The son of a furniture dealer and upholsterer, Jaroslav Smidek, like Jan Vanek and Jindrich Halabala, was born into the trade. Growing up, he helped out in the family workshop, where he learned his father’s craft.
Although he trained as an architect, Smidek quickly turned to industrial design, developing Montisektor furnishings, a line of pieces that could be assembled at home from prefabricated parts, in 1956 for VNP — a significant advance in Czech furniture production.
But it is his seating, such as the chairs he created for Jitona in the 1960s, that is most in demand. While his chairs carry a Scandinavian touch, there is no mistaking the gentle elegance of their uniquely Eastern European aesthetic.
Find vintage Jaroslav Smidek furniture today on 1stDibs.
Set of two armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek for TON, 1960s.
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
This is a pair of armchairs designed by the architect Jaroslav Smidek and produced by the TON company during the 1960s, the armchairs have wooden armrests made of bent wood and fabr...
Fabric, Bentwood
1960s Beech Armchair by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of wood and fabric The seat needs new fabric Measure: Seat height 45 cm.
Fabric, Wood
$1,708Sale Price|20% Off
Armchair Designed by Jaroslav Šmidek for Ton, Czech Republic, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
An armchair designed by Jaroslav Šmídek, model 53, produced by TON in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s. This mid-century modern piece exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship of Czech d...
Velvet, Beech
$2,750 / set
Set of Two Jaroslav Smidek Longue Chairs 1950s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Čelinac, BA
Jaroslav Smidek Longue Chair 1950s
Fabric, Wood
1960s Pair of Ton Armchairs by Jaroslav Smidek, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- Made of beech wood - Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 39 cm.
Fabric, Beech
Lounge Chair by Jaroslav Smidek for Jitona, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Wien, AT
Designed during the Socialist era. The frame is made of light beechwood. The core is made of natural coconut fiber, providing comfortability. Very quality English velvet upholstery f...
Velvet, Beech
$2,795 / set
20th Century Armchairs by J. Smidek, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
This beautiful pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs were made in Czechia by renowned furniture manufacturers TON, design attributed to J. Smidek. Low-set and comfortable, a deep seat...
Bouclé, Bentwood
$3,195 / set
1960s Mid-Century Czech Armchairs, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
Produced in the former Czechoslovakia, this essential 1960s design is attributed to Jaroslav Šmídek. Comfortable angles and clean lines are designed to delight, influenced by the mid-20th Century Modernist movement in Central Europe. These low-profile armchairs are re-upholstered in updated neutral fabrics, chosen to compliment the elegant polish of the hardwood frame. Produced by various manufacturers and explored by generations of designers, the bentwood shape is infused with dynamism and movement, reflecting the origins of the technique and the optimism of the industrial revolution-- steam bent furniture was a technological innovation developed by the Thonet Brothers...
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood
$3,416Sale Price / set|20% Off
Two Armchairs Designed by Jaroslav Šmidek for Ton, Czech Republic, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A pair of armchairs designed by Jaroslav Šmídek, model 53, produced by TON in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. These striking examples of mid-century Czech design feature sculptural ...
Velvet, Beech
$1,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
Armchairs Designed by Jaroslav Šmidek for Ton, Czech Republic, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Armchairs designed by Jaroslav Šmidek, type 53. They were manufactured at the Ton factory in the 1960s in Czech Republic. Purified beech wood polished and finished with matt varnish....
Velvet, Beech
1960s Pair of Jaroslav Smidek Armchairs for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Repolished - Sturdy and stable
Fabric, Wood
Set of Two Lounge Chair by Jaroslav Šmídek for Jitona, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia.
Fabric, Beech
1960s Beech Armchair by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 42 cm
Wood, Beech
Pair of Restored Red Midcentury Armchairs, Made by Jaroslav Šmídek, Czechia 1950
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Pair of armchairs, midcentury Czechoslovakia Completely restored by our team. Period: 1950-1960 Maker: Jaroslav Šmídek.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Set of Two Lounge Chair by Jaroslav Šmídek for Jitona, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia. The item made of beechwood. Upholstered seat and backrest in new upholstery. Completely restored.
Fabric, Beech
$2,795 / set
1960s Czech Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
Time has not dulled the sharp silhouette of this striking pair of Midcentury Modern armchairs. Made in Czechia in the 1960s, attributed to Jaroslav Smidek who designed for many promi...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Czech Armchairs by J. Smidek for Ton, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek, TON a.s.
Located in High Point, NC
A graphic Modernist silhouette gives this pair of vintage wooden armchairs a timeless appeal. Produced in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s, the design is attributed to Jaroslav...
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Beech Armchair by TON, Czechoslovakia
By Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
- carefully refurbished - Newly reupholstered - high of seat 48 cm
Beech, Fabric
$6,880 / set
H 34.65 in W 27.17 in D 26.78 in
Set of Two Italian Ponti Stile Armchairs from Italy, 1950s
By Gio Ponti
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This pair of armchairs was made in Italy in the 1950s. The pieces of furniture have small, wooden legs on which the cosy armchair bodies with almost pointed corners rest. The armchai...
Fabric, Wood
1960s Mid-Century Czech Armchairs, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
Produced in the former Czechoslovakia, this essential 1960s design is attributed to Jaroslav Šmídek. Comfortable angles and clean lines are designed to delight, influenced by the mid-20th Century Modernist movement in Central Europe. These low-profile armchairs are re-upholstered in updated neutral fabrics, chosen to compliment the elegant polish of the hardwood frame. Produced by various manufacturers and explored by generations of designers, the bentwood shape is infused with dynamism and movement, reflecting the origins of the technique and the optimism of the industrial revolution-- steam bent furniture was a technological innovation developed by the Thonet Brothers...
