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Material: Bentwood
Set of 2 THONET S320 Stacking Chairs designed by Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider
By Thonet, Ulrich Bohme
Located in Schwerin, MV
Set of 2 Thonet S 320 Armchairs in stained reddish-brown plywood and chrome plated Steel, Germany, 1980s
A striking set of four original Thonet S 320 armc...
Category
1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Chrome
$489 Sale Price / set
33% Off
Set of 4 THONET S320 Stacking Chairs designed by Ulrich Boehme & Wulf Schneider
By Thonet, Ulrich Bohme
Located in Schwerin, MV
Set of 4 Thonet S 320 Armchairs in stained reddish-brown plywood and chrome plated Steel, Germany, 1980s
A striking set of four original Thonet S 320 armc...
Category
1980s German Post-Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Chrome
$978 Sale Price / set
33% Off
Set of 8 Rare Wojciechów Thonet Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 8 Wojciechów Thonet chairs. Original tags. Rare as a set of 8.
Nice set of pre-war bentwood chairs signed Wojciechów, the first Polish bentwood furniture factory. It was foun...
Category
Early 1900s Polish Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
$4,000 / set
Pair James Mont King Cole Lounge Chairs, Circa 1960's
By James Mont
Located in Rochester, NY
A pair of King Cole Chairs. The name of these chairs comes from a James Mont commission for a lavish penthouse design in the King Cole building in Miam...
Category
Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Faux Leather, Cane, Bentwood
Set of for Set of four bentwood chairs produced by Kohn in early 20th century
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Set of four bentwood chairs with cane seats, produced by J&J Kohn in Austria in the early 20th century. This is model number 36, as can be seen in reproductions from the 1904 cat...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Vintage 3-Seat Cinema Theatre Bench from Ton, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This three - seat cinema bench was produced by Ton (former Thonet) in Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. The chairs are stabile and can be placed anywhere. It is made of beech wood (pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Beech, Bentwood, Plywood
Set of Four Vintage Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Chair Made by STOL Kamnik 1960s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Chair made by Stol Kamnik Slovenia 1960s
Category
1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
$4,480 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Set of 4 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann (Customizable)
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of four "Fledermaus" chairs (meaning "bat" in German), designed by Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffmann in 1907.
Originally conceived to furnish the legendary Flederma...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Italian Mid-Century Design Medea Chair by Vittorio Nobili for Tagliabue Brothers
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Italian iconic mid century design single "Medea" chair. This fantastic chair is made of bent oak wood and black metal legs. Designed by Vittorio Nobili for the Tagliabue Brothers in 1955. First advertised in Domus issue 329 in April 1955, it has become an iconic and highly collectible piece of mid-century design. Perfect Conditions restored. This piece is attributed to the above-mentioned designer...
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
1930’s Pretzel Back Original Bentwood Chairs – Pair
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1930’s GYF Pretzel Back Original Bentwood Chairs – Pair.
The story of GYF is a bit sketchy but we know GYF produced very few models and this was their main chair, components were bo...
Category
1930s French Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of 4 Thonet dining chairs model 17
By Thonet
Located in Ceglie Messapica, IT
Set of 4 Thonet dining chairs model 17
This exceptional set of four bentwood beech chairs, produced by the renowned manufacturer Thonet, features the iconic Model 17, more commonly ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Straw, Beech
$2,181 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Thonet Chair N. 15, 1960s, 1 of 2
Located in Ljubljana, SI
1 of 2 Thonet No. 15 chairs was manufactured 1960.
The chair was designed by Michael Thonet in 1859.
It features a beech bentwood frame with cane.
Clear wood finish. Wood and ca...
Category
1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood, Bentwood
$401 Sale Price / item
30% Off
Original Josef Hoffmann & Kohn Jacob Chair from 1914
Located in Vienna, AT
A very rare undocumented chair by Josef Hoffmann and J&J Kohn. An identical chair with leather upholstery is available as well.
Category
1910s Austrian Jugendstil Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Rare E66 Chairs by Alvar Aalto for Artek, Finland
By Alvar Aalto, Artek
Located in Karis, Nyland
A rare pair of Alvar Aalto model E66 chairs, designed in 1930s. Good vintage condition, patina consistent with age and use. The chairs are sold as a set.
