Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen armchairs
This rare pair of armchairs, model 350, was designed by Danish architects and designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by Søborg Møbler in Denmark during the 1950s. The chairs are exemplary of Scandinavian mid-century design, combining honest craftsmanship with clear, geometric forms and refined material contrasts.
The frames of the chairs are constructed from teak, featuring a pronounced architectural structure defined by rectilinear lines and angular joins. The seats and backrests are crafted from finely woven cane in a diagonal herringbone pattern, contributing both tactile texture and breathability. The organic curvature of the cane contrasts with the otherwise linear framework, providing visual softness and ergonomic comfort. The armrests feature inlays of rosewood, adding a subtle yet sophisticated tonal variation and material richness to the design.
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were central figures in the evolution of Danish modern furniture during the post-war years. Their collaboration, established in 1944, produced a wide range of designs known for their simplicity, functionality, and structural clarity. They integrated traditional woodworking techniques with modern production methods, and were among the first Danish designers to experiment with laminated and modular construction.
Søborg Møbler, the company that produced these armchairs, was pivotal in promoting and exporting Danish modern furniture, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. Known for its high-quality wood craftsmanship, Søborg Møbler collaborated with several prominent designers, contributing significantly to the global recognition of Danish design.
The armchairs are in good vintage condition, with light signs of age and patina typical for pieces of this era. The woven cane is intact, with no visible major damage, and the wood frames retain their original finish and structure.
Each chair measures 62.5 cm in width, 51 cm in depth, and 80 cm in height, with a seat height of 41 cm. In inches, these dimensions convert to approximately 24.6 inches wide, 20.1 inches deep, 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16.1 inches.
Dimensions (cm) | W: 62.5 / D: 51 / H: 80 / Seat H: 41 |
Producer | Søborg Møbler |
Decade | 1950s |
Country | Denmark |
Style | Danish modern, Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern |
Material | Cane, Rosewood, Teak |
Designed in | 1950s |
Item Number | 130504 |
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 ...
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