Teak and Cane Minerva Day Bed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen for France and Son, 1960s (Denmark)

The teak and cane 'Minerva' day bed was designed by Peter Hvidt and Orla Molgaard-Nielsen and manufactured by France and Son. It was first designed in 1957 and manufactured in the 1960s. 

The teak frame has beautifully sculpted armrests and woven rattan side panels. When the catch is released, the arms drop down on each end, and the back cushions go on either end to turn this into a guest bed. The frame is structurally sound, and the catch mechanisms function smoothly.

Its elegant teak frame is oiled and has a beautiful patina it has been fully cleaned and restored.

The cushions are new and have been professionally upholstered in a thick luxury boucle named Foam (in Flax colourway) by Kirkby.

Height: 30.5 in (77.47 cm)Width: 80 in (203.2 cm)Depth: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Seat Height: 16.5 in (41.91 cm)

Peter Hvidt (1916–1986) and Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen (1907–1993) were influential Danish architects and furniture designers. Hvidt studied at the Kunsthåndværkerskolen (School of Arts and Crafts) in Copenhagen, where he specialised in industrial design. Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen trained as a cabinetmaker before studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where he developed his skills in furniture and architectural design. 

The duo founded their design studio, Hvidt & Mølgaard in 1944 and collaborated until 1975, creating an impressive portfolio of furniture and architectural works. Their designs were characterised by clean lines, functional aesthetics, and innovative production techniques, such as their pioneering use of modular and flat-pack furniture. 

They worked with renowned Danish manufacturers, including France & Søn and Fritz Hansen, producing iconic pieces like the AX Chair (1947) and Armchair No. 317 (1956). Beyond furniture, the pair also designed buildings and infrastructure, blending architectural precision with Scandinavian simplicity. 

Hvidt and Mølgaard’s work remains celebrated for its craftsmanship, practicality, and timeless elegance, making them icons of Danish modernism.