Functionalism in the Scandinavian modern style first developed in the first half of the 20th century alongside the American and European movements. Interiors following this new aesthetic prioritized affordable and accessible furnishings, clean lines, and natural materials as seen in this gorgeous daybed.

Quality and craftsmanship were hallmarks of the era and of Denmark. Unlike its other European and U.S. counterparts, however, mid-century Danish designers worked with paler colour palettes and leggy furnishings that kept light bouncing around interiors in a region known for its short days and long winters. The solid pine structure of this daybed manifests this idea, resting on tapered legs that create the airy impression. Even under the upholstered mattress, the base is composed of slats, which becomes visible when the daybed is extended. This feature allows the daybed to easily fit two people and shows the functionalist mindset of the maker. Overall, the aesthetic is streamlined and elegant in an essentially mid-century modernist way. In the absence of ornamentation, the luxurious light upholstery stays in focus, utilizing the fabric’s rich texture to break the straight lines visually. The tufted buttons add depth to the mattress, sectioning the large surface. In combination with the natural pine’s pattern and grain the result is elegant organicity in a manner that the Danes perfected through the decades.

Denmark has a long history of furniture-making. Through the 19th century, the country also had a very strong tradition of cabinetmaking, or producing traditional furniture by hand. In the early 20th century, these cabinetmaking traditions began to merge with modern forces like industrialization. This daybed however, is a handmade piece that thus remains quite rare.

SOLD

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:

74.8 in W x 35.82 in D x 14.17 in H

190 cm W x 91 cm D x 36 cm H

About the Designer:

The practical and comfortable designs of Danish cabinetmakers defined mid-20th century modern seating. The Danish Cabinetmakers focused on minimalist design executed by expertly skilled craftsmen.

Works from the Danish Cabinet-Makers' Guild is a concept of its own in collectible design. The Cabinet-Makers' Guild began annual exhibitions in 1927 in Copenhagen. The group formed an exhibit showing each year in October the quality furniture made to drawings by gifted architects. The exhibition took place each year, without interruption, for forty years. A number of successful Danish Design collaborations were formed during this time between cabinetmakers and architects.

Danish Modernism has influenced Scandinavian furniture to a great degree, defined by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The muted colours and gentle designs make Danish mid-century furniture an ideal addition to contemporary living spaces. Additionally, master cabinetmakers were highly aware of body proportions, prioritizing comfort just as much as the visual qualities.

The works of master cabinetmakers – such as this chair – are of the highest quality, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Cabinetmakers take the art of working with wood one step further, and focus on the finer details of what can be created with the material. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that numerous master cabinetmakers are part of the renowned Danish Culture Canon (Danish: Kulturkanonen). The canon contains no more than 108 works of cultural excellence, based on works with a useful function and that are still recognizable today. This small armchair is the perfect illustration of Danish design, and the work of a true cabinetmaker. ~H.