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!
It's all beautiful, Loi. I love your living room and the last daybed with the checks. I am crazy for checks.
Honestly! Just looking at these gorgeous images makes me feel so calm and serene. They're just stunning. And what a great piece of furniture to have.
Jonathan told me how much he enjoyed meeting you at your shop recently. I am so pleased you got the chance to meet each other.
xoxo
Beautiful Loi ! I LOVE your idea and your client about the new series !! I love to see how things can be incorporated into rooms. Love Darby's baby blue room especially <3
Betsy Duggan
Thank you kindly, Betsy. I will pass on to Darby 😉
Oh, these are so beautiful!
I've always loved daybeds and would someday like to have one for in front of the fireplace in my library.
Thanks for your visit, Squeak. Look forward to having you back 🙂
Really beautiful daybeds Loi. I love them!
Your living room looks so elegant and gorgeous.
Thanks for sharing!
xoxo
Vesna
Dear Loi – your images always have a tranquility to them. If I was nearer I would love the last daybed with the checked indigo cushion – the neatness of it appeals.
In your recent post a lot of people (including myself) were taken with the daybed you illustrated. These current examples show that that was no fluke. There certainly is a lightness and elegance in these Swedish examples. They work well in large rooms because that are large pieces of furniture, but with their delicate lines and light colors, they do not visually fill up the space, but invite us to linger over them, and then the eye moves on.
–Road to Parnassus
Thank you, Jim. You are spot on. I totally agree. Hope you are doing well.
They are wonderful Loi, but I don't think one would fit on our boat :-). It's seeing your posts that make me want to get back o dry land. I think I would place one in the hallway.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Di
X
I knew dearest Loi, that when I saw your new post pop up on my blog roll, that I was going to GASP when I came here to your blog. That, I did. I gasped!!!!!!!!
I consider my home DONE in that we have all we need. HOWEVER……
If I could, I would literally fly to DC, meet you, look at your furnishings and order one of these or that killer diller gorgeous gray sofa you featured last time. I am serious! I have a very BEAUTIFUL but large Stickley sage green velvet couch in the original living room of my house. My dream is to scale down in that room and sell that sofa and replace it with a softer and simpler piece such as a daybed as you show here, or the sofa in your shop. It would suit the small living room and the color would bring such tranquility into that space.
Well, I better "wake up" here and stop dreaming! I am so happy to have met you this past year, Loi. Your fantastic sense of style and blog just make many of us so thrilled about our decorating possibilities!
Have a fantastic weekend, Anita
I don't think that there is a more inherently romantic piece of furniture than a daybed. Your post makes me want one even more.
oh you had me at indigo checks!!! GORGEOUS! i love these versatile pieces, and i love the contrast of the muted tones and the dark blue.
always a treat, loi. these daybeds are lovely and I especially like the one with the oval detailing on the ends. I enjoy peeking around in your shop via your images. the way you mix finishes on your pieces looks effortless; yet your mix has such great effect. also like the little peek at the ornate candle holders on that demilune….perhaps a post on that style of candleholder one day….? I am smitten with those. Heck, I love everything in your shop. donna
They are all lovely. I enjoyed this post Loi! I do love a sneak peek into homes I would not ordinarily visit. My favorite day bed is the one with the linen cover in your shop. It is so unique with the oval rings!
Oh my goodness, Loi! These rooms are made even more lovely with the daybeds. Thanks for showing so many fine examples. I like your idea of floating one in front of a fire place since, as you mentioned, they do not block the view! Nancy Kaufman's rooms are stunning and it would be a real treat if you were able to show us more rooms from that home. Have a lovely weekend!
-Deborah
Beautiful!!!
Loi, each bed a gesture in loveliness! I wonder how long it would take me to drive to DC? Although, I guess I couldn't strap my new daybed to the roof could I?!! Have a great weekend:)
Too funny, why did I think you lived in DC? Is Maryland closer;)?
Brenda, We live in DC, and our shop is located just right outside of the city…..in Bethesda, MD.
Loi, Thank you so much for demonstrating how Day Beds add luxury into a space! A Day Bed is one of my dreams to own…..need the space first!
Your timing is incredible! I am keeping an eye out for a daybed in our Master. These are such beautiful pieces. I can only wish! Thank you for the inspiration,
Monica
All of the Swedish day beds are so lovely! How wonderful it would be to lounge on one in front of the fire! I'd love to know more about how a piece is scraped down to it's original painted surface. It sounds very interesting and it gives such beautiful results.
