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 Rosewood 'Diplomat' Desk, by France & Son, Denmark 1960s
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Finn Juhl 'Diplomat' executive desk in rosewood, fitted two drawers to each side with aluminium pulls below a pullout lined with felt/glass. Designed circa 1957 and likely manufactur...
Rosewood
1960s Finn Juhl France & Son Technocrat Desk Model 963 in Teak Made in Denmark
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Listed for sale is a 1960's Finn Juhl for France & Son Technocrat Desk Model 963 in Teak. Overall this item is in very good to excellent condition. The wood top is free from any major scratches, stains, or major imperfections. It has aged quite nicely and shows a gorgeous and very subtle patina. The drawers open easily and the metal finish on the legs are intact and clean. The bottom of the desk top from the ground is 26-1/2" but total clearance from the ground is 24-3/4" to the middle support beam. This piece came from a notable modern estate in Boston. It was purchased from Machine Age by the previous owner. The Eames aluminum chair...
Metal
Freestanding Desk Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak wood with 3 drawers on each side, as well as a drawer in the middle of Danish design from around the 1960s. Key included. Dimensions in cm: H:72 W:130 D:70...
Teak
Desk Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a splendid example of Danish design from the 1960s and represents the era with its timeless appearance and functionality. Made of teak wood, the desk exudes a warm and ...
Teak
Rosewood Desk by Arne Vodder for Sibast Furniture 1960s
By Arne Vodder, Sibast
Located in Lejre, DK
Rosewood desk designed by Arne Vodder and manufactured by Sibast Furniture in the 1960s. The desk features a large work surface and a classic Danish design from the period. — Origin...
Rosewood
Desk Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is an example of Danish design from the 1960s and is made of teak wood, which gives it a natural and timeless look. The beautiful golden color and unique wood grain add cha...
Teak
Desk Made In Teak From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made of teak wood, it exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that fits perfectly with any decor. The desk's simple y...
Teak
Desk Made In Beechwood Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a great example of Danish design from the 1960s. Made from beech wood, it exudes a timeless elegance and simplicity that is characteristic of Scandinavian design. With i...
Beech
Desk Made In Teak, Danish Design From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a beautiful example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood, which gives it a natural and timeless look. The beautiful golden color and unique wood pattern ad...
Teak
1960s Atomic Danish Secretary Desk in Teak
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Era: 1960s Materials: Teak Measurements: 35.5″ wide x 19″ deep x 46″ tall
Teak
Danish Midcentury Desk in Teak, 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
Freestanding desk in teak designed and made in the 1960s. Made in Denmark, great original condition.
Teak
Desk Made In Teak Designed With A Floating TableTop From 1960s
Located in Lejre, DK
This desk is a nice example of Danish design from the 1960s, made of teak wood. One of the most notable features of this desk is the floating tabletop, which creates an airy and ligh...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Teak Executive Desk
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Danish Modern Teak Writing Desk Bring refined Scandinavian craftsmanship into your home with this exceptional Danish modern teak writing desk, designed and built in Denmark during t...
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Teak Desk, 1960s
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
A beautifully preserved teak desk from the 1960s, offering a perfect balance between compact size and practical workspace. Its clean, timeless design makes it ideal for both home off...
Teak
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H 28.75 in W 67 in D 37.5 in
Danish Modern Rosewood “Diplomat” Desk by Finn Juhl for France and Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
An iconic example of Danish modern design, this exceptional “Diplomat” desk by Finn Juhl for France & Son showcases the designer’s unmistakable balance of elegance, warmth, and funct...
Aluminum
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H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 37.41 in
Desk in Rosewood model "Diplomat" by designer Finn Juhl and from France & Søn
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
Diplomat desk designed by Finn Juhl for France & Søn around 1961. Made in rosewood with a rectangular top and two suspended drawer units. Each unit includes an extending writing ...
Steel
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H 28.15 in W 74.81 in D 25.2 in
Mid-Century Modern Teak FD-951 Diplomat Desk by Finn Juhl for France & Søn
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and large Mid-Century Modern executive Diplomat FD-951 desk. Design by Finn Juhl for France & Søn. Striking Danish design from the 1960s. Solid teak and original teak ven...
Chrome
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H 28.5 in W 74.75 in D 37.38 in
Finn Juhl Rosewood " Diplomat " Desk for France & Son, circa 1965
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Finn Juhl Rosewood " Diplomat " Desk model FD-951 for France & Son, circa 1965. This piece has been professionally restored.
Metal
Excellent Large Finn Juhl Diplomat Desk, Denmark 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Berlin, DE
Excellent large Finn Juhl diplomat desk, Denmark 1960s, for France & Son Keys included. Superb condition. Largest version.
Wood, Teak
Large Finn Juhl Diplomat Writing Table in Rosewood
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptional large Diplomat table designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son. Made in rosewood with a refined color and grain. Marked with silver medalli...
Rosewood
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H 28.35 in W 74.81 in D 37.41 in
Vintage Danish Teak Dining Table by Finn Juhl for France & Søn, 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish dining table by Finn Juhl for France & Søn 1960s Large teak table Model Diplomat by Danish architect Finn Juhl, designed in 1962. Suit...
Teak
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H 28.35 in W 66.93 in D 37.41 in
Diplomat Desk Made In Rosewood By Finn Juhl For France & Son From 1960s
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Lejre, DK
The Diplomat desk in rosewood, designed by the renowned Danish architect Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Søn in 1960, represents a striking mix of functionality and aesthetics...
Rosewood
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H 29.53 in W 74.81 in L 29.53 in
Danish Modern Finn Juhl 'Diplomat' Desk by France & Son, Denmark
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Utrecht, NL
Teak 'diplomat' writing desk by Danish designer Finn Juhl, designed in 1958 for France & Son (prior 'France & Daverkosen) Denmark. The sleek lines of this desk are subtly accentuated...
Aluminum
Danish Teak "Diplomat" Desk by Finn Juhl
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Danish teak "Diplomat" desk designed by Finn Juhl for France & Son. Finn Juhl is one of the greatest Scandinavian furniture designers...
Aluminum
Finn Juhl Diplomat Dining Table France & Son, Denmark, 1962
By France & Søn, Finn Juhl
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Fantastic grained rosewood dining table designed by Finn Juhl and manufactured by France & Son, Denmark, 1962. This table is from the 'Diplomat' office series, there were also desks ...
Rosewood
Finn Juhl Rosewood Diplomat Executive Desk for France and Son
By Finn Juhl, France & Søn
Located in Southampton, NJ
Gorgeous Finn Juhl diplomat desk in Brazilian rosewood having signature aluminium pulls and green felt dawned letter trays, one having a glass press. France and Son button underneath...
Aluminum