How Cesca Chairs Became Secondhand Market Stars (and What to Know When Shopping for Them)

When scrolling through interior decorating stories and inspirational photos, chances are high you’ll spot the Cesca chair. With a distinct cantilevered silhouette, it’s become an established icon of midcentury seating, a staple of dining spaces for almost a century. The Cesca is especially popular in the secondhand market, from luxury online resellers to Facebook Marketplace—sometimes selling for hundreds of dollars, even when they have rips and imperfections. 

So, what’s the backstory of this classic chair? We asked Dr. Rosa Otero, and as the curator and designer of the Sutton Initiative for Design Education Chair Library, she knows a thing or two about legendary seats. Here, Otero shares about Cesca’s long history, what makes it such an iconic piece of decor, and what to consider when you’re on the treasure hunt for a secondhand Cesca.  

The Cesca Chair: Then and Now

Designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928, the Cesca was the first chair to combine tubular steel with natural fibers—and according to Otero, this marked a revolutionary shift in materials and design principles.

“The chair’s cantilevered form, which features handwoven cane set within solid beech frames, was hailed as a modern masterpiece,” Otero says. Instead of the usual four-legged style, it has an open back and a frame of two front legs, creating a recognizable silhouette. “Its sleek, continuous lines and simplified structure reduced the ‘visual  noise’ of traditional furniture designs, emphasizing function and form,” she continues.

Breuer’s groundbreaking use of tubular steel was first seen on the Wassily Chair, which he developed in 1925. According to Otero, his work was inspired by the ideals of the Bauhaus school, where he trained and  collaborated with prominent figures like Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Walter Gropius. Wassily and Cesca were not only innovative in their design and materials, but they embodied the Bauahus focus on simplicity and functionality as defining traits of modern style.

Breuer’s Cesca chair was originally known as the B32 when it manufactured by Thonet. Then, in the 1950s, Italian company Gavina took over production of the chair and renamed it after Breuer’s daughter, Francesca. American company Knoll acquired the design in the late 1960s and produces it today. They’ve sold more than a quarter of a million versions of the Cesca—and along with the original caned seat and back, Knoll offers upholstered versions, and it’s available armed or armless in either chair or stool height. 

Cesca is considered by many designers to be among the most important chairs of the 20th century, Otero says, and she adds that its continuous production—and the fact that it’s widely replicated—is a testament to its enduring influence. 

In the past decade, we’ve seen a number of factors converge to make the Cesca so sought after: There’s been a significant revival of midcentury modern design (especially with furniture), and the uber-popular organic modern style has led to more warm woods and cane accents. Contemporary decorating trends are also promoting mixing styles, embracing secondhand furniture, and investing in high-quality furnishings for more earth-conscious and personality-driven interiors. 

Shopping for Cesca Chairs

Otero recommends going for the highest quality and authenticity if you’re looking for a real deal Cesca—meaning you should buy it from the company authorized to produce it (that company currently being Knoll). However, the price can be prohibitive for many, as it retails for about $1,200.

New or vintage, original Cescas are not the only options on the market: You can still snag the Bauhaus, modernist style as an alternative.

“Fortunately for most people, the Cesca is considered one of the most copied chair designs in history, so high-quality replicas and knockoffs are not hard to find,” Otero says. “If you’re fortunate and the ‘chair gods’ are on your side, there’s always a chance that the perfect piece might appear… but you need to be vigilant.”

The Cesca has been around for almost 100 years, so keep an eye out for it at yard and estate sales, second hand stores, and Facebook Marketplace; you’re almost certain to find them at retailers like Chairish and 1stDibs. 

Tips for Evaluating Secondhand Finds

Both use and environmental conditions take a toll on any chair, including the Cesca.

“Common issues include cracking or sagging of the cane seat and rusting of the metal frame,” Otero says. “Also, [look for] discoloration of the cane and loosening of the seat and back from the frame.”

For versions of the Cesca with upholstered seats or backs, Otero says the quality of the upholstery is a significant factor in its condition. 

Don’t be surprised to find Cescas with damaged seats and backs, regardless of the material. You can find replacements online or reupholster or re-cane it. A damaged frame makes it harder to bring a Cesca back to life.

Identifying an Authentic Cesca Chair 

If you’re wondering about the authenticity of secondhand Cesca, Otero has a few things you should check for.

“There are some minor design details that make the biggest difference,” she says. “For instance, the sled base of an authentic Cesca should not be completely flat, and the ends of the frame are welded and solid.”

If a seller claims the Cesca is original, Otero suggests asking for a certificate of authenticity. If there isn’t one, there are other details that may help you with identification.

“Look for Marcel Breuer’s signature, and if made by Knoll, the KnollStudio logo will be stamped on the base of the Cesca chair,” Otero says. “For versions made by Thonet and/or Gavina, you should look for the manufacturer’s mark on the underside of the seat or the side of the frame.”