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
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...
Upholstery, Beech
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.
Leather, Beech
'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...
Leather, Fabric, Beech
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...
Fabric, Foam, Beech
Price Upon Request
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...
Upholstery, Beech
$6,012
H 38.19 in W 25.2 in D 70.87 in
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.
Canvas, Birch
Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair with Ottoman Model "Migo"
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Bruno Mathsson, Lounge Chair with Ottoman, Model Migo, Mathsson International, 1982 A rare lounge chair with matching ottoman, model Migo, designed by Bruno Mathsson and produced by...
Leather, Oak
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...
Hemp, Beech, Leather
$15,632
H 35.83 in W 25.2 in D 37.8 in
Scandinavian Lounge Chair "Pernilla 1" by Bruno Mathsson, 1940s
By Bruno Mathsson, Firma Karl Mathsson
Located in Karlstad, SE
Gorgeous lounge chair and ottoman "Pernilla 1", designed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Andersson & Söner, Sweden. This rare version with red paper cord webbing...
Birch
$1,875Sale Price|20% Off
H 32.29 in W 30.32 in D 23.63 in
Modern wood Eva Chair by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1977
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in MIlano, IT
Eva chair by Bruno Mathsson for Firma Karl Mathsson, 1977 Eva chair with armrests in birch wood with curved structure and seat with woven fabric. Designed by Bruno Mathsson for Firm...
Fabric, Wood
$18,037
H 32.68 in W 59.06 in D 20.08 in
Bruno Mathsson Lounge Chair Model 36 Produced by Karl Mathsson
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare early lounge chair model 36 designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Birch
$3,006
H 33.08 in W 23.63 in D 26.78 in
Beautiful Lounge Chair Mod. Eva by Bruno Mathsson, 1960ies Sweden No.2
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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 ...
Leather, Beech
Scandinavian Chaise Longue "Pernilla 3" by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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...
Birch
Swedish Modern daybed, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
An elegant Swedish modern daybed, designer unknown, crafted in Sweden during the mid-20th century. The piece features soft, organic lines with a gently curved backrest and a low, e...
Fabric, Beech
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 ...
Leather, Sheepskin, Beech
$3,006
H 33.86 in W 19.3 in D 24.81 in
Bruno Mathsson Early Eva Easy Chair by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Early easy chair model Eva designed by Bruno Mathsson. Produced by Karl Mathsson in Värnamo, Sweden.
Hemp, Birch
$3,400 / set
H 32.68 in W 23.63 in D 25.6 in
Pair of Mid-Century Swedish Armchairs by Bruno Mathsson, Model "Eva", 1960s
By Bruno Mathsson
Located in Odense, DK
A beautiful pair of mid-century Swedish easy chairs, crafted in the 1960s by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden. Celebrated for his innovative approach to functionalist furniture design, Mathsso...
Birch, Fabric, Textile
'Berlin' Daybed in Birchwood by Bruno Mathsson, Sweden 1972
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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...
Birch
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...
Fabric, Birch
Rare 'Berlin' Daybed by Bruno Mathsson for Karl Mathsson, 1957
By Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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...
Wool, Beech
Berlin T303 Daybed by Bruno Mathsson
By Firma Karl Mathsson, Bruno 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...
Beech
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). ...
Cotton, Linen, Beech
Sold
H 43.31 in W 82.68 in L 43.31 in
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...
Linen, Birch
Sold
H 19.3 in W 76.78 in D 37.41 in
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.
Wool, Birch
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...
Beech, Birch
Sold
H 18.51 in W 37.8 in D 76.78 in
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.
Leather, Fabric, Birch
