Thanks to his distinctive appearance the chair immediately became a success with Mid-century Modern architects and their clientele. Find out what gives this chair its attractive look.
"Natural Danish paper cord woven across the open wood frame, in basket weave pattern, gives the CH25 its distinctive look."
Hans J. Wegner designed the CH25 lounge chair in 1949 for Carl Hansen & Son. When introduced in 1950, the chair was regarded as strikingly modern thanks to its clean and minimal lines. The use of natural (unbleached) paper cord, in basket weave pattern, further added to the modern look.
According to some sources, paper cord was developed during World War II as a substitute for rope. For Hans Wegner paper cord was a perfect alternative to cane and sea grass with the advantage of having a more modern look. In the 1940s, he began to use paper cord to the seats of some of his chairs: the Rocking Chair J16 (1944) and the Peacock Chair (1947).
On the CH25, Wegner used paper cord for the backrest for the first time. It was applied on both sides of the backrest. Thanks to its distinctive appearance, the chair immediately became a success with Mid-century Modern architects and their clientele. For example, we can find the CH25 on old interior photos of the Richard Neutra-designed Milton Goldman House or the Hayes Residence designed by Ray Kappe..