Mid-century Teak Sofa or Daybed, France & Søn

A solid teak, three seat sofa, often described as a daybed, made by France & Søn, offered by Snowdrift Antiques.
 
During the 1950s and 1960s, Denmark became the birthplace of mid-century furniture design, pioneering an aesthetic that balanced industrial innovation with organic, human-centric form. At the heart of this revolution was France & Søn (originally founded as France & Daverkosen), a manufacturer that redefined mid-century luxury by proving high-end architectural design could be masterfully produced for a global audience.
 
This sofa is from the Minerva line of France & Søn, designed by architectural masters Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. It is model FD/417.  It is often referred to as a daybed with its generous 80” length and removable arm and back cushions. It is made of solid Burmese teak, revered for its rich, honeyed golden hues, tight grain patterns, and structural durability. Designed with an open, architectural frame, the massive, single piece, upholstered seat and backrest appear to hover effortlessly above a low-slung, solid teak platform. Rather than sitting heavily on the frame, the backrest is supported by a minimalist, angled teak frame supported by chrome brackets. The teak arm rests are supported by the same chrome brackets. 
 
Underneath, an innovative rubber coated, elastic wire system provides excellent support and comfort for sitting or lying on the piece. This hidden engineering serves a brilliant dual purpose; it offers the firm, upright support required for a formal living room sofa, while instantly transitioning into a perfectly supportive base when the back cushions are removed, transforming the sofa into an elegant daybed for guests.
 
The entire unit rests on Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen’s signature conical legs of the Minerva line, which strike a perfect balance between engineering strength and delicate grace.
 
Underneath, this sofa features the highly coveted, authentic original early-1960s circular metallic France & Søn identifier badge, with the text “FRANCE & SØN DENMARK” This pristine manufacturer's mark guarantees its heritage as a genuine, mid-century Danish export production. This badge tells us the piece was produced between 1964 and 1969.
 
It is in excellent vintage condition.  It has been well cared for by a single owner. At some point, it may have been reupholstered in a cerulean blue wool or wool blend woven fabric.  The cushions are zippered. The padding inside may have also been replaced. Both are in excellent condition.
 
This beauty measures a generous 80 inches long by 30 deep and stands 30 inches tall to the top of the back cushion.
 
We also have a coordinating France & Søn Minerva tiered end table (FD/519) and coffee (FD/516) in the shop.
 
They can be admired and purchased at ..
 
The Antique Exchange
1500 South Broadway
Denver, CO
 
Questions about or to purchase, contact me at... snowdriftantiques@gmail.com
 
Shipping is available. Local delivery and local pick up are available in Denver, CO.