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.
Finn Juhl for France & Søn ‘Japan’ Sofa in Teak and Cognac Leather
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 'Japan' sofa, model ‘137/3’, teak, brass, reupholstered in leather, Denmark, designed in 1957 In the 'Japan' series by Finn Juhl, crafted for France ...
Brass
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
Danish 3-Seater Minerva Daybed Sofa Daybed in Green Bouclé by Peter Hvidt
By France & Søn, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A beautiful 1960s three-seater "Minerva" daybed sofa by Danish designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son. In excellent reupholstered condition, the luxurious ...
Bouclé, Teak
Danish Vintage Leather Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in London, GB
A very rare and absolutely stunning Danish vintage leather sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son. It was made in Denmark, and dates from the 1960’s. This is of outstanding quality, ...
Leather, Wood
Gjerløv-Knudsen and Lind 'Moduline' All Black Leather Settee or Sofa
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, 'Moduline' sofa, oak, leather, Denmark, 1962 The present modern sofa is the Moduline model created by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and To...
Leather, Oak
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Moduline Sofa in Navy Green Leather
By France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, three-seat sofa, steel, leather, Denmark, 1960s A modern and beautifully designed navy-green sofa designed by Ole Gjerlø...
Steel
$6,491Sale Price|20% Off
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa Model 137 in Teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Hellouw, NL
Amazing Finn Juhl sofa Model 137 in teak for France & Son, Denmark 1950s. This three-seater 'Japan' sofa has the elegance and round shapes that are so recognizable for Finn Juhl and ...
Fabric, Teak
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak 4 Seater Sofa This sofa measures: 97 wide x 28.5 deep x 29.5 inches high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height of 21.75 inch...
Upholstery, Teak
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Wool, Mahogany
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 75 wide x 30 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vinta...
Upholstery, Teak
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, wurde prof...
Teak
Danish Modern Four Seat Teak "Senator" Sofa by Ole Wanscher for France and Son
By France & Søn, Ole Wanscher
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Uncommon four-seat sofa designed by Ole Wanscher for France & Son as part of his 'Senator' line (ca. 1960s, Denmark). Composed of a dense slat-back teak frame, designed with a partia...
Upholstery, Teak
Midcentury Sofa France & Søn Couch Ole Wanscher Dreisitzer teak2
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Teakholz Dreisitzer Sofa von France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Das Möbel besticht durch seine minimalistische Formgebung, seinen typ...
Teak
Modern Grete Jalk Danish Sofa, France and Son Freshly Reupholstered
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
First edition for this sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France and Son. Scandinavian sofa Freshly reupholstered. Perfect condition.
Fabric, Teak
Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son Mid Century Modern Sofa
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning original Mid Century Modern circa 1960 Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France & Son daybed sofa.. Early production,, aMAZING ORIGINAL condition,Two pieces.. extrem...
Teak
Teak & Cane "FD" Sofa by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for John Stuart
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
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
Finn Juhl Jupiter Sofa France and Son Denmark 1965 Black
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Danish modern so called Jupiter sofa model 218 designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France and Son, Denmark 1965. The sofa has a solid rosewood frame...
Leather, Rosewood
Finn Juhl Model 137 Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark 1950s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Hellouw, NL
A beautifully resolved design by one of Denmark’s leading modernists, this Model 137 sofa by Finn Juhl was produced in the 1950s by France & Søn. It reflects Juhl’s sculptural approa...
Fabric, Teak
Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Gjerlov Knudson Torben Lind Teak
By France & Daverkosen, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten ein wunderschönes Vintage Teakholzsofa von France & Son aus den 1970er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Zweisitzer wurde von Ole Gjerlov Knudson und Torben Lind entworfen un...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century 3 Seat Sofa by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany, 1950s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 85-102 x 190 x 74 41 cm (Depth x Width x Height / Seat height) This unique mid-century design sofa/daybed was designed by Hans Bellmann for Wilkhahn, Germany in the 1960...
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard FD130 Teak sofa in Cognac Leather - Denmark, 1950's
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Amazing minimalistic solid Teak and Cognac leather sofa model FD130 by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France and Søn – Denmark, circa 1960. The leather has a lot of patina a...
