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.
Pair of Hans Wegner for Getama Teak Nighstands C. 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Norwalk, CT
This set of nightstands were designed by the famous Hans J. Wegner, one of the most beloved mid-century designers of Denmark. These nightstands are crafted from solid teak, an icon...
Glass, Teak
Danish Modern Coffee Table by Hans Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern coffee table by Hans Wegner for GETAMA, Denmark, circa 1960s. This table is currently being refinished. The price noted includes refinishing.
Teak
Hans Wegner Ge290 Oak Coffee Table for GETAMA
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table by Getama in light natural oak and brass details. Matches the GE290 Sofa Series.
Brass
Hans Wegner Ge290 Oak Coffee Table for GETAMA
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table by Getama in light natural oak and brass details. Matches the GE290 Sofa Series.
Brass
2003 Hans J. Wegner GETAMA 100 year Jubilee Coffee Table in Solid Oak
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Knebel, DK
2000´s Hans J. Wegner coffee table in oak by GETAMA The relatively small rectangular table in solid soap treated oak turns into a larder curvaceous table by using the attached exten...
Oak
Hans J. Wegner tray table, oak, wenge, steel and formica. Model GE453
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner tray table with frame of steel. Plate of black and white formica, oak sides with wenge handle. Model GE453, made by Getama.
Steel
$2,200
H 23.75 in W 26.25 in D 23.5 in
Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck Model AT33 Drop-Leaf Sewing Table in Teak
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s Danish solid teak sewing or side table (model AT33) designed by Hans J Wegner and manufactured Andreas Tuck. Crafted with two drop leaves that...
Teak
Danish Teak Coffee Table by Hans J. Wegner, Mid-Century Modern
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish coffee, sofa table made of hand crafted Teakwood, designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Andreas Tuck in good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. Circa 1960 Denmark, Scandinavia. Hans Jorgensen Wegner...
Teak
Round Danish Modern Brutalist Sofa / Coffee Table in Solid Oak, 1960s
By Henning Kjærnulf
Located in Odense, DK
An astonishing side table in solid oak made in the 1960s by a Danish Cabinetmaker. Attributed to Danish architect Henning (Henry) Kjærnulf for Nyrup Møbelfabrik. The table's round si...
Oak
$2,688
H 17.72 in Dm 14.18 in
Elegant Mid-Century Modern Teak Side Table by Hans C. Andersen for Artek 1960s
By Hans C. Andersen, Artek
Located in Munich, DE
Rare and elegant Mid-Century Modern occasional side table. Designed by Hans C. Andersen and manufactured by Artek, Denmark, 1960s. Marked beneath the plate: Made in Denmark by Artek...
Teak
$5,110 / set
H 18.51 in W 18.9 in D 14.57 in
Hans J. Wegner Oak Bedside Tables "Model 430" by Ry Møbelfabrik, Denmark, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Ry Møbler
Located in Odense, DK
A pair of Danish modern bedside tables from the 1960s by Hans J. Wegner. Made in oakwood by original maker Ry Møbler, Denmark. Typical of Wegner's designs from this period is the min...
Oak
Coffee Table by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Coffee table by Hans J. Wegner, in a clean, balanced design. Striking Wenge tabletop and round stained oak legs.
Oak, Wenge
Hans J Wegner Coffee Table for Andreas Tuck
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hans J Wegner design coffee table for Andreas Tuck, Denmark. Made with a teak top and three splayed oak legs, perfectly refinished and labeled.
Oak
$4,727Sale Price|55% Off
H 28.75 in W 77.56 in D 32.29 in
1960s Hans Wegner Desk, steel legs and frame, oak top and drawers
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
Hans Wegner Desk with chromed steel legs and frame, oak top and drawer cabinets. Front with six drawers and two pull-out leaves. Made by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen, 1960–1970's. H....
Steel, Chrome
$2,911 / set
H 18.71 in W 23.63 in D 15.75 in
Kurt Østervig Scandinavian Midcentury Wood Formica Nesting Tables, Denmark 1960s
By Kurt Østervig
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian midcdentury modern design set of three nesting tables designed by Kurt Østervig with solid dark wood frame and top in wood and black formica, Denmark in the 60s Please...
Formica, Wood
$2,455 / item
H 18.9 in W 20.5 in D 13.4 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH004' Nesting Tables in Walnut Oil for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH004' Nesting Tables in Walnut Oil for Carl Hansen & Son The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened his first workshop. His firm commitment to beauty, comfort, refinement, and craftsmanship is evident in iconic pieces designed by such legends as Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint, Poul Kjærholm, Vilhelm Lauritzen and others. Now in its third generation as a family run business, Carl Hansen & Son maintains its legacy through skillful work with the highest quality materials, sustainably producing Danish design classics by past icons and influential new designers. Hans J. Wegner’s iconic 'CH004' Nesting Tables were first launched in 1952. Their lightweight, space-optimized design and classic Wegner minimalism...
Wood, Walnut
$2,495
H 18.9 in W 59.06 in D 24.41 in
Scandinavian Modern Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table in Wenge & Oak, 1950s
By Hans J. Wegner, Andreas Tuck
Located in Odense, DK
Minimalistic Danish Modern table by Hans J. Wegner. The top is made from hardwood Wenge with an amazing wood grain structure. The legs are made from solid turned oakwood. Manufacture...
Oak, Wenge
Hans Wegner Nesting Tables in Teak by Andreas Tuck in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare set of nesting tables designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Andreas Tuck in Denmark.
Oak, Teak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, smoked oak, model GE15
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, partly solid smoked oak. Model GE-15, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, oak, model GE85
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, solid soap treated oak. Two leafes of 32 cm each. Model GE-85, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner, Dining Table, oak, extension leaf. Getama.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner dining table made of solid oak. Extension leaf. Made by GETAMA.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, oak, model GE85
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, solid soap treated oak. Two leafes of 32 cm each. Model GE-85, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, smoked oak, model GE15
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, partly solid smoked oak. Model GE-15, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, beech, model GE85
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, solid soap treated beech. Two leafes of 32 cm each. Model GE-85, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Beech
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, oak, model GE85
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, solid soap treated oak. Two leafes of 32 cm each. Model GE-85, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, smoked oak, model GE15
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, partly solid smoked oak. Model GE-15, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner Coffee Table, smoked oak, model GE15
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner coffee table, partly solid smoked oak. Model GE-15, made by GETAMA, Denmark.
Oak
Sold
H 25.99 in W 35.44 in D 70.87 in
Hans J. Wegner, Shaker Dining Table, oak, extension leafes. Getama.
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner shaker dining table made of solid oak. Extension leafes Made by GETAMA.
Oak
Hans J. Wegner tray table, oak, wenge, steel and formica. Model GE453
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner tray table with frame of steel. Plate of black and white formica, oak sides with wenge handle. Model GE453, made by Getama.
Steel
Hans J. Wegner tray table, oak, wenge, steel and formica. Model GE453
By Hans J. Wegner, GETAMA
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Hans J. Wegner tray table with frame of steel. Plate of black and white formica, oak sides with wenge handle. Model GE453, made by Getama.
Steel