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.
Hans Wegner for Getama Mid Century GE270 Teak Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Hans J. Wegner GE 290/3 Three-Seat Oak Sofa for Getama, Denmark, circa 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, GB
A classic Model GE 290/3 three-seat sofa designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Denmark, dating to the 1960s. The sofa features a beautifully constructed soli...
Oak, Wool, Wood
$178Sale Price|20% Off
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
1960s GE-375 Modular Seating System by Hans J. Wegner for Getama in oak.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1969 and produced by Getama in Denmark, the GE-375 is one of the designer's most innovative seating systems. Created as a truly modular collection, it a...
Fabric, Oak
$2,293Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Daybed GE 19 - Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Denmark 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rosendahl, DE
Classic daybed model GE 19 in the standard version, designed by Hans J. Wegner and manufactured by Getama. The piece stands out for its clean, timeless design language and the high-q...
Wool, Teak
$950Sale Price|47% Off
H 29.75 in W 19.5 in D 18 in
Vintage Hans Wegner for C.M. Madsens 'W2' Chair in Oak; Denmark, 1950s
By C.M. Madsen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A lovely example of the early work of the 20th century's master of seating design, Hans J. Wegner. The sculpted oak backrest or top-rail employed here was developed as part of a fami...
Oak
$8,945 / set
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
$4,882
H 21.66 in W 73.23 in D 28.75 in
Hans J. Wegner GE19 Daybed in Teak and Camel Leather for Getama Denmark 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful early Daybed Model GE19 designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1960s. Teak frame with tapered legs in very good vintage condition with minor traces of use. New mattr...
Leather, Teak
Hans J. Wegner for Getama – Model GE6 Teak Daybed, Denmark, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Chicago, IL
Hans J. Wegner for Getama – Model GE6 Teak Daybed, Denmark, 1960 A classic Danish modern daybed designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, model GE6, crafted in teakwood with newly uph...
Upholstery, Teak
$3,999Sale Price|50% Off
H 28 in W 83 in D 30 in
Vintage 1960s Danish Three-Seat Sofa Model GE-300/3 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 1960s Danish three-seat sofa Rare model GE300/3 designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA Manufacturer solid light oak solid wood frame and legs with original patina has original sp...
Upholstery, Oak
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
Pair of Lounge Chairs Model Ge460 by Hans Wegner, 1970s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Pair of GE 460 lounge chairs in original condition. Designed by Hans J. Wegner M.A.A for GETAMA in 1978. Great condition. Made in Denmark.
Fabric, Beech
$6,500
H 28.35 in W 92.92 in D 31.5 in
Danish Modern 4-Seater Sofa Model GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish 4-seater sofa, model GE236/4 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with a solid oak frame and original spring loaded cushions with original beige/grey striped...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Low sofa with lifting backrest to open to a daybed. Designed by Hans Wegner with simple mid-century lines and construction. Please confirm location.
Fabric
$3,200
H 30 in W 31 in D 83 in
Mid Century Modern Sofa by Hans Wegner GE-236 for GETAMA, Denmark, c1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Chino Hills, CA
A striking vintage example of Hans Wegner’s GE-236 sofa, produced by GETAMA in Denmark circa 1960s. This beautifully proportioned Danish Modern sofa features Wegner’s characteristic ...
Fabric, Oak
$5,974
H 31.5 in W 108.27 in D 33.47 in L 31.5 in
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s.
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s. Iconic Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern four seater sofa designed by Hans J Wegner for Getama Denmark in 1955. Mo...
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-290/2, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish two-seat sofa, model GE290/2 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with a solid oak frame and original spring loaded cushions with patterned upholstery (from ...
Oak, Upholstery
Daybed GE-19 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Wonderful daybed GE-19 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1956, solid oak frame with tapered legs and brass end rail accents, felt covered flat springs, new un-upholstered mattress includ...
Brass
$4,021
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 GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair made of solid oak. New upholstered with vintage Yellow Hallingdal from Kvadrat. Model 290A, made by GETAMA.
Wool, Oak
Sold
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
Teak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290 by GETAMA - Fully Restored
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Oak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290, GETAMA, Premium Fabric, Pair Available
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Sold
H 26.78 in W 25.2 in D 19.69 in
Hans J. Wegner, “Ge 460” Armchair, Black Leather, GETAMA, Designed, 1977
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Oak Hans Wegner Lounge Chair GE290, GETAMA, Premium Fabric, Pair Available
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
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
Sold
H 87 in W 50 in D 50 in
Mid-Century modern scandinavian chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch. New product.
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
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
Sold
H 34.26 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Chair Folding MK16 by Mogens Koch, New Product
By Mogens Koch, GETAMA
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
Sold
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
Sold
H 29.53 in W 29.93 in D 30.71 in
Hans Wegner Oak Lounge Chair GE290 by GETAMA - 2 Pieces Available
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
Sold
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 Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Sold
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 Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
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
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
Original 1950s Hans Wegner GE240 Cigar Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, GB
The original 1950s Hans Wegner GE240 cigar chair in oak with new horsehair fabric upholstery. Produced by GETAMA, Denmark. In superb condition. Thoroughly c...
Oak