Bentwood Chairs
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378
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60
259
131
403
390
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141
46
23
19
10
9
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2
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40
336
25
101
165
48
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16
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45
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23
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226
141
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2,426
19,379
10,942
10,679
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342
113
71
31
26
85
24
21
15
15
Material: Bentwood
Set of Four Art Nouveau Thonet Chairs by Marcel Kammerer, Austria, circa 1910
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Fantastic set of four Thonet chairs from the Art Nouveau period around 1910 in Austria. These unique chairs were designed by none other than the famous austrian architect Marcel Kamm...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
1950s Czech Gray Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
Produced in the former Czechoslovakia, this pair of bentwood armchairs from circa 1950 are re-upholstered with an updated gray fabric. The cotton-linen blend was chosen to compliment...
Category
1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
Unique Pair of Richard Lee 'Bathsheba' Side Chairs in Oak and Hazel UK 1994
Located in Tilburg, NL
Unique Pair of Richard Lee 'Bathsheba' Side Chairs in Oak and Hazel, United Kingdom, 1994.
This is a truly unique pair of English side chairs by cabinetmaker Richard Lee who is a st...
Category
Late 20th Century British Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Cherner Side Chair by Norman Cherner for Plycraft
Located in Centreville, VA
Iconic dining chairs designed by Norman Cherner for Plycraft in the United States in 1958.
This dining chairs are early models of Cherner design with original condition.
Originally ...
Category
1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Italian Midcentury Reupholstered Lounge Chairs by Gastone Rinaldi, Set of Four
By Gastone Rinaldi, RIMA
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Beautiful set of 4 lounge chairs or low chairs, designed by Gastone Rinaldi in the 50-60s.
Made in the 70s, Italy.
All chairs have been completely refurbished and are newly upholste...
Category
1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
1950s H-410 Armchairs by J. Halabala, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of armchairs by Czech furniture designer J. Halabala. Made in the 1950s, the design was produced in Central European furniture factories throughout the mid-20th Century. The e...
Category
1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Upholstery, 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
Armchairs by Josef Hoffmann, 1890s, Set of 2
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of late 19th century armchairs designed by Josef Hoffman for J&J Kohn.
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
1960's French Baumann Upholstered Bentwood Mondor Dining Chair - Large Qty
Located in Hook, Hampshire
1960's French Baumann Upholstered Bentwood Mondor Dining Chair - Large Quantities Available
1960's French Baumann Upholstered Bentwood Mondor Dining Chair - Large Quantities Availab...
Category
1960s French Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Bent Wood Upholstered Dining Chairs by Bill Stephens for Knoll
By Knoll, Bill Stephens
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of bentwood frame dining chairs by Bill Stephens for Knoll. Upholstered in Knoll KT Collection fabric, hop sack slate grey. Crafted with meticulous artistry, these chai...
Category
1970s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
Classic bistro chairs
Located in Skogås, Stockholms län
Classic bistro chairs from Paris are iconic symbols of the city's vibrant café culture and timeless charm.
Category
1970s European Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann
By Josef Hoffmann, Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Bauhaus chair no.811 by Josef Hoffmann for Thonet in very nice original condition with signs of use.
Category
1930s Czech Bauhaus Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Set of 6 Antique Thonet Bent Wood Bistro Chairs w Pattern
By Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Four of these iconic chairs share a classic design, while the two end chairs feature arms. All feature a matching raised pattern. Please see photos. Despite their age, the set remain...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Thonet No 19 Chair 1900s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet no19 Chair Austria 1900s
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
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 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
Overscale Postmodern Sculptural Art Chair by Alan Siegel dated '83-'85
By Alan Siegel
Located in Miami, FL
Overscale Postmodern Sculptural Art Chair by Alan Siegel dated '83-'85
Offered for sale is a 1980s Alan Siegal (American- 1938-) sculptural, painted, and carved wood high-back Post-modern chair., The chair is decorated in relief with swirls and spirals. It is signed 'Siegel 1983-85' on the underside of the seat. The striking chair is a piece of art that is unique and whimsical. The artist and sculptor Alan Siegel exhibited Post-modern chairs in 1981 at the Betsy Rosenfield Gallery in Chicago.
Siegel's' works are prized by collectors and are part of many private and public collections as listed below.
