The 5 Ways to Style a CH24 Wishbone Chair

Ah, Scandinavia, the mere mention of the word conjures imagery of Mads Mikkelsen pedalling down a Copenhagen cycle path on his way to acquire Kardemummabullar at some local bakery. But when we're not thinking of the pastries or the pastel coloured buildings, we're thinking, of course, about the furniture. None can claim to be a Scandi design symbol more than the perfection in paper cord that is Hans Wegner's CH24 Wishbone chair.

While it is an icon of Northern Europe by one of the old masters of chair making, times and trends change, so how can you adapt one of Denmark's finest to your own tastes? Time to find out in our style guide below.

To call the CH24 a Mid-Century chair would be about as accurate as you can get. Released at the very midpoint of the 20th century in 1950, its symbiosis with this era of furniture is almost guaranteed. Scandinavian design’s golden age truly took flight around the time of the post-war furniture boom, meaning the two styles borrowed characteristics from each other relentlessly. Hence why both often deploy copious amounts of wood, clean lines and versatility, all qualities that define the star of this article.

To make them both work in your home is to harmonise their defining qualities. Take a hero piece like the Saarinen Dining Table and balance its understated splendour with Oak Oiled CH24s, add that signature 1950s flash of colour with an Ettaro Rug from Zanotta, then return to their unifying minimalism with the Akari Pendant Light.  

From a match made in 1950s heaven to perhaps the most unlikely couple in design - they do say opposites attract. In this case, that is incredibly fortunate, because the contrast between the dulcet tones of the industrial world and the soft shades of the Scandi one is so stark that they actually work together rather beautifully. Albeit with a very specific edition of the CH24. We are, of course, talking about the sultry, obsidian hues of the all-black version.

The recipe for this stylistic choice is simple: muted tones, rich textures and bold, straight-edged shapes. Take the Clay Table by Desalto, ground the space with a Marek Rug, and illuminate your moody setting from above with the Mona Pendant Light by Brokis.

We’ve arrived, it had to happen eventually. The obvious choice for one of the most recognisable symbols of Danish design, surrounded by other icons from its homeland. Make hygge (Google is your friend for the uninitiated) your priority and set yourself up for a serene Scandi dining experience like no other. Bright wood, and lots of it, should take centre stage. In fact, every surface that is not part of the floor or attached to the ceiling should embrace it. Save warm yet simplistic hues and soft textures for those remaining elements.

Place Oak Soaped CH24s around a CH339 Dining Table in the same finish, add a Rune Rug, and complete the setting with the iconic PH 5 Pendant Light by Louis Poulsen for a true lesson in Scandinavian illumination.

One style that Danish design is rarely associated with is abstract furniture. Peaceful and serene, yes, but typically uniform. Make no mistake, this works massively in its favour within its natural habitat; you can mix and match multiple brands to your heart’s content with little concern for clashes. But what about the overtly vibrant among us? Those creating spaces that blur the lines between home and art gallery?

Would I be talking about it if there wasn’t an option? Put on your rainbow-tinted glasses and feast your eyes on Carl Hansen’s collection of colourful classics: from Orange to Olive, Hans Wegner’s masterpiece is perfectly placed to go hue-to-hue with your boldest statement pieces. Roll out the leopard print carpet, place your colourful chairs around the Big Table by Bonaldo, and complete the scene with the exuberant glow of Calypso by Contardi.

Let’s wrap up this list with the perfect setting for those of us who need a cosy place to close out the day. When it comes to the CH24, it is not just the materials that create a comforting atmosphere, but the shapes and colours too. Rounded curves, smooth, supple lines, all carefully carved in this case from that great conveyor of calm: walnut. A timber that naturally exudes warmth and welcome, while offering an effortlessly easy-on-the-eye aesthetic. So, we know walnut is the way forward, but we are aiming for the pinnacle of home comfort.

Start your setting with the softness of the Bereber Rug by GAN Rugs, then lean into the craftsmanship of wood specialists Porada, where the sturdy yet elegant Augusto Table feels like the obvious choice. Finally, complete the atmosphere with the soft glow of the Nuée Ceiling Light by Foscarini.