- Want more images or videos?Request additional images or videos from the seller
Cherner Ottoman

About
Details
- CreatorThe Cherner Chair Company (Manufacturer),Norman Cherner (Designer)
- DimensionsHeight: 39.37 cm (15.5 in.)Width: 44.45 cm (17.5 in.)Depth: 48.26 cm (19 in.)Seat Height: 39.37 cm (15.5 in.)
- StyleMid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques
- Place of Origin
- Period
- Date of Manufacture2021
- Condition
- Seller LocationBerkeley, CA
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU1353223243892
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingShips From: Berkeley, CA
- Return Policy
This item cannot be returned.
About the Designer
Norman Cherner
Norman Cherner was an influential designer who explored postwar technological innovations and how to incorporate them into furniture production and architecture. And while its history is complicated, his Cherner chair is one of the most successful examples of mid-century modern molded plywood seating.
Born in New York City, Cherner was an architect and a prolific designer who taught at Columbia University’s Teachers College. An enthusiast of the Bauhaus, he gave lectures in the late 1940s on the principles of the legendary German design school at the Museum of Modern Art.
Cherner was fascinated with the concept of cost-efficient design, and this extended into his pioneering ideas for prefabricated housing. His philosophy was that a modular home should be a complete design concept that included economical furniture and lighting. He published several DIY books, such as How to Build a House for $6,000. Cherner caught the interest of a housing cooperative in upstate New York and was contracted to design and oversee the construction of prefabricated housing in the town of Ramapo. The U.S. Department of Housing assembled a pre-built Cherner home for exhibition in Vienna.
But he is best known for his chair.
In the 1950s, one of George Nelson’s designers, John F. Pile, created the Pretzel chair. It had structural problems and proved too costly to make at Herman Miller, where Nelson was director of design. Production was subcontracted to Massachusetts company Plycraft, but the agreement didn’t last long owing to a dispute between the furniture manufacturers. Based on a recommendation from Nelson, Plycraft sought out Cherner to redesign the chair so that it would be durable and affordable to produce.
Cherner submitted his redesign only to be told that Plycraft had shelved the project. However, Plycraft secretly began producing what would become the Cherner chair under a different name — and Cherner later stumbled across his seat in New York. Cherner sued Plycraft and won. The chair became instantly popular after being featured in a Norman Rockwell illustration for a Saturday Evening Post cover in September of 1961.
Other noteworthy Cherner designs include his Konwiser furniture line, Multiflex storage units and tube lighting. The Museum of Modern Art praised his Konwiser collection as “some of the most progressive furniture designs available to the American public.”
In 1972, Plycraft discontinued production of his chair, and Cherner died in 1987. In 1999, his two sons founded the Cherner Chair Company and began making furniture based on their father's original designs for armchairs, chairs — including the Cherner chair — tables and credenzas.
Find vintage Norman Cherner furniture on 1stDibs today.
- Semi Pendant, Medium, Enameled MetalBy Torsten Thorup & Claus Bonderup, GubiLocated in Berkeley, CAThe semi pendant is a unique pendant lamp, based on two quarter-circles put together, back-to-back. It’s distinctive arch-shaped, enameled metal shade creates a diffused, cone-shaped...Category
20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsAluminum
US$687 / item - Louis Poulsen California Pendant by Vilhelm Wohlert & Jørgen BoBy Vilhelm Wohlert, Louis PoulsenLocated in Berkeley, CADesigned in 1967 by Vilhelm Wohlert & Jørgen Bo for Louis Poulsen, this large pendant offers three interior sockets and a diffusing ring for a bright, warm glow. The original grey la...Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
US$740 Sale Price20% Off
You May Also Like
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Brass
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Sheepskin, Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Stools
Cane, Wicker
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Iron
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Velvet
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Steel
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Wood, Fabric
Vintage 1960s American Classical Greek Ottomans and Poufs
Aluminum
2010s Arts and Crafts Ottomans and Poufs
Wool
2010s American Modern Sofas
Steel
Recently Viewed
View MoreThe 1stDibs Promise
Learn MoreExpertly Vetted Sellers
Confidence at Checkout
Price-Match Guarantee
Exceptional Support
Buyer Protection
Trusted Global Delivery