Also known as the “smiling chair,” the Three-Legged Shell chair — now merely called the Shell — is an example of Hans J. Wegner’s rare forays into plywood. The pioneering Danish furniture maker, whose works of Scandinavian modernism are among the most celebrated designs in the world, much preferred solid wood, a material with which he had extensive experience.
Wegner (1914–2007) was the son of a cobbler and apprenticed to a cabinetmaker for much of his youth. He went on to study at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts (then the Danish School of Arts and Crafts) and then worked as a designer for Erik Møller and Arne Jacobsen in the 1940s before opening his own studio. Chairs became Wegner’s specialty, and over the years he designed over 500 of them. More than 100 of his designs, such as the Wishbone chair and the Papa Bear chair, went into production.
In terms of both process and aesthetics, the Shell chair was ahead of its time when it was introduced in 1963. The expressive seat and back are made out of form-pressed oak or walnut laminates and topped with upholstered cushions for maximum comfort. Wegner made scale models to test various leg configurations and eventually landed on the tapered three-leg structure that gives the chair a feeling of lightness. Nevertheless, the structure is very stable, featuring two front legs made of one continuous piece and a separate hind leg that supports the backrest.
Often described as being “wing-like,” the chair’s radical fluid lines were considered a bit too futuristic when the chair was first introduced during the 1963 Furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen. Initially, mixed reviews from critics as well as the general public along with production difficulties resulted in a very limited early run. Twelve new models were produced for a retrospective exhibition celebrating Wegner’s 77th birthday in 1989, and the design began garnering renewed attention — a photograph of the chair was even selected to grace the cover of the exhibition catalog.
In 1998, nearly a decade following the piece’s reemergence at the retrospective event, Carl Hansen & Søn reintroduced the Shell chair 35 years after it was first released and it has felt relevant ever since. Sculptural and sleek — and “beautiful from all sides and angles,” as Wegner intended for his seating — the Shell chair makes an immediate statement in any interior.
$4,960Sale Price|20% Off
Shell Chair by Hans Wegner in Walnut and Beech
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Shell chair by Hans Wegner in laminated walnut seat and back and solid beech wood frame. It has the original screws on the bottom of seat t...
Beech, Walnut
Hans J Wegner Model CH 07 Shell Chair for Carl Hansen & Son Sweden 1960
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Paris, IDF
Hans J. Wegner. Shell chair, model CH-07, black-varnished moulded laminated with leather cushion wood shell, seat and back upholstered in leather. Produced by Carl Hansen &Son. Good condition , some light scratches The CH07 Shell...
Leather, Wood
$4,108
H 28.75 in W 29.53 in D 30.71 in
Scandinavian Teak and Black Leather CH28 Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen
Located in Vienna, AT
This iconic Scandinavian Teak Lounge chair has been designed in the 1950s by famed Danish designer Hans Wegner and known universally as Sawback Chair. It is manufactured by Carl Han...
Leather, Teak
$5,400
H 28 in W 28 in D 23 in
1951 HANS WEGNER Lounge chair, model no. CH-22 by Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark.
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1951 HANS J. WEGNER Lounge Chair, model no. CH-22 manufactured by Carl Hansen & Søn, Denmark. Oak frame with rush seat. Underside of arm branded with designer. In good vintage condi...
Rush, Oak
Hans Wegner CH-27 Chair, Carl Hansen & Son, Denmark, 1950s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A CH-27 chair designed by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen, Denmark, 1950s. Stamped with makers mark. The cane on seat has been professionally restored. Very good condition and ready...
Rattan, Oak
Hans Wegner Peacock Chairs
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful set of chairs. Purchased together from Knoll in the 1960s. Branded signature.
Ash
$3,500
H 40.6 in W 34.5 in D 34.5 in
2015 Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son Wing Lounge Chair Model CH445 Fabric
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is a Wing chair by Carl Hansen, model CH445, originally designed in 1960 by Hans J. Wegner. At the time of its inception, only a few examples were produced. Carl Hansen & Søn re...