Leather, Teak
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind Two Seater Sofa in Red Leather and Teak
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen and Torben Lind, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Torben Lind for France & Søn, two seater sofa, teak, leather, Denmark, 1962 Modern and beautiful constructed sofa based on a tight and simple design. The teak...
Leather, Teak
'Jupiter' Sofa by Finn Juhl for France & Son, 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn, John Stuart
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Danish minimalist style sofa designed by Finn Juhl and produced by France & Son, 1960s. Beautiful wood frame construction, with manufacturer's label and production mark. Pl...
Rosewood
1960s Arne Vodder 3-Seat Sofa for France & Søn, Denmark
By Arne Vodder, France & Søn
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly re-upholstered original springs pillows - The wooden parts have been refurbished.
Fabric, Wood
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
8 Ft. Long Four Seat Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Sons in Teak, c. 1960s
By France & Søn, Grete Jalk
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and exceptional is this sculptural sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son. This four-seat sofa features contoured slats that create a spectacular line from the back and side angles...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Sofa by Grete Jalk for France and Son, 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A true icon of mid-century modern design, this exceptional sofa by Grete Jalk for France & Son, crafted in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of the...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl Japan Sofa by France & Son, All New Premium Upholstery
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Utrecht, NL
"Japan" series sofa by Finn Juhl, designed in 1957 made by France & Son Denmark. The sublime simplicity of the "Japan" series is inspired by traditional Japanese construction techni...
Fabric, Teak, Wool, Linen
Minerva Sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, Denmark 19
By Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt
Located in Hellouw, NL
Stunning ‘minerva’ sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn from the 1960s. Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen have played a significant role in the internatio...
Fabric, Teak
Mid-Century 2-Seat Sofa, Minerva Series by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen
By Hvidt & Mølgaard, France & Søn
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions 125 x 80 x 85 x 43 cm (WxDxHxSH) This shapely and comfortable sofa was designed by Danish Designers Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard Nielsen for France and Daverkosen. The ...
Steel, Chrome
Ole Wanscher Three-Seat Sofa
By Ole Wanscher, France & Søn
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Ole Wanscher three-seat sofa new upholstered with light grey 100 % New Zealand Divina wool. Made of solid mahogany. Model Senator, made by France & Son.
Wool, Mahogany
$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 Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, Peter Hvidt, France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard, John Stuart
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
$3,507 / set
H 29.93 in W 29.93 in D 27.96 in
Set of 2 France & Son Rosewood Moduline Armchairs by Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen & Lind
By Torben Lind, Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen, France & Søn
Located in CULEMBORG, GE
Listed is a pair of iconic ‘Moduline’ rosewood and leather armchairs by Ole Gerlev Knudsen and Torben Lind for France & Son, Denmark. Chairs are in fair original condition, ‘dans son jus’. The rosewood actually is in immaculate condition, however the leather is adequate. Though I could see them standing — as is — in a loft or a bachelor pad...
Leather, Rosewood
Danish 1950s Sofa in Green Wool in the Style of Peter Hvidt
By Peter Hvidt
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic and very elegant lines very much in the style of the early Danish iconic Designer, Peter Hvidt made circa 1950. Back and seat nice and firm and frame on beech wood legs remai...
Wool, Mahogany
$3,800
H 34 in W 50 in D 32 in
Paul McCobb Curvaceous Wing Back Settee or Sofa Refinished Reupholstered
By Paul McCobb
Located in Atlanta, GA
Curvaceous Wing back settee or sofa, designed by Paul McCobb for Directional, American, circa 1950s. This sofa is currently being refinished and reupholstered and can be completed in...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid Century Danish Modern Beautiful All Black Leather Sofa
By Børge Mogensen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid century Danish modern beautiful All Black leather 3 seat sofa black wood legs. Beautiful Black leather is soft and shows little signs of use but broken in nicely. Great Danish Mo...
Leather, Teak, Lacquer
$1,704
H 31.89 in W 26.78 in D 20.87 in
Diplomat 209 Armchair in Rosewood & Black Leather by Finn Juhl for France & Son
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
Finn Juhl Diplomat 209 armchair by France & Son in rosewood and black leather. Danish design classic from the 1960s. — Origin: Denmark — Designer: Finn Juhl — Manufacturer: Fran...
