerva seating group was designed by Danish architects Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s. This modular ensemble consists of a three-seater sofa, a two-seater sofa, and an integrated corner table, all constructed from solid teak with cane and metal detailing.

The design exemplifies Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen’s forward-thinking approach to furniture — emphasizing modularity, lightness, and industrial precision. The teak frame, elegantly curved and finely finished, supports loose cushions upholstered in the original green fabric. The cushions are button-tufted, providing a structured yet comfortable appearance, while the detachable backrests are fixed to the frame using metal brackets, allowing for easy reconfiguration.

The integrated corner table features a teak surface with a lower shelf in woven cane, balancing material warmth with visual transparency. This design, part of the duo’s efforts to create furniture suitable for both small and flexible living spaces, was one of the early examples of Danish modular seating systems exported widely through France & Daverkosen, a company that later evolved into France & Søn.

The set remains in good vintage condition, showing signs of use and a rich patina consistent with age.

Dimensions:
Three-seater: width 190 cm (74.8 in), depth 77 cm (30.3 in), height 79 cm (31.1 in), seat height 40 cm (15.7 in)
Two-seater: width 125 cm (49.2 in), depth 77 cm (30.3 in), height 79 cm (31.1 in), seat height 40 cm (15.7 in)
Table: width 77 cm (30.3 in), depth 77 cm (30.3 in), height 64 cm (25.2 in)