Norman Cherner Seating
American, 1921-1987
Norman Cherner was an influential designer who explored postwar technological innovations and how to incorporate them into furniture production and architecture. And while its history is complicated, his Cherner chair is one of the most successful examples of mid-century modern molded plywood seating.
Born in New York City, Cherner was an architect and a prolific designer who taught at Columbia University’s Teachers College. An enthusiast of the Bauhaus, he gave lectures in the late 1940s on the principles of the legendary German design school at the Museum of Modern Art.
Cherner was fascinated with the concept of cost-efficient design, and this extended into his pioneering ideas for prefabricated housing. His philosophy was that a modular home should be a complete design concept that included economical furniture and lighting. He published several DIY books, such as How to Build a House for $6,000. Cherner caught the interest of a housing cooperative in upstate New York and was contracted to design and oversee the construction of prefabricated housing in the town of Ramapo. The U.S. Department of Housing assembled a pre-built Cherner home for exhibition in Vienna.
But he is best known for his chair.
In the 1950s, one of George Nelson’s designers, John F. Pile, created the Pretzel chair. It had structural problems and proved too costly to make at Herman Miller, where Nelson was director of design. Production was subcontracted to Massachusetts company Plycraft, but the agreement didn’t last long owing to a dispute between the furniture manufacturers. Based on a recommendation from Nelson, Plycraft sought out Cherner to redesign the chair so that it would be durable and affordable to produce.
Cherner submitted his redesign only to be told that Plycraft had shelved the project. However, Plycraft secretly began producing what would become the Cherner chair under a different name — and Cherner later stumbled across his seat in New York. Cherner sued Plycraft and won. The chair became instantly popular after being featured in a Norman Rockwell illustration for a Saturday Evening Post cover in September of 1961.
Other noteworthy Cherner designs include his Konwiser furniture line, Multiflex storage units and tube lighting. The Museum of Modern Art praised his Konwiser collection as “some of the most progressive furniture designs available to the American public.”
In 1972, Plycraft discontinued production of his chair, and Cherner died in 1987. In 1999, his two sons founded the Cherner Chair Company and began making furniture based on their father's original designs for armchairs, chairs — including the Cherner chair — tables and credenzas.
Find vintage Norman Cherner furniture on 1stDibs today.
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Creator: Norman Cherner
Set of 6 Norman Cherner Dining Chairs, Made by Plycraft, USA, 1963. 2 Arm Chairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
A set of six original Norman Cherner dining chairs, made by Plycraft, USA in the 1960s. Bentwood frames, original patent leatherl seats / backs Plycraft labels to the undersides. Th...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Patent Leather, Walnut, Plywood
Vintage Cherner Chair with a unique cowhide cover
By Norman Cherner
Located in Paris, FR
Super rare Cherner chair: a 1958 Design Icon in a unique cowhide cover.
Steam-bent walnut wood chair upholstered in cowhide.
Design by Norman Cherner. Manufactured in 1958 by Plycra...
Category
1850s American Mid-Century Modern Antique Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Cowhide, Walnut
Vintage Bentwood & Leather "Pretzel" Chair by Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Mid-Century arm chair in "Pretzel" design by Norman Cherner, consisting of a lacquered bentwood frame and legs, and having leather cushion and backrest. Made in North America...
Category
1950s American Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Bentwood Side Chair By Norman Cherner For Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern, ply bentwood, side chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in a dark walnut finish. This iconic mid-century modern chair that is striking from every angle can be use...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Bentwood, Plywood
Mid-Century modern armchair in walnut by Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century modern armchair in walnut by Norman Cherner. New edition in second hand. Some light scratch on seat.
W 67,7cm x D 54,3cm x H 80,2cm - Seat H 45,2cm - Arms 66cm
Category
1950s American Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Set of 4 Norman Cherner Directional Side Chairs Plycraft
By Plycraft, Directional, Norman Cherner
Located in Fraser, MI
Please feel free to reach out for accurate shipping to your location.
Set of 4 Norman Cherner side chairs.
Walnut veneer on chrome bases.
These chairs have rare Directional labels.
...
Category
1960s Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Chrome
Early Norman Cherner dining / desk / side chair in patent leather Plycraft Inc.
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Norman Cherner dining / desk / side chair in original green patent leather .manufactured by Plycraft Inc.. Amazing original condition. Retains original labels as well as in...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Patent Leather, Bentwood, Plywood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Bentwood chair with Yellow Vinyl cushion 1960s
By Norman Cherner
Located in Ocean Grove, NJ
Really cool Mid-Century Modern designer Norman Cherner for Plycraft Bent plywood chair with Yellow Vinyl (Naugahyde) cushion from the 1960s. This would have originally been used as ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Naugahyde, Bentwood, Plywood
Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Side Arm Chair Made by Plycraft 1960's
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Wayne, NJ
Norman Cherner pretzel dining chairs, made by Plycraft in the 1960's.
