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.
Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Armchair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic Mid-Century Modern "Pretzel" Arm Chair designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft Co. circa 1950s. Originally designed to make Modern design accessible to the masses, this incred...
Wood, Birch, Walnut, Bentwood
Norman Cherner Molded Plywood Armchair Pretzel for Plycraft Mid-Century
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an iconic Norman Cherner Molded Plywood Armchair, widely known as the "Pretzel" chair. Designed by Norman Cherner in 1958. Originally manufactured by Plycraft...
Naugahyde, Plywood
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 - 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
Expertly Restored - Set of 4 "Pretzel" Armchairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Walnut & Birch Laminated Bentwood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and...
Wood, Walnut, Bentwood, Birch
$3,422Sale Price / set|20% Off
Walnut Tufted George Mulhauser Style Mr. Chair & Ottoman
By Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser, Arne Jacobsen, Plycraft
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
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
Vintage Sculptural Walnut “Pretzel” Armchairs by Plycraft
By Lou App, Plycraft
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
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
$7,218Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Mr. Lounge Chairs by George Mulhauser, Circa 1960
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in London, GB
An exceptional pair of "Mr." lounge chairs designed by George Mulhauser for Plycraft in the 1960's. This sought-after model represents the larger counterpart to Mulhauser’s celebrate...
Silk, Plywood
$3,192Sale Price / item|23% Off
George Mulhauser Mr. Chair & Ottoman by Plycraft
By Arne Jacobsen, Plycraft, George Mulhauser, 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
$925
H 30.5 in W 17 in D 22 in
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...
Upholstery, 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...
Faux Leather, Plywood
$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 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...
Faux Leather, Walnut
$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
$6,825 / item
H 30.71 in W 29.53 in D 29.53 in
Mid-Century Modern Caju Swivel Lounge Chair, Leather Boucle, 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
$1,495
H 41.5 in W 34 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Plycraft Walnut Eames Style Lounge Chair & Ottoman
By Plycraft
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
A striking Mid-Century Modern Plycraft walnut swivel lounge chair and matching ottoman, circa 1960s. Produced by Plycraft, Inc. of Lawrence, Massachusetts, this vintage set reflects ...
Upholstery, Wood, Walnut
$5,800 / set
H 31 in W 16.5 in D 20 in
Norman Cherner Plycraft Set of 6 Sculptural Dining Chairs Mid Century Modern
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist Design.. Norman Cherner for Plycraft ..Set of 6 Sculptural Dining Chairs .. original finish.patina.. Very nice original condition,, few bumps and bruises, age appr...
Walnut, Bentwood, Plywood
$3,995 / set
H 31 in W 17 in D 20.5 in
Set of 4 Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Dining Chairs Noman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Spectacular design, iconic, from the fifties by Norman Cherner for Plycraft Created from walnut plys, bent, steam molded with slightly flexing backs for comfort Chairs have been ref...
Naugahyde, Walnut
$2,600 / set
H 32.5 in W 26 in D 23 in
Norman Cherner for Plycraft "Pretzel" Mid-Century Bentwood Armchairs
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic and sculptural, these set of (4) Norman Cherner for Plycraft “Pretzel” Armchairs are celebrated masterpieces of Mid-Century Modern design. Orig...
Wood
$4,995 / set
H 37.5 in W 32.5 in D 28 in
Mid 20th MCM Mr. Chair Lounge Chair & Ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid Century Modern “The Mr. Chair” lounge chair & ottoman by George Mulhauser for Plycraft comprised of walnut bentwood frames or shells, tan vinyl or faux leather, black pa...
Metal
$8,025 / item
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
A Norman Cherner Pretzel Armchair, Plycraft, USA, 1960s
By Norman Cherner
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Norman Cherner pretzel chair, made by Plycraft, USA in the 1960s. Bentwood frame. Good vintage condition. Fast shipping wor...
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 24 in D 21 in
Professionally Restored Norman Cherner Plycraft Vintage Pretzel Walnut Armchairs
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 27.25 in W 22.25 in D 20.75 in
Expertly Restored - George Mulhauser "Scroll" Swiveling Armchair for Plycraft
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 Charles and Ray Eames, George Mulhauser, Florence Knoll, Plycraft
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 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...
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 George Mulhauser, Plycraft
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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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