The Carl Hansen Wishbone Chair (CH24) — Complete Buying Guide for Hong Kong

The Carl Hansen CH24 Wishbone Chair is one of the most recognisable chairs in the world. Designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1949, it has been in continuous production for over 75 years — a testament to its timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship. If you are considering buying a Wishbone Chair in Hong Kong, this guide covers everything you need to know: materials, colours, pricing, and where to find the authentic version.

What Makes the Wishbone Chair Special?

The CH24 Wishbone Chair stands out for several reasons that have kept it relevant for three-quarters of a century:

The Design

Hans J. Wegner designed the CH24 as part of a series inspired by portraits of Danish merchants sitting in Ming Dynasty chairs. The distinctive Y-shaped back (the "wishbone") gives the chair its nickname and provides both structural support and visual lightness. The steam-bent top rail flows seamlessly into the armrests, creating a continuous organic line that is instantly recognisable.

The Craftsmanship

Each Wishbone Chair requires over 100 production steps. The seat alone takes a skilled craftsperson approximately one hour to hand-weave using 120 metres of paper cord. This hand-woven seat is not just beautiful — it is remarkably comfortable and durable, lasting 20-30 years with normal use before needing replacement. Carl Hansen & Søn is the only manufacturer authorised to produce the CH24.

The Materials

The Wishbone Chair is available in a wide range of wood types and finishes. Each wood gives the chair a different character:

• Oak — The most popular choice. Available in natural oiled, soaped, or lacquered finishes. Oak develops a beautiful patina over time and is extremely durable. This is the classic Wishbone Chair look.
• Beech — A more affordable option with a smooth, even grain. Beech takes colour finishes exceptionally well, making it the base for Carl Hansen's coloured Wishbone Chairs. For a comparison of wood types, see our guide on beech vs ash vs oak wood furniture.
• Ash — Similar to oak but with a more pronounced grain pattern. Ash is strong, flexible, and slightly lighter in weight.
• Walnut — A premium option with rich, dark tones. Walnut Wishbone Chairs are a statement piece that adds warmth to any dining room.
• Cherry — Develops a deep, warm colour over time. Cherry is a living wood that changes character as it ages.

Wishbone Chair Colours

Beyond natural wood finishes, Carl Hansen offers the CH24 in a range of painted colours. These are applied to beech wood and include soft white, black, and a rotating selection of special edition colours. The coloured versions are popular in modern and minimalist interiors where the chair becomes a design accent.

Carl Hansen also produces limited edition Wishbone Chairs in collaboration with designers and for special occasions. These limited editions often become collector's items.

Wishbone Chair Dimensions

The CH24 has compact dimensions that work well in Hong Kong apartments:

• Width: 55 cm
• Depth: 51 cm
• Height: 76 cm
• Seat height: 45 cm
• Weight: approximately 4 kg

The relatively narrow width means you can fit more Wishbone Chairs around a dining table compared to bulkier dining chairs. Six CH24s fit comfortably around a 180cm dining table.

How to Identify an Authentic Wishbone Chair

The market for replica Wishbone Chairs is significant, particularly in Hong Kong. Here is how to tell the real thing from a copy:

1. The stamp — Every authentic CH24 carries a stamp on the underside with the Carl Hansen & Søn logo, the designer's name (Hans J. Wegner), and a production date.
2. The paper cord seat — Authentic Wishbone Chairs use natural or black paper cord, hand-woven in a specific pattern. Replicas often use cheaper materials or machine-woven seats.
3. The wood quality — Carl Hansen uses FSC-certified wood, kiln-dried and finished to exacting standards. The joints are precise, with no visible gaps or rough edges.
4. The weight — An authentic CH24 weighs approximately 4 kg. Replicas using cheaper wood or construction methods are often noticeably heavier or lighter.
5. The price — If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Wishbone Chairs reflect the cost of quality materials and over 100 hand-production steps.

Wishbone Chair Pricing in Hong Kong

Pricing for the CH24 varies by wood type and finish. As an authorised Carl Hansen dealer, MyConcept offers the full range at official retail pricing with manufacturer warranty. Contact us for current pricing on specific configurations — WhatsApp us or visit our showroom.

While the initial investment is higher than mass-produced alternatives, consider that a genuine Wishbone Chair lasts decades. Many CH24s from the 1950s and 1960s are still in daily use today. The cost per year of ownership makes it one of the most economical dining chairs you can buy.

Caring for Your Wishbone Chair

Wood Care

For oiled finishes, apply a thin coat of furniture oil once or twice a year. Soaped finishes benefit from occasional treatment with a soap solution. Lacquered finishes require the least maintenance — simply wipe with a damp cloth.

Seat Care

The paper cord seat is surprisingly durable and easy to maintain. Vacuum occasionally to remove dust. Avoid placing the chair in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the cord to dry out. If the seat eventually wears through (typically after 20-30 years), Carl Hansen offers a re-weaving service.

Hong Kong Climate Considerations

Hong Kong's humidity can affect wooden furniture. The CH24's construction handles humidity well due to Carl Hansen's kiln-drying process and quality finishes. Avoid placing the chair directly next to air conditioning vents, which can cause rapid humidity changes that stress wood joints.

Other Popular Carl Hansen Chairs

If you love the Wishbone Chair, you may also be interested in these Hans J. Wegner designs from Carl Hansen:

• CH20 Elbow Chair — A more compact dining chair with a distinctive curved backrest
• CH07 Shell Chair — A sculptural lounge chair that is a work of art
• CH88P Dining Chair — A lighter, stackable alternative for modern dining rooms
• CH163 Sofa — Wegner's elegant three-seater sofa
• CH337 Dining Table — The perfect companion table for Wishbone Chairs

Where to Buy the Wishbone Chair in Hong Kong

MyConcept is an authorised Carl Hansen & Søn dealer in Hong Kong. Our Causeway Bay showroom at Lee Garden Three displays multiple Wishbone Chair configurations so you can see the different woods and finishes in person. We carry the full Carl Hansen range including dining chairs, tables, lounge chairs, and sofas.

Visit us Monday to Saturday 11:30am-7:30pm, or Sundays and public holidays 11:30am-6pm. You can also WhatsApp us on +852 9210-4384 for pricing, availability, or to book a consultation.