Danish manufacturer France & Søn is best known for its prolific output of elegant mid-century modern furnishings in teak and leather, yet its multinational beginnings took shape during the 1930s.
After businessman Charles William Fearnley France (1897–1972) moved from his native England to Denmark in 1936, he began to operate a small mattress factory alongside his friend Eric Daverkosen, a Danish cabinetmaker, under the name France & Daverkosen. Shortly afterward, Daverkosen passed away, and when Denmark was invaded during the Second World War, Charles was captured and sent to a prison camp in Germany. When he was released, the British entrepreneur set out to produce furniture in the early 1950s, setting up a shop in Hillerød to manufacture the kind of sleek beech and teak goods that were gaining widespread acclaim around the world. In 1957, France’s son James joined the business, and the company changed its name to reflect the addition.
Throughout the ’50s and ’60s, France & Søn produced a stunning array — and staggering quantity — of designs, with elegant modernist lounge chairs and armchairs, teak and rosewood dining tables and other furnishings by the likes of Finn Juhl, Grete Valk, Ole Wanscher, Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen all gracing its catalogues.
Even as there was a focus on mass production at France & Søn — and the brand doesn’t quite enjoy the same renown as fellow mid-century Danish furniture makers such as Carl Hansen & Søn — Charles France believed in making quality furniture, and the company’s offerings evoke the warmth of the handcrafted work that is typically associated with Scandinavian modernism.
In the 1960s, the company was bought by Danish designer Poul Cadovius, who folded it into the operations at CADO, a company he founded during the 1950s. Surviving examples of early work from the brand as well as modern icons by the likes of Verner Panton that followed in later years continue to be in demand.
Find a collection of France & Søn furniture on 1stDibs.
Peter Hvidt Minerva Daybed Sofa, Teak & Upholstery, Mid-Century
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart Inc.
Located in Hanover, MA
Minerva daybed sofa designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, made in Denmark by France & Søn, and imported to the USA by John Stuart,Inc for their 1961 Danish Craftsm...
Upholstery, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn
By France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Daybed vom dänischen Hersteller France & Søn / France & Daverkosen aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Sofa wurde von Peter Hvidt & Orl...
Teak
Mid Century Teak Daybed, 1960s
Located in Oud Beijerland, NL
Very nice teak daybed, fabricated in The Netherlands in the 60's. It has 4 folding feet, see the last pictures. The mattress is renewed with new foam and it has just been uphols...
Bouclé, Teak
$8,000
H 32 in W 80 in D 30 in
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Make your living room the envy of the neighborhood with this breathtaking teak & rattan sofa designed by legendary Scandinavian Modern duo Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. ...
Brass
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
By Tito Agnoli
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...
Steel
$7,018 / set
H 32.68 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Minerva Sofa Set by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Mid-Century Modern Minerva corner sofa set. Design by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid ...
Chrome
$3,400Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 48 in D 30 in
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
By John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in San Diego, CA
An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...
Teak, Chenille
$6,500
H 31 in W 100.5 in D 30 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Minerva Daybed Sofa France and Sons Denmark
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage Rare Extra Long Danish modern Minerva Daybed Sofa. Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart circa 1960's. Beautiful sleek Mid Century Design. Rare extra long size...
Teak
$4,211
H 33.47 in W 74.81 in D 30.32 in
Danish Minerva Sofa in Mohair by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, 1950s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Renens, CH
A vintage Minerva sofa / daybed designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, originating from the early 1960s, produced by France & Son. The sofa features a teak frame, with ne...
Mohair, Teak
$2,222
H 28.35 in W 36.23 in D 80.71 in
Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Daybed, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Bamboo Daybed, Italy, 1960s - New Upholstery
Fabric, Bamboo
$3,895
H 29.5 in W 64.25 in D 31 in
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen Mid Century Teak and Cane Daybed This daybed measures: 64.25 wide x 31 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 25.2...
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
$2,895
H 33.5 in W 25.5 in D 28.5 in
Expertly Restored -Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Model FD-146 Lounge Chair
By France & Daverkosen, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lounge Chair designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Daverkosen in Denmark circa 1950’s. This stunning Model FD-146 features a walnut-stained beechwood frame wit...
Foam, Beech, Fabric, Walnut
1960s Daybed Hvidt Minerva France Son Teak Danish Sofa Modular
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Minerva Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark. Needs to be re-upholstered or professionally cleaned, dingy and dusty. The upholstery appea...
Teak
1950s Minerva Sofa Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen and produced by France & Daverkosen in Denmark during the 1950s, the Minerva Sofa Daybed is one o...
Steel
Peter Hvidt Teak Minerva Daybed
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Cambridge, US
Denmark, ca. 1950s. A Minerva Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son. Features a minimalist solid teak base with bullnose profile supported by turned conical ...
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
Sold
H 25.6 in W 64.97 in D 31.5 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard Nielsen Sofa / Daybed, Denmark ca. 1960
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Geneva, CH
Rare sofa / daybed model FD 451 designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Produced by France & Son in Denmark ca. 1950s. Teak frame, with woven cane details. Orange wool origi...
Wool, Cane, Teak
Peter Hvidt Daybed for France & Søn, Denmark 1960s
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Utrecht, NL
Crafted by Peter Hvidt for France & Søn, this daybed exemplifies the clean and functional elegance that characterised Scandinavian mid-century modernism. Peter Hvidt, one of Denmark’...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 3.5 in W 48 in D 30.5 in
1960s Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen 'Minerva' Daybed for France & Son
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century 'Minerva' daybed or sofa with Teak frame and newly upholstered cushions, designed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Son. In otherwise original condition...
Metal
Teak Sofa Daybed Sectional Set By Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Scandinavian modern, teak, three piece sectional seating set designed by Danish architects Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France And Son and retailed by John Stuart in the U...
Upholstery, Teak, Cane
Sold
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 29.53 in
'Minerva' Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgard Nielsen for France & Son
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
An excellent example of classic Scandinavian modern daybed, best quality Teak and freshly reupholstered in white boucle.
Fabric, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverkosen in the 1960s.
Leather, Canvas, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 64.97 in D 33.08 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, FD 451 sofa bed for France & Søn, 1960s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A beautiful FD451 articulated two seater sofa bed, designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn in Denmark around the 1960s. One interesting feature of this ...
Cane, Teak
Governor sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Ranst, VAN
Rare ‘Governor’ sofa by Poul Cadovius for France & Son. The sofa is in very good condition and is marked by the manufacturer.
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.25 in W 48 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa, Daybed, France & Son
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century Modern Peter Hvidt, Orla Molgaard Minerva Sofa, Daybed, France & Son Danish modern Minerva sofa, daybed, or loveseat by Peter Hvidt & Orla Molgaard-Nielsen. 'Minerva' col...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century Sofa or Daybed by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
By Peter Hvidt, John Stuart, Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Iconic mid-century sofa or daybed in teakwood with chromed details. All hardware and springs are present. No Cushions and no side arms - holes are factory drilled if you want to hard...
Steel, Chrome
Sold
H 33.47 in W 31.89 in D 74.81 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed, Teak, Canvas and Leather, 1960s
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen daybed with solid teak frame. With backrest. New upholstered cushion with canvas and cognac aniline leather details. Made by France & Daverkosen...
Leather, Canvas, Teak