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
$2,103 / 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
$60,200
H 29.53 in W 49.22 in D 76.78 in
Jorge Zalszupin 'Guanabara' Rosewood Vintage Dining Table, 1960s, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guanabara is a table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. A rosewood patchwork top rests over one concrete base finished...
Leather, Wood
$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
Jorge Zalszupin 'Guaruja' Rosewood Vintage Dining Table, 1960s, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guarujá is a table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. A rosewood patchwork top rests over one concrete base finished with leather. This patchwork solution is present in other pieces designed by Zalszupin. Modern design taught us about using the material rationally, having the design as a tool to avoid waste. Aesthetically, the patchwork explores the different tones of the Brazilian rosewood beautifully, achieving a unique result. At the time, the Guanabara table was presented as a dynamic piece that could be used in the corporate spaces (as a meeting...
Concrete
$14,000 / set
H 31 in W 22 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Set of 8 Chairs and Dining Conference Table
By Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Milo Baughman attributed dining or conference room set consisting of 8 chrome upholstered chairs and sqaure 60x60 dining table. The chairs upholstered in suede light...
Chrome
$2,243
H 29.14 in W 55.91 in D 53.94 in
Mid-Century Modern 1960’s dining table and chairs set by Schreiber Furniture
By Schreiber
Located in London, GB
Founded in 1957 by Chaim Schreiber, Schreiber furniture was a British success story. The company was one of the biggest names in furniture in the 70s, rivalling G Plan, White & ...
Faux Leather, Formica, Beech
$3,250 / set
H 29.25 in W 38 in D 58 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table w 6 Barrelback Chairs & Three Leafs by Mengel
By Mengel Furniture Co.
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous extension dining table, total of 94 inches when the 3 12inch leafs are used. Faux granite stone top with black ebonized base and six dining chairs, 2 arm that have all been ...
Laminate, Oak, Fabric
Lazy Susan Round Dining Table Very Rare Brazilian Rosewood Top
By George Nelson, Herman Miller
Located in Kansas City, MO
Early, rare rosewood lazy susan dining table designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. The center white laminate area is a lazy susan so it turns in a circular motion. This is the...
Steel
Italian Mid Century Modern Dassi Dining Table By Edmondo Palutari
Located in Westport, CT
A wonderful, sleek, and angular extendable dining table designed by Edmondo Palutari for Dassi Mobili Moderni. The table features a tapered rectangular top with two leaves veneered ...
Walnut
$3,126 / set
H 35.44 in W 18.9 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Modern G Plan Teak Dining Set, Table & Four Chairs, 1950
By G Plan Furniture
Located in Buxton, GB
Embrace the timeless elegance of the 1950 and 60s with this set of four G Plan Fresco Dining Chairs and round table. Each chair stands as a testament to the enduring style of Mid-Cen...
Teak
$2,910Sale Price|25% Off
H 29 in W 35 in D 94 in
Børge Mogensen Mid Century Modern Rosewood Extendable Dining Table
By Borge Jensen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Danish Mid Century Modern/MCM Dining Table with two extensions on either end. Made in Denmark. Dark Rosewood finish. See pics. Extends from 55 Inches to 74.5 inches to 94 ...
Rosewood
$21,077 / set
H 37.01 in W 86.62 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sideboards Table Chairs Sets by Paolo Buffa
By Paolo Buffa
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Description: Mid-Century modern dining room sets by Paolo Buffa (La Permanente Mobili Cantu) consists of: long sideboard, small sideboard, table with glass top and four chairs. Orig...
Brass, Gold Leaf
George Mulhauser for Plycraft Sultana Dining Set, 1960s
By George Mulhauser, Plycraft
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
Sold
H 30.75 in W 24 in D 23 in
Midcentury Norman Cherner Round Table and 5 Pretzel Bentwood Chairs for Plycraft
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
Set of 12 Sculptural Dining Chairs 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 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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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 Plycraft, Norman Cherner
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
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
Set of 12 Plycraft Dining Chairs Designed by Norman Cherner
By Plycraft, Norman Cherner
Located in Atlanta, GA
Set of 12 Plycraft Dining Chairs, designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, circa 1950's. We currently have 14 of these chairs in stock, 2 arm chairs and 12 side chairs. We get this d...
Walnut