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Round Chair
Iconic Designs

Round Chair

About the Design

In September of 1960, when Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy sat down for the first nationally televised presidential debate, the two candidates rested on one of the most celebrated designs of the 20th century. Often called simply “The Chair,” the Round chair is one of hundreds designed by Hans J. Wegner (1914–2007). As he once said, “The good chair is a task one is never completely done with.”

Nicknamed the “Master of the Chair,” influential Danish designer Wegner inventively used natural materials in his work and, in particular, experimented with different types of wood instead of the industrial materials favored by 20th-century European modernism.

In his highly functional pieces with their timeless silhouettes, Wegner celebrated the textures of oak, walnut, birch and others while concealing joints inside the various pieces for a seamless frame. Sometimes described as “Organic Functionality,” his approach exemplified the aesthetics of Scandinavian modern design in its reduction of an object to its essential elements while using that sparsity to elevate its materials.

The son of a cobbler, Wegner later apprenticed to a master cabinetmaker and studied at the Technical University of Denmark and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (then the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts). He opened his furniture design firm in 1943 and throughout his career centered his practice on craftsmanship and constantly reimagined the shape of the utilitarian chair.

He debuted the Round chair in 1949, first showing it at the Annual Exhibition of the Cabinetmakers’ Guild in Copenhagen. Wegner called it simply “the round one.” A semicircle of wood is balanced on its tapered legs, with either a handwoven cane or leather seat stretched between them. Its open back offers comfort for movement, an alternative to traditional straight-back chairs; its finely turned arms provide support without intruding on the sitter’s space. Incorporating 11 pieces of wood and zigzag joints to offer the appearance of a continuous semicircle of wood from the arms to the back, the Round chair’s form is minimal but showcases expert carpentry. In 1950, Interiors magazine declared it “the most beautiful chair in the world.”

Wegner took incredible care with his designs, believing that a good piece of furniture should last a lifetime. Originally manufactured by Danish furniture maker Johannes Hansen, the Round chair is now produced by Danish joinery workshop PP Møbler, which has sought to guard Wegner’s design through meticulous craftsmanship so it can continue to be enjoyed for generations.

Hans Wegner Round Chair

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Pair of Early Oak and Cane Round Chairs by Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a pair of early oak and caned armchair by Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. Excellent condition including new professionally crafted cane seats and backs.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Cabinet Mod. AT 34 - Hans J. Wegner - Nilufar Gallery
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Milan, IT
Mod. AT34 small bar cabinet by Hans J. Wegner Denmark, 1956 Manufactured by Andreas Tuck Solid teak, round steel legs 50x 50 x h 52 cm 19.6 x 19.6 x h 20.4 in
Category

Vintage 1950s Cabinets

Materials

Iron

Side table Model AT35 design by Hans J. Wegner 1945 Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Side table Model AT35 design by Hans J. Wegner,1945 Denmark Side table model AT35 designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1945 for Andreas Tuck. This is a very early model and belongs to th...
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Teak

Pair of armchairs ‘The Chair’ model JH 501 designed by Hans J. Wegner 1949
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of armchairs ‘The Chair’ model JH 501 designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark, 1949. Teak and cane. Early model with the caned backrest. Stamped. H: 76 cm W: 63 cm D: 50 cm Arm height: 68.5 cm Seat height: 44 cm Hans J. Wegner is the father of Danish design and is well known for creating some of the most iconic chairs of the past 100 years. The son of a cobbler, Wegner brought Danish design to the international stage through his deep understanding and enjoyment of wood as well as an eye for beautiful and ergonomic design that had hitherto existed. Wegner is seen as the most influential designer within the Danish movement and his early innate ability with wood matured into the gift of an unprecedented amount of over 500 beautiful and functional gifts to the pantheon of design. Hans J Wegner brought Danish furniture to a world stage through his simple, elegant and ergonomic chairs. His CH24 models still litter the offices of design and architectural practices globally and his earliest pieces have become rare design milestones in museums and galleries. Hans J Wegner is certainly one of the most important designers of the 20th Century. Wegner’s first renowned chair came though his work with the Chairmen of the Danish Cabinetmaker’s Guild; Johannes Hansen. Through their intellectual relationship Wegner was able to design a chair he christened “the round one” in 1949 and would go on to be called the defining name; “the chair”. This elegant, restrained, yet organic chair was a pivotal design for Wegner and signalled the beginning of his own unique reign over seat furniture worldwide. This chair also illustrated the point at which the wider world took proper notice of Scandinavian design with it triggering the first American editorial spotlight on Danish Design. The influence and fame of this design can again be recognised in the fact that it was chosen as the seating for the 1960 American Presidential Election debates and shipped from Denmark especially for the occasion. Thus giving the “no.501” its occasional name: “the Kennedy...
Category

