Skip to main content
Berlin Daybed
Iconic Designs

Berlin DaybedBy Bruno Mathsson

About the Design

With its long mattress gently elevated on a molded wooden frame, the Berlin daybed created by Bruno Mathsson (1907–88) offers a simple space for relaxation and reveals the Swedish architect as a pioneer in ergonomic furniture design.

While outwardly minimal, its four tapered legs with their sculptural details reflect Mathsson’s technical innovations in working with wood. The Berlin daybed — an update of the “lounge bed” he introduced at the 1937 Paris Exposition — debuted at the 1957 International Building Exhibition in Berlin, which showcased contemporary urban living.

Each element of the Berlin daybed was conceived with optimal support in mind. Mathsson was influenced by the aesthetics of fellow Scandinavian designers Alvar Aalto and Gunnar Asplund, but he prioritized human comfort. Mathsson observed how people positioned themselves on furniture and made anatomical studies of posture. This guided his furniture design, which began in the 1930s. Born into a family of cabinetmakers, Mathsson also understood the properties of wood and its untapped potential. By laminating and bending the material, he molded lightweight forms that would fit the body. Mathsson conducted various experiments with seating and chair backs, all of which had curved dynamic lines, a contrast to Bauhaus-style hard angles, which were then dominating modernism.

Despite his international success, Mathsson never opened his own firm. His Berlin daybed entered production at his father’s studio, Firma Karl Mathsson, in his hometown of Värnamo, in 1964. Such intimate oversight gives this and the other pieces of Mathsson’s furniture that were manufactured by his father’s firm — all constructed with the natural materials that characterize Scandinavian mid-century design — an enduring quality.

Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed

to
3
2
5
5
5
4
2
Swedish Modern Berlin Daybed T303 by Bruno Mathsson 1960
Swedish Modern Berlin Daybed T303 by Bruno Mathsson 1960

Swedish Modern Berlin Daybed T303 by Bruno Mathsson 1960

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Sublime stamped Berlin daybed model #T303 designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson in Varnamo, Sweden 1960. Crafted from blonde beechwood in the Scandinavian modern style o...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Foam, Beech

'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson
'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson

'Berlin 57' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson

By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson

Located in Little Burstead, Essex

A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson dated 1968 and with fresh new cover in sand Alpaca fur by Pierre Frey with leather buttons. This model was originally shown at the Berlin...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Beech

Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden

Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin Produced by Karl Mathsson in Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Beech

Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed

Bruno Mathsson "Berlin" Daybed

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Long Island City, NY

Bruno Matthson descended from five generations of master cabinetmakers in Sweden. “He carefully studied the ‘mechanics of sitting.’ For example, in search of the perfect seating curv...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960
Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960

Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in New York, NY

Chic "Berlin" daybed by Swedish modern master, Bruno Mathsson. Made by Firma Karl Mathsson Sweden, circa 1960 Molded Beech, new upholstery Measures: 80" L x 40" W x 18.5" H. Bruno M...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Upholstery, Beech

Related Items
Mid Century Armchair Model "Eva" by Bruno Mathsson Birch/Hemp, Sweden
Mid Century Armchair Model "Eva" by Bruno Mathsson Birch/Hemp, Sweden

Mid Century Armchair Model "Eva" by Bruno Mathsson Birch/Hemp, Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in München, BY

Mid century armchair model "Eva" made of birch and braided hemp webbing. Design by the well-known Swedish designer Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. The Eva armchair is a design from 1941. Ve...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Hemp, Birch

Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Lounge Chair by Karl Mathsson, 1970s
Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Lounge Chair by Karl Mathsson, 1970s

Bruno Mathsson "Eva" Lounge Chair by Karl Mathsson, 1970s

By Bruno Mathsson, Ivan Schlechter

Located in Odense, DK

Vintage "Eva" lounge chair by Bruno Mathsson made by Karl Mathsson in 1974. The beechwood and hemp webbings has a nice patina and the chair comes with a leather cover hand sewn by Iv...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Hemp, Beech, Leather

Beautiful Lounge Chair Mod. Eva by Bruno Mathsson, 1960ies Sweden No.2
Beautiful Lounge Chair Mod. Eva by Bruno Mathsson, 1960ies Sweden No.2

Beautiful Lounge Chair Mod. Eva by Bruno Mathsson, 1960ies Sweden No.2

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Berlin, DE

Lounge Chair “Eva” by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, Värnamo, Sweden, 1960s Offered here is an iconic “Eva” lounge chair, designed by celebrated Swedish furniture designer Bruno ...

