How To Build a DIY Danish Modern Chair

Building a chair can be daunting because it needs to look good and feel good. That’s why I based my chair on a time-tested 1960s design — and a stunning one at that.

Of course, you can build this Selig chair with a shop full of nice power tools. But you can also tackle it with tools you already own, or make a minimal investment in a few new ones.

I ordered ready-made cushions from Joybird, a company that makes reproductions of this chair. The size of its stock cushions determined some of my chair’s dimensions. You can buy your cushions there and know they will fit.

Old school or Modern

I fell in love with traditional hand tools many years ago. I love restoring them and working with them, so I used them a lot for this project. But you don’t need to be a hand tool snob to make this chair. A few common, modern power tools will let you do all the necessary shaping and joinery.

Figure A: Exploded View

Overall Dimensions: 29-1/2-in. H x 29-1/2-in. W x 35-3/4-in. D

Figure B: Armrest Patterns

Figure C: Front Leg Pattern

Figure D: Back Spindle Pattern

Figure E: Backrest Pattern

Figure F: Front Stretcher Patterns

Figure G: Back Leg Pattern

Cutting List

Materials List