Vintage 1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Hans Wegner Dining room set chair model CH37 made by Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Hans Wegner Dining room set chair model CH37 made by Carl Hansen & Søn The CH37 dining room chair by Hans J. Wegner is made with great at...
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

JH 501 emblematic armchair by Hans Wegner, 1950's
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in PARIS, FR
Hans Wegner's most emblematic armchair, in its first version. It is this armchair that made Scandinavian design known in the USA following the article in the magazine Interiors in 19...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

Teak Round Chair designed by Hans Wegner with New Cane Seat
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Diego, CA
*These chairs have been completely restored by us and refinished with new cane seats and are in excellent vintage condition. The look like they would have looked- brand-new in 1950. ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

FULLY RESTORED & STAMPED 1960's HANS J WEGNER CH 35 BROWN LEATHER ARMCHAIR
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in GB
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare, highly collectable, fully restored, circa 1950-1960 Hans J Wegner, Carl Hansen & Son Denmark stamped CH 35...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen "The Chair" Oak and Leather Round Chair, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a rare and exceptional JH 501 armchair. Most commonly known as "The Chair", this is expertly designed for style and comfort and exquisitely constructed from solid oak. The c...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen "the Chair" Oak and Leather Round Chairs, Pair
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen, Knoll
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a rare and exceptional pair of JH 501 armchairs. Most commonly known as "The Chair", this is expertly designed for style and comfort and exquisitely constructed from solid o...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather

Set of 8 Hans Wegner Round Chairs with New Cane Seats in Teak
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in San Diego, CA
*These chairs have been completely restored by us and refinished with new cane seats and are in excellent vintage condition. The look like they would have looked- brand-new in 1950. ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Hans Wegner White Round Chairs
By PP Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Epperstone, Nottinghamshire
Amazing pair of Hans Wegner Round Chairs PP 501 in ‘Special Request’ white pigment lacquer finish. These chairs were ordered from PP Mobler in 2015 with ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane

Hans J Wegner, the Chair/Round Chair, Design 1949, for Johannes Hansen, Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Wargrave, Berkshire
Hans J Wegner, the chair or round chair, model JH503, designed 1949, manufactured by Johannes Hansen, Denmark Teak frame with curved back, upholstered black leather seat Stampe...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair of Chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare pair of chair Model JH501 by Hans J Wegner, designed in 1949 and manufactured by Johannes Hansen in Denmark. This pair has wear and tear to the frame and rattan (please see ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Rattan, Teak

Vintage Hans Wegner Chair for Johannes Hansen, Made in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage solid oak armchair designed by Hans Wegner in 1948, model number JH-503 for Johannes Hansen in Copenhagen, Denmark. The chair became immensely popular and was dubbed "The C...
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Oak

Hans Wegner Round Chair of Oak and Patinated Cognac Leather
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in London, GB
This chair is a excellent vintage example of Wegner's round chair made of oak. The label places it as made before 1970. The leather on the seat shows some peeling, wear and tear ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Hans J. Wegner 'The Chair' in Teak for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner model JH503 in teak. Seat upholstered with black leather. Executed by Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

Pair of Hans J. Wegner Armchair "JH-501" in Oak & Rattan Cane, Danish Modern
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Odense, DK
Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949 this is one of the most iconic pieces of Danish modern furniture design. Pair of rare and early model "JH-501" made by cabinetmaker Johannes Hansen...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Oak, Rattan

