Know Your Chairs: The Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner

When discussing iconic pieces in my recurring series of Know Your Chairs, few are as instantly recognizable--or as universally revered--as the CH24 Wishbone Chair. Designed in 1949 by Danish master Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, the Wishbone Chair is a hallmark of modernist simplicity and craftsmanship, blending form, function, and beauty in a way that has endured for over 70 years.

Wishbone chair, in the collection of the National Museum of Norway

Hans J. Wegner, often dubbed the “Master of the Chair,” was one of the leading figures in the Danish modern movement. In collaboration with Carl Hansen & Søn, he set out to create a chair that was both practical and sculpturally elegant. Inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Chinese Ming Dynasty-era chairs, Wegner distilled this aesthetic through the lens of Scandinavian minimalism.

The result was the CH24, commonly referred to as the Wishbone Chair or Y-chair due to the distinctive Y-shaped back support that provides comfort while echoing the organic form of a wishbone. The chair was designed as a single piece, meant to be lightweight, strong, and comfortable without the need for upholstery.

Each Wishbone Chair is a testament to high-level craftsmanship. It takes over 100 individual steps to produce just one chair, including the hand-weaving of the seat from more than 120 meters of paper cord—a durable material that adds warmth and texture to the piece.

The frame is traditionally made from solid wood, such as oak, beech, ash, or walnut, and finished in a range of natural or lacquered options. This blend of natural materials and meticulous attention to detail speaks to the values of quality and sustainability that have kept the chair in continuous production since its release.

The CH24 is more than just a piece of furniture—it’s a symbol of the post-war design movement that prioritized honest materials and human-centered design. It helped to define Danish modernism and has influenced generations of designers worldwide.

Its elegance and versatility have made it a favorite in both residential and commercial interiors, fitting seamlessly into dining rooms or living areas as an occasional chair. And because of its history, it can live comfortably in traditional or contemporary schemes.

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Astonishingly, the Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair has never gone out of production. It’s been manufactured continuously since around 1950. You can purchase one from authorized dealers Carl Hansen & Søn, Design Within Reach, and Hive Modern.

Happy designing!