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 Brazilian Rosewood Dining Table & Chairs by Plycraft
By Plycraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Crafted by Plycraft during the height of the American mid-century modern movement, this rare rosewood dining room set showcases the bold organic forms and luxurious materials that de...
Leather, Glass, Rosewood, Lacquer
Plycraft Oak & Blue Lacquer Sultana Table by George Mulhauser c. 1950s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Gregarious and sculptural Sultana Table designed by George Mulhauser with an oak top and blue lacquered scrolling legs. Made by Plycraft in the 1950s, this Sultana table is furniture...
Wood, Oak
$3,800Sale Price|22% Off
'Sultana' Sculptural Dining Table by George Mulhauser for Plycraft, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sculptural and highly collectible example of the 'Sultana' dining table designed by George Mulhauser and produced by Plycraft in the 1960s. Part of an iconic line that included tables, seating and coordinating pieces, this table exemplifies Mulhauser’s ability to marry structural ingenuity with decorative flair. The design is anchored by a sweeping, scroll-formed wood base refinished in a dark brown stain, its looping curves radiating outward to create a visually dynamic silhouette that remains remarkably elegant. Resting atop this sculptural support is a 48" round glass top (but different size tops can be made upon request), which displays the base like a piece of modern art while providing generous surface area for dining or entertaining. Part of Plycraft’s signature Sultana line is a suite that also included armchairs and side chairs, this table reflects the best of mid-century American modernism with a Hollywood Regency sensibility. Its balanced proportions, bold yet refined detailing, and high-quality materials make it an exceptional focal point for both classic and contemporary interiors. Ideal for collectors, interior designers and decorators, and discerning clients seeking a centerpiece dining table that is both functional and a work of art, this Mulhauser Sultana...
Wood
$2,084 / set
H 29.14 in W 55.91 in D 53.94 in
1960s Mid-Century dining table and dining chairs by Schreiber Furniture
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Founded in 1957 by Chaim Schrieber, Schreiber furniture is an interesting British success story. The Company was one of the biggest names in furniture in the 70s, rivalling G Plan a...
Faux Leather, Formica, Beech
$29,900
H 30 in W 43 in D 40 in
Flora Dining Table, Contemporary Lux White Sculptural Resin Dining Table
By Katz Studio
Located in San Jose del Cabo, BCS
The Flora Dining Table transforms the movement of unfolding fabric into a sculptural foundation. Its base rises in a spiraling composition of folds, ridges, and sweeping contours, ap...
Resin
A Dining Table by Formanova, Italy, 1960's
By Forma Nova
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fantastic dining/center table by Formanova, Italy, 1960's. Mahogany top, brushed stainless steel, base. Super duty-heavy base, great sculptural details.
Steel
1970s Sculptural Chrome Dining Or Center Table
By Pace Furniture Company
Located in Saint Louis, MO
Modern sleek and sculptural chrome 1970s tubular dining or center table. This table is simply stunning. The photographs really capture its beauty. Curved chrome supports reflect and ...
Chrome
1950s French Brutalist Extendable Dining Table in Solid Oak
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Extendable dining table, solid oak, France, 1950s This French dining table from the 1950s has a distinctly rustic and almost brutalist presence. Its appearance is closely connected ...
Oak
Rustic Modern French Dining Table in Oak 1950s
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Dining table, oak, France, 1950s A beautifully crafted French dining table from the 1950s, made from solid oak and distinguished by its bold architectural form and honest craftsmans...
Oak
“Lock D” Sculptural Bamboo Dining Table, 'Base'
By Jan Paul
Located in Maastricht, NL
“LOCK” sculptural bamboo dining table is designed out of the qualities, possibilities and characteristics of its material: bamboo. The frame is build up from pressed layers of flexible bamboo. The shape is formed by the bamboo’s natural bending curve. The layers of bamboo curve through each other and entwine, locking each other in place. Two different color-tones are used: natural and caramel bamboo. This “layer cake”enhances the curves ,flow and shape of the table. End result is a mix of nature and mathematics, of possible and impossible. A strong dynamic shape that looks different watched from different viewing points...
