Hans Wegner’s Iconic Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs and Lounge Chairs

According to Forbes, Hans Wegner's name is a staple in Scandinavian design around the world,and his chair designs seeming simple, ushered an appreciation for Danish modern design in America. Even if many craftsmen may build you a chair,design master Wegner earns the distinction of creating a range of iconic mid century modern dining chairs and lounge chairs, including the one and only Round Chair in 1949.

This stylish piece was seen all over the globe thanks to its appearance on the cover of an American Magazine. This heralded the arrival of this major Danish design talent! Son of a cobbler, Wegner began as an apprentice with a cabinetmaker before studying at the Danish Design School and the Copenhagen School of Arts and Crafts,where the hallmarks of his style, sometimes referred to organic functionality, was refined.

Believe it or not, he designed over 500 chair styles during his heralded career, with many of them being massively produced. It’s no wonder MODERN Magazine celebrated the centennial of this Danish master! Here's a look at eight gems from his archive:

1. Wishbone Chair

The Wishbone Chair, also known as Amish Dining Armchair, designed in 1949 marries a hand woven seat and a bent Beech wood frame. Undisputedly, the chair is a Scandinavian modern design icon that has been continuously produced ever since its introduction in the mid century.

Being the culmination of an array of chair designs created in 1944, this iconic piece is beautifully inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Ming chairs. This enduring beauty never fades!

2. Round Chair

The aforementioned Round Chair, also known as Presidential Dining Armchair, was crafted back in the mid century. Not only is it a highlight of Danish design, it’s also Wegner’s most iconic furniture piece out there.This minimalist masterpiece is reduced down to its essentials!

Known as “the most beautiful chair in the world,” requiring incredible craftsmanship for the lovely smooth curves - every armrest is fashioned from solid Ash wood! Famously, during the first televised debate ever, Nixon and Kennedy sweated it out both sitting on this Nordic beauty. This piece is exceptional for the unparalleled symbolism it’s known for!

3. Sawbuck Chair

As mentioned earlier, Hans Wegner had a masterful understanding of any type of wood since he was expertly trained as a cabinetmaker. It’s no surprise he crafted some many iconic mid century modern dining chairs! In 1952 he crafted the comfortable Sawbuck Chair which was beautifully made of oak and solid walnut both solid walnut and upholstered in fabric.

Its wide curves offer a comfy seat and its components perfectly fit together via joinery, with no metal hardware.This Danish masterpiece truly evokes the spirit of Wegner!

4. Elbow Chair

Another Wegner design classic, The Elbow Chair, similar to our Tracy Dining Chair, is simple and attractive. Its simplicity and versatile suits a range of interiors - even better, its horizontal seat and low back perfectly streamlines the aesthetic of the dining room.

Another curved back Danish masterpiece by Hans Wegner, the dining chair was expertly constructed using molded wood and leather. And, it originated in 1956.

5. C23 Chair

Featuring the same comfortably curved backrest as the Wishbone Chair, the CH23 dining chair similar to our Stringta Dining Chair, was first introduced back in 1950. It beautifully features a clean expression and organic contours, showcasing Wegner’s insightful craftsmanship and unique design approach.

Marrying formal elegance and modern design -this handsomely curved Scandinavian beauty has been crafted using solid wood and woven hemp seat. Another prime example’s of Wegner’s design master!

6. Flag Halyard Chair

Did you know the lux design for the Flag Halyard Chair designed in the late 1940s was inspired by a hot summer day at the beach? Pretty impressive!Supposedly, Hans Wegner came up with the idea as he was meticulously carving a spot in the sand for himself to relax.

This iconic lounge chair is supported by a specially developed flag line through a stainless steel frame andlong-hair sheep skin covering, for the ultimate relaxing luxury.

7. Shell Chair

Did you know the public was first reluctant to accept the Shell Chair with an avant-garde vibe back when it debuted? WOW… Yet critics loved it! This three legged beauty with Nordic features is, hands down, the edgiest piece from mid century modern design master Wegner.

The chair was first introduced at the furniture Guild Exhibition in Copenhagen, Denmark back in 1963. Luckily, the public adored the airy, curvy new version of the piece which was reintroduced in 1997.

8. Ox Chair

Did you know Hans Wegner’s favorite furniture piece ever was the sculptural Ox Chair? It was wrapped in fine leather and perched on a chromed steel base, proving mid century modern design doesn’t have to be so serious.

Supposedly, overly inflated shapes featured in Picasso’s paintings inspired this design icon originated in 1960.Come to think of it, if you take Surrealism as a point of reference, this lounge chair is incredibly true to their shape.

We home you find this information inspirational. So, there you go! In our opinion, these were, hands down, the best mid century modern dining chairs and lounge chairs by Danish icon Hans Wegner. Which of them did you like best? We’d love to know. Don't forget to visit Manhattan Home Design!