Classic NZ Made 'Danart' Folding Sofa Daybed by DON
The sophisticated 'Danart' Range of lounge furniture by celebrated local maker DON was the brand's flagship offering. It featured beautiful aerodynamic curves in solid mahogany and quickly became one of the most successful furniture designs produced in NZ. At its height of success, the 'Danart' even featured in its own nationwide television advertising campaign.
View 1965 DON Television Commercial
It's easy to see why this design was so popular; the frame has a lightness of form with elegant hand shaped arms and simple box style cushions. The "world famous in New Zealand" manufacturer has excelled in capturing the organic Scandinavian style with this classic fold down sofa. Today it remains an enduring design that will elevate any contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully hand restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
Each piece is checked and carefully restored at our Kingsland studio workshop. Our focus is preserving the character and patina of the design while ensuring it displays beautifully in a contemporary interior.
- Joints checked and reglued
- Timber cleaned and stains removed
- Veneer repairs if needed
- Surfaces polished / refinished
The items showcased in our gallery are constantly changing – not all items are on display at once.
Please enquire if there is a specific piece you would like to view and we’ll make sure it’s in the gallery.
All pieces are available for collection in person from our Ponsonby gallery. We are also happy to provide a quote for delivery throughout New Zealand.
Please enquire for delivery options.
Classic NZ Made 'Danart' Folding Sofa Daybed by DON
Note: We showcase a curated edit from the Mr. Bigglesworthy catalogue. Please contact us to view specific items.
One of the largest furniture brands in New Zealand during the mid 20th century was DON furniture. When New Zealand clamped down on imports in the 1950s with a host of regulations, it presented an opportunity for local production of International designs. DON Furniture was a brand that succeeded in the wake of this development.
During the 1960s, local tastes veered toward the clean lines of the Scandinavian style. DON Furniture catered to this market, with designs for New Zealanders inspired by leading international pieces. It offered quality construction, often crafted from radiant Sapele Mahogany timber, and a range of contemporary fabrics tailored to the New Zealand audience.
The DON brand was owned by Felt & Textiles of New Zealand Ltd (later Feltex). The company also owned and manufactured the popular Vono and Cintique brands. DON, Vono and Cintique labels were occasionally shared across the same range of furniture designs, this allowed popular ranges to be sold to competing retailers who only had representation of one brand.
Check out this classic 1960s Don TV commercial to see the brand in action.