Thanks, Lisa. I will do a future post on Swedish furniture and how the "later" paint is scraped off.
Love the new series idea, and those gorgeous daybeds! I've been considering one for quite awhile now and need to get up your way one of these days to look at your selection.
Kat
OMG !!! Really beautiful!! All of the daybeds! And your latest acquisition is my favorite!
Gorgeous idea about your new series!
I am always thrilled to see what you have posted Loi!
Happy weekend!
xx
Greet
Hi Loi, What a great post. I always enjoy your photographs. The last daybed is my favorite. Would love to see a picture of it with toile pillows. Love your style.
Totally fabulous! 2Die4
I have one in front of our living room French doors.
Absolutely loved this post. The lady who suggested this style of posting to you was spot on. This is what we all want to see with every kind of Swedish antique. Please keep going.
Thank you, Colleen!! I look forward to expanding this series.
Grand idea! Adore daybeds and use them wherever + when ever I can, yours are beautiful. Thanks for coming to my blog and leaving such sweet comments. Will send this to my friends in Maryland. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
As I was reading the post I was relieved to see your mention that Elizabeth's daughter is in remission. It is wonderful you have joined her in her fundraising for Children's National.
I have an awkward living room that you must walk through to get to the rest of the house. I have often wondered if I should abandon the two chairs I have flanked in front of the fireplace for a bench or daybed. The daybed you have featured are gorgeous. Your post has also given me an ideal to create more symmetry in this space – in particular the flanking of the pedestals w/urns on either side. Thanks!
Thanks, Michele. I can't take credit for the fundraising. Elizabeth was at my party last year. I hope you all had a chance to chat. She is very talented.
As always, everything in your post is lovely. Your friends have great taste and have incorporated these elegant daybeds so beautifully. I love the idea of seeing these elegant antiques in situ.
All the best…Victoria
These are gorgeous Loi. I like the way yours looks in front of the fireplace. What a cozy spot with a throw! The detail .. laurel leaf carvings on the ends is so pretty and I like the simple linen fabric.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas and knowledge!
xxL
I have always loved the look of Swedish daybeds.
They do conjure up the most delicious daydreams!
Happy weekend my friend,
Terri
xo
Hi Loi, I love daybeds. Have sold many and currently have three…all French. I love the Swedish simplicity, but any daybed is a good one for me. Super post.
xoxoxo
Mary
Love your living room Loi! Beautiful pieces indeed. The series is a great idea and I look forward to seeing more. Happy weekend to you 🙂
Sarah
Always such a pleasure to visit your blog. You living room is beyond scrumptious!! so peaceful and relaxing. I love the large stands with plants on each side of the fireplace, such a perfect framework for your beautiful daybed. Loving the last daybed with the sweet checked indigo fabric. I am looking at that same fabric for a small chair in my family room re-do. Have a wonderful weekend,
Kathysue
Loi, lovely! The examples you've shown, especially from your own house, are so beautiful. I'm hoping I'm the customer who sparked the idea. Love my new chair by the way, but still find myself wishing for the pair of white ones instead. Hard to decide with so much loveliness to choose from.
Wishing you and Tom a wonderful weekend from my little cottage on the bay.
xx
Beth
Hi, Beth – YES!!! You are it, my friend 🙂 Thank you for the suggestion. And for reading my blog 🙂
Hugs,
Loi
So nice Loi to learn about Swedish Daybed designs. There is some elegance and simplicity to the Swedish Daybed. I am more exposed to French Daybeds. I love daybeds in a room. I could sit there and read, relax and also take a nap.
I read your post at Powell Browser's Blog. If you are interested in Cottages, here in Toronto, we go to Muskoka up north where all the beautiful lake cottages are. I have featured the place and the cottages on my blog. If you would like, I can send you the links via e-mail or just search on my blog under "Muskoka." It is a beautiful and enchanting place. It may give you some design inspiration for your cottage. I have a Pinterest board too about Muskoka. Have a good weekend.
Hello Loi,
Some great examples of daybeds here.
I love your idea of placing one in front of the fireplace-tres chic!
Hope you are well and you have a lovely weekend,
Liz x
Oh how lovely, I especially like the daybed in front of the fireplace.
Hello Loi:
All these examples of Swedish daybeds look so perfectly 'at home' where they have been placed. The simplicity of design and the lightness of the upholstery do, as you say,make them perfect for any number of situations where one may wish to add a touch of decadence and luxury without completely overpowering the context.