Bamboo, Glass
$5,885 / set
H 30 in W 56 in D 32 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table & Six Chairs by Umberto Mascagni, Italian, 1950
By Umberto Mascagni
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Mid-Century Modern dining table and six chairs by Umberto Mascagni, the table with a cinnabar red chinoiserie top, the matching six chairs covered in cream and textured vinyl, the ta...
Aluminum
$45,000
H 35.83 in W 29.53 in D 55.52 in
Sculptural Dining Table in Polished Stainless Steel, Spectra Rock
By Katz Studio
Located in San Jose del Cabo, BCS
The Spectra Rock Table is a sculptural dining table defined by fractured planes, sharp geometric transitions and a sense of explosive movement frozen in place. Its form appears as th...
Stainless Steel
1950s Round Solid Oak Dining Table with French Craftsmanship
Located in Antwerp, BE
A beautiful example of honest French craftsmanship from the 1950s, this solid oak dining table radiates warmth, simplicity, and character. Its round top is richly textured, showcasin...
Oak
Oak Dining Table with Ring-Turned Legs, France, 1950s
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Kaštel Sućurac, HR
This oak dining table was made in France in the 1950s, in the manner of Charles Dudouyt. It comes out of the provincial workshops of the Reconstruction years, when French cabinetmake...
Oak
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 79 in D 42.5 in
Sculptural Polished aluminium Dining Table signed Fred Brouard, circa 1979
By Fred Brouard
Located in Miami, FL
Signed and numbered by the artist. Fred Brouard was renowned in his time for bringing unique curves, striking finishes, and bold designs to the fore of late 20th century furnishin...
Aluminum
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Gossip Bench by Plycraft
By Plycraft
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern gossip bench with telephone table manufactured by Plycraft circa 1960's. This unique piece features stunning walnut grain...
Walnut
Restored Bent Walnut Plycraft Telephone Gossip Chair
By Norman Cherner, Fritz Hansen, Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Fully disassembled and restored to excellent condition. All joints glued and clamped to ensure rigidity. Tabletop and chair have been gently refinished to remove scratches and imperfections. New edge-band veneer on support beam end-caps. Finished with hand buffed poly-oil clear coats. Cleaned and detailed top to bottom. Only very minor flaws remain. What's not love about a MCM gossip bench...
Walnut
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Sultana Dining Set, 1960s
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" dining set By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Table measures: 41.75" W x 41.75" D x 26" H. Knee clearance: 25" H. C...
Upholstery, Formica, Bentwood
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Sultana Dining Table, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and stylish Mid-Century Modern "Sultana" dining table By George Mulhauser for Plycraft USA, 1960s Measures: 41.75" W x 41.75" D x 26" H. Knee clearance 25" H. Blue...
Formica, Bentwood
Sold
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 23 in
Midcentury Norman Cherner Round Table and 5 Pretzel Bentwood Chairs for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Milford, NH
A nice midcentury set of five stylish pretzel walnut bentwood chairs, four side chairs and one arm chair, with round dining table with tapered legs, designed by Norman Cherner for Pl...
Bentwood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Dining Table
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural dining table, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960s. We have only seen this table previously with a lam...
Metal
"Sultana" Occasional Table by George Mulhauser
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
"Sultana" occasional table by George Mulhauser.
Glass, Walnut
Set of 12 Sculptural Dining Chairs by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 12 sculptural dining chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1950s. They have all been refinished and look great. The price noted below is for the set of 12 din...
Walnut
Sold
H 41 in W 24 in D 20 in
Set of Four Sculptural Dining Chairs Designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of four sculptural dining chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1950s. Very rare to find a set of ar...
Walnut
Set of Six Plycraft Dining Chairs Designed by Norman Cherner
By Norman Cherner, Plycraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of Six Sculptural Dining Chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, American, circa 1960's. They have been refinished and reupholstered in a low maintenance leather like wh...
Upholstery, Walnut
Rare "Sultana" Side Table by George Mulhauser
By Plycraft, George Mulhauser
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Rare "Sultana" Bent Wood Side Table by George Mulhauser.
Glass
Sold
H 31 in W 25 in D 20 in
Set of 12 Sculptural Dining Chairs Designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 12 Sculptural Dining Chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1950's. We currently have 13 of these chairs in stock, 2 arm chairs and 11 side chairs. We get this...
Walnut