Working in rich woods to create durable furniture that is today recognized for its elegant simplicity and solid craftsmanship, Niels Otto Møller was one of the original designers of the famed Scandinavian modern movement that swept through postwar Europe and, eventually, the United States.
At the age of 19, Møller studied to be a cabinetmaker, gaining a strong affinity for working with natural materials. He furthered his education at the local design academy in his hometown of Århus, Denmark, where, in 1944, he established J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. Møller’s first chair — called simply No. 1 — was introduced in 1946. In 1961, he expanded his thriving business by opening a factory in Højbjerg, producing his popular dining chairs as well as armchairs, lounge chairs, tables and more. Rather than unnecessary ornamentation, he focused on a warm and more minimalist approach that valued function over form. Nearly all of his pieces, from the 1962 Model 78 chair to his simple tables, feature gentle curves formed from woods such as rosewood and teak (a sought-after material among furniture designers of the time).
Though the furnishings boasted a contemporary look and were a departure from the ornate designs of the recent past, Møller’s company crafted all of them using traditional, age-old techniques. For instance, the 1959 Model 77 side chair’s seat is handwoven using a single 425-foot-long cord. Today, the Danish furniture designer’s refined pieces continue to be as sought after as they were when mid-century modernism was in full swing.
The company, still based in its original factory, remains a family business, now headed by Møller’s granddaughter, Kirsten Møller. Along with new pieces, they craft the celebrated original designs, from raw wood to finished assembled products, that made J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik a renowned name in Danish Modern design.
Find a collection of vintage Niels Otto Møller furniture on 1stDibs.
$1,300 / item
H 16.54 in W 47.25 in D 13.78 in
Norr11 Le Roi Bench by Kristian Sofus Hansen & Tommy Hyldahl
By Norr11
Located in New York, NY
The Le Roi Bench is both timeless and functional. Named after the French word for “King”, Le Roi Bench is made of solid ash with inlaid natural rattan. It works equally well as a cof...
Rattan, Ash
Bench "X" by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Bench "X" by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede Unique piece Dimensions: W 118 x D 34 x H 43 cm Materials: Wood. Bench serves as auxiliary furniture for the entrance of the house or in th...
Wood
X Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
X Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede Dimensions: D 34 x W 118 x H 43 cm Materials: Hand-carved wood Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede defines himself as a cabinetmaker-designer and an a...
Wood
Mora Bench
Located in Northfield, MN
The Mora bench introduces textile to our line up and we welcome this new form to our familiar pieces. The bench is being offered with and without a cushion ...
Walnut
Nakki Long Bench by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki tall bench by Mika Tolvane. Materials: foam, plywood, elastic belts, fabric (Harald 3, 0143). Dimensions: D 45 x W 200 x H 51 cm. Also available in different colours and materials. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. Studio Tolvanen...
Metal
Bruksbo Bench, New Edition
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian Bruksbo bench, new edition. Designed in 1960 by Torbjøn Afdal and originally produced by the Norwegian cabinetmaker Bruksbo, the bench is no...
Oak, Walnut
Classic Bench by Jean-Baptiste Van Den Heede
Located in Geneve, CH
Classic bench by Jean-Baptiste Van den Heede Dimensions: L 87 x D 29 x H 45 cm Materials: oak, textile. Also available: other finishes and woods avail...
Textile, Oak
Olavi Hanninen Wood Bench
By Olavi Hanninen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful elm wood bench by Olavi Hanninen, 1950s. Amazing T-bench Brutalist design with thick wood seat, beautiful slightly wavy wood beam back and chunky angled legs. Original wood...
Elm
Tocker Bench by Matthias Scherzinger
Located in Geneve, CH
Tocker bench by Matthias Scherzinger Dimensions: H 48 x W 40 x L 120 cm Materials: oak white lyed, oil seat: needled felt light-grey Also available i...
Oak
Nakki Bench by Mika Tolvanen
Located in Geneve, CH
Nakki bench by Mika Tolvanen. Materials: Foam, Plywood, Elastic Belts, fabric (Harald 3, 0143). Dimensions: D 45 x W 120 x H 46 cm. Also available in different colours and materials. The founders, Mia and Torben Koed, decided to put their 30 years of experience into a new project. It was time for a change and a new challenge. The challenge was to build an ambitious design brand from the ground up with high-quality materials and great attention to the little details. With a drive to create new originals, the WOUD collection is founded upon the idea to look ahead instead of looking back and share the love for honest design. Therefore, we are eager to discover and develop new ideas whether it being in form, function or choice of material. Studio Tolvanen...
Metal
Torbjørn Afdal Oak 'Krobo' Bench
By Torbjørn Afdal
Located in Dallas, TX
A solid oak 'Krobo' bench / table designed by Torbjørn Afdal, 1960's
Oak
Daybed by Jens Risom
By Jens Risom
Located in Dallas, TX
A Jens Risom daybed with walnut frame and steel glides. Fully restored.
Walnut
Trestle Bench by Gerald McCabe
Located in Dallas, TX
Trestle bench in African Shedua by Gerald McCabe for Orange Crate Modern.
Walnut
Thomas Lacagnina Studio Craft Bench, 1974
Located in Dallas, TX
An oak and cherry studio craft bench made by Thomas Lacagnina, 1974. Tom Lacagnina received his BFA in 1970 and MFA in 1974 from the Rochester I...
Oak
Arne Vodder Sofa for Ivan Schlechter
By Arne Vodder
Located in Dallas, TX
Arne Vodder two seater settee sofa for Ivan Schlechter. Perfectly restored in leather with down cushions.
Leather
Paul Frankl Cork Top Bench
By Paul Frankl
Located in Dallas, TX
A mahogany and cork bench / coffee table by Paul Frankl for Johnson furniture. Two available in different finishes.
Cork
