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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

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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

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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.

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'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 Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl 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...

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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 Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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...

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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

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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...

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