Alas, we have no Swedish daybed but we do have a C19 Hungarian daybed in our bathroom, upholstered in black and white ticking. Whilst one is reclining in the bath, the other is relaxing on the daybed. Perfect for languid conversations we find!
The daybed in front of the fireplace is brilliant.
Oh my, each room looks so calm, peaceful and uncluttered. I love the daybeds.
All exquisite Loi.
At airport. Will reread when back home.
Xo Terri
Dear Loi,
Your own Swedish daybed looks lovely. Very elegant and with a certain Edwardian feel to it. I could quite easily recline on it in front of the fire while I wait for someone to bring me a cup of tea!
It is a funny thing but AGA and I were discussing chaise longues today and the prospect of buying another one (we have one in our Melbourne house) but privately I thought I should prefer a day bed and here is your post on the very subject!
Kirk
What wonderful photographs Loi. Your home is to die for..so beautiful..so peaceful. I am in love with the botanical prints above the fireplace and that day bed works perfectly there. I am also quite smitten with the antique cast iron urns. The photo with the foliage in the urns is wonderful. There is the perfect amount of green in the room. Just amazing (as usual). You are a creative genius! Such talent. Thanks for the wonderful post.
Its all so beautiful….you know I love your home and your friends home is gorgeous too. What a great cause you are helping her with…I hope you raise tons of money for the kids!
Loi,
Such great examples and I like that you shared a couple of them in place, it offers such perspective. I'm in love with the Gustavian bed in the blue and white check…I am searching for a day bed for our study that can do double duty for our granddaughter's visits and seating for a small room. One like that would work, now just to find it on our side of the country.
Karen
Hello Loi,
Great idea for a series of posts; always ready to learn more! They all look fantastic and are so structured, which I like also. I have a French day bed in my cellar that needs renovating; it's from the thirties, so no great age but sweet. Thank you for another useful post! Hope you are both well.
Ivan
Loi,
I really enjoy learning from all your posts. Daybeds are such a romantic piece of furniture and perfect post for February, the Valentine's month. Your photo's are so beautiful and draws us in to learn more. Love it! Looking forward to learning more as your series continues. Thank you for teaching us more about the good things in life, their history, and so much more.
Cheers!
Bette
I am the biggest fan of daybeds and we originally were going to use one against the staircase in Beaufort, but decided on a small pair of chairs…thinking the settee may have been the perfect piece now. Absolutely love everything about the one with the oval rings – the shape the color the fabric…oh, I'm having regrets…We loved having images of your home on our blog this week – our visitors LOVED everything about it!!
I love those so much! My living room furniture is a hodge-podge-still-in-progress! I would love to be able to incorporate a swedish day bed into it at some point!
You know Loi, I never understood daybeds. Did people sleep in them during the day? Did they use them as we do sofas? But they have no back. And how do we use them today? As just the extra seating you described? Wouldn't they be sort of superfluous? Sorry to be such dunce-esque, but I really am clueless. Help.
b
Thanks for your questions, Billie! All good ones. Many daybeds were placed against walls and had all sorts of pillows. They would've been used like sofas. When it came time for civilized daytime naps, the pillows were removed….doubling the use of the daybed. I believe in offering guests a range of seating options, from formal to deep and comfy. For ex: my elderly parents do not like sinking into a deep oversized sofa. They much prefer a firmer chair / daybed.
Do they make anything more beautiful then a Swedish daybed? Because if they do I want to see it, these are absolutely gorgeous! We have such a long living room that we're getting ready to re-decorate next month and I could use one of these. I need to make you pillows for them!
I hope you're enjoying your weekend!
XXX
Debra~
Beautiful post Loi, and thanks for being our house guest on our blog! the daybeds are sublimely beautiful and love them in a living room. Best of luck with fundraiser for such a wonderful cause. I hope she stays in remission and healthy! Xoxox
Nancy
Powellbrower.com
First, thank goodness her daughter is doing well. Health before everything. I love seeing daybed's. I have wanted one for the longest time. For some reason, I find it intimidating to figure out. You have an amazing eye, and your clients are lucky to work with you.
Oh my, what beautiful furnishings!! Your style is exquisite!!!
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Melinda
I love the pretty day beds, Loi! The shop is looking divine, one day we will hopefully visit and bring something special home. Also your friends home is so elegant and refined. Best wishes for her daughter's health, a friend of mine's daughter is fighting the same battle. Very kind of you to spread the word about the benefit. Best wishes!
