Daybed by Jos De Mey, Belgium, 1960’s
This rare daybed, designed by Jos De Mey for the Ghent production company Van den Berghe-Pauvers has been re-upholstered by a professional upholsterer with a valuable lightgrey natural linen fabric. The cushion roll is in a velvet, bottle green fabric, attached with a strap to the matress. The linen upholstery has a zipper on the underside, so the cover can be taken off to dry-clean it. The foam matress is also new and clean as a whistle. The positioning of the legs, the joinery on the corners and the beautiful warm solid oak used on the frame are details that make this a standout piece that really draws attention in a room. Some using marks and patina on the wood adding to the character of this daybed.
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Dimensions:
W: 202 cm
D: 87 cm
H: 40 cm (frame) 46 cm (with matress) 61 cm (with roll cushion)
Seating height: 46 cm
Weight: approx. 35 kilo
Material: Oak, linen, velvet fabric
Price: €2700,00
Born in Ghent in 1928, Jos De Mey began his journey into the world of art and design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. There, between sketches and scale models, he discovered two life changing passions: interior architecture and furniture design.
But the real turning point came thanks to his mentor, Gaston Eysselinck, who introduced him to the Ghent furniture company Van den Berghe-Pauvers. By 1951, De Mey had already won first prize in Belgium’s National Competition for Modest Housing. The furniture firm sought contact after this, resulting in a fruitful collab for years.
De Mey didn’t just design furniture, he designed space. The interiors designed by architect and furniture designer Jos De Mey are geometrical, balanced, calm and light. His furniture pieces seem to float, ariy and elegantly, through the room.
His obsession with proportion was often outed by using Le Corbusier’s Modulor system as his secret key to harmony. His own house on Nekkersputstraat in Ghent reflected this way of working: a serene, modernist home that blended furniture, structure, and color into one continuous experience.
Color was quintessential in his work. In 1956, De Mey co-authored a guide called the “Palette of Eight Tones for Interior Decoration” in which he explained the Octochrome method:
“The floor and ceiling also have a voice in an interior. The floor offers rest, the ceiling defines space. A darker ceiling, for example, can make a room feel cozier, more proportionate.”
From 1951 to 1980, De Mey taught generations of designers at the Ghent Academy and the Higher Institute of Architecture. But his real change came in 1968 when he stepped away from design and dedicated his time to painting. By the 1970s, he was a full blown artist creating colourful tableaux full of historical references and optical illusions.
Jos De Mey’s died in 2007 but his legacy lives on in homes, galleries, classrooms where his furniture and well chosen colour palette brought a lasting peace into each space.
We ship worldwide using trusted transport partners. Shipping costs depend on the item’s size, weight, value, and material. Each item is carefully packed using protective materials and, if needed, custom-made wooden crates. For overseas shipping, we always recommend crating.
Domestic Deliveries: In some areas we offer personal one man delivery at starting rates of 60 euro (Antwerp city and its districts). For other domestic destinations we work with Brenger at their rates, plus packing and handling fee. International Deliveries: We partner with trusted couriers like Magic Movers and Convelio. Once the item leaves our warehouse, the shipper bares full responsibility for any damage that may occur during handling or transport . We can offer shipping with full insurance. We kindly ask that you inspect your items upon delivery. Please check if your order is complete and unharmed. If you notice any issues, let us know right away so we can find a solution for you and any other party involved.
