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.
Teak Armchair by Erik Wørts for Norden Møbelfabrik 1950s
By Erik Wørts
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare Erik Wørts armchair in solid teak and imitation leather for Norden Møbelfabrik Denmark. designed and produced in 1850s. All in original condition. The last photo shows the chair...
Teak
Erik Kirkegaard Teak and Leather Armchair Model 43
By Erik Kirkegaard
Located in Handewitt, DE
Fine danish teak armchair by Erik Kirkegaard for Høng Stolefabrik. Seat and backrest in black leather. Original stand.
Leather, Teak
Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen rare Side Chair "24GT" in Teak
By Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rare side cheir model "24GT" early 1960s by Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen Denmark 1959. Made in solid teak. Seat in woven cane. Note: The covering would need to be redone.We can do...
Cane, Teak
CH-28 Teak and Unika Vaev Easychair by Hans J. Wegner 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Ch-28 „Sawbuck“ easychair / sawbuck chair by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn Denmark 1951. Prod. 1960s in teak. In good vintage condition, with old Unika Vaev fabric. Size: H. ...
Fabric, Teak
Ib Kofod-Larsen Teak Cloud Master Reclinner Chair 1950s
By Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Handewitt, DE
Early Ib Kofod Larsen "Cloud Master" recliner chair. Designed in 1954 and produced by Carlo Garhn Denmark 1950s. Made in solid teak and with the first red fabric. Incl. the matching ...
Fabric, Teak
Vintage PJ-149 Colonial Chair by Ole Wanscher for P. Jeppesen 1949
By Ole Wanscher
Located in Handewitt, DE
Vintage „Colonial Chair“ by Ole Wanscher for Poul Jeppesen 1949. Model PJ-149. Produced in 1950s. Made in rosewood and orignial cushions in lig...
Fabric
Niels Moller Model 57 Armchair in Teak & Papercord
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
Located in London, England
Niels Moller model 57 chair in teak & papercord, circa 1950s. An immaculate example of this iconic design made from exquisite teak. Designed by Niels Moller for his own company: J...
Papercord, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Teak Model 64 Armchair By Niels Otto Møller
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An exceptional Danish modern design classic, the Møller no. 64 captain's dining armchair in teak wood was created in the 1960s by Niels Otto Møller for J.L. Møller Møbelfabrik in Den...
Fabric, Teak, Bouclé
Vintage Teak Arm Chair by Niels Moller Model 57
By Niels Otto Møller
Located in Wien, AT
An exceptional Model 57 armchair designed by Niels O. Møller for J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, showcasing the timeless elegance and craftsmanship that define Danish Modern design. Beauti...
Papercord, Teak
Niels Otto Møller Model 65 Teak Armchair, Kvadrat Hallingdal Wool Upholstery
By Niels Otto Møller, J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik
Located in München, BY
Dimensions: approx. 56 × 54 × 79 × 44 cm (22.0" × 21.3" × 31.1" × 17.3") Width × Depth × Height × Seat Height. Elegant Model 65 armchair in solid teak, designed in the 1960s by Niels Otto Møller and produced by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik in Højbjerg, Denmark. Møller is one of the great names of Danish furniture design; his chairs stand for sculptural forms, fine woods and the uncompromising cabinetmaking quality for which J.L. Møllers is still renowned today. The flowing, organically shaped lines are typical of Møller: the armrests sweep forward from the backrest in an elegant curve and merge seamlessly into the front supports, while the legs taper gently towards the floor. The solid teak has a particularly beautiful grain and a warm, lively tone. Seat and backrest are upholstered in a light wool fabric from Kvadrat’s Hallingdal...
Wool, Teak
1960s Vintage Danish Teak Dining Armchair Model 56 by Niels Otto Møller
By J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik, Niels Otto Møller
Located in Wesseling, DE
Beautiful Danish Model 56 armchair designed by Niels Otto Møller and produced by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik during the 1960s. Crafted in solid teak, the chair features Møller’s charac...
Teak
Niels Moller Model 56 Teak & Papercord Teak Armchair For J.L Mollers Mobelfabrik
By Neils O. Möller
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A very handsome and finely crafted chair designed in the early 50’s by Niels Moller. Offered in outstanding condition. The frame is near enough perfect with almost no wear with a pr...
Teak
