Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen sofa

The Minerva seating group, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a notable example of Scandinavian mid-century modern furniture. This set comprises a three-seater sofa, a two-seater sofa, and an integrated corner side table, all unified by their clean lines and functional elegance.

The frames are constructed from solid teak, showcasing visible joinery and tapered legs that are hallmarks of the period’s design aesthetic. The corner side table features a teak top with a lower shelf crafted from woven cane, a material commonly used in Danish furniture for its visual lightness and structural qualities. The cushions are upholstered in the original dark grey wool fabric, providing a sophisticated contrast to the warm teak. The upholstery is tailored with precision, following the angular geometry of the frames, and metal fittings along with exposed structural elements enhance the set’s practical and rhythmic visual character.

Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen were influential figures in Danish modernism, recognized for their innovative, modular designs that prioritized material efficiency, transportability, and enduring style. The Minerva series exemplifies these qualities, offering minimalist forms combined with adaptable and practical features. France & Daverkosen, the manufacturer, was a pioneering Danish furniture company that evolved into France & Søn, known for producing high-quality modern designs.

This Minerva group highlights the Scandinavian philosophy of creating flexible living spaces through modular and multifunctional furniture. The three-seater sofa measures 190 centimeters (74.8 inches) in width, 77 centimeters (30.3 inches) in depth, and 79 centimeters (31.1 inches) in height, with a seat height of 40 centimeters (15.7 inches). The two-seater sofa is 125 centimeters (49.2 inches) wide, and the corner side table measures 77 centimeters (30.3 inches) square and stands 64 centimeters (25.2 inches) high.