Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen coffee table

This very rare coffee table, designed in 1957 by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Son in Denmark, exemplifies the elegance and structural clarity that defined the duo’s contribution to mid-century Danish modernism. Crafted from solid rosewood, the table is notable for its vibrant, expressive grain pattern, which varies across the surface and lends depth and movement to the otherwise restrained composition. The rosewood’s dark, lustrous tones reflect both the quality of the material and its careful preservation over time.

The tabletop is defined by softly rounded edges, a detail that contributes to the tactile and visual refinement of the piece. The curved corners transition seamlessly into the underlying frame, maintaining a continuous, fluid line that echoes the organic sensibility often present in Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen’s designs. The legs, delicately tapered and slightly splayed, are joined with precision to the frame, demonstrating the designers’ architectural training and their interest in exposing structural elements as integral parts of the aesthetic expression.

France & Son, one of the most respected Danish manufacturers of the post-war period, was known for its high standards of construction and its role in bringing Danish design to an international audience. Their collaboration with Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen produced a series of refined, modern pieces that emphasized lightness, modularity, and fine craftsmanship. This coffee table reflects those values in its balanced proportions and finely executed details.

The table is in excellent vintage condition, with the rosewood surface retaining a rich patina that enhances the natural beauty of the material. Minor wear is consistent with age but does not detract from the structural or visual integrity of the piece. As a rare and early example from the collaborative portfolio of Hvidt and Mølgaard-Nielsen, this coffee table stands as a testament to the sophistication and craftsmanship of Danish design in the 1950s.