If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , ple...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Bentwood Swivel Chair with Cream Upholstery
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Attention Collectors! This architecturally captivating swivel chair designed by the acclaimed Norman Cherner is ideal for those searching for authentic Plycraft pieces from the early...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
Desk Chair by Norman Cherner in Walnut Chrome Base Black Leather Seat & Back
By Norman Cherner
Located in Bedford Hills, NY
Beautiful Norman Cherner task chair in walnut with arm rests, chrome base, black leather seat and back rest.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Chrome
Classic Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Armchairs c. 1950's
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner for Plycraft Pretzel Armchairs c. 1950's... Great early example,, Seat and back reupholstered in a fun pok a dot and stripped black and white f...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Fabric, Plywood
Lovely Pair of Norman Cherner Plycraft Pretzel Chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Norman Cherner
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Lovely pair of labelled Norman Cherner Plycraft pretzel armchairs. This pair has a pickled white finish and bone colored faux leather in nice vintage condition.
Category
1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Mid Century Modern Set of 6 Original Norman Cherner Dining Chairs for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous original set of six Norman Cherner Dining chairs for Plycraft c1955. Totally restored, wood was scrubbed clean and restrained and lacquered. All new upholstery, faux black l...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Norman Cherner for Plycraft, Set of 8 Original Chairs with Labels, Walnut Veneer
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Norman Cherner's 1958 'wasp-waisted' moulded plywood chair is an icon of mid-century furniture design.
This set of eight original Norman Cherner dining chairs, was made by Plycra...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut, Plywood
Pair of Norman Cherner Side Chairs
By Norman Cherner
Located in Berlin, Berlin
Pair of side chairs designed by Norman Cherner. U.S.A., Cherner, 1958.
A pair of recent production side chairs in classic walnut laminate on moulded plywood...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Norman Cherner Dining Chairs, Set of Eight
By Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of eight sculptural dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1950s. They have all been refinished and reupholstered in black vinyl. They measure: 3...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Norman Cherner Bar Stool Chair Black
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Norman Cherner bar stool from 2004.
Beech plywood in black lacquered colour and chrom feet.
Classic iconic design in the bar stool variation.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Norman Cherner Bar Stool
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Norman Cherner bar stool from 2004.
Beech plywood in stianed coral orange colour and chrom feet.
Classic iconic design in the bar stool variation....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Steel, Chrome
Norman Cherner Pretzel Chairs in Leather and Wood Frame by Plycraft, Set of 4
By Norman Cherner
Located in Chicago, IL
Pretzel arm chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in bleached white wood and ivory faux leather. Good original condition.
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Leather, Maple
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft.
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Norman Cherner Armchair
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
Originally introduced in 1958, the iconic molded plywood armchair by Norman Cherner is found in collections worldwide. Reissued in exacting det...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Rare Set of Six (6) Bentwood Dining w/ Metal Bases Chairs by Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Deland, FL
As rare as they are visually stunning this extraordinary set of chairs, first designed by the iconic Norman Cherner in 1958, has recently undergone a comprehensive and transformative restoration offering a modern twist to the classic design. Considered a pioneer in molded plywood, Norman Cherner used this method to create a line of seating for Plycraft that led to his famous "Cherner Chair." This model chair is found in design collections throughout the world, including the Vitra Design Museum and the Cherner Chair is still regarded as one of the most dramatic designs utilizing the technology of molding plywood. The Cherner side chair utilizes a molded plywood seat with a unique construction of laminated walnut plywood in graduated thickness. The seats and backs are designed using a single shell connected by a slim and sturdy neck upholstered in new black vinyl nearly identical to the original material all set atop a set of slender, powder-coated metal legs. Stamped "October 31st, 1963" and retaining the original Plycraft tags these one of a kind dining chairs...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Single Dining Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, USA, C. 1964
By Norman Cherner
Located in Deland, FL
Developed in 1958 by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, cemented in history as one the most dramatic and iconic chairs of American Mid Century Modern design. The Avant Garde design was acc...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Naugahyde
Iconic Mid Century Cherner Plycraft Bent Ply Chair
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Mid Century bent plywood chair designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft with original Plycraft label, dated 1964. This example is...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Plywood
Set of Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Chairs, Made by Plycraft, USA, 1960s
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in London, GB
A set of four original Norman Cherner pretzel dining chairs, made by Plycraft, USA, in the 1960s. Bentwood frames. Priced for the s...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Pair of Norman Cherner for Plycraft White Bentwood 'Pretzel' Dining Chairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
PAIR of American Mid-Century 'Pretzel' design dining armchairs with white painted bentwood frames with fan-shaped backs, resting on four curved and tapered legs. (PRICED AS PAIR)
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Paint
Set of 5 Norman Cherner For Plycraft Steam Bent Plywood
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
SET of 5 American Mid-Century dining chairs with beige painted steam bent plywood frames and orange vinyl upholstered backs and seats. (NORMAN CHERNER FOR P...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Swivel Blue Vinyl Desk Chair
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century swivel side / desk chair with a shaped seat and back upholstered in bright and light blue vinyl, resting on a four leg curved plywood b...