Leather, Rosewood
Sold|$2,797
H 31.11 in W 75.6 in D 31.5 in
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn
By France & Daverkosen, France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
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
$3,250
H 28 in W 64 in D 33 in
Vintage Black Leather 64"W Chesterfield Sofa Settee Perfectly Broken In English
Located in Atlanta, GA
Vintage Black Leather Chesterfield Sofa or Settee, English, circa 1960s. It is perfectly broken in and has that warm original patina that only comes with age.
Metal
Sold|$1,657
H 31.5 in W 49.22 in D 27.56 in
Zweisitzer Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher, ist bekannt u...
Fabric, Teak
Danish 1940s Curved Banana Form Settee or Sofa in Wool
By Slagelse Mobelvaerk, Viggo Boesen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Beautiful and very elegant Danish 1940s curved loveseat /sofa raised on a beech frame and legs. These type of sofas was manufactured from the 30's and up through the early 50's. Sol...
Wool, Beech
$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 Peter Hvidt, John Stuart
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
Zweisitzer Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Zweisitzer vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher, ist bekannt u...
Fabric, Teak
Finn Juhl 'Diplomat' Sofa in Olive Green Leather and Rosewood
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 'Diplomat', leather and rosewood, Denmark, 1960s This small solemn rosewood bench is upholstered with an olive green tufted seat and back. The sofa...
Leather, Wood
Two Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen Large 'Moduline' Three-Seat Sofas
By Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen, France & Søn
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Ole Gjerløv-Knudsen by France & Søn, 'Moduline', two three-seat sofa's, leather and teak, Denmark, 1962. Modern and beautiful modular living room set. These sofas form an extraor...
Leather, Teak
Grete Jalk Teak Sofa Settee for France & Sons, Circa 1960s
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Peabody, MA
A model 118 sofa in solid teak by the Danish designer Grete Jalk for France & Sons, ca. 1960s.
Upholstery, Teak
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Daybed Sofa France & Søn Sofa
By Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen, France & Daverkosen, 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
Midcentury Sofa Couch France & Søn Ole Wanscher Senator teak
By Ole Wanscher, France & Daverkosen, France & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
Wir bieten einen wunderschönen Dreisitzer vom dänischen Traditionshersteller France & Son aus den 1960er Jahren zum Verkauf an. Der Entwurf stammt von Ole Wanscher, ist bekannt u...
Fabric, Teak
Grete Jalk Danish Teak Lounge Chair
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish Modern teak lounge chair designed by Grete Jalk for France & Sons Denmark, circa 1958 and imported by John Stuart Inc, Crafted of solid teak frames with sculpted arms uph...
Teak
Grete Jalk Teak Three Seat Sofa
By Grete Jalk, France & Søn
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish Modern teak frame sofa designed by Grete Jalk for France & Sons Denmark, circa 1958 and imported by John Stuart Inc. Crafted of a solid teak frame with sculpted arms uphol...
Teak
Sold
H 29.53 in W 74.81 in D 31.5 in
Mid-Century Sofa, Daybed Minerva by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard Nielsen, 1950s
By France & Søn, Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in München, Bavaria
Dimensions: Daybed: 190 × 80 × 85 × 43 cm (74.8" × 31.5" × 33.5" × 16.9") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height This elegant mid-century modern daybed was designed in the 1950s by Pe...
Steel, Chrome
Peter Hvidt, Day bed, prod. France & Son anni '60
By France & Søn
Located in Rivoli, IT
Day bed Struttura in legno, imbottitura rivestita in tessuto, particolari in acciaio. Marchio del produttore Prod. France & Son, Danimarca, anni '60 France & Daverkosen - sono oggi ...
Fabric, Wood
"Minerva" sofa with armrests by France & Søn
By France & Søn, Peter Hvidt, Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen
Located in Brescia, IT
Two-armed sofa by Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, 1960s. Struttura in teak, staffe in acciaio, marchio presente. Cuscini nuovi in microfibra grigio ghiaccio, sf...
Fabric, Teak
Poul Cadovius Rosewood and Leather Sofa
By France & Søn, Poul Cadovius
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
Sought after Brazilian Rosewood version of a classic Paul Cadovius design for France and Son, made in 1973. Featuring original orange lather cushions in a beautiful basketweave Rosew...
Rosewood