France & Søn is one of the most celebrated names in mid-century Danish furniture design. Established in the 1940s by Charles W. France and later joined by Eric Søn, the company became a driving force behind the Scandinavian modern movement. By the 1950s and 1960s, France & Søn’s teak furniture and Danish modern sofas, sideboards, and lounge chairs were exported worldwide, shaping the look of contemporary interiors.
The success of France & Søn was built on collaborations with some of Denmark’s most iconic designers, including:
Finn Juhl – famous for sculptural, organic seating that redefined modern design.
Grete Jalk – noted for elegant lounge chairs and refined simplicity.
Ole Wanscher – recognized for timeless, classic Danish craftsmanship.
Arne Vodder – admired for his architectural lines and subtle details.
These partnerships produced pieces that are now highly collectible, with France & Søn lounge chairs, armchairs, and teak dining sets commanding strong interest from design enthusiasts.
France & Søn stood out by combining craftsmanship, modular design, and accessibility. Their early adoption of flat-pack furniture made Danish design more affordable and transportable, while their focus on quality ensured longevity.
Core principles of France & Søn’s design:
Materials – Rich use of teak and rosewood.
Functionality – Modular systems adaptable to modern living.
Aesthetic – Minimalist, elegant, and timeless.
The result is furniture that blends form and function, remaining stylish and relevant today.
Original France & Søn sofas, sideboards, and armchairs are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers. Key indicators of authenticity include the original France & Søn burn mark or metal tag. These details enhance value, making each piece both a design investment and a functional artwork.
Popular collectible pieces include:
Teak lounge chairs with sculptural frames.
Modular sofas designed by Finn Juhl.
Rosewood dining tables and sideboards.
Elegant chairs by Grete Jalk and Ole Wanscher.
Choosing a France & Søn piece brings mid-century Danish modern design into your home. The clean lines and warm teak tones complement both minimalist interiors and eclectic spaces. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply looking for a statement piece, France & Søn furniture represents enduring style and craftsmanship.
For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below.
Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.
Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com