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Cherner Bar Stool with Wood Base
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood stools by Norman Cherner have been seen in some high places. Available in counter or bar height with a wood or metal base....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Under Counter Stool, Bar Height
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The latest design from Benjamin Cherner. The under counter stool features a molded plywood seat with laminated wood base and a bright chrome footr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Bar Stool with Metal Base
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood stools by Norman Cherner have been seen in some high places. Available in counter or bar height with a wood or metal base....
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Under Counter Stool, Counter Height
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Berkeley, CA
The latest design from Benjamin Cherner. The under counter stool features a molded plywood seat with laminated wood base and a bright chrome footr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Classic Mid Century Pretzel Arm Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic mid century Pretzel arm chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft: Great original condition, Retains original seat and back padded cushion fabric,...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Naugahyde, Plywood
Cherner Armchair
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
Originally introduced in 1958, the iconic molded plywood armchair by Norman Cherner is found in collections worldwide. Reissued in exacting det...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Norman Cherner Mid Century Chair
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Countryside, IL
Norman Cherner mid century chair
The chair measures: 17 wide x 20.5 deep x 32 high, with a seat height and chair clearance of 18 inches
All pieces of furniture can be had in ...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Cherner Lounge Armchair
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The lounge chair and ottoman designed by Benjamin Cherner is the latest addition to the Cherner seating collection. A molded plywood shell, solid bentwood arm and laminated wood base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Ottoman
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The ottoman is the latest addition to the Cherner seating collection. This new design combines a molded plywood shell and laminated wood base which are combined to produce a dynamica...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Armchair with Metal Base
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood stacking chairs by Norman Cherner are perfect for home, office or cafe. The seat is made of laminated plywood of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Task Chair with Arms
By The Cherner Chair Company, Norman Cherner
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood task chair by Norman Cherner is now available to a new generation of furniture collectors. A strong, lightweight and graceful additi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Lounge Side Chair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Berkeley, CA
The lounge chair and ottoman designed by Benjamin Cherner is the latest addition to the Cherner seating collection. A molded plywood shell, solid bentwood arm and laminated wood base...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Plycraft Chairs by Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This is a set of 4 colorful chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft. Each chair is painted in its own unique color: red, green, blue, and yellow....
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Cherner Task Chair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood task chair by Norman Cherner is now available to a new generation of furniture collectors. A strong, lightweight and graceful additi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Side Chair with Metal Base
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood stacking chairs by Norman Cherner are perfect for home, office or cafe. The seat is made of laminated plywood of...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Task Chair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
Located in Berkeley, CA
The 1958 molded plywood task chair by Norman Cherner is now available to a new generation of furniture collectors. A strong, lightweight and graceful additi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Wood Leather Chairs
By Norman Cherner
Located in Pasadena, TX
Pair of vintage Norman Cherner plycraft bent wood leather chairs
Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department ...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Oak
Norman Cherner Rare Prototype Armchair for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner
Located in LAGUNA BEACH, CA
Rare Norman Cherner prototype armchair for Plycraft.
Category
1960s American Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Norman Cherner Mid-Century Modern Matching Side Chairs
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Iconic set of 3 vintage midcentury Norman Cherner chairs. They have normal age appropriate wear as they should given their age, almost 65 years old! Classic Modernist design. Extreme...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Plywood
Norman Cherner seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Norman Cherner seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Norman Cherner seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 28 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 14 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original seating by Norman Cherner were created in the mid-century modern style in north america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Richard Schultz, John Stuart, and Heywood-Wakefield Co.. Prices for Norman Cherner seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $666 and can go as high as $22,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,919.