While the history of Plycraft is marred by scandal and lawsuits, the American furniture manufacturer produced charming lounge chairs and other seating during the mid-century modern era that are sought after by collectors today.
Paul Goldman founded Plycraft in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 1953 — he had secured military contracts for the manufacturing of bentwood products during World War II and was able to move into the commercial market thereafter. While Plycraft counted fiberglass boats among its early offerings, its primary focus switched to furniture when what we now call mid-century modernism hit its stride and more designers began to explore the possibilities of bentwood furniture thanks to the revolutionary work of Alvar Aalto and Michael Thonet. Goldman was Plycraft’s principal designer, but George Mulhauser and Norman Cherner were also enlisted to create furniture for the brand.
In 1952, a designer named John F. Pile, who was working in the studio of Herman Miller design director George Nelson, conceived what he called the Pretzel chair in walnut and birch. Pile’s seat, which was inspired by European modernist design, proved too costly to manufacture and it had structural problems. So the illustrious Michigan furniture maker subcontracted Plycraft to produce the Pretzel chair — an agreement that was short-lived owing to a dispute between Plycraft and Herman Miller.
Goldman subsequently tapped Norman Cherner — an innovative architect, designer and professor at Columbia University who was recommended by Nelson — to create an iteration of the Pretzel chair that would be stronger and cost-efficient to manufacture.
Cherner submitted a comfortable, curvaceous update to the Pretzel chair in molded plywood but was told by Plycraft that the project was being scrapped and his drawings shelved. Months later, Cherner was shocked to stumble upon his redesigned chair in a furniture showroom in New York under the Plycraft name. Cherner sued Plycraft and won — the Cherner chair later appeared in a Norman Rockwell painting on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post.
In the late 1950s, designer George Mulhauser created the Mr. Chair for Plycraft, an adjustable, tilting, swivel armchair with a matching ottoman. Mulhauser was also a designer in George Nelson’s studio and is credited with having conceived the iconic Coconut lounge chair for Herman Miller. With its tufted leather seat and shell crafted from a single sheet of plywood, the Mr. Chair lounge — part of a line of seating for which Mulhauser was commissioned — bears a resemblance to the now-legendary Eames lounge chair, which was designed by Ray and Charles Eames for Herman Miller. Mulhauser’s chair was very successful for Plycraft. A model was even spotted on an episode of Star Trek.
Expertly Restored - Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Arm Chair for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
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...
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
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...
Wood, Birch, Bentwood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Sculptural Pair of Armchairs Mid Century Modern
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural pair of armchairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960s. These chairs are currently being refinished and will look amazing when completed.
Walnut, Bentwood
Professionally Restored Norman Cherner Plycraft Pretzel Walnut & Black Armchairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pioneer both in molded plywood and prefab housing, Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department and was an instructor at the Museum of Modern A...
Walnut, Plywood, Faux Leather
George Mulhauser Designed Plycraft Walnut Black Leather Lounge Chair Ottoman
By Plycraft
Located in Essex, MA
George Mulhauser designed Plycraft walnut and Italian leather lounge chairs and ottomans, bent stacked laminated plywood swivel tilting walnut lounge chairs, and ottomans in the style of Eames. They are in excellent condition and professionally restored circa 1960 - 1970. Beautiful patina to the walnut wood frame, reclining black leather...
Leather, Wood
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...
Laminate, Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
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,...
Naugahyde, Plywood
Pair of Norman Cherner for Plycraft White Bentwood 'Pretzel' Dining Chairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Queens, 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)
Wood, Walnut, Paint
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...
Fabric, Plywood
Walnut Tufted George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By Arne Jacobsen, Plycraft, Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
Plycraft Pretzel Padded Arm Chair by Paul Goldman (A)
By Plycraft
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A black bentwood armchair with matching upholstered backside and seat designed by Paul Goldman. Called the Pretzel chair because of its unique sweeping arms and leg configuration it'...
Upholstery, Wood
Vintage Sculptural Walnut “Pretzel” Armchairs by Plycraft
By Plycraft, Lou App
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Immerse yourself in the elegance of the 1980s with these exquisite vintage "Pretzel" armchairs, masterfully designed by Lou App for Plycraft. The moment you lay eyes on these chairs,...
Leather, Walnut, Plywood
$4,388 / item
George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft, Arne Jacobsen, Charles and Ray Eames
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This listing is for ONE chair with ottoman. The second chair has been sold. Beautifully restored Mid-Century Modern white lounge chair with ottomans designed in the manner of George...
Metal
Pair of 'Mrs' Lounge Chair by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in London, GB
A pair of American walnut plywood lounge chairs from the 1960's by American designer George Mulhauser. This larger version is seen with the more rarely wooden legs. The smaller famou...
Silk, Plywood
$2,400 / set
H 31.5 in W 26 in D 21 in
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Miami, FL
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed Offered for sale is s an original pair of 1960s Norman Cherner for Plycraft bentwood Pretzel chairs. ...
Bentwood
$6,500 / set
H 31.5 in W 17 in D 21 in
Mid Century Modern Set of 6 Original Norman Cherner Dining Chairs for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$7,022 / item
H 30.71 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather Bouclé, Handmade Greenapple
By Greenapple, Rute Martins
Located in Lisboa, PT
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Caju swivel lounge chair embodies the perfect balance between organic design and sophisticated elegance. Inspired by the natural curves of a cashew, its enveloping silhouette and premium upholstery make it a standout piece of unparalleled comfort in contemporary interiors. A favorite swivel lounge chair among designers, Caju seamlessly combines artistry and design, becoming a timeless addition to any living space. Designed by Rute Martins, Greenapple's Creative Director. The Caju Armchair...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$925
H 30.5 in W 17 in D 22 in
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...
