THE CHERNER ARMCHAIR isn’t just a piece of furniture—it’s a sculptural masterpiece that redefined what a chair could be. Designed by Norman Cherner in 1958, this iconic creation combines sleek aesthetics with groundbreaking craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of molded plywood to new heights. With its flowing, organic form and distinctive, slender frame, the Cherner Armchair quickly became a symbol of Mid Century Modern chair design, blending comfort with striking visual appeal. Its story is one of resilience, ingenuity and a designer’s lifelong fight for equity in the design world.
The inception of the Cherner Armchair was marred by corporate greed—a common pitfall in the cut-throat design industry of the era. Despite being commissioned to create this piece, Cherner was initially edged out of the narrative by Plycraft. He was told that his chair had been rejected, but the furniture company secretly released his designs under a pseudonymous label. The designer’s response—a lawsuit—ended in a moral and financial victory that reinstated his name and royalties associated with his creation. This pivotal moment underscored a broader narrative of recognition and intellectual property rights in design, while highlighting how Cherner’s moral compass shaped his craft.
SINCE 1999, THE CHERNER CHAIR COMPANY HAS REINTRODUCED MANY OF NORMAN CHERNER’S MOST ICONIC DESIGNS, FAITHFULLY PRODUCING THEM USING HIS ORIGINAL DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND MOLDS.
Photography courtesy of The Cherner Chair Company