We can dismantle the chairs...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Scandinavian Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Birch, Bentwood
$2,348 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Vintage Bentwood Rocking Chair Att. to Thonet
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Unusual bentwood and cane rocking chair, in the Vienna Secessionist style, probably mid 20th C vintage, Thonet - made in USA, unsigned. The chair is slightly smaller in scale, a vari...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Vienna Secession Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Cesca Chair, 1980s, 1 of 3
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Cesca chair, 1980s
Designer Marcel Breuer
Country of producer: Italy
Design Period: 1920 to 1949
Production Period: 1980s
Style: Mid-Century, Classic, Modern
Detailed Condition: Th...
Category
1980s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Chrome
$484 Sale Price
20% Off
Set of 8 Mid Century Dining Chairs by Antonin Šuman, Customizable Upholstery
Located in Wrocław, Poland
This set of eight vintage dining chairs was designed by Czech designer Antonin Šuman in the 1960s. The chairs have been completely restored, stained to chocolate brown color to even ...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Walnut
Chair, Bentwood 1960s, 1 of 3
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Chair, Thonet Style, Bentwood, Cane - beautiful patina
Period: 1960s
Materials: Bentwood, Cane (new cane seat)
Condition: solid, signs of use, undamaged
Colour: Wood
Dimensions:...
Category
1960s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood, Bentwood
$256 Sale Price / item
33% Off
Italian Lounge Chairs, 1950s, Set of 2
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Set of two elegant Italian modernism armchairs with wood turned legs and original upholstery.
Category
1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
$11,006 / set
Chair by Thonet, No. 18 "Wide" 1970s, 1 of 3
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Bentwood cane Thonet No. 18 dining chair "Wide" in great vintage condition (well preserved). Chairs are lightly refreshed and the cane on two chairs was replaced with new webbing.
...
Category
1970s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood, Bentwood
$376 Sale Price / item
20% Off
Rare Josef Hoffmann Chair for Mundus Vienna Austria 1907-1914
Located in Den Haag, NL
Rare Josef Hoffman Chair for Mundus Vienna Austria 1907-1914
Leopold Pilzer, a junior partner at the bentwood furniture company Rudolf Weill & ...
Category
1910s Austrian Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Rush, Bentwood
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
Located in Asaa, DK
Series 7 Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen, 2001.
Arne Jacobsen stacking dining chairs Model 3107 with cognac leather removable upholstery.
Model 3107 also know as series 7, B...
Category
Early 2000s Danish Scandinavian Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Bentwood chair by Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bentwood chair by Thonet. Professionally stained and repolished.
Category
1920s Slovak Vienna Secession Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed
Located in Miami, FL
Plycraft Norman Cherner "Pretzel" Bentwood Armchairs USA 1960s, a Pair, Signed
Offered for sale is s an original pair of 1960s Norman Cherner for Plycraft bentwood Pretzel chairs. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair MCM Dining Chairs Prague No.811 Designed by Josef Hoffmann, Drevounia 60s
By Josef Hoffmann, Drevounia
Located in Lucija, SI
These Chairs were designed by Josef Hoffmann, model no. 811 and produced by Drevounia in '60s.
Chairs are in mint condition
They are made of black wooden fr...
Category
1920s Czech Art Nouveau Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Thonet Style Red Dining Chair, 1980s
Located in Ljubljana, SI
Thonet Style Red Dining Chair made by Dal Vera, Italy, 1980s. Made of bent beechwood and finished in bright red colour. The seat in cane/rattan. In o...
Category
1980s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Hardwood, Bentwood
$327 Sale Price
20% Off
2 Wittmann Fledermaus Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, Austria (Customizable)
Located in Argelato, BO
Set di due sedie modello "Fledermaus" (che significa "pipistrello" in tedesco), progettato dall'architetto e designer austriaco Josef Hoffmann nel 1907. Originariamente concepito per...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Swedish Elm Bentwood Chairs in the Style of Alvar Aalto
By Alvar Aalto
Located in Atlanta, GA
Beautiful pair of Swedish side or dining chairs in the style of Alvar Aalto.