Category

20th Century Swedish Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Beech

Swedish Designer, Daybed, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s
Swedish Designer, Daybed, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s

Swedish Designer, Daybed, Birch, Fabric, Sweden, 1930s

Located in High Point, NC

A floral-printed fabric and stained birch daybed designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1930s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 17.0"H x 76.0"W x 32.75"D...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Scandinavian Chaise Longue "Pernilla 3" by Bruno Mathsson
Scandinavian Chaise Longue "Pernilla 3" by Bruno Mathsson

Scandinavian Chaise Longue "Pernilla 3" by Bruno Mathsson

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Karlstad, SE

Gorgeous chaise lounge Pernilla 3, designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden. Condition: Good original condition with light patina. No damage to the webbing, and...

Category

20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Birch

Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Model Pernilla 3 / T-108 by Karl Mathsson in Sweden
Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Model Pernilla 3 / T-108 by Karl Mathsson in Sweden

Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Model Pernilla 3 / T-108 by Karl Mathsson in Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Lounge chair model Pernilla 3 / T-108 designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Canvas, Birch

Antique Swedish Gustavian Daybed, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1870
Antique Swedish Gustavian Daybed, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1870

Antique Swedish Gustavian Daybed, Handcrafted Pinewood, Circa 1870

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian pull-out daybed made from hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. This freestanding Scandinavian wood bench...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Upholstery, Pine

Mid Century Modern daybed by NK Verkstader Nykoping, Sweden
Mid Century Modern daybed by NK Verkstader Nykoping, Sweden

Mid Century Modern daybed by NK Verkstader Nykoping, Sweden

$4,597Sale Price|43% Off

H 25.99 in W 80.71 in D 36.62 in

Mid Century Modern daybed by NK Verkstader Nykoping, Sweden

Located in London, GB

Modernist daybed with a teak frame and buttoned mattress reupholstered in linen. The mattress base sits on the original springs which are in excellent condition.This daybed is very unusual as it has the head and baseboard in metal andd feels very reminiscent of the designs of the French designer Royere. It is a stylish, well made and useful piece that would grace any home. We have two examples available sold separately. Nordiska kompaniet (NK) was founded on 14 January 1902. In 1915, the department store on the corner of Hamngatan/Regeringsgatan was completed. The architect was Ferdinand Boberg...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Teak

Lounge chair 'model 36' by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1941
Lounge chair 'model 36' by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1941

Lounge chair 'model 36' by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1941

$17,811

H 32.29 in W 19.89 in D 59.06 in

Lounge chair 'model 36' by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden, 1941

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Eskilstuna, SE

A rare example of Bruno Mathsson’s Model 36, crafted in beech with a beautifully woven leather seat and a soft sheepskin cushion. Produced by ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Leather, Sheepskin, Beech

Bruno Mathsson, Chaise Longue, Birch, Jute, Sweden, 1936
Bruno Mathsson, Chaise Longue, Birch, Jute, Sweden, 1936

Bruno Mathsson, Chaise Longue, Birch, Jute, Sweden, 1936

By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson

Located in High Point, NC

A very early production chaise longue designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Karl Matthson, Värnamo, Sweden, 1936. With makers label specifying production year 1936. Seat Heigh...

Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Chaise Longues

Materials

Jute, Birch

Poul Volther Daybed Model Diva  981 for Gemla, Sweden
Poul Volther Daybed Model Diva  981 for Gemla, Sweden

Poul Volther Daybed Model Diva 981 for Gemla, Sweden

$5,250

H 31.11 in W 77.96 in D 32.68 in

Poul Volther Daybed Model Diva 981 for Gemla, Sweden

By Gemla, Poul Volther

Located in Dronten, NL

Very nice sophisticated daybed sofa Model 981 designed by Poul Volther, manufactured by Gemla, Denmark, circa 1960. This sofa is nicknamed 'Diva' and features a sophisticated solid o...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Sofas

Materials

Wool, Oak

Previously Available Items
Bruno Mathsson Daybed, Sweden circa 1960
Bruno Mathsson Daybed, Sweden circa 1960

Bruno Mathsson Daybed, Sweden circa 1960

Sold

H 27 in W 80 in D 40 in

Bruno Mathsson Daybed, Sweden circa 1960

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Culver City, CA

Sweden, 1960 Beech frame and newly upholstered in velvet by BDDW. 80”w x 40”d x 27”h x 18”seat Ref. MOD1178 $ 7,000

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Daybeds

Materials

Velvet, Beech

'Berlin' Daybed in Birchwood by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden 1972
'Berlin' Daybed in Birchwood by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden 1972

'Berlin' Daybed in Birchwood by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden 1972

By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson

Located in Hellouw, NL

A rare Berlin daybed, designed by Bruno Mathsson in 1957, captures the essence of Scandinavian modernism. Introduced at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin, this model ex...

Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Birch

Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed
Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed

Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed

Sold

H 25 in W 40 in D 78 in

Bruno Mathsson Berlin Daybed

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Oakland, CA

Rare version of model "Berlin" daybed designed in the 1930s by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, made in Sweden. Production year 1963. Frame-platform is constructed of steam-b...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Fabric, Birch

Rare 'Berlin' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, 1957
Rare 'Berlin' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, 1957

Rare 'Berlin' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, 1957

By Bruno Mathsson, Karl Mathsson

Located in Antwerpen, VAN

A rare and beautiful ‘Berlin’ daybed designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson in 1957. It was first shown in 1957 at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin where it rece...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Beech

Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson
Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson

Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson

Sold

H 18.5 in W 40 in D 79 in

Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Portland, OR

Rare model Berlin daybed by Bruno Mathsson in Beech. Platform daybed features lovely sculptural lines and it’s quality construction makes it e...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Beech

Original Vintage "Berlin 57" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Signed
Original Vintage "Berlin 57" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Signed

Original Vintage "Berlin 57" Daybed by Bruno Mathsson Signed

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in North Miami, FL

A totally original piece from Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, with a newly upholstered cushion in a cotton/linen thick weave natural fabric (preserving the original design). ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Daybeds

Materials

Cotton, Linen, Beech

Bruno Mathsson "Berlin 57" Mid-Century Daybed in Beech Produced in Sweden, 1960s
Bruno Mathsson "Berlin 57" Mid-Century Daybed in Beech Produced in Sweden, 1960s

Bruno Mathsson "Berlin 57" Mid-Century Daybed in Beech Produced in Sweden, 1960s

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Stockholm, SE

Rare daybed model "Berlin 57" designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by Firma Karl Mathsson in 1963. In good vintage and original condition with some signs from age and use. The lin...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Linen, Birch

Vintage Model Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1960s
Vintage Model Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1960s

Vintage Model Berlin Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1960s

By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson

Located in Odense, DK

Rare daybed designed by Bruno Mathsson for by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden. Model Berlin Made in beech and original wool fabric with leather buttons. Good vintage condition.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Wool, Birch

Bruno Mathsson 'Berlin' Daybed by Karl Mathsson
Bruno Mathsson 'Berlin' Daybed by Karl Mathsson

Bruno Mathsson 'Berlin' Daybed by Karl Mathsson

Sold

H 19.69 in W 76.78 in D 36.23 in

Bruno Mathsson 'Berlin' Daybed by Karl Mathsson

By Karl Mathsson, Bruno Mathsson

Located in Utrecht, NL

Birch and beech plywood daybed model T303 also known as the 'Berlin' daybed since it was first presented at the International Building Exhibition in Berlin in 1957. Designed by Swedi...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Beech, Birch

Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden

Bruno Mathsson Daybed Model Berlin by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden

By Bruno Mathsson

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Rare daybed model Berlin designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.

Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Daybeds

Materials

Leather, Fabric, Birch

More Bruno Mathsson Designs
Bruno Mathsson Eva Chair
Bruno Mathsson Eva Chair
Average Price
$5,305
Number Available
21
Bruno Mathsson Eva Chair
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Beech, Hardwood, Leather, Birch, Fabric
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
Shop All
Pernilla Chaise Longue
Pernilla Chaise Longue
Average Price
$12,248
Number Available
11
Pernilla Chaise Longue
Materials
Wood, Birch, Beech, Fabric, Hardwood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern
Shop All
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chair
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chair
Average Price
$7,698
Number Available
7
Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Chair
Materials
Wood, Animal Skin, Leather, Beech, Bentwood, Fabric, Hardwood
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All
Bruno Mathsson Maria Folding Table
Bruno Mathsson Maria Folding Table
Average Price
$12,185
Number Available
6
Bruno Mathsson Maria Folding Table
Materials
Wood, Hardwood, Walnut, Beech, Teak
Styles
Scandinavian Modern, Mid Century Modern
Shop All