Skip to main content

Grete Jalk Daybeds

Danish, 1920-2006

What would the reputation of mid-century Danish furniture be without legendary female designer Grete Jalk? A pioneer of Scandinavian modernism, Jalk sought to craft furniture that was both cost-efficient and high in quality, each piece made for the evolving interiors and design sensibilities of the day. She continues to be celebrated for her sleek and minimal armchairs, lounge chairs, coffee tables and more.

Jalk was born in 1920 in Copenhagen. She studied at the Drawing and Applied Art School for Women before enrolling at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, where famed designer Kaare Klint was among her instructors. Jalk completed her studies in 1946 and began a cabinetmaker apprenticeship. That same year, she won an award at the Copenhagen Cabinetmakers’ Guild competition. Jalk also participated in the 1951 Milan Triennial exhibition, where her designs earned more acclaim and attention.

In 1954, Jalk opened her own design studio and began working with major Danish furniture manufacturers like Fritz Hansen and Glostrup Møbelfabrik. She found inspiration in plywood experiments carried out by Alvar Aalto and Ray and Charles Eames, and she quickly became known for her pared-back, expressive designs, which touted fluid forms and were made of alluring woods such as teak and rosewood.

Jalk’s best-known work is the 1963 GJ chair, a collaboration with cabinetmaker Poul Jeppesen that won first place in the Daily Mail International Furniture Competition. Made of two pieces of molded teak plywood, the sculptural GJ lounge chair is part of the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

While creating her iconic furniture designs, Jalk wore many other hats. She taught at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and served as an editor of the Danish design magazine Mobilia from 1956–62 and 1968–74. In 1974, Jalk curated a traveling design exhibition for the Danish Foreign Ministry and was named a member of the Danish Design Council in 1981. She was also the editor of 40 Years of Danish Furniture Design: The Copenhagen Cabinet-makers' Guild Exhibitions 1927–1966, published in 1987.

Jalk passed away in 2006 at the age of 86. In 2008, Danish furniture manufacturer Lange Production was granted exclusive rights to reproduce the GJ chair, a design as fresh and original today as ever.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Grete Jalk seating, tables and storage pieces.

to
2
2
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
98
49
49
45
45
Creator: Grete Jalk
Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen
Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen

Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen

By Grete Jalk

Located in London, England

Grete Jalk (1920-2006) was a Danish architect and furniture designer known for her contributions to the mid-20th-century design movement. She studied architecture at the Royal Danish...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Velvet, Teak

Model 6-6 - Daybed in oak by Grete Jalk
Model 6-6 - Daybed in oak by Grete Jalk

Model 6-6 - Daybed in oak by Grete Jalk

By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Grete Jalk

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Model 6-6 - Daybed in patinated oak with new mattress upholstered in 'La Source' textile (colour: Chamois). From 1950. Designed by Grete Jalk and made by P. Jeppesen Møbelfabrik.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Related Items
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery
Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery

Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery

$6,400

H 22.05 in W 78.75 in D 33.86 in

Tito Agnoli for Cinova Daybed Sofa in Red Upholstery

By Tito Agnoli

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Tito Agnoli for Cinova, sofa or daybed model 711, red leatherette, steel, laminated wood, Italy, 1968. Cubic sofa that can be transformed into a daybed by Italian designer Tito Agno...

Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Steel

Linear Daybed – Double Bolster in White Oak Series 72
Linear Daybed – Double Bolster in White Oak Series 72

Linear Daybed – Double Bolster in White Oak Series 72

By Stamford Modern

Located in Westport, CT

The Linear Daybed – Double Bolster is a refined interpretation of mid-century modern design inspired by Edward Wormley, distinguished by its balanced proportions and sculptural prese...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Oak Daybed by Guillerme & Chambron, 1960s
Oak Daybed by Guillerme & Chambron, 1960s

Oak Daybed by Guillerme & Chambron, 1960s

$11,800

H 30 in W 37 in D 78.5 in

Oak Daybed by Guillerme & Chambron, 1960s

By Guillerme et Chambron

Located in New York, NY

Designed by Guillerme & Chambron in the 1960s, this French oak daybed reflects the duo’s instinct for sculptural simplicity and everyday utility. This example is fitted with a c...

Category

20th Century French Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Oak

Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA
Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA

Hans Wegner GE6 Daybed Sofa for GETAMA

$3,500

H 29.75 in W 80.88 in D 36 in

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.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Fabric

Danish Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk
Danish Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk

Danish Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk

$1,525

H 33 in W 28.5 in D 31 in

Danish Teak Armchair by Grete Jalk

By Grete Jalk

Located in Grand Rapids, MI

Denmark, 1950s Beautifully made teak armchair with gently curved armrests and coiled spring seat and back, designed by Grete Jalk. Frame is made of old growth teak that has very tigh...

