Thonet Chairs: Design Classics for More Than 150 Years
There is a lot to love about Thonet chairs apart from them being graceful fusions of elegant design and innovative manufacture
Rebecca Gross
2 October 2014
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
As some the world’s most famous and bestselling chairs, the styles by Thonet (pronounced tor-net) are a fusion of elegance and strength, and an innovative masterpiece of form and function. In sleek black, bright colour, or natural wood, Thonet chairs are at home in any interior.
In the early 1840s, German-born Michael Thonet (1796-1871) invented steam-bending technology to make the production of wooden chairs much less labour intensive (the wood was originally carved) and more affordable. In 1842 Thonet received the patent to use chemical and mechanical means to bend wood into forms and curves and, in 1856, he was granted a second patent to manufacture chairs and table legs using his steam-bent technology. Known as bentwood, it would lay the foundation for the Eames’s plywood furniture in the mid 20th century.
Thonet’s bending techniques enabled him to manufacture his strong and durable chairs in an inexpensive manner. Plus, by making the pieces from only a few standardised parts, unskilled workers could assemble and disassemble them easily for transportation and storage. Thonet entered his first chair into industrial fairs, then sold his styles throughout Europe, winning a gold medal at the 1867 World Fair in Paris. Indeed, in the 1860s and ‘70s, there was barely a cafe in Vienna without Thonet’s beautiful bentwood chairs.
So, grab yourself an espresso and sit back and relax. Here is a classic selection of Thonet’s most famous chairs that will take you back to the cafe culture of a romantic 19th-century Europe.
In the early 1840s, German-born Michael Thonet (1796-1871) invented steam-bending technology to make the production of wooden chairs much less labour intensive (the wood was originally carved) and more affordable. In 1842 Thonet received the patent to use chemical and mechanical means to bend wood into forms and curves and, in 1856, he was granted a second patent to manufacture chairs and table legs using his steam-bent technology. Known as bentwood, it would lay the foundation for the Eames’s plywood furniture in the mid 20th century.
Thonet’s bending techniques enabled him to manufacture his strong and durable chairs in an inexpensive manner. Plus, by making the pieces from only a few standardised parts, unskilled workers could assemble and disassemble them easily for transportation and storage. Thonet entered his first chair into industrial fairs, then sold his styles throughout Europe, winning a gold medal at the 1867 World Fair in Paris. Indeed, in the 1860s and ‘70s, there was barely a cafe in Vienna without Thonet’s beautiful bentwood chairs.
So, grab yourself an espresso and sit back and relax. Here is a classic selection of Thonet’s most famous chairs that will take you back to the cafe culture of a romantic 19th-century Europe.
No. 14 Vienna
Launched in 1859, this is the chair that put Thonet on the map. Also known in its day as the Consumer Chair and the Bistro Chair, the No. 14 Vienna was designed with practicality in mind – originally comprising only six pieces and later eight pieces – of steam-bent wood.
As Swiss-French architect and designer Le Corbusier praised: “Never was a better and more elegant design and a more precisely crafted and practical item created.”
Tens of millions have sat on this chair, some of the most famous being Brahms, Picasso, Einstein and Lenin.
Launched in 1859, this is the chair that put Thonet on the map. Also known in its day as the Consumer Chair and the Bistro Chair, the No. 14 Vienna was designed with practicality in mind – originally comprising only six pieces and later eight pieces – of steam-bent wood.
As Swiss-French architect and designer Le Corbusier praised: “Never was a better and more elegant design and a more precisely crafted and practical item created.”
Tens of millions have sat on this chair, some of the most famous being Brahms, Picasso, Einstein and Lenin.
No. 18 Thonet
Thonet’s definitive bentwood chair, first introduced in 1876, is one of the most successful chair designs ever produced. It is very similar in appearance to the No. 14, with a few small differences. The larger curved loop on the back insert is more stable and more comfortable than No.14, providing greater support for sitters.
Here in classic black, the No. 18 brings grounded, weighted form to a light and bright interior.
