Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen easy chairs

This rare pair of easy chairs, model 146, was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Son in Denmark during the 1950s. These chairs represent a refined example of mid-century Scandinavian design, combining lightness of form with structural integrity and an honest use of materials.

The frames are crafted from solid teak, displaying a warm golden-brown tone and fine, straight grain characteristic of the wood. The chairs feature tapering legs and softly curved armrests that seamlessly flow into the backrest supports, creating a continuous and elegant silhouette. The proportions are balanced and restrained, achieving both aesthetic clarity and ergonomic comfort.

The backrests are constructed of handwoven cane, set within gently sculpted teak frames that curve slightly backward to accommodate natural seating posture. The cane is in good overall condition, showing minor signs of age and use that add vintage authenticity. The seats have been fitted with new cushions upholstered in white bouclé fabric, providing a subtle textural contrast while maintaining the neutral and organic palette of the design. These cushions rest on recessed seat frames that preserve the visual openness of the structure.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were pivotal figures in Danish modernism, known for blending traditional craftsmanship with industrial production techniques. France & Son was among Denmark’s most progressive manufacturers in the postwar era, renowned for precise joinery and international distribution.

Each chair measures 63.5 cm in width (25 inches), 70 cm in depth (27.6 inches), and 84 cm in height (33.1 inches), with a seat height of 45 cm (17.7 inches). The chairs are in very good vintage condition, showing minor wear to the cane and wood surfaces, and feature newly reupholstered seats. They are structurally sound and retain their original finishes.