Category

1950s North American Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Teak

Kurt Østervig Tufted Black Leather & Oak Model 311 Daybed by Matzform (Reissue)
Kurt Østervig Tufted Black Leather & Oak Model 311 Daybed by Matzform (Reissue)

Kurt Østervig Tufted Black Leather & Oak Model 311 Daybed by Matzform (Reissue)

By Matzform, Kurt Østervig

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Kurt Østervig's Model 311 daybed, re-issued by Danish manufacturer Matzform, reflects the restrained functionalism that defined Scandinavian furniture design in the 1950s. The solid ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Oak

Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart
Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart

Danish Modern Solid Teak "Minerva" Daybed / Sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart

By John Stuart, Peter Hvidt

Located in San Diego, CA

An absolutely gorgeous Danish modern solid teak "Minerva" daybed / sofa by Peter Hvidt for John Stuart, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good original vintage condition with a brigh...

Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak, Chenille

Midcentury Tiger Oak Daybed/Sofa by Marge Carson
Midcentury Tiger Oak Daybed/Sofa by Marge Carson

Midcentury Tiger Oak Daybed/Sofa by Marge Carson

$3,750

H 23.75 in W 81.5 in D 29.75 in

Midcentury Tiger Oak Daybed/Sofa by Marge Carson

By Marge Carson

Located in North Hollywood, CA

Midcentury tiger oak daybed/sofa by Marge Carson. This sofa is a wonderful piece that can use as a daybed or a sofa giving it two unique purposes. It features a tiger oak wood frame ...

Category

1710s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Brass

Børge Mogensen Oak Daybed "Model 190" for Fredericia, Denmark 1950s
Børge Mogensen Oak Daybed "Model 190" for Fredericia, Denmark 1950s

Børge Mogensen Oak Daybed "Model 190" for Fredericia, Denmark 1950s

By Børge Mogensen, Fredericia

Located in Utrecht, NL

Børge Mogensen designed for function more than sculptural effect. Daybed Model 190 was designed in 1954 for Fredericia Furniture and shows Mogensen’s strong design ideals putting functionality and longevity first. Among the great mid-20th century Danish furniture designers, Børge Mogensen distinguished himself with his faith in traditional values of craftsmanship and honesty of materials. He focused on making pieces that were simple, durable and comfortable, while his chief tenets were quality of construction and simplicity of line. Even though he was a classicist, who believed that furniture forms should evolve from those of historical models, Mogensen shared the aesthetical sensibilities of his most forward-looking colleagues. This daybed has a simple look with understated elegance executed from high-quality materials. The solid oak construction stands on four round, tapered legs and has a lamella top with an upholstered mattress on it. Since the aesthetic is dominated by straight lines, the mattress has button tufting to bring depth into the appearance and accentuate the light coloured fabric. Paired with the blonde oak, the result is elegant and timeless, an aesthetic that can easily complement any style. Danish furniture maker Fredericia Stolefabrik was founded in 1911 by N. P. Ravnsø in an industrial port town of the same name. From the start, Ravnsø built Fredericia's reputation on quality and hired only the most skilled craftsmen he could find. In 1955, the Ravnsø family sold Fredericia to Andreas Graversen, whose first order of business would be to hire Børge Mogensen as head of design. Condition: In good vintage condition. Wear consistent with age and use. The mattress has been reupholstered recently in a premium fabric. Each of our items can be re-upholstered by our in-house atelier in a fabric of choice. Please reach out for more information. Dimensions: 76.37 in W x 32.87 in D x 10.82 in H (excl. mattress) 194 cm W x 83.5 cm D x 27.5 cm H (excl. mattress) About the designer: Børge Mogensen is without a doubt one of the most famous Danish designers. Born in 1914 in Aalborg, Mogensen was trained as a cabinetmaker and studied at the Danish School of Arts and Crafts in Copenhagen from 1936 to 1938, and architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture between 1938 and 1942. At the beginning of his career, he became head of F.D.B. Mobler’s furniture design studio. In 1950, he started his own design studio, collaborating with manufacturers Soborg, the Swedish company Karl Andersson and the famous manufacturer Fredericia from 1955. The collaboration with the latter resulted in many of Mogensen’s most famous furniture pieces, including the “Spanish Chair” and the “Ambassador Sofa...

Category

1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa
Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa

Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa

By France & Søn, Grete Jalk

Located in Franklin Park, IL

Grete Jalk for France and Son Mid Century Danish Teak Sofa This sofa measures: 75 wide x 30 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17 and arm height of 22 inches Good Vinta...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Teak

1 Børge Mogensen Mobler Daybed Model 136
1 Børge Mogensen Mobler Daybed Model 136

1 Børge Mogensen Mobler Daybed Model 136

$3,185Sale Price / item|35% Off

H 28.5 in W 77 in D 36 in

1 Børge Mogensen Mobler Daybed Model 136

By Børge Mogensen

Located in Pasadena, TX

1 Teak Daybed Børge Mogensen Soborg Møbler Model 136 Rare Danish modern teak daybed with upholstered cushion and side pillows designed by...