Fabric, Upholstery, Hardwood
$348Sale Price|40% Off
H 29.14 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Boomerang Armchair By Ton, Czechoslovakia 1960s
By TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage armchair produced by TON company in 1960s. The armchair is known as the Boomerang chair, named after the shape of the armrests which are made of bent woods and slig...
Textile, Oak, Bentwood
1960s Beech Armchair by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, Czechoslovakia
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
- Newly upholstered - Carefully refurbished - The seat height is 42 cm
Wood, Beech
$3,440 / set
H 33.47 in W 24.41 in D 29.53 in
1950s Ole Wanscher Set of Two Lounge Chairs in Mahogany - choice of upholstery
By Poul Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, Ole Wanscher
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Ole Wanscher PJ112 mahogany lounge chairs produced by P. Jeppesens Møbelfabrik, The chairs have been overlooked and refinished by our ca...
Mahogany
$628 / set
H 32.29 in W 21.26 in D 27.56 in
Pair of Restored Red Midcentury Armchairs, Made by Jaroslav Šmídek, Czechia 1950
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Brandys nad Labem, Středočeský kraj
Pair of armchairs, midcentury Czechoslovakia Completely restored by our team. Period: 1950-1960 Maker: Jaroslav Šmídek.
Fabric, Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Set of Two Armchairs by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
This is a pair of type 53 armchairs designed by architect Jaroslav Smidek and manufactured by TON during the 1960s. It features a bent beech frame and crazy timeless colored upholste...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Mid Century Armchairs by TON Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By TON a.s.
Located in Lucenec, SK
These chairs were produced by the renowned Czechoslovakian manufacturer TON in the 1960s. Chairs were clearly inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics. The slick, organic shaped armrest ...
Upholstery, Wood, Beech
Oswald Haerdtl Set of Four Easy Chairs, 1950s
By Thonet, Oswald Haerdtl
Located in Almelo, NL
Oswald Haerdtl set of four easy chairs, the 1950s A rare set of four easy chairs was designed by the Austrian designer Oswald Haerdtl and pr...
Ash, Beech, Bentwood
Set of 2 Chairs, I.S.A. Bergamo, 1950s
By I.S.A. Italy
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This Italian pair of armchairs was manufactured in the 1950s by I.S.A. Bergamo. Both chairs would benefit from new upholstery. The original foam is still in good condition, and the f...
Fabric, Wood
$468Sale Price|44% Off
H 29.93 in W 23.63 in D 27.56 in
Boomerang Armchair from Ton, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
By TON a.s.
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful Boomerang armchair, produced by TON in 1960s. Original Thonet design. This armchair has been fully restored into a dark stained oak. The d...
Velvet, Oak
Pair of Jaroslav Smidek Beech Lounge Chairs, Czechoslovakia, 1970's
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This eye-catching pair of mid-century modern lounge chairs perfectly captures the era’s signature blend of form and function. Featuring sculptural bentwood arms, they add an organic,...
Wood
Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Upholstered Armchair By Jaroslav Smidek
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Bentwood armchair designed by Czech furniture designer Jaroslav Smidek for Ton features a bent beech wood frame and muted blue green tweed upholstery. Smidek learned furniture desi...
Fabric, Beech
Yellow mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek
By Jitona, Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Yellow mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek for Jitona in very nice condition, small signes of use, new upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
Blue mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek
By Jitona, Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Blue mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek for Jitona in very nice condition, small signes of use, new upholstery.
Fabric, Wood
1960s Mid-Century Armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek
By TON a.s., Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
Produced in the former Czechoslovakia, this pair of armchairs from circa 1960 are re-upholstered with an updated natural white fabric, chosen to compliment the elegant polish of the ...
Fabric, Bentwood
20th Century Armchairs by TON, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
This beautiful pair of Mid-Century Modern armchairs were made in Czechia by renowned furniture manufacturers TON, design attributed to J. Smidek. Low-set and comfortable, a deep seat...
Upholstery, Bentwood
Pair of Vintage Mid Century Modern Czech Lounge Chairs
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Gardiner, NY
Pair of authentic vintage Czech mid century modern lounge chairs. Designed by Jaroslav Smidek. This set is in excellent vintage condition with brand new corduroy upholstery! We us...
Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 24.02 in D 25.2 in
Restored Mid-Century Pink & Blue Armchairs by J. Smidek for TON, 1960s, Set of 2
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Żory, PL
A pair of beech wood armchairs designed by Jaroslav Smidek and produced by TON in the mid-1960s in Czech Republic. These armchairs have been completely restored. The wood has been la...
Fabric, Beech
1960s Czech Wooden Armchairs by Jaroslav Smidek, a Pair
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
A graphic silhouette gives this pair of vintage wooden armchairs a timeless sophistication. Produced in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s, the form is attributed to Jaroslav Smi...
Upholstery, Wood
1960s Czech Wooden Armchairs by Jaroslav Smidek, a Pair
By TON a.s., Jaroslav Smidek
Located in High Point, NC
Stylish yet playful, this pair of wooden armchairs make a striking vintage accent. Produced in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s, the design is attributed to Jaroslav Smidek, wh...
Upholstery, Wood
Pair of Midcentury Armchairs by Jaroslav Smidek, 1960s
By Jaroslav Smidek
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of fabric, wood New fabric, wood restored Good original condition.
Fabric, Wood
1970s Upholstered Wooden Armchair, TON
By Jaroslav Smidek, TON a.s.
Located in High Point, NC
This 1970s armchair, designed by Jaroslav Smidek for TON, combines the homey comfort of wood with a streamlined Modernist geometry for an effect that is both familiar and stylishly unique. Sourced from Czechia, the spindled backrest and legs recall the design of traditional country kitchen furniture...
Bouclé, Hardwood