Thonet’s definitive bentwood chair, first introduced in 1876, is one of the most successful chair designs ever produced. It is very similar in appearance to the No. 14, with a few small differences. The larger curved loop on the back insert is more stable and more comfortable than No.14, providing greater support for sitters.
Here in classic black, the No. 18 brings grounded, weighted form to a light and bright interior.
In bright yellow, the No. 18 is a genuine standout, injecting pop and personality to this dining suite.
And, in natural wood, the No. 18 is light and pretty, bringing a traditional and rustic feeling to an airy room.
No. 18 Barstool
Taking the chair up a notch, Thonet designed the No. 18 Barstool in the 1870s. As it rides the line between vintage and modern, its elegant and minimalist curves fit beautifully in both traditional and modern interiors. Your morning coffee will never taste so good with this touch of Viennese cafe culture at your breakfast bar.
Taking the chair up a notch, Thonet designed the No. 18 Barstool in the 1870s. As it rides the line between vintage and modern, its elegant and minimalist curves fit beautifully in both traditional and modern interiors. Your morning coffee will never taste so good with this touch of Viennese cafe culture at your breakfast bar.
Round Barstool
This classic bentwood stool with its decorative braced hoops is much more ornate in appearance and well-suited to a traditional interior.
Today, Thonet produces a similar Round Barstool in galvanised or powder-coated, brightly-coloured steel, which will add a wow factor to any modern and minimalist interior.
This classic bentwood stool with its decorative braced hoops is much more ornate in appearance and well-suited to a traditional interior.
Today, Thonet produces a similar Round Barstool in galvanised or powder-coated, brightly-coloured steel, which will add a wow factor to any modern and minimalist interior.
No. B9 Le Corbusier
Designed by August Thonet (1829-1910), this bentwood armchair was widely used by renowned modernist architect and designer Le Corbusier, who was a dedicated admirer of its clean curved form.
The chair is a complementary paradox of being grand yet light, modern yet traditional. It certainly holds its own in any room.
Designed by August Thonet (1829-1910), this bentwood armchair was widely used by renowned modernist architect and designer Le Corbusier, who was a dedicated admirer of its clean curved form.
The chair is a complementary paradox of being grand yet light, modern yet traditional. It certainly holds its own in any room.
Otto
The Otto chair was first produced in 1955 for small commercial projects, cafes and coffee shops. As stylish today as it was in the mid 20th century, the upholstered seat can add touch of colour that will draw attention or harmonise with an interior.
Here, the Otto chair is a fun combination of natural wood and playful colour…
The Otto chair was first produced in 1955 for small commercial projects, cafes and coffee shops. As stylish today as it was in the mid 20th century, the upholstered seat can add touch of colour that will draw attention or harmonise with an interior.
Here, the Otto chair is a fun combination of natural wood and playful colour…
While here, the Otto is a sophisticated combination of dark wood with rich red upholstery.
Thonet Settee
Why not cuddle up with your closest on your personal Thonet love seat. New or vintage, Thonet settees epitomise European romanticism, each design featuring Art Nouveau-like curves across the back of the chair.
SHARE YOURS
Do you have any Thonet pieces in your home? If so, please add your high resolution pictures to the comments section. We would love to see how well they work in your interior.
MORE
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Why not cuddle up with your closest on your personal Thonet love seat. New or vintage, Thonet settees epitomise European romanticism, each design featuring Art Nouveau-like curves across the back of the chair.
SHARE YOURS
Do you have any Thonet pieces in your home? If so, please add your high resolution pictures to the comments section. We would love to see how well they work in your interior.
MORE
12 Reasons to Love the Eames Eiffel Chair
Master the Art of Mix-and-Match Dining Chairs
Nowhere to Hide: Transparent Seating Is a Clear Winner
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I purchased a B9 style chair from a second hand furniture store. There is a Thonet engraved under the chair. I have attached picture. I have restored it and plan to sell it at fund raising. Do you think this is an original piece and how much do you think I should ask for?