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
Expertly Restored - Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Arm Chair for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking Mid-Century Modern armchair, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, is a true testament to the elegance of molded plywood. Featuring a sculptural silhouette, the chai...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Set of Four Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1965
By Norman Cherner
Located in VILLEURBANNE, FR
Set of Four Bentwood Chairs, Iconic Model by Norman Cherner, Produced by Plycraft Starting in 1958.
A true emblem of 1950s organic design, these chairs exemplify Norman Cherner's m...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
4 Mid-Century Vintage Norman Cherner Chairs by Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Don't miss out on an incredible set of genuine mid-century modern icons with Norman Cherner's masterwork of design, featuring two legendary "Pretzel" armchairs and a matching pair of...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Plywood, Upholstery, Naugahyde, Wood, Bentwood
Norman Cherner Side Chair by Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This iconic mid-century modern chair is ready to accompany your desk! Made by Norman Cherner in 1958, this model spawned many copy cats for years to come. Made by layering thin sheet...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Bentwood
Norman Cherner Pretzel Chairs for Plycraft - Set of Four
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Miami, FL
Set of four early edition Cherner Pretzel chairs originally designed to by Norman Cherner for Plycraft. The lightweight molded plywood is eboniz...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Plywood
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
A Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Armchairs ca' 1950's
By Norman Cherner
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of classic, vintage 1 st edition Cherner chairs with arms. Walnut with nice patina. Both chairs signed with labels-designed by Norman Cherner/Plycraft.
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Maple, Walnut
Norman Cherner, Plycraft, Mid-Century Modern, Pretzel Dining Chairs, USA, 1960s
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Stamford, CT
Norman Cherner, Plycraft, Mid-Century Modern, Six Pretzel Dining Arm Chairs, USA, 1960s
Six examples of of Norman Cherner's molded plywood 'Pretzel' armchairs. Originally introduced...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Expertly Restored - Set of 4 "Pretzel" Armchairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Laminate, Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Armchair
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Upholstered white vinyl Armchair. All original! Original Cherner Design, but for awhile attributed or promoted as designed by someone named Bernardo! C...
Category
1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Wood
Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Side Arm Chair Made by Plycraft 1960's
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Wayne, NJ
Norman Cherner pretzel dining chair, made by Plycraft in the 1960's.
If you are in the New Jersey , New York City Metro Area , please contact us with your delivery zipcode, as we may...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Norman Cherner Armchair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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
Set of Four Early Pretzel Chairs by Norman Cherner 'Bernardo' for Plycraft, USA
By Norman Cherner
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Set of Four Early Pretzel Chairs by Norman Cherner 'Bernardo' for Plycraft, USA
PRICE IS FOR SET OF FOUR CHAIRS
Set of Four Early Pretzel Chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plyc...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut, Plywood
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...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Cherner Side Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner
Located in Centreville, VA
Iconic dining chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in the United States in 1958.
This dining chairs are early models of Cherner design with original condition.
Originally ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Set 4 Norman Cherner / Plycraft Dining Chairs. Classic Mid Century Modern
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
Set 4 Norman Cherner / Plycraft Dining Chairs. 2 side chairs and 2 armchairs .Nice original condition.wonderful warm patina.
Iconic dining chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plyc...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Plywood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Mid Century Arm Chairs - Pair
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Countryside, IL
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Mid Century Arm Chairs - Pair
Each chair measures: 25 wide x 22 deep x 31.5 inches high, with a seat height of 17.5 and arm height/chair clearance of 25....
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Wood
Cherner Armchair
By Norman Cherner
Located in New York, NY
The Cherner Armchair by Norman Cherner. Originally introduced in 1958.
The armchair elegantly combines a unique molded plywood shell of tapering thickness, a solid bent walnut arm an...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Armchair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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
Set of Norman Cherner Pretzel Dining Chairs, Made by Plycraft, USA, 1960s
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in LEWES, 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
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
Norman Cherner Mid Century Chair
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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 Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner
Located in Centreville, VA
Found in design collections across the world, the Cherner chair was originally made of walnut faced moulded plywood, using similar techniques to those that Charles and Ray Eames were...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Cherner Bar Stool with Wood Base
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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
Norman Cherner Barstools in Walnut & Italian Suede, Set of 3
By Norman Cherner
Located in Stamford, CT
The Mid-Century design movement as we now know it was founded on the idea of production for the masses. It was the discovery and engineering of new materials at the time which enable...
Category
Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Vintage Pretzel Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Don't miss out on an incredible set of genuine mid-century modern icons with Norman Cherner's masterpiece, the legendary "Pretzel" chair made for Plycraft Furniture of Lawrence, Mass...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Upholstery, Faux Leather, Naugahyde, Walnut, Bentwood, Plywood
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 Sofa, America circa 1965
By Norman Cherner
Located in Culver City, CA
America, 1965
Rare floating back sofa with enameled steel legs by Norman Cherner.
75”L x 31”d x 30.5”h x 15”seat
Ref. SOFA297
$ 5,800
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Steel
Classic Mid Century Pretzel Arm Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
Early Norman Cherner for Plycraft Dining Chairs in Walnut, Set of 4
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Stamford, CT
The Mid-Century design movement revolutionized furniture by embracing mass production and innovation. Pioneering new materials, such as molded plywood, designers like Charles and Ray...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Walnut
Cherner Under Counter Stool, Bar 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
Pair of Cherner Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner
Located in Centreville, VA
Found in design collections across the world, the Cherner chair was originally made of walnut faced moulded plywood, using similar techniques to those that Charles and Ray Eames were...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Norman Cherner Seating
Materials
Bentwood
Classic Pair Of Vintage Norman Cherner Plycraft Armchairs c. 1950's
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
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
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 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
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
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
Rare Set of Six (6) Bentwood Dining w/ Metal Bases Chairs by Norman Cherner
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
Cherner Bar Stool with Metal Base
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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
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 for Plycraft Bentwood Swivel Chair with Cream Upholstery
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
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 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 Ottoman
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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 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
Norman Cherner Bar Stool Chair Black
By Norman Cherner, The Cherner Chair Company
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
Cherner Armchair 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
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
Wood, Upholstery
Cherner Side Chair 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
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Swivel Blue Vinyl Desk Chair
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 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
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.