Measures: 27.5" w x 22" x 55.25" h seat 17"H
Siegel's Education--
1960 Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, B.A. 1960-62
Fulbright Grant, Paris
Graduate Study, Stanford and Columbia Universities
Siegel's Solo Exhibitions--
2017 Galeria Nudo, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2013 Kleinart James Gallery, Woodstock, NY
2013 Galeria Manuel Chacon, Fabrica La Aurora, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2011 Galeria Atelier, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
2004 Galeria le Noir, Mexico
2002 Franklin Parrasch Gallery, New York, NY
2001 Franklin Parrasch Gallery, New York, NY
2000 Elena Zang Gallery, Woodstock (Shady), NY
Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
1998 Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
1995, 96 Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
1994 Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1993 Allene Lapides Gallery, Santa Fe, NM
1992 Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
1991 Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1989, 87, 85, 81 Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
1987 Arthur Roger Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1986 Adams-Middleton Gallery, Dallas, TX
Fay Gold Gallery, Atlanta, GA
1985 Sarah Squieri Gallery, Cincinnati, OH
1984, 81 Betsy Rosenfield Gallery, Chicago, IL
Willingheart Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri
1983 Laumeier Gallery, St. Louis, Missouri
1981 Cordier and Ekstrom Gallery, New York, NY
Michael Berger Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
1980 Robert Miller Gallery, New York, NY
1976 Wake Forest University...
Category
1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Sedie legno teak curvato Augusto Bozzi per Saporiti 1950
Located in Milano, MI
Raro set di Sedie in multistrato curvato teak disegnate da Augusto Bozzi per Saporiti negli anni 50. Sedie dal design particolare.
Le sedie sono in condizioni ottime in quanto sono s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Iron
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
Knoll Frank Gehry Power Play Pair of Bentwood Armchairs and Matching Ottoman
By Frank Gehry, Knoll
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A set of Knoll Frank Gehry "Power Play" armchairs and ottoman. This stunning set of artful furniture designed by Frank Gehry and produced by Knoll feature a bentwood construction with a ribbon-like design. These pieces are inspired by Gehry's childhood, specifically by the apple crates...
Category
1990s Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
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
Thonet chair 1910s
By Thonet
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet chair no.335
Category
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Originals 1905 of the Period Pair of Josef Hoffmann and Jacob &Josef Kohn Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Very early and important design by Josef Hoffmann for J&J Kohn; horseshoe-shaped stand, each with two spheres under the corner joints of the seat, beechwood, light stained, polished ...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Jugendstil Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
4x Chairs Thonet Nr.717, Gustav Siegel
By Gustav Siegel, Thonet
Located in Praha, CZ
Perfect original condition, really exceptionally well preserved. Only the upholstery is new, with woven decor inspired by Gustav Klimt paintings. The wooden bases were perfectly clea...
Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Deco Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Textile, Bentwood
Flötotto set of 4 Pagholz chairs by Elmar Flötotto
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
A set of 4 Flötotto chairs in the desired design with a high backrest and upholstered seat and back shell. These chairs enable very comfortable sitting ...
Category
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, circa 1940
Located in New York City, NY
Polished Steel and Bentwood Chair, France, c. 1940
Rustic, beautifully patinated chair with tubular steel and bent wood.
Category
20th Century French Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Set of 4 chairs model A821 by Adolf Gustav Schneck for Thonet Mundus
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Set of 4 chairs model A821 by Adolf Gustav Schneck for Thonet Mundus. Absolutely original condition, combination of natural rattan weave on the ba...
Category
1930s Czech Art Deco Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Beech, Bentwood
Vintage 3-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This three-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
By Otto Wagner
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria
Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category
19th Century Austrian Aesthetic Movement Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Velvet
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
Aluflex set of 4 stacking chairs by Armin Wirth for Ph. Zieringer
By Aluflex, Armin Wirth
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
These design classics from the 50s, with the typical aluminum frame and black wood, are in good condition. The folding wooden seats and backrests have a beautiful appearance and show...
Category
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Aluminum
Pair Ib Kofod-Larsen for Selig "Penguin" Chairs with Black Leather Seats, 1960's
By Selig, Ib Kofod-Larsen
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Pair of Danish Modern Kofod-Larsen for Selig Black Leather Penguin Chairs. Featuring a sturdy black wrought Iron framework, ergonomic, slightly slante...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
Vintage Cinema Chair from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This folding cinema chair was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chair is stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (partl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
Thonet No `14 Chair 1910
Located in Čelinac, BA
Thonet no 14 in original condition 1910
Category
1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Thonet Romanian Bentwood Cane Bar Stools
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Rare pair of mid-century modern bar stools crafted from bentwood after Thonet. The stools feature a classic heart motif back crafted from gracefully curved beech. The round seat has woven cane inset and is supported by long straight legs conjoined by round and curved stretchers. The lower ring stretcher serves as a footrest with a seat height of 29.5 inches high. Each chair is stamped on bottom "made in Romania" with missing paper labels. Styled after the famous No. 16 sweetheart chairs...
Category
20th Century Romanian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Medea N 6 Chairs "F.lli Tagliabue " Brass Iron Wood 1950 Italy
Located in Milano, IT
N 6 Medea made of brass iron and curved wood.
Category
1950s Italian Other Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Set of 5 Josef Frank Prague Chairs Made in Czechoslovakia, circa 1970s
By Josef Frank, Thonet
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional set of five bentwood armchairs design attributed to Josef Frank, marked Made in Czechoslovakia. The chairs are constructed of steam bent wood, probably beech, and nylon, circa 1970's. A Mid 20th C version of the early 20th C Frank...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Vienna Secession Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Beech, Bentwood
Bentwood and Cane Chair
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Bentwood and cane chair.
