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.
Rolled Edge Solid Teak Top Square Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table Mint!
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Rolled Edge solid teak top square Danish Mid-Century Modern coffee table mint!
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Walnut Long Rectangle Coffee Table W Rolled Edge Mint!
By Milo Baughman, Morredi
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern walnut long rectangle coffee table w rolled edge mint!
Walnut
Danish Mid-Century Modern Solid Teak Rectangle Coffee Table Tapered Dowel Legs
By Peter Hvidt, France & Søn
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern solid teak rectangle coffee table tapered dowel legs. Hans Wegner, Peter Hvidt decor.
Teak
Danish Mid Century Modern Square Solid Teak Drop Leaf Coffee Side Table MINT!
By John Stuart, Peter Hvidt
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern solid teak square coffee table. Opened: W54" x D30" x H22"
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Square Rolled Edges Coffee Table MINT!
By Durland, Dux of Sweden
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid-Century Modern teak square rolled edges coffee table MINT!.
Teak
Danish Mid Century Modern Compact Rectangle Solid Teak Legs Coffee Table MINT
By Durland, John Stuart, Dux of Sweden, George Tanier
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid Century Modern Compact Rectangle Solid Teak Legs Coffee Table MINT
Teak
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Coffee Table
By Bramin Mobler
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Coffee Table by Bramin Above average vintage condition and structurally sound. Has some e...
Teak
Rare Danish Mid-Century Teak Coffee Table, 1960s – Restored
By Niels Bach
Located in Rødekro, DK
Elegant Scandinavian coffee table from the 1960s, attributed to Danish designer Niels Bach. Crafted from high-quality teak, this piece features a clean, timeless silhouette with fine...
Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Solid Teak wood Coffee Table
By Hvidt & Mølgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Beautiful solid teak coffee table. Amazing jointery on legs very sturdy and great design. Located in Brooklyn NYC. No Labels or MFG marks. Style of Hvidt & Mølgaard Measures 17.50...
Teak
Large Danish Teak Coffee Table from Silkeborg, 1960s
By CFC Silkeborg
Located in South Shields, GB
- Mid-century Danish Coffee Table - Made by Silkeborg - Made from teak.
Teak
Mid Century Modern Vintage Teak Coffee Table Danish Style
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover a gorgeous mid century coffee table that exemplifies the timeless elegance of Danish design, featuring a beautiful vintage teak finish with lovely wood grain. At Mid Century...
Teak, Wood
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table, Teak & Cane, Circa 1960
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Mid-Century Modern teak coffee table with cane shelf, circa 1960. Wonderfully clean and simple lines very nice design and craftsmanship q...
Cane, Teak
