Wishbone Chair

The Wishbone Chair (CH24) was designed by Hans Wegner in 1949 and has been in continuous production by Carl Hansen & Søn since 1950, making it one of the longest-running furniture designs in history. Named for its distinctive Y-shaped back splat that provides lumbar support, the chair features a steam-bent wood frame and a hand-woven paper cord seat that requires approximately 120 meters of cord and an hour of skilled labor. Over 100 individual operations are needed to craft each chair. The Wishbone Chair's enduring popularity stems from its perfect balance of craft, comfort, and visual lightness. Its gently curved forms invite touch and communicate warmth, while its paper cord seat provides surprisingly comfortable, breathable seating that improves with age. The chair works equally well in Scandinavian, modern, traditional, and eclectic dining rooms, proving that truly great design transcends stylistic categories. Available in multiple wood species and finishes, the CH24 continues to sell in enormous quantities, furnishing homes and restaurants worldwide with quiet Danish elegance.

Key Characteristics

✓Distinctive Y-shaped back splat design
✓Hand-woven paper cord seat (120 meters per chair)
✓Steam-bent solid wood frame
✓Over 100 production steps per chair
✓Continuous production since 1950
✓Comfortable, breathable seating that improves with age

Types & Variations

Natural oak (most popular)

Walnut

Beech in various colors

Cherry wood

Special edition colors and finishes

Soft cushion accessory

Common Materials

Solid oak, walnut, beech, or cherryHand-woven natural paper cordClear lacquer or oil finishSoap finish optionSteam-bent wood componentsNatural cord or black cord seat

Works Well With These Styles

Scandinavian Mid Century Modern Modern Contemporary Minimalist

Placement & Usage Tips

Wishbone Chairs are ideal dining chairs—their light frame slides easily under tables and their paper cord seats are comfortable for long meals. Mix different wood finishes around one table for an eclectic look, or use matching chairs for Scandinavian coherence.

💡 Pro Tip

The Wishbone Chair's paper cord seat will develop a beautiful patina over years of use and actually becomes more comfortable with time. The natural cord version starts pale and darkens with age, while the black cord version maintains a consistent appearance. Both are equally durable and will last decades.