Category

1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak

French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span
French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span

French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span

$6,800

H 35.83 in W 75.6 in D 28.55 in

French 1950s Oak Banquette, Daybed by Free-Span

By Free Span

Located in Long Island City, NY

A French midcentury "Jour et Nuit" oak sofa or daybed by Free-Span.

Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Oak, Fabric

Previously Available Items
Grete Jalk Reupholstered Daybed in Colorful Pierre Frey Fabric
Grete Jalk Reupholstered Daybed in Colorful Pierre Frey Fabric

Grete Jalk Reupholstered Daybed in Colorful Pierre Frey Fabric

By Grete Jalk

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Grete Jalk for P.J. Furniture, reupholstered daybed, teak and fabric, Denmark, 1960s. Scandinavian modern daybed by Danish designer Grete Jalk. The piece features a raised edge of...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Daybed by Grete Jalk
Daybed by Grete Jalk

Daybed by Grete Jalk

Sold

H 11.82 in W 78.75 in D 33.47 in

Daybed by Grete Jalk

By Grete Jalk

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Model 6-6 - Daybed in teak on medium frame, with mattress in light fabric. Grete Jalk / P. Jeppesen.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Teak

Daybed by Grethe Jalk
Daybed by Grethe Jalk

Daybed by Grethe Jalk

Sold

H 29.14 in W 78.75 in D 39.38 in

Daybed by Grethe Jalk

By Grete Jalk

Located in Copenhagen, DK

GJ Daybed in teak with storage in the backrest. Reupholstered with textile from Kjellerup Væveri (Samsø, 10-551). Designed in 1965. Grete Jalk / P. Jeppesen

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen
Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen

Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen

Sold

H 28.5 in W 80.25 in D 36.75 in

Grete Jalk Daybed for Poul Jeppesen

By Grete Jalk, Poul Jeppesen

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare convertible teak daybed by Grete Jalk for Poul Jeppesen, c.1960s. This piece features unique design elements making it the ideal daybed. The wide seat cushion can be gently pull...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Wool, Teak

Danish Mid Century Modern Daybed by Grete Jalk for Bovirke
Danish Mid Century Modern Daybed by Grete Jalk for Bovirke

Danish Mid Century Modern Daybed by Grete Jalk for Bovirke

By Bovirke, Grete Jalk

Located in Soquel, CA

Clean and elegant daybed by Grete Juel Jalk (Denmark, 1920–2006) for Bovirke Furniture Denmark. Designed and manufactured in Copenhagen, Denmark. Includes a reproduction cushion in the original style. Grete Juel Jalk (1920–2006) was a Danish furniture designer. From the 1960s, she did much to enhance Denmark's reputation for modern furniture design with her clear, comfortable lines. She also edited the Danish magazine Mobilia and compiled a four-volume work on Danish furniture. n 1953, Jalk opened her own design studio. Inspired by Alvar Aalto's laminated bent-plywood furniture and Charles Eames' moulded plywood designs, she began to develop her own boldly curved models. General interest in her unconventional models grew only slowly although they were sought after for exhibitions and collections. In 1963, the English newspaper Daily Mail launched a competition for a chair for a man...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Cotton, Oak

Daybed by Grete Jalk
Daybed by Grete Jalk

Daybed by Grete Jalk

Sold

H 11.82 in W 79.93 in D 34.26 in

Daybed by Grete Jalk

By Grete Jalk

Located in Copenhagen, DK

Daybed in teak with light textile. Maker P. Jeppesen.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Rare Grete Jalk Daybed, 1965
Rare Grete Jalk Daybed, 1965

Rare Grete Jalk Daybed, 1965

Sold

H 29 in W 80 in D 39 in

Rare Grete Jalk Daybed, 1965

By Grete Jalk

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Rarely seen and intelligently designed daybed by Grete Jalk and manufactured by Jeppesen of Denmark. Teak and upholstered daybeds with convertible two position seat and a clever hing...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Greta Jalk Daybed
Greta Jalk Daybed

Greta Jalk Daybed

Sold

H 29 in W 80 in D 39 in

Greta Jalk Daybed

By Grete Jalk

Located in Pawtucket, RI

Cleverly designed daybed designed by Greta Jalk and manufactured by Jeppesen of Denmark.Teak and upholstered daybed with convertible 2 position seat and hin...

Category

1960s Danish Vintage Grete Jalk Daybeds

Materials

Teak, Upholstery

Grete Jalk daybeds for sale on 1stDibs.

Grete Jalk daybeds are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Grete Jalk daybeds, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original daybeds by Grete Jalk were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider daybeds by Peter Hvidt, Hans J. Wegner, and Børge Mogensen. Prices for Grete Jalk daybeds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $13,500 and can go as high as $21,073, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $20,944.