Decorating
One Chair, 11 Homes: The Mid-Century Cesca Chair Around the World
This very common-looking chair is one of the most important designs of the 20th century
Shortly after completing his design for the Wassily chair, Marcel Breuer continued to explore the possibilities of tubular steel with the B32, now popularly known as the Cesca chair. Named after his daughter Francesca, the chair features two beechwood frames covered in handwoven cane inserts, which are held together by a single, seamless steel tube. It was the first such chair to be mass-produced, starting in 1928.
The continuous line of tubular steel creates a cantilevered seat that looks like it’s floating in air. When it was exhibited (along with other cantilevered chairs) in 1927, people were afraid to sit on them for fear of collapsing – when sat on, they have a comfortable and supportive bounce. This cantilevered design was one of the most important developments in 20th-century furniture, although the Cesca chair was not the first to adopt it. Nevertheless, the Cesca is arguably Breuer’s most popular design – and one of the most widely-copied chairs.
The continuous line of tubular steel creates a cantilevered seat that looks like it’s floating in air. When it was exhibited (along with other cantilevered chairs) in 1927, people were afraid to sit on them for fear of collapsing – when sat on, they have a comfortable and supportive bounce. This cantilevered design was one of the most important developments in 20th-century furniture, although the Cesca chair was not the first to adopt it. Nevertheless, the Cesca is arguably Breuer’s most popular design – and one of the most widely-copied chairs.
Tone on tone in New York
It’s easy to see why the Cesca chair is an obvious choice for a dining room: it comes with and without arms. The armless versions tuck right around the table, while the models with arms are perfect for the head of the table. In this modern room, the ebonised frame harmonises with the black-and-white framed images on the wall, as well as the tubing of the pendant light.
It’s easy to see why the Cesca chair is an obvious choice for a dining room: it comes with and without arms. The armless versions tuck right around the table, while the models with arms are perfect for the head of the table. In this modern room, the ebonised frame harmonises with the black-and-white framed images on the wall, as well as the tubing of the pendant light.
Versatile flair in Connecticut
The mix of steel, cane and beech allows the Cesca to easily blend in with a variety of styles. These chairs fit right into the earthy palette of this transitional-style room.
Must-Know Chair: The Wassily Chair (aka The Model B3)
The mix of steel, cane and beech allows the Cesca to easily blend in with a variety of styles. These chairs fit right into the earthy palette of this transitional-style room.
Must-Know Chair: The Wassily Chair (aka The Model B3)
Perfect match in Ontario
The mix of materials also means the Cesca chair can be mixed and matched with other dining chairs that pick up on its cane, beech or metal. In this Toronto home, the chairs are paired with bentwood and cane chairs, and together they add warmth to the combined kitchen-dining space.
The mix of materials also means the Cesca chair can be mixed and matched with other dining chairs that pick up on its cane, beech or metal. In this Toronto home, the chairs are paired with bentwood and cane chairs, and together they add warmth to the combined kitchen-dining space.
Cool and collected in Boston
This dining area is striking not only because of its high slatted ceiling, exposed beams, and cool palette. The sparse styling featuring a weathered-look table and Cesca chairs creates a modern aesthetic.
This dining area is striking not only because of its high slatted ceiling, exposed beams, and cool palette. The sparse styling featuring a weathered-look table and Cesca chairs creates a modern aesthetic.
On display in Melbourne
The glass-top table puts the woven cane seats in full view in this dining area. The bent details of the table’s wrought-iron legs look as if they run parallel to the Cesca’s chromed tubular steel structure.
Take a look at more mid-century-style homes
The glass-top table puts the woven cane seats in full view in this dining area. The bent details of the table’s wrought-iron legs look as if they run parallel to the Cesca’s chromed tubular steel structure.
Take a look at more mid-century-style homes
Black beauty in Toronto
These Cesca chairs have an ebonised beech frame and armrests, with dark woven cane seats. They sit opposite a banquette and anchor the otherwise light and bright room.
These Cesca chairs have an ebonised beech frame and armrests, with dark woven cane seats. They sit opposite a banquette and anchor the otherwise light and bright room.
Vibrant presence in DC Metro
The sculptural shape of the Cesca chair makes it a great accent chair too. This particular version has been refurbished with vintage fabric on the seat to reflect the owner’s eclectic style.
Knoll also has versions of the chair with fully upholstered seat, back and arms in various colours.
The sculptural shape of the Cesca chair makes it a great accent chair too. This particular version has been refurbished with vintage fabric on the seat to reflect the owner’s eclectic style.
Knoll also has versions of the chair with fully upholstered seat, back and arms in various colours.
Comfy addition in Atlanta
The Cesca armchairs even work well as occasional chairs in a living area, as this space shows. The dark wood trim on these chairs plays off the rug’s zebra stripes.
6 Mid-Century Design Features That Look Better Than Ever
The Cesca armchairs even work well as occasional chairs in a living area, as this space shows. The dark wood trim on these chairs plays off the rug’s zebra stripes.
6 Mid-Century Design Features That Look Better Than Ever
Fit for work in Sydney
With its supportive give, the Cesca also serves well in a study or home office. In this elegant Mosman home, the chair is matched with an antique writing desk. Notice how it also complements the more modern cantilevered side table.
With its supportive give, the Cesca also serves well in a study or home office. In this elegant Mosman home, the chair is matched with an antique writing desk. Notice how it also complements the more modern cantilevered side table.
Amidst clean lines in New York
Here it subtly punctuates the straight lines of this modern guest bedroom.
Tell us
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Here it subtly punctuates the straight lines of this modern guest bedroom.
Tell us
Do you love this simple yet iconic design? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like, share or save this story. Join the conversation.
More
Find an interior designer or decorator to help with your next home makeover
Let’s see how this iconic chair takes the stage in different interiors.