Nordiska Kompaniet daybed

This very rare daybed was produced in an edition of only three pieces by Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden in 1961. It was specially commissioned by a Swedish NK representative during his time living in the United States, which makes it a highly unusual example of Scandinavian mid-century furniture produced for a private order rather than standard retail distribution. The piece reflects the functionalist ideals and restrained elegance typical of Swedish modernism at the time, combining honest materials with an architectural sense of proportion and form.

The daybed is constructed from solid oak with a slatted top and supported by two rectangular black lacquered steel legs. The use of oak gives the piece a warm and natural character, while the linear structure and horizontal emphasis create a strong graphic presence. The contrast between the wooden top and the industrial black steel base reflects the mid-century fascination with combining natural and manufactured materials in a clean and balanced composition. The daybed has been newly reupholstered in a rich blue wool fabric, providing both visual contrast and textural depth.

The form is strictly geometric and minimalist, with a low profile and precise joinery, demonstrating the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Nordiska Kompaniet’s high-quality production during this period. The proportions and construction techniques echo architectural principles seen in Scandinavian modern furniture from the early 1960s, while the use of bold color in the upholstery reflects a shift towards more expressive interiors of the decade.

The piece is in excellent vintage condition with minor signs of wear consistent with age and careful use. It is both a historical document of Swedish design history and a functional piece of furniture that embodies the ideals of mid-century Scandinavian craftsmanship and material honesty.

Dimensions (W x D x H): 180 x 88 x 31 cm (70.9 x 34.6 x 12.2 in)