Even if you haven’t heard of the Cesca chair by name, you’ve probably seen its classic, cantilevered design before. These chairs have been in homes for years and are made of a tubular steel frame with a cane rattan seat and backing.

Marcel Breuer designed the Cesca chair in the late 1920s and named it after his daughter Francesca. His design is so well-known that one of the original chairs is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Knoll Group now owns the original design; however, the D-shaped design made of clashing materials has inspired imitators throughout the furniture industry.

Recently, Cesca chairs have been seen in the homes of social media influencers and some of your most stylish friends. While they’ve never gone out of style, they’re gaining popularity thanks to the rise of nostalgic aesthetics like art deco and 1970s vintage style. It’s not surprising that a classic, old-fashioned chair is making a comeback because it can be displayed in any style.

With the new-found popularity of mid-century modern designs, having an original Cesca chair as a family heirloom is like finding buried treasure. However, if you haven’t been so lucky to inherit one, don’t worry! It’s easy enough to find different replicas online and own your very own piece of vintage-style furniture.

After a year of regularly putting this timeless piece to the test, I’d like to share with you my verdict on its performance.

What I Think of the Design

The design of the Cesca chair is nothing short of iconic. It’s a modern classic, with its timeless style and signature curves that stand out from other chairs. The wood frame is curved in a stylish way and is made to give you more comfort and support. The upholstery options are varied, including several colors and patterns, so you can easily make it your own. 

What amazes me about the design of this chair is its aesthetics. Its curved frame gives it a distinct look. You can choose from a lot of different fabrics for the upholstery, so you can make the chair fit your own style. And because it’s made of light materials, it’s easy to move around when you need to. This makes it great for accommodating extra guests or rearranging furniture quickly.

In terms of build quality, the craftsmanship of the Cesca chair is also quite impressive. Its solid hardwood frame makes it last for a long time. All of the parts are securely attached with strong steel hardware for extra strength, making this piece even more reliable as a whole. And the clever engineering that went into making it gives it a nice, smooth rocking motion that adds to the blissful relaxation of any room.

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Is the Cesca Chair Comfortable?

People often say that the Cesca chair is an ergonomic office chair, but in reality, it can be very uncomfortable to sit in for a long time. Even though the chair has a curved backrest that is supposed to support the lower back, the base and armrests (I have the armchair) don’t work right, so my neck and shoulders get tight.

Also, the cushions are often too hard or too thin, which makes them hard to sit on for long periods of time. The curved shape of the backrest might look stylish and comfortable, but it doesn’t offer enough support to keep me from hunching over after sitting for an extended period of time. 

Furthermore, some Cesca chairs have been known to squeak when leaned back or adjusted, creating a noisy distraction in otherwise quiet workspaces. All in all, due to its lack of adjustable components and uncomfortable cushioning material, the Cesca chair does not make for a very ergonomic seating experience.

What are the Drawbacks?

One of the main drawbacks of the Cesca chair is its price. This model is considered one of the most expensive chairs on the market, costing up to three times more than other similar products. Additionally, because of its complex design, it can be difficult to assemble and adjust properly. 

Another big problem with this chair is that it doesn’t have enough back support for people with back pain or bad posture like me. The backrest doesn’t provide enough support to keep you from slouching when you sit for a long time. Furthermore, because of its curved shape, it can be quite uncomfortable for users with larger frames. 

The build quality may also be an issue with this product as it is made from pressed wood, which is notorious for splitting or breaking easily with regular use. Also worth noting is that the dining chair has no armrests, which would make typing at a desk uncomfortable and constrict movements over time (that’s why it is meant for dining, not working). Also, because it has a simple design, it might not look good in some rooms or settings.

Is It Worth Buying?

For starters, the Cesca chair is quite expensive, with a price tag that can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the materials used and extras purchased. This high cost might make it impractical for some customers who are on a budget. 

Additionally, even though this chair offers a great deal of support and comfort, it lacks certain features that could make it even more comfortable, such as adjustable-height lumbar support and armrests that can be adjusted up and down or side to side. 

In addition to its costly price tag and lack of extra features, another problem with the Cesca chair is that it is not particularly durable or long-lasting. The fabric covering tends to wear out quickly over time because it doesn’t stand up well to wear. Other parts, like the metal frame, may also rust or corrode over time if they are exposed to water. 

Also, since the chair’s design hasn’t changed since the 1920s, it hasn’t been updated to take advantage of new developments in ergonomics that could make it more comfortable and supportive. 

Is There a Cheaper Option?

If the cost of a Cesca chair is out of your budget, don’t despair. There are several high-quality replicas available on the market. My top recommendation would be the Arun Dining Chair Set by Sohnne, which offers a similar design to the original. You can enjoy the same level of quality for just $699.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Cesca chair is a worthwhile investment if you value style over comfort. Its sleek design is sure to enhance the aesthetics of your dining room. However, if budget is your concern, there are excellent replicas on the market that offer similar features to the original, without breaking the bank.

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