Mid Century Danish Modern Diva Daybed By Gubi Olsen For Gubi, 1984

The iconic Diva Daybed sofa was designed by Gubi Olsen for the Danish manufacturer GUBI in 1982. Although the concept itself originated in the early 1980s, the first official production batches were released in 1984, permanently etching themselves into the history of Scandinavian design. It is a superb example of Scandinavian design that consciously transcends the canon of cool modernism. Diva is a distinctive piece of furniture that perfectly combines Scandinavian style with bold, geometric forms and a postmodern design language.

The monumental, soft shape of the seat, juxtaposed with a minimalist chrome tubular frame, takes center stage. The furniture's design is based on simple, decisive lines, and its original character is built on the contrasting color scheme of intense cobalt blue and saturated red. The metal frame is not merely a structural element; it becomes the furniture's graphic outline, emphasizing its geometric silhouette. The distinctive upholstery due the sofa an elegant texture and ensures durability and comfort.

The sofa is equipped with a certified "Fomalux Sædeindlæg" insert from the Danish brand Brdr. Foltmar A/S. The insert is made of highly elastic foam that has passed rigorous compression tests and earned Varefakta and Møbelfakta quality certificates.

The functionality of this model is emphasized by geometric, contoured cushions that serve as backrests and armrests, which can be freely arranged to adapt the furniture to your needs for relaxation or sleep. The base is cylindrical chrome-plated metal legs, which give the structure a visual lightness and modern character.

The colors and form evoke the aesthetics of Italian Radical Design and the later Memphis, where the furniture ceases to be a neutral utilitarian object and begins to function as a standalone visual object. It's this trend's characteristic juxtaposition of strong colors, simple geometric shapes, exaggerated proportions, and a conscious tension between function and expression. Memphis, operating in Milan from 1981 to 1988 under the direction of Ettore Sottsass, rejected the previously prevailing rules of "good taste," experimenting with color, form, and pop culture references.

In this context, Olsen's sofa is particularly interesting: Danish design tradition meets Italian postmodernism. Instead of ascetic elegance, we receive a bold, decorative, and decidedly collectible piece. A piece of furniture that can define an entire interior. GUBI builds its collection around the dialogue between historical design icons and contemporary design, which is why this type of furniture fits well with the brand's broader philosophy.

Gubi Olsen lived from 1947 to 2023. He was one of the most visionary figures in Danish design and an incorrigible optimist in the world of furniture. He graduated from the prestigious Den Permanente craft school in Copenhagen, demonstrating an exceptional sense of aesthetics from a young age. In 1967, at just 20 years old, he and his wife Lisbeth founded GUBI, which transformed from a local textile business into a global furniture brand. Olsen consistently rejected cold, rigorous functionalism in favor of his own, eccentric postmodern style. He built his unique, sculptural furniture forms on a rich tradition of craftsmanship, combining it with global inspirations, from French cinema to the figure of Napoleon and the shape of the classical piano. He left behind an impressive legacy of original designs, including the iconic Grand Piano sofa and the Diva series, which defined a new boldness in Scandinavian design at the end of the 20th century.

GUBI is an exclusive Danish furniture brand that has been successfully redefining the boundaries of modern design since its founding in 1967. Founded in Copenhagen by the husband-and-wife team of Lisbeth and Gubi Olsen, the company began by designing textiles and selling furniture, eventually evolving into a global icon of luxury design. The brand's philosophy is based on the search for forgotten gems of 20th-century design and bold collaborations with contemporary, visionary designers. GUBI is renowned for fusing the past with the present, resulting in collections characterized by sculptural forms, bold material combinations, and a unique sense of aesthetics that captivate interior design enthusiasts worldwide. Under the leadership of the next generation of the Olsen family, the brand has evolved into a dynamic empire that not only celebrates the history of craftsmanship but also continually sets new trends in the international world of interior design.

Creator Gubi Olsen
Manufacturer GUBI
Design Period 1980 to 1989
Year 1984
Production Period 1980 to 1989
Country of Manufacture Denmark
Identifying Marks This piece has been attributed based on archival documentation, such as vintage catalogs, designer records, or other literature sources
Style Danish Design, Vintage, Mid-Century, Scandinavian Modern, Modernist

Width 204 cm
Depth 92 cm
Height 69 cm
Seat Height 42 cm

Condition report:

Good — This vintage/antique item may have some wear such as scratches and other signs of ageing.
Restoration and Damage Details
Light wear consistent with age and use, Patina consistent with age and use, Small abrasion to the fabric at the bottom, near a leg

Additional dimensions information:

Seat Height 42 cm