GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
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.
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood, Oak
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Wood
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Oak
1920s French Art Deco Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Bronze
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Oak
2010s European Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Cherry
2010s European Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
Mid-20th Century Unknown American Colonial GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Oak
2010s Danish Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Stainless Steel
Mid-20th Century American Federal GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Brass
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Oak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Glass, Teak
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern GETAMA Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets
Glass, Teak
