A Mid-Century Modern Classic: Hans J. Wegner's Daybed with Hidden Storage

Hans J. Wegner designed this GE-258 Daybed in the 1950s. Made of Beech, it featured a large rear shelf behind the backrests. This was to provide a storage space for bedding beneath it. The shelf was hinged in two places, allowing the backrest to pivot out of the way, revealing the full extent of the sleeping surface. It makes a little more sense seen in video: The GE-258 was produced by Danish manufacturer Getama, and had a long production run stretching into the 1960s. The piece is sought after today, and sturdy enough that there are plenty of surviving examples on reseller sites.