This is a great idea to show antiques in real world setting. Swedish furniture is beautiful obviously the daybeds too.
Dear Loi, I love the possibilities of daybeds, they are romantic and versatile…I especially like them in front of a fireplace or end of the bed…these are all fine examples, I think the one in your living room is my fav! Another informative and beautiful post from you….looking forward to this new series, and wishing you a huge success in your fundraiser with Elizabeth, if I lived in the area I wouldn't miss it! N.xo
Loi, I had a French daybed in our living room for years. It allowed a view out the window of the river beyond. After our renovation, I moved it and replaced it with our piano. I miss the sight line, but I must admit it wasn't comfortable seating for guests. I guess placing a daybed in an entrance solves that. I did notice the daybeds in your shop. It seems the Swedish daybeds are more diminutive than French daybeds. Perhaps the lighter finish adds to the effect. By the way, keep your blog posts coming. I love them!
Thanks, my friend! I think the French daybeds are also beautiful. Especially the painted Louis XVI ones. Loi
i lovvvvve this daybead in the shop with the linen cushion, loi! she is one gorgeously aged beauty. thanks for sharing these divine examples. wouldn't a mini one for bella be perfect for my handyman to build?
🙂
michele
That was such a great tutorial Loi. I think people often find daybed placement daunting and are afraid to use them. They are wonderful in the right setting as you have so beautifully shown. Love that new one from your latest shipment.
I just found you from Powell Bower Home. I enjoy your photos so much and the daybeds are wonderful!
I would definitely find room for any one of these beautiful daybeds. x Sharon PS. Very best wishes to Elizabeth and her daughter.
Loi perfection again! I looked at these photos over and over and then I went and chopped some pillows and refolded my crochet afghan..more than once. Your "look" is an inspiration! I think you have a Loi Movement going on here!
I cannot believe that is really a picture of your living room, Loi. It is Too PERFECT!!! But somehow in the midst of perfection is still manages to beckon…..one to come sit and relax for a bit. I don't how you do it. But I'm glad to know you 🙂 I think this will be a wonderful idea for a series of blog posts.
xo
Terri
Loi,
What a beautiful post! And o many wonderful images, one more beautiful than the next! I would love to have one of these beautiful pieces, sadly I have no room.
Have a wonderful week! Keep warm.
Elizabeth
Hi Loi,
Thank you for this intriguing first installment of this sure-to-be hit of a series! Daybeds are in a class all their own. Your living room is an exquisite composite of Swedish colour, texture and mood.
Poppy xo
Hello, Loi – I think your new series is a great idea, and you've kicked it off with elegant interiors and gorgeous furniture. I really enjoy looking at the details of these daybeds — unusually shaped finials, those oval supports, and the intricate carving. I also like that Gothic mirror in your shop — I wish I lived near enough to drop in regularly, but your blog will just have to do!
As I look at your photos, I suddenly realize what a statement piece these daybeds can be…in an understated kind of way. I've always admired them, but my home has never felt like the right spot for one. Maybe because I wouldn't want children climbing on it? If I did give into the temptation to bring one home, I think it would look great at the end of my bed! I also like the look of it in front of the fireplace. (I love the one currently in your shop!)
Olá tudo bem? Lindos esses sofás suecos. Adoro antiguidades, aqui é uma raridade encontrar alguma coisas. Desejos saúde a filha de sua amiga, e pensamento positivo que tudo dará certo.
Tenha uma ótima semana.
AMAZING inspiration:) the beds are beautiful and It looks so peaceful to lay there.
Im wondering if you would like to do a Guest post on my blog inredningsvis….It would be fun:)
have an awesome week
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis
I love seeing day beds in living areas. As usual your photographs are beyond incredible!
All beautiful, especially the one that's sold! I love the lines that to me exude sexy and a bit of feminine air:-). I can imagine visiting your shop must be a feast for the eyes! XX
Hi Loi! Just looked a the new Elle Decor and one of the design articles have a lovely day bed in one of the spaces! I love them! THey add such interest to a space and there are so many great ones out there one cannot go wrong. The Swedish ones are the best!
XO Karolyn
Your blog and your taste are rafined.I adore Swedish style and I have been several times in Sweden and Denmark.It is almost familiar for me.Your home makes me dream.I wish I could visit your shop.
Olympia
I've always been obsessed with daybeds – especially Swedish ones! Every image I could stare at all day!
