Diva Daybed sofa, designed by Gubi Olsen for GUBI, Denmark, 1984

Description

Iconic Diva Daybed sofa designed by Gubi Olsen for Danish manufacturer GUBI in 1982. Although the concept itself originated in the early 1980s, the first official production batches reached the market in 1984, securing its place in the history of Scandinavian design. It is an excellent example of Scandinavian design that consciously moves beyond the canon of cool modernism. Diva is a striking furnishing element that perfectly combines Scandinavian style with a bold geometric form and a postmodern design language.

At the forefront is the monumental, soft seat shell, paired with a chromed, minimalist tubular frame. The construction of the piece is based on simple, decisive lines, while its unique character is created by the contrasting colour combination of intense cobalt and saturated red. The metal frame is not merely a structural element; it becomes the graphic outline of the piece, emphasising its geometric silhouette. The expressive upholstery gives the sofa an elegant texture while ensuring durability and comfort in use. 

The sofa is fitted with a certified “Fomalux Sædeindlæg” from the Danish brand Brdr. Foltmar A/S. The insert is made of highly resilient foam that has undergone rigorous compression tests and received Varefakta quality certification and Møbelfakta certification.

The functionality of this model is emphasised by the geometric, profiled cushions serving as backrests and armrests, which can be arranged freely, adapting the piece to the needs of lounging or sleeping. The base consists of cylindrical legs made of chromed metal, lending the construction visual lightness and a modern character.

The colour scheme and form evoke the aesthetics of Italian Radical Design and the later Memphis movement, in which furniture ceases to be a neutral utilitarian object and begins to function as an autonomous visual object. This is precisely the combination characteristic of the movement: strong colours, simple geometric figures, exaggerated proportions and a deliberate tension between function and expression. Memphis, active in Milan from 1981 to 1988 under the direction of Ettore Sottsass, rejected the previously prevailing rules of “good taste”, experimenting with colour, form and references to popular culture.

In this context, Olsen’s sofa is particularly interesting: Danish design tradition meets Italian postmodernism here. Instead of ascetic elegance, we get a bold, decorative and distinctly collectible object. A piece of furniture capable of defining an entire interior. GUBI builds its collection precisely around the dialogue between historical design icons and contemporary design, which is why this type of piece fits well within the broader philosophy of the brand.

Gubi Olsen lived from 1947 to 2023. He was one of the most visionary figures in Danish design and an incurable optimist in the world of furniture. He graduated from the prestigious craft school Den Permanente in Copenhagen, demonstrating an exceptional sense of aesthetics from an early age. In 1967, at just 20 years old, he founded the company GUBI with his wife Lisbeth. The company evolved from a local textile business into a global furniture brand. Olsen consistently rejected cold, rigorous functionalism in favour of his own eccentric postmodern style. He created his unique, sculptural furniture forms on the foundation of a rich craft tradition, combining it with global inspirations ranging from French cinema to Napoleon and the shape of a 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 successfully redefined the boundaries of modern design since its founding in 1967. Established in Copenhagen by the couple Lisbeth and Gubi Olsen, the company began by designing textiles and selling furniture before eventually transforming into a global icon of luxury design. The brand’s philosophy is based on the search for forgotten design gems from the 20th century and bold collaborations with contemporary, visionary designers. GUBI is known for combining the past with the present, resulting in collections characterised by sculptural forms, bold combinations of materials and an extraordinary sense of aesthetics that attracts the attention of interior enthusiasts around the world. 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 creates new trends in the international world of interior design.

The seat height is 42 cm.

The sofa is preserved in its original vintage condition. It has minor signs of use consistent with its age. There is a small abrasion to the material at the bottom, near the leg.

The colours of products shown in photographs may differ slightly from the actual colours. This is due to individual monitor settings and the type of lighting—the photographs were taken in artificial light, which may affect the perception of shades. We nevertheless make every effort to ensure that the photographs reflect the actual appearance of the product as faithfully as possible. The listing may include photographs of the item shown in an interior setting. These are for illustrative purposes only.