Measures: SH 18 SD 15.5 W 16.25 D 19.5 H 30.75.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Elm, Bentwood
Chairs Thonet Nr.10, circa 1870
Located in Praha, CZ
Manufactured in Austria by the Gebrüder Thonet company or at a similar company. Newly restored in the recent past. Perfectly cleaned and re-polished with french polish.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of Six Early 20th Century Bentwood Chairs with Cane Seats
Located in Barcelona, ES
Add a touch of vintage elegance to your home with this exquisite set of six early 20th century bentwood chairs. Manufactured in Vale...
Category
1940s Spanish Arts and Crafts Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Medea "Fratelli Tagliabue " N. 2 Chair Brass Iron curved Wood 1950 Italy
Located in Milano, IT
N 2 Medea chairs
Category
1950s Italian Other Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann, Pair of Fledermaus Chairs, Austria, 1905 (First Edition)
Located in Argelato, BO
Pair of chair in bent beech designed by the illustrious Viennese architect Joseph Hoffmann for the Cabaret Fledermaus in Vienna in 1907.
In their sober and unmistakable style, they ...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Cataract Chair II by Raka Studio
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
Cataract II a side/filler chair made in solid ashwood by bending wood. Three of the legs have been made using the wood-bending technique to adopt an abstract natural wave-like design...
Category
2010s Organic Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Ash, Bentwood
$2,600 / item
Thonet Bentwood Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Beautiful vintage chair designed by Thonet. Bentwood details and construction makes this piece a timeless item. Plywood seat and backrest. Strong oak wood. The chair was partially re...
Category
1940s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Oak, Bentwood, Plywood
$410 Sale Price
20% Off
Pair Of Art Nouveau Thonet Chairs by Josef Hoffmann, 1st edition! - CZ ca. 1906
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Very rare pair of the first edition(!) of bentwood chairs by Thonet from the early 20th century, produced by Thonet in Bohemia. Designed around 1906 by none other than the world reno...
Category
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Vittorio Nobili for Fratelli Tagliabue Medea Desk Chairs, Italy, 1950s
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A pair of original Vittorio Nobili Medea office or desk chairs with swivel base, for Fratelli Tagliabue, Italy, 1950s. Price per chair. Fast shipping worldwide.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
Pair of Stacking Bentwood Chairs by Pagholz Flötotto
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of original stacking bentwood chairs by Pagholz Flöttoto. Stamped under the seats and with original "Made in West Germany" stickers.
Hard to find in the US.
Category
1980s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Dining Chair by Thonet in Original Vintage Silk & Oak, Czechoslovakia, 1940s
By Thonet
Located in Zohor, SK
Elegant dining chair produced by Thonet company in an original condition. The chair is made of strong oak wood with upholstered seat and backrest. The fabric is vintage silk. Some patina is visible on the wooden parts which adds to the vintage look...
Category
1940s Czech Art Deco Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Silk, Oak, Bentwood
$281 Sale Price / item
50% Off
Set Of Two Art Nouveau Thonet Bentwood Chairs, Vienesse Mesh, AT ca. 1895
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Elegant set of two beautiful made bentwood chairs made by the renowned company of Thonet in Vienna/ Austria in the period around 1895. This appealing pair of early Art Nouveau chairs...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of four original chairs #511 from 1904, Gebrüder Thonet
Located in Vienna, AT
Four legged construction, square bentwood, beechwood stained mahogany, renovated cover and decorative nails, height 105cm, width 43cm, depth 60cm. Renovated condition with signs of a...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Deco Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of Two 'Pamplona' Chairs by Augusto Savini, 1960s
By Pozzi, Augusto Savini
Located in amstelveen, NL
Augusto Savini for Pozzi, 'Pamplona' dining chairs, black lacquered ash wood, caramel leather upholstery, Italy, 1960s, set of 2.
