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 Danish Modern Daybed in Teak and Rattan GE7 Made at GETAMA, 1950s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this amazing convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated teakwood frame and woven cane / rattan back seat which reveals a hidden spa...
Wool, Cane, Rattan, Teak
Hans J. Wegner for Getama – Model GE6 Teak Daybed, Denmark, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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
Daybed GE-19 by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, 1960
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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, marked.
Brass
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
Danish Modern Hans J. Wegner Adjustable Daybed GE-1 in Teakwood by GETAMA, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
Rare & important daybed with footstool model GE-1 by Hans J. Wegner. From the very early production by GETAMA in the 1950s. Can be set in a flat position and turned into a daybed. Ma...
Teak
Daybed "GE-1" by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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
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
Hans Wegner Daybed & Lounge Chair Model GE1
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Utrecht, NL
Daybed model GE1 by Hans Wegner in solid oak with oil finish and a bespoke fine bouclé fabric upholstery in seafoam-green from a premium Italian brand. Hans J. Wegner's idea was th...
Stainless Steel
Hans J. Wegner Versatile Chaise Lounge or Daybed in Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Plank Chair GE290 by Hans J Wegner for Getama in Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
An immaculate example with original upholstery.
Fabric, Oak
$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 GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
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
$4,640Sale Price|20% Off
H 30 in W 77 in D 34 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Daybed Sofa by Hans Wegner for Getma
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Danish Mid-Century Modern daybed, sofa - model GE- 258 designed by Hans Wegner for Getma. This example is in very good, estate condition, specifically the fabric shows wear, s...
Upholstery, Teak
$4,932 / set
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 Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
$4,661
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
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
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Sofa in Oak and Blue Upholstery
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, three-seat sofa, oak, fabric, Denmark, 1950s. This sofa is characterized by a splendid design that epitomizes a simplistic, natural and timeless aestheti...
Fabric, Oak
$6,136
H 31.5 in W 108.27 in D 33.47 in
Danish Modern Oak Sofa GE-236/4 by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
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
Cigar Chair Model GE240 by Hans J Wegner for Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
A very nice example of this classic chair, freshly uphosltered in Mocha coloured Boucle fabric. The frame in Oak and all in great condition.
Fabric, Oak
Early Daybed GE-258 in Oak and Cane by Hans J. Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Daybed GE-258 in oak by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1954. Backrest in wicker cane. Original mattress with grey fabric. Early production 1950s. with beatiful patina and round legs.
Fabric, Cane, Oak
Hans J. Wegner Sofa Model GE-290/3, 1950
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful Danish three-seat sofa, model GE290/3 designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1950, with a clean solid oak frame and original spring loaded cushions with a later date dark r...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Hans Wegner GE-240 Sofa by GETAMA, Oak & Teak, Scandinavian Modern..Amazing design.. lines. Retains its original finish / patina as well as its original spring cushions and original...
Fabric, Oak, Teak
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
Hans Wegner Teak Daybed, by Getama
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional GE258 daybed represents one of Hans Wegner's most iconic and sought-after designs, showcasing the Danish master's unparalleled ability to blend sculptural beauty wi...
Upholstery, Teak
Hans Wegner Ge-258 Daybed
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s, produced by Getama in Denmark. This piece has been fully restored with new cushions and 100% alpaca upholstery. There are some minor scuffs present and a couple chips to th...
Alpaca, Wood
Sold
H 25.2 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Hans J. Wegner GE19 Daybed in Teak and Camel Leather for Getama Denmark 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Beautiful early Daybed Model GE19 designed by Hans J. Wegner for Getama Denmark 1960s. Teak frame with tapered legs and brass brackets in very good condition with minor traces of use...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 80.71 in D 35.44 in
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed "Ge-268" Made at GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and wool upholstery. The back reveals a hidden space for blankets, pillow...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner Teak Daybed by Getama, Mid Century Modern
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Raleigh, NC
Simple to the point of perfection. A solid teak frame and newly upholstered leather cushion. A Danish modern icon in like new condition.
Leather, Teak
Hans Wegner Sofa Daybed for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans Wegner design sofa or daybed for GETAMA, Denmark. Restored cane headboard and refinished teak frame, retains the original mattress in good condition. Clever conversion from a so...
Upholstery, Cane, Teak
Sold
H 30.71 in W 77.17 in D 39.38 in
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed "Ge-258" Made at GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and wool upholstery. The back reveals a hidden space for blankets, pillow...
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 26.78 in W 80.71 in D 35.44 in
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, "GE-258", Daybed in Teak, Danish Mid Century, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Odense, DK
This model GE-258 Daybed, designed by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA in the 1960s is crafted from teak with the original wool upholstery. The clean, minimalist design highlights Wegner's ...
Wool, Teak
Hans Wegner Ge-258 Daybed
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Chicago, IL
c. 1960s, produced by Getama in Denmark. This piece has been fully restored with new cushions and emerald mohair. There are some minor scuffs present and a couple chips on the legs b...
Wood, Mohair
Sold
H 30.71 in W 77.17 in D 39.38 in
Hans J. Wegner 1950s Danish Modern Daybed "Ge-258" Made at GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA this convertible daybed / sofa features a beautifully patinated oak frame and wool upholstery. The back reveals a hidden space for blankets, pillow...
Wool, Oak
Sold
H 24.41 in W 74.81 in D 29.93 in
Hans J. Wegner GE19 Daybed with 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 and brass brackets in very good condition with minor traces of use...
Leather, Teak