The story of how GETAMA got its name is perhaps as unique as the range of subdued but sophisticated Scandinavian modern furniture for which the manufacturer is known (thanks to a partnership with Hans Wegner).
In the late 1890s in the Danish town of Gedsted, a young cabinetmaker by the name of Carl Pedersen opted to use seaweed — rather than the traditional heather or straw — as mattress stuffing. Pedersen named his new factory Gedsted Tang-og Madrasfabrik (the “Gedsted Seaweed and Mattress Factory”), which he abbreviated to GETAMA. Seaweed’s fire-retardant properties make it an excellent and safe upholstery material for mattresses, chairs and sofas. Pedersen leveraged this quality as a selling point — the abundance of seaweed on the shores of Denmark and its weightlessness added to its appeal as an economical but durable upholstery filling for all kinds of furnishings. The crowning quality was its softness.
GETAMA’s seaweed mattresses proved so popular for their comfort and durability that Pedersen had to expand into a larger factory within the first year. He felt almost obligated to launch a line of bedroom furniture to accompany his much-loved mattresses.
The working relationship established in 1959 between Hans Wegner and GETAMA afforded the company the opportunity to break into the international market. Wegner — a legendary Danish carpenter and furniture designer revered by mid-century modern collectors everywhere — became one of the brand’s principal designers and often spent a great deal of time at the factory — refining and adjusting each new piece until he felt satisfied that it was ready for production. For decades, Wegner’s impressive contributions to GETAMA’s daybeds, lounge chairs, sofas and dining room tables became the backbone of the company’s sales.
Over the years, other designers entered into working agreements with GETAMA, including Nissen & Gehl, OM Design, 2R Design, Blum and Balle, and Jørgen Gammelgaard. Copenhagen native Nanna Ditzel, a Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts alum who trained under Kaare Klint, designed GETAMA’s Mondial coffee table. Alongside her husband, Jørgen Ditzel, she also created the sensuously curvy and wildly popular Ring chair.
Today, the sleek modern furniture that GETAMA manufactures is still inclusive of their lauded mattresses.
On 1stDibs, find vintage GETAMA seating, tables, storage cabinets and other furniture.
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch, New Product
By GETAMA, Mogens Koch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 folding chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner for Getama Mid Century GE270 Teak Lounge Chair
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner for Getama Mid Century GE240 Teak Lounge Chair This chair measures: 26.5 wide x 29 deep x 29.5 high, with a seat height of 16 and arm height/chair clearance 22 inches A...
Upholstery, Teak
Mid-Century modern scandinavian chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch. New product.
By GETAMA, Mogens Koch
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mogens Koch designed the MK16 Folding Chair for a supplemental church seating contest, reinterpreting the traditional folding stool by pairing easy fold...
Leather, Oak
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish Oak & Blue Fabric Chair by Hans J. Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This modernist office chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner for the Danish manufacturer GETAMA Gedsted during the 1960s. The raw, geometric frame...
Fabric, Oak
Set of 4 Vintage Midcentury Danish Modern Oak Chairs by Hans J Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
This set of four chairs was designed by Hans J. Wegner for the Danish manufacturer Getama Gedsted during the 1960s. The raw, geometric frame of the chair is made of light oak wood. T...
Faux Leather, Oak
H 30 in W 22 in D 17.5 in
Mid Century Danish Hans Wegner W2 Teak Chairs Four
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Baltimore, MD
An exceptional set of four original 'W2' model chairs, designed by Hans J. Wegner, Denmark, circa 1960's. The teak frames feature modern styling with a distinct beautiful design, scu...
Upholstery, Teak
H 34.65 in W 20.08 in D 1.97 in
Mogens Koch ‘Mk-16’ Safari Chair for Rud Rasmussen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Mogens Koch furniture designed a lot of award wining midcentury furniture. The Danish architect was known for his functional approach to furniture design and for prioritizing comfort and accessibility. Koch also drew on older traditions and techniques. His chairs and tables show the influence of the Shaker Style and Englisch pieces of the 18th century. Koch was born in Copenhagen and attended the Royal Danisch Academy of fine Arts. After graduating, he worked as an assistant to Kaare Klint, an important figure in Danish modernism who was responsible for establishing the furniture design program at Koch’s alma mater. Klint favored historical styles and inspired Koch to view furniture design as an evolutionary process built on the traditions of the past. Over the course of their partnership, in the late 1920s, Koch began creating modular bookcases. In 1932, Rud Rasmussen began to produce Koch designs. An early Koch seating design that the Danish manufacturer made was the MK Safari...
Leather, Beech
H 34.45 in W 21.66 in D 20.87 in
Mogens Koch MK16 Folding Safari Chair for Cado, Denmark
By Mogens Koch, Cado
Located in Barcelona, ES
MK16 folding Safari chair designed in 1932 by Mogens Koch and produced in 1960's by Cado, Denmark. Stained beech wood, leather, brass and new canvas upholstery.
Brass
H 28.75 in W 27.17 in D 17.72 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chair Model Cow Horn PP 505 by Hans Wegner
By PP Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
"Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian chair model cow horn PP 505 by Hans Wegner. New production. Great luxury sometimes comes in small packages. This is one of Wegn...
Cherry
H 33.47 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Folding Chairs by EMU, Italy, 1970
By EMU Furniture
Located in Naples, IT
Group of 4 folding chairs suitable for home balconies or large green gardens.
Steel
H 39.38 in W 29.93 in D 32.29 in
Hans J. Wegner Model 290A Lounge Chair, Solid Oak, Mid-Century Modern
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair made of solid oak. New upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather. Model 290A, made by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
H 30 in W 25 in D 22 in
Hans J. Wegner Round Chair
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
An original model JH-503 round armchair in teak and leather, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hanse. Sculptural teak frame has been gently polished and retains lovely patina. ...
