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Timeless Design: Thonet's Bistro Chair
See How the Classic Bentwood 'Chair of Chairs' Still Shapes Seating Design
Michael Thonet, a 19th century German cabinetmaker-turned-influential chair designer, created the basis for so many of the chair frames and silhouettes we're familiar with today — whether they're reproductions, inspired by Thonet's designs, or out-and-out copies.
Thonet developed a unique steam-bending process in the 1850s that revolutionized design and mass production, allowing simple designs to be produced affordably from a few parts, with easy assembly/disassembly for transportation purposes (an idea IKEA has perfected with its flat-pack wares). What's incredible about most of Thonet's designs is their longevity; despite their age, they are absolutely current. They complement essentially every style. The chairs can now be specified with your choice of several different wood finishes, lacquered finishes, and leather hide for the seat.
The Thonet company produced — and continues to produce — iconic furniture by the likes of Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe and the Eamses. The fifth-generation, family-owned company also manufactures products by renowned contemporary architects and designers.
Thonet developed a unique steam-bending process in the 1850s that revolutionized design and mass production, allowing simple designs to be produced affordably from a few parts, with easy assembly/disassembly for transportation purposes (an idea IKEA has perfected with its flat-pack wares). What's incredible about most of Thonet's designs is their longevity; despite their age, they are absolutely current. They complement essentially every style. The chairs can now be specified with your choice of several different wood finishes, lacquered finishes, and leather hide for the seat.
The Thonet company produced — and continues to produce — iconic furniture by the likes of Marcel Breuer, Mies van der Rohe and the Eamses. The fifth-generation, family-owned company also manufactures products by renowned contemporary architects and designers.
by The Red Jet
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It all began with the Thonet Model No. 14 chair, Thonet's most famous. Following its launch in 1859, it was awarded a gold medal at the 1867 Paris World's Fair and has been referred to as "the chair of chairs." Also known as the Bistro Chair, some 50 million No. 14s were sold between 1860 and 1930, and millions more have been sold (and reproduced) since, putting it squarely in the design-classic category. Chair No. 14, now known as 214, is still produced by Thonet.
Thonet chairs mesh with just about any era of decor. Here, a mishmash of chair and table styles pairs seamlessly with a Thonet in the foreground.
Thonet chairs mesh with just about any era of decor. Here, a mishmash of chair and table styles pairs seamlessly with a Thonet in the foreground.
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In time, two diagonal braces were added between the seat and back to strengthen the joints, bringing the total number of wood pieces used for construction to eight.
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by SFGIRLBYBAY
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| Thonet's No. 14 chairs were created mid-century — the 19th century — but they are perfectly suited for use among the 20th century's "mid-century modern" furniture boom, as seen in SFGirlByBay's home. |
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While not an original design, this silhouette is no doubt inspired by Thonet's bentwood process, and particularly Otto Wagner's Vienna’s Postparkasse (Post Office Savings Bank) chair design from 1906.
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Clearly inspired by the No. 14s, these lovely chairs work beautifully in this warm modern dining room.
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| Arne Jacobson's iconic Ant chair was, at one time, manufactured by Thonet. |
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Thonet's bentwood technology was essential for the creation of so many chairs we know and love today.
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I love this riff on a Thonet design. It's fresh, unexpected, but still respectful.
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Breuer's Cesca chairs hold a special place in my heart: I grew up with them as dining chairs, and when my parents decided they no longer wanted to use them (after nearly 30 years), I happily inherited them! Here they sat in our (tiny) former apartment, their tubular steel frame and caned seat and back making them appear weightless while adding a bit of texture.
Next:
Where to get some Thonet chairs
More design icons to know
Next:
Where to get some Thonet chairs
More design icons to know
Ideabook updated on June 8, 2011.
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