Upholstery, Bentwood
$1,452
H 15.75 in W 21.26 in D 24.02 in
George Mulhauser Leather Ottoman Chrome Star Base for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Munich, DE
Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft´, USA, 1960s. Steel and faux black leather. Measures: H 40 x W 54 x D 61 cm.
Steel
$2,100Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 32 in W 36 in D 35 in
'Mr Chair' and Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An iconic Mid-Century Modern 'Mr. Chair' and ottoman, designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960s. A timeless example of American Modernist design, this sculptural lounge ...
Plywood, Faux Leather
$925
H 32 in W 18.75 in D 23.5 in
Pair of original Norman Cherner for Plycraft side-chairs, Mid-Century Modern
By Norman Cherner
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Nice pair of Norman Cherner side chairs, manufactured by Plycraft. One chair has original Plycraft sticker and the date of inspection label. Second chair is missing Plycraft sticker...
Steel
$3,200Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 30.5 in W 25.5 in D 24 in
Norman Cherner Pretzel Chairs for Plycraft - Set of Four
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
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...
Faux Leather, Plywood
$4,500
H 39 in W 36.5 in D 31.5 in
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Phoenix, AZ
1960s vintage Mr. Chair and ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft. This iconic mid century modern chair features sculptural bent walnut armrests and new textured leather tufted up...
Leather, 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...
Bentwood
Vintage Plycraft Lounge Chair and Ottoman
By Plycraft
Located in Pasadena, TX
Vintage Plycraft lounge chair and ottoman Mid-Century Modern swivel lounge chair and matching ottoman by Plycraft. Tufted caramel...
Walnut
$5,902Sale Price / item|25% Off
H 34.26 in W 33.08 in D 37.41 in
Modern Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather, Handmade Portugal by Greenapple
By Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Modern Capelinhos Swivel Lounge Chair, Contemporary Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by Greenapple. The Capelinhos swivel lounge chair with footstool celebrates exceptio...
Leather, Wood, Oak, Alpaca, Bouclé, Linen, Velvet, Walnut, Lacquer
Sold
H 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 20.75 in
Expertly Restored - George Mulhauser "Scroll" Swiveling Armchair for Plycraft
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
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...
Leather, Wood, Walnut, Bentwood
Sold
H 32 in W 24 in D 23 in
Mid-Century Modern Norman Cherner for Plycraft Office Chair or Task Chair
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A super clean original armchair task / office chair designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft. It features a molded walnut seat, height adjustability, swivels with a chrome base on cas...
Steel
George Mulhauser, Sultana Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and white fabric "Sultana" armchairs designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft, USA, 1960s. Dimensions: 28 “ H x 23.125” W x 19.25” D Seat height: 17.5” H
Fabric, Walnut
George Mulhauser, Sultana Armchairs, Walnut, Fabric, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of walnut and white fabric "Sultana" armchairs designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft, USA, 1960s. Dimensions: 28 “ H x 23.125” W x 19.25” D Seat height: 17.5” H
Fabric, Walnut
Sold
H 39.5 in W 38.5 in D 38 in
Restored Pair of Bent Ply Faux White Tufted Leather George Mulhauser Mr. Chairs
By Florence Knoll, Plycraft, Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
There's something indescribably awesome about these Mulhauser chairs in tufted white upholstery. Cool, casual and comfortable in their skin. Anywhere they go, is exactly where they'r...
Metal
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Armchair
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
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...
Upholstery, Wood
Sold
H 49.5 in W 31 in D 30.63 in
Restored Plycraft Ivory Leather Walnut George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Original and authentic Mid-Century "Mr. Chair" with ottoman designed by George Mulhauser. The magnificence of the fiery grained, rich patinated walnut can't be overstated. It's tr...
Metal
Sold
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 21 in
Professionally Restored Norman Cherner Plycraft Vintage Pretzel Walnut Armchairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pioneer both in molded plywood and prefab housing, Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department and was an instructor at the Museum of Modern A...
Walnut, Plywood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 21 in
Professionally Restored Norman Cherner Plycraft Vintage Pretzel Walnut Armchairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pioneer both in molded plywood and prefab housing, Norman Cherner studied and taught at the Columbia University Fine Arts Department and was an instructor at the Museum of Modern A...
Walnut, Plywood
1970s Mid Century Pretzel Armchairs by Plycraft, Pair
By Plycraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Mid-century pretzel armchairs designed by Norman Cherner and manufactured by Plycraft in the United States circa 1970s. These Pretzel armchairs are made from molded plywood, formed b...
Plywood
Sold
H 32 in W 32 in D 16 in
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Leather & Walnut Mr Chair by Plycraft Armchairs
By Plycraft
Located in Middleburg, VA
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Black Leather and Walnut Mr. Chair by Plycraft Armchairs. These chairs have the lovely lines and comfort you would expect from mid-century design. The Mr C...
Leather, Walnut
Norman Cherner Pretzel Armchair by Plycraft, Circa 1960s
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Peabody, MA
A vintage bentwood pretzel armchair designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1960s.
Bentwood