The Iconic PP Chair from Denmark

The PP503 chair, colloquially known as the round chair, is one of the most famous and successful designs by Hans J. Wegner.  It perfectly embodies the principles of Scandinavian design.  It’s simple, appealing, functional and made from sustainable resources.  Hence, the Round Chair became an archetype of Nordic furniture, which earned Denmark a reputation as the international capital of furniture design.

story

Hans J. Wegner, nicknamed “The Master of the Chair”, designed the round chair.  It was his great passion for chair design that eventually made Wegner a legendary figure in Danish modernism and a world-famous furniture designer.  He created more than 500 chairs, many of which went into mass production.  His outstanding work helped establish his home country as the international market leader for modern design.

The PP503 chair was introduced in 1949 and was originally manufactured by Johannes Hansen Møbelsnedkeri A / S.  The chair stepped into the spotlight a year later when it caught the attention of American Interiors Magazine, which was the first to report on a foreign design.  This was the beginning of Danish design’s great international breakthrough.  Today the chair is available in stores under the PP Mobler brand.

design

“The Round One”, as Wegner called the PP503, was designed as a lightweight, sculptural replacement for the heavy, fully upholstered dining room chairs popular at the time.  It embodies the essence of the Danish woodworking and design philosophy.  To this day, the well-known organic design remains true to Wegner’s original sketches and drawings.

A light, attractive and comfortable dining room chair that speaks for everyday containment.  It feels as modern today as it did half a century ago.  An excellent example of Wegner’s constant pursuit of organic simplicity to create sculptural beauty, comfort and outstanding stability.  The PP503 chair is further proof that Hans J. Wegner was way ahead of his time when it came to the design of wooden furniture.  The chair’s minimalist and no-nonsense appearance can lead one to believe that it is relatively easy to make, which is very far from the truth.  The chair requires perfect craftsmanship and a thorough understanding of woodworking.  The manufacturing process requires over a hundred steps carried out by skilled artisans to bring this classic to life.  The chair stands on four cylindrical, dowel-like wooden legs that are slightly tapered at the top and bottom.  All four legs serve as supports for the distinctive curved backrest.  It is made from three pieces of wood that are then joined together to form the characteristic rounded shape that sticks far enough and supports the arms.  The seat shell of the PP503 is covered with a layer of foam padding that can be covered with either fabric or standard leather – both available in a variety of colors.  The round chair is also available with the woven seat shell.  This version of a chair with the designation PP501 is available in oak and ash in soap-treated, clear bio-oil, white bio-oil and lacquered surfaces.  and in cherry and walnut in clear organic oil and lacquered surfaces.  The standard, padded PP503 is available in the following versions in oak, ash and cherry: soap-treated, clear organic oil, white organic oil and lacquered.

The overall appearance of the armchair is extremely appealing and stylish.  The elegant, sublime design, combined with the impeccable quality of craftsmanship, has given the chair a very special place in the history of interior design.  This timeless piece of furniture still looks fresh and appealing and is a great, tasteful addition to any modern interior.