Armchairs in black wood and new leather upholstery....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Leather, Bentwood
Pair of Midcentury Giorgio Cattelan Italian Folding Chairs for Cidue Italy 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Amazing pair of midcentury black metal and bentwood folding chairs. This fantastic set was designed by Giorgio Catellan and produced by Cidue in Italy during the 1970s.
These chai...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of Four Vintage Prague 811 Chair By Josef Hoffmann 1950s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann Prague 811 Chairs for Stol Kamnik 1950s
Category
1950s Slovenian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Norman Cherner for Plycraft Bentwood Swivel Chair with Cream Upholstery
Located in Chicago, IL
Attention Collectors! This architecturally captivating swivel chair designed by the acclaimed Norman Cherner is ideal for those searching for authentic Plycraft pieces from the early...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Bentwood
A 811 Chair By Josef Hoffmann or Josef Frank for Thonet 1920s
Located in Čelinac, BA
Josef Hoffmann or Josef Frank chair A 811 for Thonet 1920s
Category
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of 6, Mid Century Cow Hide Upholstered Bentwood Chairs by Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Basel, BS
These make an incredible opportunity for a complete rare hard to find set of beautiful early American Made, Mid Century Thonet chairs after Eames.
Stunning, very cool authentic Bruno Weil...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Cowhide
$7,160 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Oswald Haerdtl Set of Four Chairs, the 1950s
By Oswald Haerdtl, Thonet
Located in Almelo, NL
Oswald Haerdtl set of four chairs, the 1950s
A rare set of four chairs was designed by the Austrian designer Oswald Haerdtl and produced by Ton (Thonet) in the former Czechoslova...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Ash, Beech, Bentwood
$2,450 / set
Dick Deck chair by Philippe Starck
Located in PARIS, FR
Philippe Starck
Chaise Dick Deck, Ca. 1987
Edition Driade, Italie
Bois laqué vert
H. 89 x L. 34 x P. 61 cm
H. 35 1/8 x W. 13 3/8 x D. 24 1/8 in.
Philippe Starck has always maintaine...
Category
1980s French Post-Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
1980s Post-Modern Memphis Style Chairs, 3 Pairs Available
Located in Miami, FL
1980s Post-Modern Memphis Style chairs- 3 Pairs available
Offered for sale is a pair of 1980s Post-Modern Memphis Style accent chairs with bent...
Category
1980s Post-Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
Set of 6 Bistro Chairs by Jacob & Josef Kohn, 1890 Austro-Hungarian Empire
Located in Santa Gertrudis, Baleares
Exceptional and rare set of 6 Bistro chairs by Jacob & Josef Kohn from the end of the 19th century. Bentwood chairs with seats and backs carved with be...
Category
1890s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Early 20th century accent chair
Located in Turku, Varsinais-Suomi
Discover a timeless gem for your living space with our Early 20th century accent chair. Lovingly crafted from exotic wood, this stand-out piece embodies unparalleled elegance and his...
Category
Early 20th Century Finnish Country Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Vintage Two-Seat Cinema Bench from TON, 1960s
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This two-seat cinema bench was produced by Ton (former Thonet) in former Czechoslovakia during the 1960s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is made of beech wood, ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Revers Chair by Andrea Branzi for Cassina Italian Design 1993
By Cassina, Andrea Branzi
Located in DE MEERN, NL
Timeless piece of design history – the Pre-loved Revers Chair by Andrea Branzi for Cassina. This iconic armchair, dating back...
Category
1990s Italian Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Steel
Thonet Model No. 511 Bentwood Armchair, Vienna Secession, circa 1904
Located in Austin, TX
An iconic armchair of the Vienna Secession movement, the Thonet model no. 511 bent beechwood armchair, featuring stunning lines and beautiful proportions. A design tour de force, it ...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Cane, Beech
Arts and Craft Art Nouveau Set of 8 Bentwood Chairs Signed Thonet, 1900
By Thonet
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Set of 8 Thonet chairs, bentwood with viennese braid. all signed.
As found condition.
All chairs a solid and stable.
4 of the braids are perf...
Category
Early 1900s Spanish Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Braid
Side chairs, Wooden Stool, with velvet Upholstery, Chair No. 5 - Vrksa Series
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
The Chair No. 5 of the Vrksa Series is a filler chair that is crafted in either Ash wood or Oak, using wood bending techniques. One of the legs of the piece emerges from the frame of...
