Elbow Chair

The CH20 Chair, commonly known as the Elbow Chair, perfectly embodies the principles of Scandinavian design. It is simple, appealing, functional and made of sustainable resources. Therefore, the Elbow Chair became an archetype of Nordic furniture.

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History

The chair’s design was conceived by Hans J. Wegner – a legendary figure in Danish Modernism and a famous furniture designer, who had a great passion for chairs; thus his nickname “the Master of the Chair”.

The first prototype of the Elbow Chair was presented in 1956. The chair’s minimalistic appearance may mislead into thinking that it is relatively easy to manufacture, which is very far from truth. The Elbow Chair is yet another proof that Hans J. Wegner was way ahead of his time when it comes to the wooden furniture design. The sophisticated design of the Elbow Chair made it impossible, with the technology available in the 1950’s, to manufacture more than one prototype. The CH20 followed the same path as its younger sibling, the CH07 Shell Chair, as almost half a century had passed before it went into mass production. The Carl Hansen & Son furniture company breathed new life into Wegner’s creation and made it commercially available in 2005.

Design

The design of the Elbow Chair was refined down to essentials making the form of the chair very minimalistic and pure. The principle purpose of the Elbow Chair was to provide comfortable dining seating. The chair stands on four, cylindrical wooden legs. The front legs are slightly tapered at the bottom and rounded at the top, in order to avoid sharp corners. The back legs, which also serve as a fixture for a backrest, are tapered at both ends. The legs are spanned together with bent wooden slats, which create a base of the chair in a shape of a square with concave sides.

The base provides support for a bent seat pan, which seems to float above the legs. It is manufactured from 11-ply veneer laminate, which is compression molded into desired shape. A thin layer of cold cure foam on the top of the seat pan gives the chair more comfortable feel. The seat is available upholstered in fabric or supple leather. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Elbow Chair is its famous backrest. It is steam bent from one, solid piece of wood into its characteristic rounded shape, which sticks far enough, allowing for support for the arms (thereby the name of the chair). Wegner’s smart design of the CH20 allows to stack up to 4 chairs upon one another, adding to the functionality of the chair. However, prolonged periods of stacking may deform the upholstery. For this reason, it is not recommended.

The chair is available in various configurations of wood finishes and upholstery variants.

Interesting facts

  • The chair was awarded the ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) Editors’ Award in New York in 2005.

  • Hans J. Wegner is probably the world’s most productive furniture designer. Wegner is responsible for more than 500 projects of chairs, a lot of which were later mass-produced. His passion for chairs is particularly well depicted by the following quote: “The chair is the item closest to people’s hearts. It can be given a personal expression.”

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Drumawillin Side Chair
Drumawillin Side Chair

Complete your dining set with these chairs, which were designed to bring both remarkable functionality and impeccable design to your home. The polished wood frames and upholstered seats add a sophisticated mid-century modern touch to any interior space. The iconic round splayed legs are beautifully tapered for a clean and refined atmosphere. Whether you use these chairs for cozy home-cooked meals or classy dinner parties, they are the perfect classic ensemble for any occasion.

Galligan Dining Chair
Galligan Dining Chair

The dining set's sturdy, veneer frames and foam-padded seats pair beautifully with the visible wood grain, while tapered legs and curved seat backs ensure stability and support for every meal.

Gallman Fabric Side Chair in Beige
Gallman Fabric Side Chair in Beige

Warm wood grains and a minimalist design inspired by the mid-century modern era combine in this solid wood dining chair. The curved oval backrest, splayed legs, and saddle seat are crafted from solid wood with a beige upholstery that adds material contrast while inviting you to linger over dessert. Includes two chairs.

Albia Side Chair in Black
Albia Side Chair in Black

These two side chairs offer a sleek silhouette and mid-century modern design for your living room or around your dining table. Crafted from metal in a glossy black finish, each piece easily blends in with your room's existing style and color scheme.

Deloney Wingback Side Chair
Deloney Wingback Side Chair

The Deloney Dining Chair is a fine example of Malaysian craftsmanship. Its curved wood frame and foam padding provide excellent back support in an elegant, streamlined form. The chair is upholstered in an attractive light-tone fabric and requires assembly. With its compact size, the Deloney dining chair is easy to fit into small dining rooms or nooks.

Burtt Solid Wood Non-assembly Conference Presidential Chair
Burtt Solid Wood Non-assembly Conference Presidential Chair

This is a high-quality reproduction of the original by Wegner, with smooth and beautiful lines, exquisite details, and elegant and simple shapes. The corners have been processed into smooth curves, giving people a sense of closeness.

Kenny Leather Arm Chair
Kenny Leather Arm Chair

This armchair offers a sleek, mid-century design that will add some Insta-worthy vibes to your home. The piece is made from solid wood with an open back and slim arched supports. High arms and tapered dowel legs complement the retro look while providing support. A leather seat with foam padding provides comfort and durability.

Kuo Arm Chair
Kuo Arm Chair

This single, solid wood upholstered side chair features a mid-century modern look that complements all types of dining tables.

Roslindale Side Chair in Black/Brown
Roslindale Side Chair in Black/Brown

This 2-piece set of solid-wood upholstered side chairs features an angular, mid-century modern look that complements all shapes and sizes of dining tables.

Leaver Upholstered Solid Wood Side Chair
Leaver Upholstered Solid Wood Side Chair

Classic Dining chair is a mid-century modern-style chair featuring clean wood and walnut coloration. It can be chosen to complement the decor of your home, whether it be the kitchen, dining room, bedroom or living room. Also, this chair can be used in public environments such as restaurants, coffee shops and bars.

Elbow Chair - PICKUP3D

Elbow Chair - PICKUP3D

Elbow Chair CH20 - Meubles design

Elbow Chair CH20 - Meubles design

Elbow chair by Hans J Wegner - CH20 - Carl

Elbow chair by Hans J Wegner - CH20 - Carl

CH20 Elbow Chair Carl Hansen & Søn - Milia Shop

CH20 Elbow Chair Carl Hansen & Søn - Milia Shop

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

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Elbow Chair with Round Seat

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

CH20 Elbow chair | Skandium

Ch20 Elbow Chair -

Ch20 Elbow Chair -

Elbow Chair Replica Ash Wood

Elbow Chair Replica Ash Wood

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Wegner Elbow Chair - ZINZAN - Classic design at affordable

CH20 ELBOW CHAIR - Visitors chairs / Side chairs from

CH20 ELBOW CHAIR - Visitors chairs / Side chairs from

CH20 Elbow Chair Carl Hansen & Søn - Milia Shop

CH20 Elbow Chair Carl Hansen & Søn - Milia Shop

Elbow Chair - Dining Chairs | Nick Scali Online

Elbow Chair - Dining Chairs | Nick Scali Online

Silla Wegner Elbow Chair CH20 de diseño | Estilo vintage

Silla Wegner Elbow Chair CH20 de diseño | Estilo vintage

Elbow Chair - PICKUP3D

Elbow Chair - PICKUP3D

Carl Hansen CH20 Elbow Chair

Carl Hansen CH20 Elbow Chair

Keren Solid Wood Dining Chair (Set of 2)

Keren Solid Wood Dining Chair (Set of 2)