Niels Otto Møller, born on January 30, 1920, in Aarhus, Denmark, was a highly influential but often overlooked figure in Danish furniture design. The son of master cabinetmaker Jens Laursen Møller, he trained as a cabinetmaker before studying furniture design at the Technical School. In 1944, he opened his own workshop, J.L. Møllers Mobelfabrik, in memory of his father.
Møller began creating his own furniture lines in the late 1940s, debuting Chair No.1 in 1946. His designs, particularly the iconic Chair 55 and Chair 71, became synonymous with Danish craftsmanship, featuring high-quality wood, elegant curves, and durable construction. The chairs gained international acclaim, becoming highly sought after in Europe and the U.S.
Despite his success, Møller’s name is often excluded from key Danish design histories. His company’s location in Aarhus, not Copenhagen, and his focus on craftsmanship over self-promotion contributed to his relative obscurity. However, his designs, particularly Models 75 and 77, helped establish his company's global reputation.
By 1959, Møller’s growing business moved to larger premises, and he expanded production in the early 1960s. His company weathered financial challenges faced by competitors, maintaining a commitment to handcrafted, high-quality designs. Sales continued to rise, especially in Japan in the 1970s. Over his career, Møller created about 20 designs, many of which remain in production today.
Møller passed away in 1982, but his timeless, meticulously crafted furniture continues to define Danish design, with his family-run factory still producing his iconic pieces.