Teak
H 29.14 in W 26.38 in D 28.75 in
Hans Wegner GE-270 Pair of vintage Teak Lounge Chairs, 1956
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans Wegner Hans Wegner - Model GE-270 Lounge Chairs, 1956 A pair of classic Hans Wegner lounge chairs produced by iconic producers: Getama in Gedsted, Denmark in the 1950s. Restor...
Teak
H 34.25 in W 22 in D 19.75 in
Teak Mogens Koch MK-16 Safari Chair
By Mogens Koch
Located in Montreal, QC
Teak Mogens Koch MK-16 Safari chair in rosewood foldable safari chair by Danish architect and designer Mogens Koch. These are re-editions by Interna of the ...
Rosewood
H 39.38 in W 30.71 in D 33.47 in
Oak Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA GE530, Denmark, 1970s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Hans J. Wegner - Lounge Chair and Ottoman GETAMA GE530 , Denmark Classic GE530 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, featuring a clean design and high-quality craftsmanship in ...
Oak
H 35.44 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mogens Koch Folding Chairs MK-16, Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen
By Rud Rasmussen, Mogens Koch
Located in TOURS, FR
An original pair of Mogens Koch folding chairs model "MK-16" made at Rud Rasmussen, Copenhagen in the 1970s Mogens Koch designed the MK16 Fo...
Brass
H 29.5 in W 24 in D 18 in
Classic Hans Wegner Round Chair
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated and architectural, wraparound armchair in solid rosewood, designed by Hans Wegner made by Johannes Hansen The chair has a solid rosewood frame, drop in upholstered seat, and wrapped cane backrest. The frame looks like it has a later, but not new, clear lacquered overcoat, the fabric seat shows cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Measures: Total H 29.5 x arm H 27.5 x seat H 17 inches. Know as the Round Chair...
Upholstery, Rosewood
H 27.56 in W 22.05 in D 20.48 in
Hans J. Wegner Armchairs, Model GE-525, Oak and Aniline Leather, GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner armchairs in massive new renovated soap treated oak New upholstered with black semi aniline leather. Model GE-525, made by GETAMA.
Leather, Oak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Teak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290 by GETAMA - Fully Restored
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
Lounge chair GE290 is a beloved early design by Hans Wegner, Wegner already designed the chair in 1953. The chair offers exceptional good seating comfort and much convenience is offe...
Wool, Upholstery, Teak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Oak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290, GETAMA, Premium Fabric, Pair Available
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
GE290 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA, Denmark. Pair available, listed individually. Solid oiled oak frames, loose cushions upholstered in a premium off-white handwoven bespok...
Wool, Linen, Oak
H 26.78 in W 25.2 in D 19.69 in
Hans J. Wegner, “Ge 460” Armchair, Black Leather, GETAMA, Designed, 1977
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Lejre, DK
One of Wegner's designs is the GE 460 armchair, which was created in 1977. The chair is made of soap treated oak wood and has a seat and backrest upholstered in black leather, which ...
Oak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Oak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290, GETAMA, Premium Fabric, Pair Available
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
GE290 lounge chair by Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA, Denmark. Pair available, listed individually. Solid oiled oak frames, loose cushions upholstered in a premium off-white handwoven bespoke fabric. Sample available upon request. Lounge chair GE290 is a much appreciated early design by Hans Wegner. Wegner already designed the chair in 1953. The chair offers exceptional good seating comfort and much convenience is offered from the wide armrests that can hold a cup, book and phone...
Linen, Oak, Wool
H 27.96 in W 29.53 in D 22.84 in
Armchair, Model GE-290, Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA, 1953
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair, model GE-290, designed by Hans J. Wegner oak frame upholstered in black fabric with colorful stripes. The chair was designed in 1953 and branded Getama, where the chair is ...
Oak
H 29.53 in W 26.78 in D 30.71 in
Hans J. Wegner Set of Lounge Chair Model GE-240 & Ottoman in Oak and Teak, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
One of the most iconic chairs from the 1950s Danish modern is the "Cigar" chair by Hans J. Wegner. This one is from the very early GETAMA production that was made with armrests in so...
Wool, Oak, Teak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Hans Wegner Oak Lounge Chair GE290 by GETAMA - 2 Pieces Available
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
Lounge chair GE290 is a much appreciated early design by Hans Wegner. Wegner already designed the chair in 1953. The chair offers exceptional good seating comfort - partly due to cus...
Linen, Oak
H 35.04 in W 20.08 in D 21.26 in
Scandinavian Armchair GE 290 by Hans Werner from 1953 for GETAMA Danish
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Scandinavian armchair GE 290 by the famous designer Hans Werner from 1953 published by GETAMA. Solid oak frame with sloping legs and a backrest that slopes slightly backwards for per...
Wool, Oak
H 31.5 in W 27.96 in D 25.2 in
Hans Wegner Arm Chair by GETAMA Model 265 in Oak and Leather, 1987
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Hellouw, NL
Nice Hans Wegner arm chair by GETAMA Model 265 in oak and leather from Denmark 1987. This chair is robust and comfortable in a nice colored tan leathe...
Leather, Oak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Hans Wegner Oak Lounge Chair GE290 by GETAMA '1 of 3 Chairs'
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Utrecht, NL
Lounge chair GE290 is a much appreciated early design by Hans Wegner. Wegner already designed the chair in 1953. The chair offers exceptional good seating comfort - partly due to cus...
Linen, Oak
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Pair of Hans Wegner Lounge Chairs GE290 by GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Utrecht, NL
Lounge chair GE290 is a much appreciated early design by Hans Wegner. Wegner already designed the chair in 1953. The chair offers exceptional good seating comfort - partly due to cus...
Oak, Linen