Wishbone chairs

Get the look of this Hans J. Wegner icon without the designer price

Owning a Wishbone chair by Danish architect Hans J. Wegner is a badge of honour for true design aficionados. The lighter look of this Danish modern masterpiece is its appeal: the gently curved back gives an organic softness to the minimalist wishbone-shaped splat (that’s the official name for the thin piece of wood in the centre of a chair back — say that at your next dinner party to sound super fancy). You don’t have to spend almost $1,800 on the original to get this look. A reproduction starts at $219.

The original Hans Wegner Wishbone chair by Carl Hansen & Søn

Maker: Design Within Reach, 214 King St. E.

Price: $740 to $1,755 depending on wood and finish.

Created in 1949, the classic Wegner is updated with a coat of mint green lacquer.

Reproduction Hans Wegner Wishbone chair

Maker: Modern Living, modernliving.ca

Price: $299 Colours available: Black, dark walnut, natural, walnut, and white (all with natural seat). A classic walnut stain elevates this chair to pair nicely with a sophisticated dining table.

Denmark Chair

Maker: Structube, structube.com

Price: $219 Colours available: beech and black. A tonal, ebony version of the woven rush seat creates a slick effect.

Reproduction Hans Wegner Wishbone chair

Maker: Office Chairs Canada, 401 Magnetic Dr., Unit 20

Price: $265 Colours available: White, black, green orange, turquoise, lime, walnut, ash and natural. A jet-black finish gives this knock-off a contemporary edge.

Wegner-inspired chair

Maker: Home Craft Decor, 600 Queen St. W.

Price: $625 Colours available: Brown. For a Scandinavian look that suits spare, white interiors, opt for a lighter stain.