Spotlight on the Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone Chair

A true design icon, the CH24 Wishbone Chair has been in constant production since it was designed in 1949.

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Wishbone Chair (CH24) by Hans J. Wegner

The Wishbone Chair is one of those pieces that most people recognise instantly, even if they don’t know the name. Light, sculptural, slightly informal. It’s the kind of chair that shows up in kitchens, dining rooms, restaurants and magazines without ever really ageing.

Designed in 1949 by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, the CH24 Wishbone Chair has been in continuous production ever since. That alone says most of what you need to know about it.

It is not a trend piece. It is closer to furniture infrastructure.

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What is the Wishbone Chair?

The Wishbone Chair, also known as the CH24, is a lightweight dining chair defined by its distinctive Y-shaped backrest and handwoven seat.

The form is immediately recognisable:
– curved top rail
– steam-bent arm support
– sculptural rear “wishbone” support
– woven papercord seat

It sits in that rare category of design where function and silhouette are completely aligned. Nothing is decorative for the sake of it, but nothing feels stripped back either.

This balance is what has kept it relevant for over 70 years.

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The designer: Hans J. Wegner

Hans J. Wegner is often referred to as the master of the chair, and in the case of the Wishbone Chair that reputation is fairly justified.

Wegner’s approach was rooted in a simple question: what does a chair actually need to do?

For him, the answer was:
– support the body comfortably
– use materials honestly
– remove anything unnecessary

The Wishbone Chair is a distilled version of that thinking. It looks simple, but the construction is technically demanding, especially the continuous bentwood frame and handwoven seat.

It is design that appears quiet until you try to replicate it.

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Materials and construction

The CH24 is made from solid wood, typically oak, beech, ash or walnut depending on finish. Each frame is shaped and sanded to achieve its continuous curved form.

The most distinctive element is the seat.

Papercord seat

The woven seat is made from papercord, a durable natural fibre that is:
– handwoven
– tightly tensioned across the frame
– designed to support weight without padding

Each seat takes a skilled craftsperson a significant amount of time to weave. The pattern is not decorative, it is structural. The strength comes from the interlacing tension of the cord.

Over time, papercord softens slightly and adapts to the user. It is one of the reasons the chair feels better the longer you live with it.

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Comfort and everyday use

Despite its delicate appearance, the Wishbone Chair is designed for daily use.

It works well as a dining chair because:
– the curved back offers subtle support
– the seat has natural give from the papercord
– the proportions suit standard dining tables

It is not an upholstered chair, so it does not encourage slouching or long lounging. Instead, it supports upright, relaxed sitting, which is often exactly what you want around a table.

In practice, it sits in that middle ground between comfort and formality. Comfortable enough for long dinners, structured enough to keep a room visually light.

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Dimensions and proportions

One of the reasons the CH24 works in so many spaces is its scale.

Typical proportions:
– seat height: approx. 45cm
– overall width: approx. 55cm
– depth: approx. 51cm

It is compact enough for smaller dining spaces but still visually present. The open frame also means it never feels heavy in a room, even when grouped around a table.

This is particularly important in modern interiors where visual space matters as much as physical space.

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Finishes and variations

The Wishbone Chair is available in a range of finishes, each changing its character quite noticeably.

Common options include:
– soap treated oak (soft, natural, slightly matte)
– oil finishes (warmer, deeper tone)
– lacquered finishes (more uniform, more protective)
– smoked or darker woods (more contrast, more formal feel)

The papercord seat is traditionally natural, though subtle variations exist depending on production batch and ageing.

Finish choice has a significant impact on how the chair sits within a space. Light oak reads more informal and domestic, while darker finishes tend to feel more architectural.

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Why it is called the Wishbone Chair

The name comes from the Y-shaped backrest, which resembles a wishbone.

It is also sometimes referred to as the “Y Chair”, which is a more literal description of the form.

Both names refer to the same design: the CH24.

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Authenticity and why it matters

Because of its popularity, the Wishbone Chair is one of the most widely copied classic designs.

Authentic versions produced by Carl Hansen & Søn can be identified by:
– high quality timber with consistent grain selection
– tightly and evenly woven papercord seat
– precise joinery at the arm and back support
– subtle branding and production marks

The difference is not just aesthetic. It affects comfort, longevity and structural integrity over time.

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Styling the Wishbone Chair

Part of the reason the CH24 has remained so widely used is its adaptability.

It works in:
– minimal Scandinavian interiors
– warmer, layered dining spaces
– modern kitchens with natural materials
– restaurant settings where visual lightness matters

It pairs particularly well with:
– solid wood dining tables
– stone or marble surfaces
– simple, architectural interiors

It is often used in multiples, but it also works as a single accent chair in bedrooms or hallways.

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Alternatives and related designs

Within Wegner’s wider body of work, the Wishbone Chair sits alongside other dining-focused pieces such as the CH23 and CH33.

Each explores similar ideas around:
– bentwood construction
– lightweight frames
– hand-crafted seating surfaces

But the CH24 remains the most recognisable and widely adopted of them all.

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How to spot a fake?

As with many other iconic furniture designs, the internet is rife with replica versions of the Wishbone Chair. Luckily for fans of the original, these imitation chairs are much easier to spot than fake versions of some other well known designs. The superior quality and build of the original Wishbone Chair is often enough to differentiate between an authentic Wisbone Chair and a replica, but just to be sure, here are a few other tell tale signs.

The Label

All Carl Hansen & Son Wishbone currently in production feature a serial number and Hans J. Wegner signature to signify authenticity but older versions may feature a metal plaque or stamp. No matter the age, this identification will be found on the underside of the chair, at the rear of the side.

The Wood

If you spot knots and blemishes in the wooden frame, you’re likely looking at a fake. Carl Hansen & Son make their chairs from sustainable, high-quality Danish timber and the wood will have a smooth, even appearance.

The Paper Cord

Official licensed originals of the Ch24 Wishbone feature woven papercord seats in natural, black or white. If the seat is another colour then it is a replica. Construction of the hand woven seat is also a tell tale way to spot a fake. It should sit uniform and be taut and neat. If the weave looks uneven of loose then you’re being duped. Some replicas also use synthetic material in place of the paper cord so keep a keen eye out for that.

The Price Tag

Authentic Wishbone Chairs are handmade from premium quality materials and the price reflects this. They’re built to be used, enjoyed and loves for generations. 

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Final thoughts

The Wishbone Chair has not changed because it did not need to.

Its relevance is not tied to trends, but to proportion, material honesty and usability. It sits comfortably between sculpture and utility, which is probably why it has survived every shift in interior taste since 1949.

It is a simple chair, but not an easy one to improve.

You can shop of the original Carl Hansen & Son CH24 Wishbone Chair here at Utility today.

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