Interior Design
One Chair, 12 Homes: The Shapely Cherner Chair
Get to know the interesting history behind this mid-century modern classic – and see how it fits into different spaces
American designer and architect Norman Cherner, who was steeped in the Bauhaus approach, designed this striking moulded plywood chair in 1958. The design was the result of a commission by Paul Goldman, owner of Massachusetts-based company Plycraft, who hired Cherner to come up with a sturdier and more affordable version of George Nelson’s Pretzel chair (whose production was halted because it proved to be too fragile and costly).
It took a while, however, for Cherner to actually get credit for this iconic masterpiece. When Cherner submitted his design to Goldman, he was told the project was scrapped – only to discover his design being sold months later. It turned out Goldman continued to produce it under the fictitious name “Bernardo”. The chair rose to fame, when it appeared in Norman Rockwell’s 1961 painting “The Artist at Work” on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. Cherner sued Plycraft and won; royalties and proper credit were issued. Soon after, though, the whole seating line was out of production by the early 1970s.
It took a while, however, for Cherner to actually get credit for this iconic masterpiece. When Cherner submitted his design to Goldman, he was told the project was scrapped – only to discover his design being sold months later. It turned out Goldman continued to produce it under the fictitious name “Bernardo”. The chair rose to fame, when it appeared in Norman Rockwell’s 1961 painting “The Artist at Work” on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post. Cherner sued Plycraft and won; royalties and proper credit were issued. Soon after, though, the whole seating line was out of production by the early 1970s.
A standout pair in Boston
The Cherner armchair combines a unique moulded plywood shell of tapering thickness, a solid bent beech arm, and a laminated wood base. Here, the pair of armchairs makes for an earthy complement to the clean white and refreshing green palette.
The Cherner armchair combines a unique moulded plywood shell of tapering thickness, a solid bent beech arm, and a laminated wood base. Here, the pair of armchairs makes for an earthy complement to the clean white and refreshing green palette.
Beauty on its own in Paris
The armchair makes for a sculptural accompaniment to this desk. One of the nice features of the Cherner chairs is the variety of finishes available that can be mixed and matched – like how this classic walnut seat is paired with arms in classic ebony.
The armchair makes for a sculptural accompaniment to this desk. One of the nice features of the Cherner chairs is the variety of finishes available that can be mixed and matched – like how this classic walnut seat is paired with arms in classic ebony.
Casual addition in Los Angeles
This black Cherner armchair harmonises with the tone-on-tone palette of this bedroom. It also adds functionality to the space.
This black Cherner armchair harmonises with the tone-on-tone palette of this bedroom. It also adds functionality to the space.
Easy lounging in Washington DC
Textures and patterns abound in this eclectic living area, but the Cherner armchairs definitely make their presence felt with their dramatic hourglass form.
Textures and patterns abound in this eclectic living area, but the Cherner armchairs definitely make their presence felt with their dramatic hourglass form.
Curvy silhouette in Ontario
Strong and lightweight, the Cherner side chairs – minus the arms – are the perfect dining chairs. These chairs are on point in this loft project, where curves are the defining motif, from the Ploum sofa by Ligne Roset to the Link suspension lamp by LZF.
Strong and lightweight, the Cherner side chairs – minus the arms – are the perfect dining chairs. These chairs are on point in this loft project, where curves are the defining motif, from the Ploum sofa by Ligne Roset to the Link suspension lamp by LZF.
Zesty touch in Marseille
This compact, dark-toned kitchen gets a dose of vibrancy through the addition of Cherner side chairs in Stella Orange.
This compact, dark-toned kitchen gets a dose of vibrancy through the addition of Cherner side chairs in Stella Orange.
Raw and rustic in London
The combination of Cherner armchairs and side chairs in classic ebony lends a modern flavour to this rustic, industrial-inspired dining area.
The combination of Cherner armchairs and side chairs in classic ebony lends a modern flavour to this rustic, industrial-inspired dining area.
Going against the lines in Singapore
These Cherner side chairs provide just the right amount of curve and contrast to the angular dining table, and linear ceiling and wall detailing.
These Cherner side chairs provide just the right amount of curve and contrast to the angular dining table, and linear ceiling and wall detailing.
Classic meeting in Phoenix
How cool and cosy is this mix of iconic pieces – the Saarinen Tulip chairs and table, and the Cherner side chairs – in this light-filled home?
How cool and cosy is this mix of iconic pieces – the Saarinen Tulip chairs and table, and the Cherner side chairs – in this light-filled home?
Ready for entertaining in San Francisco
Cherner stools are available in bar or counter heights, and in wood or metal bases. The bar stools in this kitchen have seat pads in white, which not only add comfort, but also create a cohesive look with the kitchen island.
Cherner stools are available in bar or counter heights, and in wood or metal bases. The bar stools in this kitchen have seat pads in white, which not only add comfort, but also create a cohesive look with the kitchen island.
Fit to work in Seattle
Another member of the Cherner seat family is the task chair, which has an elegantly structured chrome swivel base and adjustable seat height. It can also come with solid wood armrests.
In this transitional-themed study, the Cherner task chair and the yellow chair capture the masculine-feminine balance for a comfortably contemporary design.
Another member of the Cherner seat family is the task chair, which has an elegantly structured chrome swivel base and adjustable seat height. It can also come with solid wood armrests.
In this transitional-themed study, the Cherner task chair and the yellow chair capture the masculine-feminine balance for a comfortably contemporary design.
Kiddie version in Connecticut
The repeated success of the chairs inspired second-generation Cherner, Benjamin, also an architect and designer, to introduce new designs. In 2007, he created the Cherner Children’s chair and table.
The orange tabletop and natural beech chairs round up the youthful vibe in this kid’s bedroom.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Cherner chair, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
The repeated success of the chairs inspired second-generation Cherner, Benjamin, also an architect and designer, to introduce new designs. In 2007, he created the Cherner Children’s chair and table.
The orange tabletop and natural beech chairs round up the youthful vibe in this kid’s bedroom.
TELL US
If you were to buy a Cherner chair, where in your home would you place it? Tell us in the Comments below. If you own one, we’d love to see photos!
Let’s take a look at how this modern classic seating proves its design versatility in different interiors.