Get Hooked on Bentwood Chairs
Curvy, well-crafted bentwood chairs are a timeless and elegant furniture choice for homes of all styles
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures like cooking, crafts and decorating. When I'm not on assignment, I can be found dreaming up projects for my home, which I chronicle in my blog The Little House in the City (thelittlehouseinthecityblog.com).
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures... More »
The term "bentwood" refers to the craft of wetting wood with water or steam and bending it into shape to create furniture. The most iconic examples of bentwood furniture are Thonet's bentwood chairs, which were first made by Michael Thonet in the early 19th century. Today, bentwood furniture is manufactured by many companies, including Thonet, across the globe.
Bentwood chairs range from the super simple to the highly elaborate. (In general, the more curves and twists an antique piece has, the more valuable it may be.) Traditionally, bentwood furniture had a natural wood color, but you can now find many painted pieces.
With its sculptural lines and graceful curves, a bentwood chair is an elegant addition to any interior. Here are 11 rooms that feature these classic chairs.
Bentwood chairs range from the super simple to the highly elaborate. (In general, the more curves and twists an antique piece has, the more valuable it may be.) Traditionally, bentwood furniture had a natural wood color, but you can now find many painted pieces.
With its sculptural lines and graceful curves, a bentwood chair is an elegant addition to any interior. Here are 11 rooms that feature these classic chairs.
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Elaborate bentwood chairs rest outside on this terrace in Japan. While the pair looks lovely outdoors, most bentwood pieces should be used primarily inside.
by Camilla Molders
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This ecofriendly kitchen by Camilla Molders Design features bamboo cabinetry. The red bentwood stools pop against the natural wood and complement the green-blue walls.
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| The breakfast nook of this Tudor-style home gets a stylish lift from a pair of cross-back bentwood chairs and a petite round dining table. |
by Incorporated
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A mod-looking office employs a bentwood chair with a caned seat as its visitor chair. The black finish visually ties it to the desk.
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by Emily McCall
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| Classic bentwood chairs are matched with an upholstered bench and tulip-style table. The eclectic pairing works because of the room's mostly white backdrop and use of neutral colors. |
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A set of six bentwood chairs is a stylish yet surprising choice for this beachfront home with contemporary concrete floors.
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Bentwood bistro chairs add a European touch to this Martha's Vineyard dining room by Schranghamer Design Group.
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Designer Andrew Flesher sets white bentwood chairs against a dark wall for a dramatic effect.
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by SFGIRLBYBAY
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| In blogger Victoria Smith's San Francisco apartment, bentwood chairs are painted white, which is fitting in her mostly ivory-hued home. |
by The Red Jet
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A vintage shell chair and a Danish walnut chair team up with a bentwood Thonet model for an eclectic collection in the home of Amanda of the blog The Red Jet.
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| A red Leicht Küchen AG kitchen is matched with black and white striped wallpaper and classic Thonet chairs for a traditional design with a twist. More: Guest Picks: Take a Seat Give Your Room a Leg Up |
Comments
Madison Modern Home It's interesting to see how many of these photos feature bentwood chairs with a white Saarinen-style table. They just look so great together. Sometimes we like to mis-match chairs, like in this dining area, where we've used just one bentwood chair with a seat cushion in a bold B&W IKEA fabric. 
13 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on May 2, 2012.
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