Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model FD-144, was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark in 1953. Executed in teak and oak with original upholstery in two different green-toned fabrics, the chairs are exemplary of the refined craftsmanship and modernist design language that defined Danish furniture of the mid-century period.

The design is characterized by an elegantly curved armrest in solid teak, seamlessly integrated into a structural oak frame. The backrests feature vertical spindles, providing both strength and a light visual rhythm. The legs are tapered, with subtle darkened teak tips that accentuate their slender proportions. The upholstery, preserved in original fabric, displays two complementary shades of green, creating a harmonious yet distinctive contrast between the pair. This detail underlines the designers’ sensitivity to texture and tonal variation.

Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) were a celebrated Danish design duo known for their extensive contribution to modern furniture design. Their work often combined precise joinery with organic curves, achieving a balance between industrial rationality and handcrafted detail. France & Daverkosen, later France & Søn, was a key Danish furniture manufacturer of the era, collaborating with leading designers to produce pieces of high quality and international appeal.

These chairs exemplify the Scandinavian mid-century ethos, where clarity of construction, honest use of materials, and functional comfort are united. Their enduring appeal lies in the combination of sculptural wooden frames and upholstered seating, offering both durability and aesthetic refinement.

The pair remains in excellent vintage condition, with small signs of usage and a natural patina to the wood. The cushions retain their original upholstery, a rare feature that enhances the chairs’ authenticity and historical value.

Width 64 cm (25.2 in), depth 78 cm (30.7 in), height 83 cm (32.7 in), seat height 43 cm (16.9 in).