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 J. Wegner 'Hammock Chair', for Getama, 1967
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare Hans J. Wegner Hammock chaise lounge. Beautiful patinated oak frame and original halyard with copper details. Light linen fabric cushion with ...
Brass
Hans J. Wegner Versatile Chaise Lounge or Daybed in Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, chaise lounge with ottoman model GE01, oak, metal, fabric, Denmark, design 1954 This chaise lounge consists out of two sections. An adjustable lounge chai...
Metal
Daybed "GE-1" by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool lounge chair with footstool by Hans J. Wegner. Can be set in a flat position and turned into a daybed. Made from oak with beautiful woodgra...
Brass
Hans Wegner, Hammock Chaise Longue in Oak, designed 1967, made by Getama 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Hans Wegner (Danish 1914-2007) Hammock Chaise Longue designed 1967 made by Getama, 1960s oak frame with flagline seat, the rope secured with copper cleats, complete with a light lin...
Metal, Copper
Original Spring Cushions for Hans J. Wegner GE 290 Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of seat and backrest spring cushions for Hans J. Wegner GE 290 lounge chair Rare set of the original spring cushions for Hans J. Wegners GE 290 lounge chairs. The original sprin...
Metal
Early Hans Wegner for GETAMA Chaise Longue and ottoman. Oak & Leather /Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
This rare and early chaise longue was designed by Hans Wegner in 1954.Classic Scandinavian Modernist Design, Crafted from solid oak with brass hinges and iron hardware, this versati...
Brass, Iron
$6,620 / set
H 25.99 in W 29.93 in D 29.53 in
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Vintage Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 Armchairs
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner armchairs model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The armchairs are a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmar...
Oak
Hans Wegner Ottoman for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner design ottoman for GETAMA, Denmark. Model GE 290 solid oak frame in very good original condition with a newly upholstered wool cushion, signed.
Upholstery, Oak
Daybed GE 19 - Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
$8,879 / 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
$4,851
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
Upholstered Daybed Chaise Longues
Located in Sheffield, MA
Graceful and inviting, the recamier chaise with arched back and rolled arm. The fainting couch is upholstered but it does show some ware. Although made in the Victorian period, it ...
Upholstery
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 28.75 in W 78 in D 35 in
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
$9,702
H 25.99 in W 78.35 in D 35.04 in
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed in Oak and Rattan "GE7" Made at GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden space fo...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Oak
Elegance Chaise Longue, Cleopatra Daybed
Located in Delft, NL
An elegance chaise longue, Cleopatra daybed A daybed in curved shape with soft purple velours buttoned upholstered fabric The measurement is 190 cm l...
Fabric, Wood
$4,509
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 33.47 in
Mid Century Modern Hans J. Wegner Model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted Denmark Sofa
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kramfors, SE
Vintage Hans J. Wegner sofa model GE-290 for Getama Gedsted, Denmark. The sofa is a mid century classic by one of the most famous names of the time, Hans J. Wegner (Denmark, 1914-200...
Fabric, Oak
Post Modern Chaise Lounge Newly Upholstered in Ivory White Bouclé
By Directional, Weiman Preview Furniture, Preview
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Float away from the worries of the day in this luxurious post modern chaise lounge newly professionally upholstered in super soft ivory white bouclé. Sculptural form exudes a sophisticated look that's gentle and inviting. Ivory white bouclé fabric's texture is breathable and ventilates well. Cozy in winter and cool in summer. Enveloping padded comfort with a thick seat cushion layered over a descending pedestal base. So sexy from all sides, this chaise lounge is beautiful enough to float in a room. Modern. Fresh. Reminiscent of Vladimir Kagan, Milo Baughman and Adrian Pearsall's iconic amorphous designs. Nestle in with your favorite blanket and read for hours, nap, binge watch your favorite series, or shop 1stDibs on your electronic device...
Bouclé, Upholstery
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
19th Century Continental Neoclassic Chaise Lounge in Mahogany & Silk
Located in Queens, NY
Continental Neoclassic-style (Possibly Austrian, late 19th Century) parcel gilt mahogany daybed/chaise lounge with scrolled back above a stripped yellow silk...
Gold Leaf
$2,739
H 16.93 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Danish Teak Daybed Model GE19 by Hans J. Wegner, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
An elegant and lightweight teak daybed, model GE19, designed by Hans J. Wegner in the 1960s, exemplifying the refined simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship of Danish modern design...
Teak
1950s Hans J Wegner Daybed Model Ge19 by GETAMA, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Praha, CZ
- good original condition with good original corduroy fabric - sturdy and stable.
Fabric, Wood
Solid Oak Hans J. Wegner Chaise Longue for Getama
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Solid oak daybed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark, 1954. This daybed is a perfect example of Scandinavian modernism. The wooden joints in this magnificent chaise longue are v...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.53 in
Teak & Brass Daybed Model Ge19 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Utrecht, NL
Daybed model GE19 from 1956 by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner constructed from solid teak with taper legs and beautiful brass mattress support bars on both sides...
Brass
Early Hans Wegner Chaise Longue for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Kalamazoo, MI
This rare and early chaise longue was designed by Hans Wegner in 1954. Crafted from solid oak with brass hinges and iron hardware, this versatile chaise can be a reclining chaise, a separate reclining chair with a stool...
Brass
Sold
H 29.14 in W 30.71 in D 31.5 in
Hans J. Wegner for Getama, Pair of Lounge Chairs in Savak Wool, "GE-530", 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
A fine pair of lounge chairs in solid dark stained oak, reupholstered cushions in great quality striped savak wool. Designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, model "GE-530". Hans J. Wegner (Danish, 1914–2007) was a renowned furniture designer associated with Organic Functionalism. Born in southern Denmark...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Hammock Chaise Lounge for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Hans Wegner GEZ Hammock chaise lounge chair. Beautiful original patinated oak frame and original Halyard with brass details. Designed by Hans J Wegner...
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 30.3 in D 51.2 in
Early Hans J. Wegner Model GE-1 Daybed, Chaise, Getama, Denmark, c.1953
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Extremely rare 1st year production daybed, chaise lounge designed by Hans Werner manufactured by Getama, Retains original burn in label, I have decided to sell this piece in its orig...
Metal
Daybed "GE-1" by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Very cool lounge chair with footstool by Hans J. Wegner. Can be set in a flat position and turned into a daybed. Made from oak with beautiful woodgrain, with large, decorative brass ...
Brass
Sold
H 15.75 in W 74.81 in D 29.53 in
1956 Daybed Model GE19 by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, New Pierre Frey Upholstery
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Utrecht, NL
Daybed model GE19 from 1956 by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner constructed from solid teak with taper legs and beautiful brass mattress support bars on both sides. The daybed comes ...
Brass
Hans J. Wegner Hammock Chair, Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
A rare Hans J. Wegner Hammock chaise lounge. Beautiful patinated oak frame and original halyard with copper details. Light linen fabric cushion. ...
Oak