Classic Hans Wegner Round Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in New York, NY
Sleek, sophisticated and architectural, wraparound armchair in solid rosewood, designed by Hans Wegner made by Johannes Hansen The chair has a solid rosewood frame, drop in upholstered seat, and wrapped cane backrest. The frame looks like it has a later, but not new, clear lacquered overcoat, the fabric seat shows cosmetic wear, normal and consistent with age. Measures: Total H 29.5 x arm H 27.5 x seat H 17 inches. Know as the Round Chair...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Rosewood

Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen "the Chair" Teak Round Chairs, Pair
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in South Bend, IN
Offering a rare and exceptional pair of JH 501 armchairs. Most commonly known as "The Chair", these are expertly designed for style and comfort and exquisitely constructed from solid...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak

PP501 The Chair in Clear Oak with Cane Seat
By PP Møbler, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Vancouver, BC
The back of the pp501 is carved out of a 5 inch piece of solid wood with seat in light cane. The material used in caning chairs is derived from the peeled bark ...
Category

2010s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Rattan

5 Hans Wegner for Johannes Hansen JH-503 Chairs in Teak and Leather
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
We are excited to offer 11 early Hans Wegner JH-503 chairs designed in 1949 and Produced by Johannes Hansen. Fully restored solid old growth teak construction. Stamped with the maker...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1970s Danish Round Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An oak "round" chair retaining the original upholstery with impressed stamp, "Johannes Hansen COPENHAGEN DENMARK".  
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

10 CH36' and CH37 Dining Chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, Denma
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
Set of 10 CH36' and CH37 dining chairs by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, Denmark. The CH36 dining chair by Hans J. Wegner is made with great attention to ev...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wood, Papercord

Hans J Wegner The Chair Model JH501 in Teak with Original Cane Seat
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A beautiful example of Hans Wegner's timeless The Chair or Round Chair built by cabinetmaker, Johannes Hansen, in solid teak with its original cane seat. The caning is 95% intact and...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Hans J Wegner Round Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Johannes Hansen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Three available, inquire within. Known simply as "The Chair," this iconic armchair was designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949. Patinaed Danish oak frame has been gently restored, and the...
Category

20th Century Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

Hans Wegner Oak and Cane Round Chair
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model JH501 oak dining chair with cane seat, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. This iconic Danish modern design is best known as "The ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Oak

Hans Wegner Armchair Model JH-501 by Johannes Hansen in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare armchair model JH-501 / the chair designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Johannes Hansen in Denmark.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

'The Chair' a Teak Round Chair with a Caned Seat by Hans J. Wegner
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A teak 'Round' chair with masterfully sculpted backrest and arms floating atop tapered dowel legs having a caned seat. This sublime chair became known a...
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Teak, Cane

Hans Wegner Original Danish JH-501 Chairs by Johannes Hansen for Knoll, Set of 4
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Studio City, CA
Iconic in design and aesthetic. Designed in 1949 by famed Danish designer Hans Wegner and known universally as "The Chair", the JH501 chair is perhaps the mo...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Set of 6 Danish PP501 Round Chairs in Ash by Hans J. Wegner for PP Møbler
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A set of 6 custom height PP501 round chairs with sculpted back and arms in ash with a caned seat.
Category

2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Ash

Hans J. Wegner 'The Chair' in Teak for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Hans J. Wegner model JH503 in teak. Seat upholstered with black leather. Executed by Johannes Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Teak

1950s Danish Oak Round Chair by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen
By Johannes Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A newly upholstered oak 'round' chair produced previous to 1954, with original impressed stamp, 'Johannes Hansen COPENHAGEN DENMARK'. Model JH-501.   
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

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When he designed the first edition of his modest Chinese chair — or China chair — Denmark native Hans Wegner (1914–2007) had been reportedly moved by portraits he’d seen of Danish businessmen relaxing in traditional round-backed Ming dynasty–era chairs. While the legendary furniture maker’s tribute to East Asian seating — a minimal cherrywood chair with a curved bentwood back support and removable leather seat cushion — called on Oriental forms that preceded him by hundreds of years, it merge...
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