Category
2010s Asian Organic Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Ash, Oak, Bentwood
Set of 6 Chairs in bentwood by Josef Hoffmann for Mundus Vienna Austria, 1900s
Located in Beirut, LB
Rare Josef Hoffmann set of Chairs for Mundus Vienna Austria 1907-1914 Beautiful antique chair by Josef Hoffman for Mundus Vienna Austria. The chairs are in exceptionally good quality...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
1980s Bouclé Armchair by TON
By TON a.s.
Located in High Point, NC
An upholstered wooden armchair with a unique Mid-Century Modern silhouette. Made in the 1980s by TON, this piece showcases the innovative yet humane design for which the Czech furnit...
Category
1980s Czech Minimalist Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Upholstery, Bentwood
$1,195 / item
Rare Pair of Thonet Rattan Chairs, Made in 1890, Stable and Good Condition
By Thonet, Michael Thonet
Located in Stockholm, SE
This rare pair of Thonet rattan chairs, crafted in 1890, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. Produced by the renowned Thonet company, these chairs feature a sturdy rattan frame with intricate woven detailing that adds both elegance and comfort. This particular model is a rare find, making it a unique addition for collectors or enthusiasts of vintage Thonet furniture...
Category
1890s Swedish Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Bentwood
Josef Hoffmann Bentwood Beech Prague Model 811 Chairs in Black and Pigskin Weave
Located in Los Angeles, CA
In the 1920s, Michael Thonet's company crafted the iconic No. 811 Bentwood Chair. Josef Hoffmann is commonly credited with creating the "Prague chair". This design is also attribut...
Category
1960s European Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Leather
Antique and Vintage Bentwood Chairs for Sale on 1stDibs
Looking for antique or vintage bentwood chairs for your home? A collection of authentic bentwood rocking chairs, bentwood armchairs and other bentwood seating can be found today on 1stDibs.
Antique, new and vintage bentwood furniture has become very popular in interiors over the years. Today bentwood chairs, tables, sofas and pendants are receiving striking modern interpretations from makers like Thonet, which are being carried on by the next generation. And while bentwood furniture dates as far back as the Middle Ages, it is Michael Thonet who is most often associated with this now-classic technique.
The presence of a rocking chair stirs up our penchant for nostalgia and has the power to transform a space, and it would take the great German-Austrian chair maker Michael Thonet to turn the rocking chair into a work of art. Thonet manufactured chairs out of steam-bent wood, and starting in the middle of the 19th century, he produced a series of rocking chairs in which the different curved parts were integrated into fluid, sinuous wholes. Considered the world’s oldest mass-produced chair, Thonet’s ubiquitous Chair No. 14 demonstrated that his patented bentwood technology made it possible to efficiently produce furniture on an industrial scale. Often called the Coffee House chair — the company’s first substantial order was for a Viennese coffeehouse — the No. 14 remains an icon. Thonet originally designed the chair in 1859, and it is considered the starting point for modern furniture. From there the bentwood look skyrocketed to furniture fame.
Bentwood was eventually embraced by design greats ranging from Josef Hoffmann to Gio Ponti, and Adolf Loos to Alvar Aalto for its versatility, timelessness and simple elegance. Mid-century modernists Charles and Ray Eames added wooden rockers to their famous plastic shell armchair, while Danish designer Frank Reenskaug opted for teak and polished beech, introducing pops of color with small cushions (a precursor to the bold works that would follow in the 1970s and 1980s).
In the Czech Republic — home to a range of talented but unsung mid-century modern and Art Deco designers — the company TON held a bentwood furniture exhibition in Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat in recent years. TON manufactures their bentwood furniture in the same workshops where Michael Thonet set up his operations in the 1800s.
Sophisticated bentwood seating designs include Alvar Aalto’s cantilever lounge chairs and Italian designer Luigi Crassevig’s 1970s rocking chairs, which feature cane seats.
Find antique and vintage bentwood chairs in a range of styles on 1stDibs.
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