Stainless Steel
Lounge Chair in Metal and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare lounge chair / flag halyard chair designed by Hans Wegner Produced by GETAMA in Denmark Metal, flagline, sheepskin, cushion 1960s Good vintage condition, with signs of usage...
Sheepskin
$30,000 / set
H 39 in W 35.25 in D 30 in
Hans Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Ottoman by AP Stolen Reupholstered
By A.P. Stolen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Beautiful Papa Bear chair and ottoman by Hans Wegner manufactured by A.P. Stolen. There is a Danish Circular medallion affixed to the underside of chair. The chair, was in the origi...
Wool, Wood
$35,000
H 39 in W 36 in D 25 in
Hans J. Wegner Papa Bear Chair and Footstool in Premium Italian Leather
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Saint Louis, US
This Papa Bear Chair is a sculpture for comfort. It is a fine example of one the more exclusive products of the Danish Modern period. It is considered a masterpiece of the design per...
Leather, Foam, Wood
$5,645 / item
H 29.1 in W 36.2 in D 32.6 in
Hans J. Wegner 'CH07 Shell' 60th Anniversary Lounge Chair in Leather Upholstery
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans J. Wegner 'CH07 Shell' 60th Anniversary Rosewood Lounge Chair in Leather Upholstery for Carl Hansen & Son. The story of Danish Modern begins in 1908 when Carl Hansen opened...
Leather, Oak, Rosewood
$3,200
H 29.9 in W 36.25 in D 32.75 in
2022 Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Lounge Chair in Olive Green w Cowhide by Hans Wegner
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This is the CH07 Shell Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner and produced by Carl Hansen & Son in Denmark circa 2022. The chair measures 36.25 inches wide, has a depth of 32.75 inche...
Cowhide, Wood
$1,807 / set
H 31.11 in W 25.2 in D 19.69 in
CH44 Lounge Chair in Beech by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, 1960s
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Nørre Aaby, DK
Iconic CH44 lounge chair designed by Hans J. Wegner, crafted with a solid beech frame and a hand-woven natural paper cord seat. A beautiful example of Wegner’s dedication to simplici...
Papercord, Beech
Hans Wegner Carl Hansen & Son CH07 Lounge Chair
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in New York, NY
It is not an overstatement to describe this chair as iconic, the Hans Wegner model CH07 has firmly established its position in the hierarchy of 20th century design. This example was ...
Upholstery, Plywood
Hans Wegner Ox Chair and Ottoman
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hans Wegner Ox Chair and Ottoman manufactured by A.P. Stolen, 1960's
Fabric
$33,332
H 27.56 in W 70.87 in D 29.53 in
Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, circa 1960s
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Lounge Chair in Oak and Sheepskin by Hans Wegner, circa 1960s Additional Information: Material: Oak, flagline, sheepskin Style: midcentury, Scandinavia Very Rare Lounge Chair M...
Oak
$5,895
H 28.5 in W 28 in D 25 in
Expertly Restored - Hans J. Wegner CH-22 Lounge Chair for Carl Hansen & Søn
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Oak Wood, New Rush Chord Seats ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we ...
Rush, Wood, Oak
Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Chairs, Set of Two
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Rochester, England
Introducing the Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Chair, a hallmark of Danish design. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, this chair features a beaut...
Leather, Foam, Wood
Hans J. Wegner Red CH07 Shell Lounge Chairs, Pair
By Carl Hansen, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Lounge Chairs, originally designed 1963, painted and laminated wood with leather seats and backs, "C...
Leather, Wood
Hans Wegner CH07 J60P Rosewood Anniversary Shell Chair for Carl Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hans Wegner CH07 J60P Anniversary Rosewood Shell Chair. Design dates to 1963 and this limited edition model is from 2023. Brand new condition! Rosewood ...
