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
$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 Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
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
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
$1,507
H 22.05 in W 31.5 in D 31.5 in
Coffee Table Made In Soap Treated Oak By Hans J. Wegner From 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
Crafted from soap-treated oak, this coffee table epitomizes the iconic design aesthetic of Hans J. Wegner from the 1960s. With its clean lines, minimalist form, and emphasis on natur...
Oak
$2,520 / item
H 18.9 in W 20.5 in D 13.4 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH004' Nesting Tables in Oiled Walnut for Carl Hansen & Son
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Glendale, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH004' Nesting Tables in Oiled Walnut 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
Hans J. Wegner Sewing Table, Model AT-33, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Savannah, GA
A teak sewing table designed by Hans J. Wegner for Andreas Tuck, model AT-33, produced in Denmark in the 1960s. Two drop-leaf extensions, an integrated pull-out cane sewing basket,...
Teak
1960s Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck AT-304 Teak Dining Table
By Andreas Tuck, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is an AT-304 Dining Table, originally designed by Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck in 1950. This particular example was produced in Denmark and dates back to the 1960s. Crafted in t...
Brass
$2,852 / set
H 25.6 in W 18.51 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Teak Nightstands by Sigfred Omann for Ølholm 1960s
By Sigfred Omann
Located in Handewitt, DE
Pair of mid century danish nightstands. Made in teak. Each with two drawers and one shelf. Design by Sigfred Omann for Ølholm Møbelfarik Denmark 1960s. H. 64.5 cm / W. 47 cm / D. 36...
Teak
Rare Hans J. Wegner PP-312 Teak Desk 1960s.
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Handewitt, DE
Rarely offered Hans J. Wegner desk in sold teak. Model PP-312. This is probably an earlier version of the current PP-312. Like its predecessor, the PP-305, this model still has thre...
Teak
Modernist Teak Table by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A rare Danish modern solid teak table / desk with clean sides and a recessed apron with chromium hardware. Designed by Hans Wegner, crafted by Johannes Hansen in the 1960s.
Teak
$3,800
H 22 in W 39.25 in D 23.5 in
Hans Wegner Occasional Table for Andreas Tuck with Brass Stretchers
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic Danish table by Hans Wegner for Andreas Tuck. Brass stretchers, teak top, oak legs. Could be used as occasional table, lamp table, etc..
$925
H 17.33 in W 23.63 in D 13.78 in
Coffee Table Made In Teak With Legs In Metal By Hans J. Wegner From 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Ry Møbler
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak coffee table, designed by the iconic Danish furniture designer Hans J. Wegner in the 1960s and manufactured by Ry Furniture, epitomizes the essence of Scandinavian design....
Metal
$7,000
H 20.88 in W 26.75 in D 21.25 in
Hans Wegner Teak Table with Hidden Tray, Johannes Hansen, 1960s
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Miami, FL
A very rare two-tier teak and oak occasional table with hidden tray, designed by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen. The end table features a two-tiered design with a solid teak top and...
Teak, Oak
Pair of Wegner Nightstands, Teak, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Pair of Wegner nightstands made in teak. Top of black glass. One drawer. Made by GETAMA in the 1960s.
Glass, Teak
Pair of Wegner Nightstands, Teak, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Pair of Wegner nightstands made in teak. Top of black glass One drawer. Made by GETAMA in the 1960s.
Glass, Teak
Pair of Wegner Nightstands, Teak, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Pair of Wegner nightstands made in teak. With shelf of black glass. One drawer. Made by GETAMA in the 1960s.
Glass, Teak
Sold
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 13 in
Two Danish 1960s Floating Bedside Nightstands in Oak and Glass by Hans Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Shepperton, Surrey
A pair of Minimalist Danish 1960s floating nightstands in oak and black glass by Hans Wegner for GETAMA. These beautifully understated nightstands can be affixed to a Hans Wegner ...
Glass, Oak
Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Danish Modern Oak Coffee Table, 1960s
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in South Bend, IN
A sleek and stylish minimalist Danish Modern oak coffee table or occasional table with unique drop leaf side By Hans J. Wegner for GETAMA Denmark, 1960s Measures: 47"W x 20....
Oak
Sold
H 13.78 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
Hans J. Wegner Scandinavian Modern Oak and Mahogany Blanket Chest, Model GE20
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Odense, DK
Designed in the 1950s by Hans J. Wegner this beautiful and rare chest features flip toplid concealing storage. The inside is of the chest is veneered with rich grained mahogany. Nice...
Brass
Sold
H 29 in W 105 in D 96 in
Modernist Hans J Wegner Queen Size Bed with Attached Nightstands, Denmark
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Modernist Hans J Wegner queen-size bed with attached nightstands, burn in stamp GETAMA Gedsted Denmark, wonderful design, retains original weaved rattan, ...
Naugahyde, Rattan, Rosewood, Teak
Pair of Tray Tables by Wegner
By GETAMA, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
A pair of reversible tray tables with an oak framed black / white formica top on a foldable base of chromed steel. Designed by Hans J. Wegner M.A.A. for GETAMA in 1970. Made in Denmark - This table was designed in a limited number to match the Flagline chair...
Steel