Introducing FDB Møbler: A Frontrunner of Danish Design Since 1942

Founded in 1942, FDB Møbler is a frontrunner of Danish design, challenging the status quo with beautiful, functional, and durable furniture that lasts for generations. Their design philosophy is centered around the idea that good quality should be accessible to most people. Here we’ll share FDB Møbler’s impact on Danish design history, including the stories behind both timeless classics and new designs.

“Furniture ought to make room for people.”

In 1942, FDB Møbler was founded with architect and designer Børge Mogensen as its Creative Manager under the name FDB Furniture. Shortly after, the first “By the people, for the people” furniture collection was introduced, and by the 1950s, FDB was the biggest furniture company in Denmark. In the 1960s, as interior trends evolved toward steel furniture and bold colors, FDB became less popular. FDB eventually sold their Tarm Chairs and Furniture Factory, which produced its last piece of furniture in 1980. Fast forward to 2013––FDB was relaunched as FDB Møbler to revive designer classics, and since then, the collection has grown to include new designs.

“The values that FDB Møbler was founded upon continue to shape every piece of oak and beech. They are woven into the seats and are upheld in each design, both when our ever-popular classics are re-issued from our design archives, and when we launch brand new designs. Regardless of whether we are talking about iconic pieces.or new, innovative designs, the goal is the same: To have the veritable quality of life that was envisioned when the first pieces of furniture emerged from our studio in 1942.”

Now, let’s walk through a selection of FDB Møbler seating, tables, storage, and outdoor furniture designs.

FDB Møbler Chairs & Seating

The woven J80 Chair and J81 Armchair were both created in the 1950s by Jørgen Bækmark, a designer with an unmatchable instinct for timeless design. These FDB icons feature a handwoven seat and impeccable details in solid oak or beech.

“When making furniture, you really need to take production, demand, and price into account, but sometimes I simply draw pieces that I would like to look at and sit in.” Jørgen Bækmark

In 1962, FDB Møbler and Jørgen Bækmark extended J80s range of seating with the J83B Bench. This heirloom quality bench version of the J83 Stool can be used around a dining table, at the edge of a bed, in an entryway, lasting for years as your furniture needs evolve.

Furniture architect Poul M. Volther headed FDB Møbler’s creative studio from 1950 to 1955, introducing many iconic functionalist designs with exceptional craftsmanship, including the J48 Chair. The signature slatted backrests of this dining chair invite you to sit in supreme comfort. Though designed in 1951, the J48 Chair feels just as modern today.

"It’s about functionality and the simple processing of outstanding materials.” - Poul M. Volther

Based off of Mogens Koch’s 1947 sofa design originally intended for a historic Gammel Kjøgegaard manor near Copenhagen, this updated version––L43 MK46 Mogens Koch 3-Seater Sofa––features a frame that stands as an independent and visible structure that is clearly separate from the upholstered seat.

Named after the Japanese word for through, the L32 Suru Lounge Chair is designer Carina Mariaís’ take on merging Scandinavian and Japanese design philosophies. We love the large mortise joints of the wooden frame and the organic shape of its two elegantly curved shells that make up the seat and back.

One of FDB Møbler’s bestsellers designed by Poul M. Volther in 1956 , the J46 Chair features an elegant spoke-back that makes it supremely comfortable for sitting. J46 comes in painted or lacquered finishes in solid beech or oak.

FDB Møbler Tables & Desks

When Børge Mogensen designed the C64 Shaker Dining Table in 1950, the distinctive formation of the legs presented manufacturing so it never went into production…until recently! This special Shaker table is now able to be manufactured thanks to new construction techniques. We love the elegant inward gradient seen on the braces in both directions, maximizing leg room for all guests.

First designed in 1978 by Nissen & Gehl, the solid oak C69E Ry Dining Table is filled with carefully crafted details despite its simple design. We love how the structure of the base gives you plenty of legroom while also giving the table an iconic profile. Ry comes on its own as a round table, or with 2 extension leaves as shown above.

The D108 Ragnesminde Side Table and Coffee Table are a 2024 design named after an old Danish farmhouse that is the present-day headquarters of FDB Møbler. This special table series combines pine wood and linseed oil to create refreshingly clean designs that merge the past and present. FDB Møbler works with Linolie & Pigment A/S, a Danish linseed factory that produces everything by hand following age-old formulas.

Designed by Isabel Ahm in 2023, the spacious yet space-saving C68 Norreboro Desk is named after a Copenhagen neighborhood where many students are living in flat shares and smaller apartments. We love how the desktop flips up to reveal hidden storage.

FDB Møbler Shelving & Storage

The solid oak B100 Sorø Shelving Series designed by Laura Bilde has a refreshingly simple design and construction that works well on its own or grouped together for a larger shelving system.

First introduced in 1944, the Mogens Koch B98 bookcases and plinths are a Nordic furniture design icon found in a variety of spaces ranging from quaint homes to parliamentary offices and opulent estates. These fresh, aesthetic, and stackable shelves and plinths can be positioned in a multitude of ways to suit your needs.

FDB Møbler Outdoor Furniture

The 1965 Ermelund Garden Furniture Series was designed by Børge Mogensen and used in his own private garden. Made to be left outside year round, the solid ash wood gets a modern treatment that makes it less absorbent to rain and humidity. We love the well-constructed backrest of the bench, which makes it comfy for reclining with a book or sitting with loved ones for an alfresco meal.

FDB Møbler’s philosophy of enjoying beautiful yet functional furniture design in the open air is embodied with Thomas Alken’s 2014 Sammen Outdoor Furniture Series. Inspired by the theme of togetherness, this minimal and classic series is crafted with natural oiled teak wood. We love how Thomas Alken considered togetherness in every detail, such as the extra tabletops to accommodate more guests and the countless combinations for outdoor living As Thomas Alken says, “there’s always room for one more guest.”

Shop the FDB Møbler collection at Batten Home here.

More Like This: Meet &Tradition: Danish Design Classics & New Icons

Batten Home carefully curates Scandinavian furniture designs and minimalist decor objects for the modern home. We are inspired by the Scandinavian aesthetic and Danish design philosophies with a new modern design feel we like to call new Nordic design. Have any questions for us? We’re family-owned and independently operated, and we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at hello@battenhome.co.