Norman Cherner for Plycraft -Set of 3 Molded Plywood Swivel Bar Stools, 1960s Mid-Century Modern

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Description

Norman Cherner for Plycraft -Set of 3 Molded Plywood Swivel Bar Stools, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Dimensions
Each stool measures approximately:

… Read more Norman Cherner for Plycraft -Set of 3 Molded Plywood Swivel Bar Stools, 1960s Mid-Century Modern
Dimensions
Each stool measures approximately:

Height: 42 in. (106.7 cm)
Width: 17.5 in. (44.5 cm)
Depth: 21 in. (53.3 cm)
Description
An exceptional and increasingly difficult-to-find set of three Mid-Century Modern swivel bar stools designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft, showcasing the sculptural molded-plywood vocabulary that made Cherner one of the most distinctive figures in postwar American furniture design.

Produced during the mid-20th century, these stools beautifully balance organic form, innovative construction, and everyday functionality. Their sweeping laminated-wood bases, dramatically tapered backrests, black upholstered seating surfaces, geometric steel footrests, and integrated swivel mechanisms create a remarkably expressive silhouette from every angle.

The set is particularly appealing in its honest vintage condition, retaining the warmth, surface variation, and naturally developed patina acquired through decades of use.

Sculptural Molded-Plywood Backrests
Each stool is distinguished by Cherner's characteristic sculpted plywood backrest, which rises gracefully from a narrow central stem before dramatically flaring outward into a broad, gently curved upper section.

The shape has an almost wing-like quality, creating a striking visual balance between delicacy and strength. Viewed from the front, the upper portion is fitted with a shaped black vinyl upholstered cushion, providing comfortable back support while emphasizing the elegant outline of the wooden frame.

The verso of each backrest is entirely exposed wood, with no upholstery, allowing the molded plywood construction and beautifully aged grain to remain fully visible. This is especially attractive when the stools are positioned around a kitchen island or bar where their backs become an important part of the overall presentation.

Dramatic Arched Bentwood Bases
The bases are equally sculptural. Long, laminated wooden legs sweep downward and outward in pronounced arches, giving the stools an unusually graceful and architectural presence.

Rather than relying on conventional straight legs, Cherner used the flexibility and structural possibilities of laminated wood to create a base that appears almost to be in motion. The curved supports converge beneath the seat, producing an elegant transition between the upper and lower portions of each stool.

Contrasting black enameled steel stretchers connect the legs and form practical footrests while adding structural stability. Their crisp geometric lines provide a handsome counterpoint to the organic curvature of the wood.

Swivel Construction
Each stool incorporates a functional swivel mechanism, allowing the seat and backrest assembly to rotate independently from the base.

This practical feature makes the stools particularly well suited for contemporary kitchen islands, home bars, and entertaining spaces while preserving the sculptural quality for which Cherner's furniture is celebrated.

Upholstery & Materials
The stools combine a sophisticated and distinctly mid-century palette of warm wood and black upholstery.

The seats and front-facing back cushions are upholstered in black vinyl, creating a strong visual contrast with the richly toned plywood. The reverse sides of the backrests remain exposed wood.

Materials include:

Sculpted molded and laminated plywood
Warm walnut-toned wood finish
Black vinyl seat and backrest upholstery
Black enameled steel footrest/stretchers
Integrated swivel mechanisms
Designer & Manufacturer
Designer: Norman Cherner
Manufacturer: Plycraft Inc.
Period: Mid-20th Century / Mid-Century Modern
Country: United States

One of the stools retains an original Plycraft Inc. identification label beneath the seat, further documenting the manufacturer's attribution.

Norman Cherner's work for Plycraft represents an important chapter in the development of American molded-plywood furniture. His designs exploited the material's ability to create furniture that was simultaneously structural and sculptural, resulting in some of the most recognizable silhouettes of the American Mid-Century Modern period.

Condition & Original Patina
The stools are presented in good vintage condition with an authentic, naturally developed patina.

The wooden surfaces display scattered finish wear, abrasions, scratches, tonal variation, and other age-appropriate signs of use. These characteristics are visible throughout and contribute to the warm, honest character of the set rather than giving the appearance of recently refinished furniture.

The black upholstery remains intact and presents well overall.

The stools have intentionally not been cosmetically over-restored, allowing the original vintage character, surface history, and natural variation of the wood to remain evident.

Please refer closely to the photographs for additional details regarding condition and patina.

A Rare Set of Three
The combination of Norman Cherner's unmistakable sculptural design, Plycraft manufacture, functional swivel construction, surviving manufacturer's identification, and three matching examples makes this a particularly desirable set.

Equally successful as functional seating or as sculptural design objects, these stools would make a sophisticated statement around a contemporary kitchen island, home bar, or Mid-Century Modern interior.

Their sweeping bentwood profiles, warm aged surfaces, exposed plywood backs, and graphic black details give them a remarkably timeless quality—an excellent example of the ingenuity and expressive possibilities of American Mid-Century Modern molded-plywood design. See less