Category
Mid-20th Century Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Cane, Wood
Unique Set of 6 Mid-Century Bentwood Dining Chairs Thonet Josef Hoffmann
By Thonet, Josef Hoffmann
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century vintage Thonet Josef Hoffmann style Bentwood Blonde wood chairs with curved back - Set of matching 6 in original condition with amazing Condition. Wooden seat with vertic...
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
20th Century Armchairs by J. Smidek, a Pair
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...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Bentwood
Vintage Two-Seat Cinema Bench from Thonet, 1950s
By Thonet
Located in Kojetice, CZ
This two-seat cinema bench was produced by Thonet in former Czechoslovakia during the 1930s-1950s. The chairs are stable and can be placed anywhere. It is completely made of wood (pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Industrial Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood, Plywood
1950s Czech Gray Upholstered Armchairs, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
Produced in the former Czechoslovakia, this pair of bentwood armchairs from circa 1950 are re-upholstered with an updated gray fabric. The cotton-linen blend was chosen to compliment...
Category
1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
1960s Boucle Upholstered Armchairs by F. Jirák for Tatra, a Pair
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of upholstered armchairs by Czech furniture manufacturer Tatra. Attributed to designer František Jirák who is known for his striking case pieces and wall units, and for playful compact furniture...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Bentwood
Midcentury Woven Rattan Chaise Lounge
Located in Kensington, MD
- This rattan chaise lounge makes a statement with its gorgeous profile.
- Sexy, dramatic and functional.
- Curvaceous bentwood arms.
- Splayed wooden back legs.
- Very high-quality ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
1960s Mid-Century Armchairs by Jaroslav Šmídek
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 ...
Category
1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Bentwood
Vintage Thonet Style Large Bamboo Bentwood Cane Rattan Rocking Arm Chair
By Thonet
Located in Dayton, OH
A large Iconic bentwood rocking chair, attributed to Thonet. Made from bamboo in with caned back and seat.
Measures: 22" x 42" x 42" / Seat Height - 20" at front before sitting, 1...
Category
Mid-20th Century Victorian Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bamboo, Cane, Bentwood
Antique French Bentwood Cane Rocking Chair
Located in London, GB
A lovely antique bentwood cane rocking chair, this was made in France and dates from around the 1900-1920 period.
It is beautifully made, the frame is a combination of turned and st...
Category
Early 1900s French Georgian Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Secession Desk Chair No. 25 by Thonet
By Thonet, August Thonet
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Secession desk chair no. 25 by Thonet with new handmade rattan seat professionally stained and repolished.
Category
Early 1900s Czech Vienna Secession Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Rattan, Bentwood
Vintage Thonet No. 14 Bentwood and Cane Café Side Chairs with Cane Seats
By Thonet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Thonet No. 14 bentwood and cane cafe chairs. In original condition with visible wear consistent with its age and use. Sold individually $550 each.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Cane, Bentwood
Four Thonet Style Bentwood Tall Kitchen Bar Stools with Elegant Frames 4
By Thonet
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this set of four vintage Thonet style bentwood bar stools.
They very good looking and really quite comfortable, the timber grain and patina is q...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Art Nouveau Thonet Bentwood Chairs No. 14, Austria, circa, 1890
Located in Lichtenberg, AT
Elegant set of two bentwood chairs made by the renown company of Thonet in Vienna/ Austria in the era around 1890. These beautiful Art Nouveau chairs from the earlier period are the famous Thonet coffeehouse chairs model No. 14. Created out of fine bentwood (beechwood that has been formed under hot steam and high pressure) and stained to a gorgeous looking nut wood look, this antique Art Nouveau seating set provides comfortable seating surfaces which are holding the still original (!) renowed classical "vienesse mesh". A beautiful set of timeless designed, late 19th century bentwood chairs...
Category
Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Pair of Armchairs with Bentwood Arms, France 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Elegant pair of armchairs with bent ply arms and a flat metal connection between the seat and back that acts like a spring.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Metal
Office Chair by Jacob & Josef Kohn
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Office chair by Jacob & Josef Kohn.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Nobiliary Dining Chair of Thonet from Wiener Werkstaette
By Thonet
Located in Mariano Del Friuli, GO
Rare chair of the Wiener Werkstaette considered the prototype of the successive variants on Design by the architect. Gustav Sigel. The rectangular sections and geometric motifs of th...
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
Original circa 1920's Mundus Vienna Austria Bentwood High Back Kitchen Chair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this original fully stamped Mundus Vienna Austria, bentwood high back chair.
A very good looking well made pie...
Category
1920s Austrian Edwardian Vintage Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood
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
1 Seater - Raka x Shirwani
By Raka Studio
Located in Cape Girardeau, MO
A single-seater chair designed and produced by Raka Studio and finished in collaboration with Hamza Khan Shirwani.
Made in solid ashwood by bending wood....
Category
2010s Asian Art Nouveau Bentwood Chairs
Materials
Bentwood, Paint
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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