I recently had a conversation with a client on blog post ideas. She suggested showing Swedish antiques in situ…sharing how homeowners and designers incorporate Swedish antiques in their homes and decor. I’m kicking off this new series with the Swedish daybed.

Before I begin, let me thank my talented designer friends, Nancy and Bethany, at Powell Brower Home for inviting me to be their blog guest. Check out Powell Brower’s projects and also my post here.

What is a Swedish daybed? To me, it is a long and wide bench with raised ends. Some daybeds can have a backrest but I generally define those as settees. The Swedish daybed is one of the most elegant pieces of furniture. Even the word daybed conjures up images of gracious lounging. And, it is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to use it at home:

-Place it at one end of a long living room
-Use it to divide multiple seating groups
-Float it in front of a fireplace or window
-Tuck it under a large mirror or painting in a foyer
-Set it at the foot of a bed

Maybe you’ll find room for a Swedish daybed in your home!! 🙂

 First up is this gorgeous living room belonging to DC area designer Elizabeth Kaufman. This 18th century Swedish Gustavian daybed, from Tone on Tone, was scraped down to its original painted surface. I love how it elegantly anchors one end of the spacious living room.
 Elizabeth put her design career on hold when her young daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Her daughter is now in remission, and Elizabeth’s efforts are focused on raising funds for the hospital where she was treated. Elizabeth and I invite all our friends to participate in the Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala (at the Four Seasons in Georgetown, DC) to benefit Children’s National Medical Center.
  Elizabeth used Farrow and Ball’s Matchstick on the walls. The wool curtains are trimmed in Fortuny. I hope to share more of this fabulous house in the future.
 Here is another Swedish Gustavian daybed from our shop. It divides Darby’s large and beautiful living room into three seating groups: sofa on one end, daybed in the middle and clubchairs with ottomans on the other side.
 In our long and narrow living room, I placed a daybed in front of the fireplace. Comfy club chairs with an ottoman would’ve been delightful, but alas they would be too deep.
 Notice how the daybed floats gracefully without blocking the fireplace. Its laurel leaf carvings and circular fretwork are fantastic. The paisley wool throw with suede trim is from De le Cuona.
 ABOVE: This Swedish daybed (sold) would look stunning in a foyer or hall under a tall mirror, painting or screen.
Here is a Swedish daybed currently in our shop. I had a loose seat (linen covered) cushion made. The raised ends with oval rings have wonderful movement.
 And this small Gustavian original painted daybed is from our latest shipment. It came already upholstered in this classic indigo and off-white checks. Add toile bolster pillows for softness, charm and pizazz!