Frequently Bought Together
Marcel Breuer's 1928 Cesca cantilever — scaled up to counter height and finished in stained black oak with hand-woven natural cane. This set of 2 brings Bauhaus modernism to the kitchen island, breakfast bar, or counter seating where a dining chair would sit too low.
About Marcel Breuer
Marcel Breuer (1902–1981) was a Hungarian-born modernist who studied and later taught at the Bauhaus in Dessau, where he pioneered the use of tubular steel in furniture. His 1928 cantilever design — named "Cesca" after his daughter Francesca — was inspired by the curved handlebars of his Adler bicycle and revolutionized seating by eliminating the rear legs entirely. The combination of steel, wood, and woven cane reflected the Bauhaus mission of marrying industrial materials with craft tradition.
After emigrating to the United States in 1937, Breuer became one of the most influential architects of mid-century modernism, designing the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The Cesca lineage has since extended from its original dining-chair format into bar and counter heights, carrying the same cantilever silhouette to the modern kitchen counter.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Our reproduction stays true to Breuer's original specification, scaled for counter use:
- Frame: 1" diameter chrome-plated tubular steel, 2.5 mm wall thickness — the cantilever curve supports the sitter without rear legs and incorporates a built-in footrest at the front.
- Backrest and seat frame: solid oak in stained black finish, with hand-finished edges.
- Seat and back panel: natural Indonesian cane, hand-woven in the traditional octagonal pattern.
The cane is a living material — slight surface burrs are characteristic of authentic hand-woven rattan and soften with use. Each stool is inspected for finish, joinery, weave tension, and frame stability before shipping.
Specifications
| Quantity | Set of 2 |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 25.6" / 65 cm (counter height) |
| Overall height | 40" / 102 cm |
| Width | 18.1" / 46 cm |
| Depth | 24" / 61 cm |
| Footrest height | 8" / 20 cm from floor |
| Frame | Chrome-plated tubular steel (1" diameter, 2.5 mm) |
| Backrest & seat | Solid oak with hand-woven natural Indonesian cane |
| Finish | Stained Black on Solid Oak with Natural Cane |
| Package dimensions | 20.5"W × 22"D × 25.6"H |
| Package contents | 2 stools, 1 M6 hex key, 16 M6×35 screws, 8 M6×15 screws, care manual |
Care & Assembly
Each stool ships partially disassembled and takes 10–15 minutes to put together using the included M6 hex key and screws. No special tools or experience needed.
To care for the cane: dust regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment, and wipe with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth to remove small burrs as they appear — this is normal and softens with handling. Keep the stools out of direct sun for extended periods (the cane can dry out) and away from damp basements (it absorbs moisture). The black oak frame can be conditioned occasionally with a wood-friendly polish; the chrome wipes clean with a soft microfiber cloth. In a kitchen setting, wipe up cooking splatter promptly so oils do not soak into the cane.
How to Style the Cane Bar Stools
Line a pair of these Bauhaus cane stools along a kitchen island or breakfast counter, where the chrome cantilever and hand-woven cane bring warmth to hard stone and cabinetry. A round washi-paper pendant overhead, and matching Cesca chairs at the dining table, carry the Marcel Breuer cane look right through the room.
Complete the look:
- Isamu Noguchi Akari washi-paper pendant lamp — warm light over the island
- Marcel Breuer Cesca cane dining chairs (set of 2) — the matching chair at the table
Frequently Asked Questions
What counter height is this designed for?
The 25.6" / 65 cm seat is intended for standard kitchen counters and islands measuring 35–37" / 89–94 cm from the floor — which covers most U.S. residential kitchens. You want roughly 9–11" / 23–28 cm of clearance between the seat top and the underside of the counter overhang for comfortable knee room.
Counter height vs. bar height — what's the difference?
Counter-height stools (24–26" / 61–66 cm seat) pair with kitchen counters and islands. Bar-height stools (28–30" / 71–76 cm seat) pair with taller bar tops and home pub bars (typically 41–43" / 104–109 cm). This Cesca is the counter-height version. If you have a true bar-height surface, you will want the taller version instead.
I like the stained black finish — is a natural oak version available?
This listing is the stained black oak with natural cane combination. The natural oak finish is offered in the dining-chair version of the Cesca elsewhere in the collection. The black stain reads graphic and contemporary against white kitchens, walnut cabinetry, or marble counters.
How do I clean and maintain the natural cane?
Dust with a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment. For grime, wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. In kitchens, wipe up splashes promptly so cooking oils do not soak into the weave.
How long does assembly take?
Most customers complete assembly in 10–15 minutes per stool. The hex key and all hardware are included; you'll just need a flat surface and a soft cloth to rest the stool on while attaching the seat.
Shipping & Returns
Free US shipping (typically arrives within 2–4 weeks). 30-day free returns. See our shipping policy and refund policy.
