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 for Getama 'Cigar' Stool in Solid Oak with Green Cushion
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Hans J. Wegner for Getama, 'Cigar' ottoman, model 'GE240S', oak, fabric, Denmark, design 1955 Designed in 1955, this Cigar ottoman is a creation by Danish master Hans J. Wegner for ...
Fabric, 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
Danish Rocking Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Getama, oak, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, DE
1960s Hans J. Wegner "Keyhole" Chair in Oak and Canvas A rare and refined example of Hans J. Wegner’s masterful design, this 1960s "Keyhole" chair embodies the Danish designer’s sig...
Canvas, Oak
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
Hans Wegner for Getama GE290 Mid Century Oak Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Hans Wegner for Getama GE290 Mid Century Oak Lounge Chair This chair measures: 29.75 wide x 31 deep x 30.25 high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height/chair clearance of 21.25 in...
Upholstery, Oak
Danish Modern Highbacked Oak Lounge Chair by Hans J Wegner for Getama
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This high backed, architectural style lounge chair is made from solid white oak that has developed a beautiful natural patinated warmth over time. Designed by Hans J. Wegner for Ge...
Wool, Oak
$5,174
H 25.2 in W 29.93 in D 31.5 in
Pair of 'Plank' Chairs Model GE290 by Hans Wegner for Getama in Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Little Burstead, Essex
These are in excellent original condition, the cushions retain their spring upholstery and recovered in Abraham Moon wool fabric in Fern Green, overall a great pair of classic mid-ce...
Fabric, Oak
$1,988Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.57 in W 23.63 in D 16.93 in
Early Hans J. Wegner Solid Oak GE-240 "Cigar" Stool / Ottoman for Getama Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Ystad, SE
Early Stool / Ottoman, Model GE-240 “Cigar,” by Hans J. Wegner for Getama. Denmark, 1955. A rare and early solid oak stool designed by Hans J. Wegner as a complementary piece to the...
Oak
$6,278
H 31.11 in W 26.78 in D 29.14 in
Original 1950s Danish Hans Wegner GE240 Teak & Oak Cigar Chair For Getama
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
Classic design from 1954 by the master of Danish Modern, Hans Wegner. Solid Oak frame with contrasting Teak armrests. Original sprung cushions upholstered in a high quality tweed wo...
Oak
Original Hans Wegner Cigar Chair Made in Denmark for GETAMA c 1950's
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in New York, NY
The definition of iconic, this classic Mid Century Danish Modern lounge chair, is known as The Cigar Chair, it was designed by Hans Wegner for GETAMA. This example was produced in D...
Upholstery, Oak
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 for Getama High-back in Black Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish high back lounge chair designed by Hans Wegner for Getama, Denmark. The chair is crafted of dark teak with sloping arms, and newly upholstered in a fine black leather. Measur...
Leather, Teak
Sold
H 11.38 in W 29.63 in D 22.75 in
Hans Wegner GETAMA GE-420 Ottoman / Sake Table Vintage 1960s Danish Midcentury
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Hyattsville, MD
GE-420 Ottoman without a cushion, order a cushion that matches your interior after purchase. Or can be used as a low platform / table / plant stand. Overall W 29 5/8 x D 22 3/4 x ...
Oak
Sold
H 37 in W 34.25 in D 36.5 in
Hans Wegner Model GE 375 Paddle Chair and Ottoman in California Sheepskin
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
With gorgeous patinaed oak, custom California sheepskin cushions, and a finishing touch of beautiful ivory leather, this Hans Wegner lounge and ottoman set is incredible. The Model G...
Leather, Sheepskin, Oak
Hans Wegner Footstool Model GE 240 in White Oak and Sheepskin
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Littleton, CO
A very nicely well-preserved mid-century Model GE 240 footsool by Hans Wegner for GETAMA. In white oak and sheepskin.
Sheepskin, Teak
Sold
H 37 in W 34.25 in D 36.5 in
Hans Wegner Model GE 375 Paddle Chair and Ottoman in California Sheepskin
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in SAINT LOUIS, MO
With gorgeous patinaed oak, custom California sheepskin cushions, and a finishing touch of beautiful ivory leather, this Hans Wegner lounge and ottoman set is incredible. The Model G...
Leather, Sheepskin, Oak
Pair of Hans Wegner 1950s Boucle Ottomans
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner GE-240 'Cigar' Ottomans, circa 1950s. Rarely seen pair of ottomans produced by GETAMA in Gedsted, Denmark in the late 1950s. This ottoman was designed to complem...
Bouclé, Teak
Hans Wegner Boucle Ottoman, Afromosia Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner GE-240 'Cigar' Ottoman, circa 1950s. Rarely seen ottoman produced by GETAMA in Gedsted, Denmark in the late 1950s. This ottoman was designed to complement the GE...
Bouclé, Teak
Hans J. Wegner, Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner lounge chair and ottoman made of solid oak. New upholstered with black aniline leather. Adjustable back. Model 412, made by GETAMA.
Leather, Oak
Sold
H 29.93 in W 33.86 in D 30.32 in
No. GE370 Chair with Armrests and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Breda, Netherlands
Classic! This Wegner GE370 is a true design Classic. They were designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by the GETAMA furniture factory in Gedsted Denmark...
Fabric, Oak
Hans Wegner GE-240 Cigar Ottoman, Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner GE-240 cigar stool, circa 1950s. Oak ottoman produced by Getama, Denmark to compliment the GE-240 and GE-260 lounge chairs. Original spr...
Wool, Oak
Hans Wegner GE-240 Cigar Ottoman, Oak
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Hans J. Wegner GE-240 cigar stool, circa 1950s. Oak ottoman produced by Getama, Denmark to compliment the GE-240 and GE-260 lounge chairs. Original spr...
Oak, Wool
Sold
H 28.75 in W 29.93 in D 31.89 in
Rare Pair of GE290 Lounge Chairs and Ottoman by Hans J. Wegner Teak GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Rare pair of fully original GE290 lounge chairs and ottoman in teak designed by the grandmaster of Danish design Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA in the 1950s. The set comes from its first ...
Wool, Teak
Hans J. Wegner GE-240 'Cigar' Ottoman, circa 1955
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in London, England
Produced by GETAMA, Gedsted, Denmark. Oak with original sprung cushion reupholstered in Kvadrat Hallingdal wool fabric. Other upholstery options available by request.
Oak