A breathtaking fusion of organic modernism and Hollywood Regency sophistication, this monumental sculptural wave daybed was commissioned for a Lake Tahoe mountain residence in the 1970s. Measuring an impressive 80 inches in length by 55 inches in width, the piece invites two to three guests into a sweeping, hand-carved embrace of comfort and form.

The continuous S-curve silhouette flows effortlessly from seat to backrest, framed by carved walnut scrollwork and accented with antique brass nailhead trim. Deep biscuit tufting across the original cocoa chenille upholstery creates rich shadow and texture, capturing the opulent tactility that defined California interiors of the era.

Crafted by a California studio upholsterer—likely from the design circles of San Francisco or Los Angeles—the piece blends Art Deco revival flourishes with the relaxed grandeur of 1970s mountain modern design. Its presence commands attention: a sculptural statement that feels equally suited to a moody library, a vintage cinema room, or a mountain retreat overlooking the pines.

Type: Custom sculptural daybed / triple chaise lounge
Era: c. 1972 – 1982
Origin: Northern California or Southern California custom upholstery shop (Tahoe, SF, or LA commission)
Design Influence:

• 1930s Hollywood Regency (scroll legs, nailhead trim, carved frame)

• 1970s “Organic Modernism” (wave silhouette, continuous curvature, lounge-scale proportions)

This hybrid aesthetic emerged in California during the post-modern luxury revival, when decorators revived pre-war ornament but maintained ergonomic, body-hugging forms. The scale (55 in W) makes it wider than a loveseat yet shorter than a sofa—an oversized social chaise meant for conversation pits, mountain lodges, or media lounges.

Design Elements

• Frame: Hand-carved hardwood (likely walnut or cherry) base with sculptural scrollwork and bun feet.

• Upholstery: Dense foam padding over a sinuous-spring or webbed seat, fully tufted in chenille or looped synthetic blend.

• Trim: Brass nailhead outlining the base—a luxury finish typical of boutique upholstery houses rather than mass production.

• Joinery: Heavy dowel and screw reinforcement—designed to bear multiple sitters without deformation.

Everything about the frame and tailoring points to a high-end studio piece, not a retail floor item.

Provenance

Came from a Lake Tahoe mansion, which aligns with the region’s design history: from the 1960s through the 1980s, Tahoe homeowners regularly commissioned custom California furniture from Bay Area and Los Angeles decorators for their lodges and retreats. Michael Taylor, Suzanne Tucker, and smaller Tahoe woodworking studios are all plausible circles for its origin.

If any documentation, estate tag, or upholsterer’s stamp can link it to a known decorator, its collectible value increases substantially.

Measurements 

• Dimensions: 80” L × 55” W × 36” H (approx.)

• Seat Height: 15”

• Materials: Carved hardwood base with walnut finish, original chenille upholstery, brass nailhead trim

• Era: 1970s

• Origin: Commissioned for a Lake Tahoe estate, California, USA

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor wear consistent with age; solid frame and upholstery integrity