Frequently Bought Together
Designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928, the Cesca cane chair pairs a steel cantilever frame with a hand-woven cane back and seat — an enduring statement of Bauhaus modernism. Our reproduction set of 4 seats the whole table in stained black or natural solid oak, ready for family dinners and café-style breakfasts alike.
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 remains one of the most celebrated chairs of the 20th century.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Our reproduction stays true to Breuer's original specification:
- Frame: 1" (25 mm) diameter chrome-plated tubular steel, 2.5 mm wall thickness — the signature cantilever curve supports the sitter without rear legs.
- Backrest and seat frame: solid oak in stained black or natural 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 chair is inspected for finish, joinery, and weave tension before shipping.
Specifications
| Quantity | Set of 4 |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 18.1" / 46 cm |
| Width | 18.2" / 46 cm |
| Depth | 24" / 61 cm |
| Frame | Chrome-plated tubular steel (1" diameter, 2.5 mm wall) |
| Backrest & seat | Solid oak with hand-woven natural Indonesian cane |
| Finish options | Natural Solid Oak / Stained Black on Solid Oak |
| Assembly | Ships flat-packed; M6 hex key and screws included |
Care & Assembly
Each chair 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. Avoid direct sun for extended periods (the cane can dry out) and damp basements (it absorbs moisture). The oak frame can be conditioned occasionally with a wood-friendly polish; the chrome wipes clean with a soft microfiber cloth.
How to Style a Set of Four Cesca Chairs
Four matching cane cantilevers turn a dining table into a composition: the repeated chrome curves read like a rhythm down each side. Natural oak leans warm and Scandinavian — pair it with pale woods, linen, and off-white walls. Stained black is more graphic, holding its own against walnut tables and gallery-white interiors. Either way, keep the tabletop simple and let the woven cane carry the texture.
Complete the look:
- Marcel Breuer cane dining chairs (set of 2) — same chair, smaller set for compact tables
- Thonet-style bentwood bistro chairs (set of 4) — café-style cane dining
- Akari washi paper pendant lamp — soft sculptural light over the table
Frequently Asked Questions
Which finish should I choose — black or natural oak?
The stained black finish reads more graphic and contemporary, pairing well with white walls and walnut tables. The natural oak finish is warmer and more Scandinavian — best with lighter woods or off-white interiors. Both share the same chrome frame and natural cane.
Is assembly difficult?
No — each chair takes about 10–15 minutes with the included M6 hex key and screws. The cane panels arrive pre-woven and pre-mounted in their oak frames.
The cane has small rough spots — is that a defect?
No. Slight surface burrs are characteristic of genuine hand-woven Indonesian rattan. They soften with normal use, or you can smooth them gently with a slightly damp cloth.
I only need two chairs — do you sell a smaller set?
Yes — the same chair is available as a set of 2 in both finishes.
How do I keep the chrome and oak looking new?
Wipe the chrome with a soft microfiber cloth; condition the oak occasionally with a wood-friendly polish. Keep the cane out of prolonged direct sun and away from damp rooms.
Shipping & Returns
Free shipping within the United States — estimated delivery times are shown above. See our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy for full details, or email support@breuerhome.com with any questions.
| Color |
Natural Solid Oak Wood, Stained Black on Solid Oak Wood |
|---|