Leather, Oak, Rosewood
Original CH07 Shell chair Carl Hansen & Son Hans Wegner
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Berlin, DE
We are offering a beautiful CH07 Shell Chair by Carl Hansen & Son for sale. The design was created by Hans J Wegner and impresses with its organic shape, comfortable seat and timeles...
Leather
Sold
H 29.14 in W 35.83 in D 19.69 in
he shell chair model CH07, designed by Hans J. Wegner, made of oak from 2007
By Hans J. Wegner, Carl Hansen & Søn
Located in Lejre, DK
The shell chair model CH07, designed by Hans J. Wegner, made of oak with light natural leather with patina by Carl Hansen & Søn with original labels. H: 74 W: 91 D: 50 SH: 36
Leather, Oak
Hans Wegner Shell Chair for Carl Hansen & Son, Ch07 Oak Finish
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Chicago, IL
CH07 Shell Chair by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son circa 2006 White Oak, suede leather Sometimes called the “smiling chair,” Hans Wegner’s Shell Ch...
Oak
Sold
H 29 in W 36 in D 32.5 in
Danish Mid-Century Modern Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen CH07 Shell Chair a Pair
By Carl Hansen & Søn, Hans J. Wegner
Located in Secaucus, NJ
The elegant CH07 shell chair is comfortable and well-designed it is considered one of Hans J. Wegner's most iconic and groundbreaking designs. Its wing-like seat and elegant curved backrest and three arched legs make it an attractive beautiful piece that instantly catches the eye from all sides and angels. Please note the price listed is for a pair "two chairs" Specification: Upholstered seat and back cushions in white leather Shell and legs are made of wood, pressed veneer, plywood with lacquer finish, color off White Model: CH07 shell chair, also called the smiling chair...
Leather, Wood, Plywood
Hans Wegner Shell Chair Model CH07 for Carl Hansen 2006
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hans Wegner shell chair, Model CH07 for Carl Hansen. Design dates to early 1960's. Carl Hansen started to produce chair in the 1990's Chair in nice shape with ne...
Leather, Oak
Vintage Shell Chair by Hans J. Wegner, Designed in 1963
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Lejre, DK
The CH07, also known as the "Shell Chair", is one of the most original chairs by the Danish designer Hans Wegner (1914-2007). Created in 1963, the three-legged chair CH07 is a sculpt...
Oak
Hans Wegner Molded Walnut Plywood Shell Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Hans Wegner molded walnut plywood shell chair model CH07. Design dates to 1963, reintroduced in the late 1990's. This model dates to 2006 and leat...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 27.96 in W 29.53 in D 22.84 in
Hans Wegner Shell Easy Chair Model 1936 Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare shell easy chair model 1936 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Fabric, Beech, Teak
Sold
H 28.35 in W 53.94 in D 21.66 in
Hans Wegner Shell Sofa Model 1935 Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare shell sofa model 1935 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
Fabric, Beech, Teak
Hans Wegner, Shell Chair FH-1936 for Fritz Hansen
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Belmont, MA
Shell lounge chair by Hans Wegner model FH-1936 for Fritz Hansen. Laminated teak back and seat and maple frame. The chair is in very good original condition. It has a beautiful origi...
Maple, Teak
Sold
H 27.56 in W 27.56 in D 25.2 in
Shell Chairs FH-1936 Designed by Hans Wegner for Fritz Hansen, Denmark, 1948
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Stockholm, SE
Walnut veneered plywood and beech legs. Measures: H 70 cm/ 27 1/2" W 70 cm/ 27 1/2" D 64 cm/ 25 1/4" Literature: Johan Möller Nielsen, Wegner en danskmöbelkunstner, Gyldenda...
Beech, Plywood, Walnut
Late 20th Century Hans Wegner, Shell Chair
By Hans J. Wegner
Located in Peyraud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
The CH07 shell chair was created in 1963 by the Danish designer Hans J. Wegner (1914-2007). It is crafted in bent plywood with orange fabric upholstery, and rests on three legs. The ...
Fabric, Plywood