It's always so nice to wake up to your posts… they make my day!
Best wishes Loi!
Desiree
Hi Loi,
I addressed your skin care question on my blog post. Hope I was able to help..
leslie
What a wonderful blog you have…..love it!!!
Jade
It's so nice to be back and able to visit your elegant images and soothing words Mr Loi. Elizabeth's Living room is stunning and looks so comfortable. The Fortuny trimmed curtains are gorgeous, a beautiful foil for your Gustavian daybed. Happy New year, go easy on that Moon cake! Mr Paul.
LOI! How kind of you to always come to visit me! I so appreciate your friendship!
Yes, that is me waaaaay back in 1978. I was a dancer and an actor in the theatre; that particular photo is during a dress rehearsal for Jesus Christ Superstar; I played a leper!!!!!!!!!
I since then became a serious dancer and did many a show. Now I do what I do, and always with the passions that my grandmother Marie and other family members used to practice their arts in dance, song and music. Ahhh, la JOIE DE VIVRE! Anita
Love the idea of daybeds in the livingroom. so cozy and the patina is gorgeous.
Wishing you a loveky day.
xoxo Rozmeen
Loi,
What a stunning home….Elizabeth is so talented. Thank you so much for sharing her story and work with us!!
I do love daybeds and have a very similar set up in my living room, though the daybed is 19th century French. It originally was purchased to go in my Charlotte foyer, but when we moved, it seemed perfect in the living room. They do have such versatility!
Hope the event is very well attended!!!
xoxo Elizabeth
Loi,
Thank-you for sharing with us your creative connections and the importance of rallying for a cause, especially one that has the heart of children in mind. The demands of caring and restoring a loved one do take our full attention and how wonderful that you are a dear supportive friend to Elizabeth. Her home has an air of serenity and calm.
Daybeds are beautiful and do provide a spot for rest when one is weary. I love all the myriads of daybeds, from 18th century swedish to modern sleek daybeds.
They do seem to attract our attention. Am I making this up, or were they at one time called "fainting couches?" Oh that gingham daybed is truly charming.
Nice to see your post, as always I feel so fortunate with all you share.
pve
Oh Loi… so lovely! I am crushing on the blue plaid example… It actually made me sigh!
Hope you are having a wonderful week!
Catching up on the yumminess your giving us! Elizabeth's home is so gorgeous….so sorry about her daughter. I have often specked a bench instead of chairs. It's nice when you don't want to block a view. Hope your doing well and getting through winter:(
I LOVE daybeds! Beautiful piece of furniture, not only decorative in all kind of settings as you show or demonstrate here in your post so perfectly, they are also rather practical, practical for moving around, in a way a "musical" piece of furniture,'n'est-ce-pas'?
Love all your images and oh – I know why we have an affinity for Swedish antique pieces 🙂
Skol..!
xxxKarin
Really breathtaking! Wish I could squeeze one into my own home. One can dream!
Dear Loi!! I hope you are doing well, talented and kind friend!
How beautiful..this is fresh, calming elegance to a "t"….
I really love daybeds…they suggest a moment of repose with a great book, perhaps….aahhh! 🙂
All of these are so special…and your vision of toile with the check is perfect. Thank you for your inspiration and friendship!
I will hop over to Powell Brower now!
I wish you a most beautiful Valentine's Day as well, dear Loi!
Merci!
xoxo,
– Irina
I love daybeds in the living room! And the finish on your pieces…the finials are so beautiful! Thanks for the breath of fresh air! Trish
Those photos surely made a strong statement how well craft this items are and its elegant classy look must worth something five figures… 😀
LeLouvre-Antiques.com
Dear Loi,
How exquisite (as usual)!!!
I would also like to see these daybeds in their original fabrics and original homes/rooms.
I hope there will be a daybed in my future!!
What a great post! I love them next to a window or fireplace…how cozy!
I'm are currently refitting my office at work. I thinking how I could get the Boss to sign off on a dreamy daybed, methinks some 'creative' invoicing may have to occur. One daybed snuck in under the guise of a filing cabinet! Lovely post dear Loi.
Millie xx
what could i possibly add to the your lovely comments above? i just wanted to add how i love this budding series loi and look forward to many more
debra
Is the second to last bed pictured still available Loi? (Swedish daybed with linen cushion and raised ends with oval rings) If so, could you email me at stacycurran (at) verizon (dot) net? thanks!