One Chair, 15 Homes: The Versatile Wishbone Chair
Loved for decades for its sweeping sculptural shape and handwoven seat, this modern classic takes the stage in various decor styles
While other mid-century designers were experimenting with new materials like plastic and steel, Danish designer Hans J. Wegner, widely referred to as ‘The Master of the Chair’, chose to stick with a classic – wood. He created more than 500 chairs with exquisite shapes and timeless appeal, but most notable of them all is the Wishbone chair, which he designed in 1944. It was part of a series of chair designs that were inspired by portraits of Dutch merchants sitting on Ming chairs. The Wishbone, also called as CH24 or Y chair, blends the shipbuilding culture of Denmark with Chinese aesthetics. It was one of the first models that Wegner designed for Carl Hansen & Son, and has been in continuous production since 1950.
Warm welcome in San Francisco
A sun-drenched beech Wishbone chair stands by this bungalow’s main entrance. It clues you in on the relaxed style that is embraced by this house.
A sun-drenched beech Wishbone chair stands by this bungalow’s main entrance. It clues you in on the relaxed style that is embraced by this house.
Pristine reception in Spain
This entry hall may be defined by its stone archway and pebble path, but a pair of white Wishbone chairs in the foyer lends functional elegance to this bucolic space.
This entry hall may be defined by its stone archway and pebble path, but a pair of white Wishbone chairs in the foyer lends functional elegance to this bucolic space.
Seaside inspiration in Netherlands
Wishbones in varying shades of blue round up the coastal vibe in this dining room. The blue and white mix contrasts nicely against the light wood floor.
Wishbones in varying shades of blue round up the coastal vibe in this dining room. The blue and white mix contrasts nicely against the light wood floor.
Sophisticated setting in South Lombok
The well-thought-out pairing of oak Wishbone chairs and solid wood live-edge dining table proves that a neutral colour scheme achieves an elegant and airy interior. Besides, who needs much if you have a spectacular view like this?
The well-thought-out pairing of oak Wishbone chairs and solid wood live-edge dining table proves that a neutral colour scheme achieves an elegant and airy interior. Besides, who needs much if you have a spectacular view like this?
Fiery statement in Denver
The combination of orange red Wishbone chairs and dark wood dining table is bold and eye-catching. The warm colour also brings out the richness of the hardwood floor.
The combination of orange red Wishbone chairs and dark wood dining table is bold and eye-catching. The warm colour also brings out the richness of the hardwood floor.
Understated appeal in Denmark
At first glance, the whitewash finish of the Wishbone chairs
hints at a very subtle distinction against the pale palette that surrounds this dining area. But it is this fine variation that helps highlight the raw aesthetic of this space.
At first glance, the whitewash finish of the Wishbone chairs
hints at a very subtle distinction against the pale palette that surrounds this dining area. But it is this fine variation that helps highlight the raw aesthetic of this space.
Casual corner in Ibiza
These black-on-black Wishbone chairs defy the air of formality that solid black chairs typically exude. Paired with a mid-century table with a piece of farm machinery as base, these chairs complement the eclectic style of this holiday villa.
These black-on-black Wishbone chairs defy the air of formality that solid black chairs typically exude. Paired with a mid-century table with a piece of farm machinery as base, these chairs complement the eclectic style of this holiday villa.
Added texture in New York
Can an iconic chair get any more stylish? Shaggy seat covers on these Wishbone chairs seem to do the trick. They add a layer of softness to the chair’s graceful curves.
Can an iconic chair get any more stylish? Shaggy seat covers on these Wishbone chairs seem to do the trick. They add a layer of softness to the chair’s graceful curves.
Dash of colour in London
A chartreuse Wishbone chair perks up this black-and-white living room. It’s a bright and fresh element that keeps this room from being too matchy-matchy.
A chartreuse Wishbone chair perks up this black-and-white living room. It’s a bright and fresh element that keeps this room from being too matchy-matchy.
Timeless look in Minneapolis
These walnut Wishbone chairs not only accentuate the contemporary style of this well-appointed library, but also maintain the warmth of the space.
These walnut Wishbone chairs not only accentuate the contemporary style of this well-appointed library, but also maintain the warmth of the space.
Beauty in simplicity in Sydney
The addition of this black Wishbone chair with natural seat harmonises with the no-frills style of this bedroom. It also adds functionality to the space.
The addition of this black Wishbone chair with natural seat harmonises with the no-frills style of this bedroom. It also adds functionality to the space.
Candy-coloured charm in Melbourne
A bright yellow Wishbone chair rounds up the vibrant and youthful style in this girl’s bedroom. It also doubles as a practical bedside table.
A bright yellow Wishbone chair rounds up the vibrant and youthful style in this girl’s bedroom. It also doubles as a practical bedside table.
Minimalist aesthetics in Singapore
Although the double-height ceiling of this walk-in wardrobe-cum-study dwarfs the Wishbone chair, the lone seat nevertheless enhances the warm feeling in this space. The chair’s honey-hued frame matches the desk’s laminate finish, while its black seat creates a striking contrast.
Although the double-height ceiling of this walk-in wardrobe-cum-study dwarfs the Wishbone chair, the lone seat nevertheless enhances the warm feeling in this space. The chair’s honey-hued frame matches the desk’s laminate finish, while its black seat creates a striking contrast.
Refreshing scene in Austin
Green always brings a calming effect, and this lime green Wishbone chair doesn’t disappoint. It subtly stands out among a sea of browns, beiges and greys without veering away from the roomy bathroom’s soothing atmosphere.
Green always brings a calming effect, and this lime green Wishbone chair doesn’t disappoint. It subtly stands out among a sea of browns, beiges and greys without veering away from the roomy bathroom’s soothing atmosphere.
Going al fresco in San Diego
Who says the Wishbone is only for indoors? These chairs take their place in a lush patio. The classic wood frame blends with the natural rustic style of the outdoor setting, and the cushions make for added comfort.
TELL US
Would you choose a Wishbone chair in a classic wood finish or or a coloured version? Why? Share in the Comments below.
Who says the Wishbone is only for indoors? These chairs take their place in a lush patio. The classic wood frame blends with the natural rustic style of the outdoor setting, and the cushions make for added comfort.
TELL US
Would you choose a Wishbone chair in a classic wood finish or or a coloured version? Why? Share in the Comments below.
Way ahead of its time in East-meets-West style, it also shows that the Danes were already producing environment-friendly furniture over half a century ago – the Wishbone chair is made from FSC-certified wood with a handwoven paper cord seat that can be replaced when it wears out. Other than an array of covetable colour choices, very little has changed over the years in this iconic piece.
See how this modern classic proves its design versatility as it fits into different homes, from communal areas to private spaces.