Bentwood chairs first became popular during the mid-19th century and have remained a popular choice for furniture ever since. The origin of the chairs is credited to Michael Thonet, a German-Austrian cabinet maker and furniture designer.
In 1859, he developed a process for steam-bending wood, which was a revolutionary process at the time. This process allowed Thonet to create a type of chair that retained its structural integrity while being lightweight, durable and stylish.
His use of bentwood in his furniture designs became hugely popular in middle-class households in Europe, and throughout the world.
Although bentwood chairs remain popular, they experienced a surge in popularity during the 1950s. This was especially true of the Thonet No. 14 Chair, one of the designs that Michael Thonet made famous.
It became so popular during this decade that it earned its own nickname, the “Viennese chair”. During this time, many furniture companies released their own versions of bentwood chairs and the popularity of the design remains to this day.
What style is bentwood?
Bentwood is a style of furniture that involves the steam-bending and shaping of wood into curved shapes to create chairs, tables, and other pieces. It originated in the 19th century when a cabinetmaker from Austria named Michael Thonet developed a technique for selecting, steaming, and bending wood into the shapes he wanted.
By using a specific type of wood, light beechwood, Thonet was able to make furniture from only six pieces of wood — often without nails or glue. Thonet’s bentwood style revolutionized furniture design, and his approach eventually spread across Europe and to the United States.
Although Thonet’s original bentwood furniture was mainly composed of curved or rounded elements, the bentwood look has since expanded to include angular pieces and pieces with more of an art nouveau influence.
In addition, the bentwood style has been adapted to incorporate various new materials, such as plastic and metal, to create pieces with more modern, modernized designs.
How do I identify a bentwood chair?
A bentwood chair is a classic piece of furniture that has been around for centuries. Identifying a bentwood chair can vary depending on the type of chair, but there are some key features to keep an eye out for.
First, look for a frame that has curved arms and spindles that have been steamed or heated and then curved into the desired shape. The arms and spindles should have a glossy or shiny painted finish that is often painted in a natural or stained wood finish.
Additionally, you should look for a seat or cushion that sits atop the frame and has a slightly rounded or curved shape. The cushion should be ridged towards the back and slightly scooped at the front to provide comfort, and should usually be upholstered in either leather or fabric.
Finally, check for four legs on the chair, with the two front legs being slightly curved inwards and the two back legs being much straighter. The legs should be firmly joined to the seat, with an extra piece of wood joining them at the back.
By keeping all of these features in mind, you should have no difficulty in identifying a bentwood chair.
How do I know if my chair is a Thonet?
If you want to figure out if your chair is a Thonet, there are a few things to look for. First, you should check the markings or labels on the chair itself. Thonet chairs usually have a label on the back with an inscription of one of the official Thonet logo marks.
These marks typically include a laurel wreath, THONET, or Thonet Chair Co. While most Thonet chairs have a label, some pre-20th century designs do not.
In addition to looking for labels, there are also some design features that can help you identify Thonet chairs. Thonet chairs are made of bentwood and use metal hardware such as screws and plates to assemble the pieces.
Most Thonet chairs also have a light, elegant look with minimalist design elements. When analyzing the chair, look for its curved contours, gently splayed back and curved legs.
In order to definitively identify your chair as a Thonet, you could also try checking catalogs of Thonet designs. Finding a chair that looks like yours in these catalogs can help confirm whether it is a Thonet or not.
How do you pronounce Thonet?
Thonet is pronounced like “toe-net”. It is the name of a company founded by German cabinet maker Michael Thonet in the 19th century. The company is most famous for its furniture designs made from bent or molded wood.
Thonet’s pieces have been highly influential, and have been described as “an icon of modern design. ” Thonet’s most famous piece, the Cafe Chair No. 14, is still produced today and remains a timeless classic.
How do I find out what my antique furniture is worth?
To determine the value of your antique furniture, you will need to do some research. The best place to start is to find out what type of furniture you have and roughly when it was made. If you don’t know the type or time period, use a book, magazine, or online resource to familiarize yourself with antique furniture styles.
Once you’ve identified the type of furniture you have and its time period, look at antique furniture catalogs or websites that specialize in the same type and period. This will ensure that you are able to accurately determine the approximate value of your antique furniture.
You may also want to contact an appraiser or antique dealer in your area to get a more accurate estimate of your furniture’s value. Local antique dealers can provide a more in-depth evaluation of your furniture and provide you with more information about its condition, craftsmanship, and rarity.
Additionally, an antique appraiser can give you a written appraisal which can be helpful should you choose to sell your furniture in the future.
Once you have identified and researched your antique furniture, you will be more informed about the value of your furniture. Doing your own research can help you determine a fair asking price should you decide to sell.
Are old rocking chairs worth anything?
Whether or not an old rocking chair is worth anything depends on its value as a collector’s item. The age, condition, style, and maker of the chair all factor into the price. If a rocking chair is an antique and in near-perfect condition, it could be worth a lot.
However, if it is a newer chair made with a more common material and not in perfect condition, it will likely be worth less. Additionally, some of the older rocking chairs may have been handmade with unique craftsmanship so it may have an even higher value.
Ultimately, the worth of an old rocking chair varies greatly depending on its design and condition.
What wood is used for bentwood chairs?
Bentwood chairs are traditionally made from a light wood, often from a type of wood called beech wood. This is because beech wood is lightweight, strong, and bendable which is perfect for creating bentwood chairs.
Its lightness also makes it an ideal material when the chair needs to be mobile. While other woods such as oak and maple can be used to create bentwood chairs, these heavy woods make them difficult to move.
Some manufactures also use birchwood and ash.
How can you tell a real bentwood chair?
Examining the real bentwood chair can help to tell whether it is authentic or not. Start by looking for the signature hoop design of the chair’s back and armrests, a detail that is virtually impossible to replicate by modern imitation techniques.
You may also see circles or a circular pattern around the armrest or upholstery strips.
The craftsmanship of quality bentwood chairs is also distinct. Look for consistent curves in the arms and legs, or any irregular lines or sanding which could indicate it is not a true bentwood chair.
Most bentwood chairs will also have smoothly sanded wooden parts, with additional elements made from other materials including metal, plastic, and even rope. Genuine bentwood chairs also tend to feature thicker cushioning, since the frames don’t need to be so rigidly structured.
Ultimately, the best way to identify a real bentwood chair is by checking the manufacturer and inquiring into the product’s history. Getting to know the company that produced the piece and seeing if it meets the same standards as what was produced in the past can help determine if it is authentic or a replica.
Was Thonet made in Poland?
No, Thonet was not made in Poland. Thonet, a German furniture manufacturer, was founded in 1819 by cabinet maker Michael Thonet in Boppard, Germany. Thonet is known for producing bentwood furniture, which is created by steaming wood and then bending it into various forms.
Thonet’s iconic bentwood chairs have been produced since the mid-1850s and are still produced today. Their designs have been used in a variety of contexts, including homes, bars, restaurants, cafes, and conference rooms.
While Thonet’s designs can be found all around the world, the company is based in Germany and they have factories in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
What was significant about the Thonet chair?
The Thonet Chair, introduced in 1859, is widely regarded as a revolutionary piece of furniture design. Designed by German-Austrian cabinetmaker Michael Thonet, it is perhaps best known for its iconic curved steamed wood backs, but the chair was also significant for several other reasons.
First of all, it was groundbreaking in the way it was constructed. Prior to the Thonet Chair, furniture was mainly made out of solid wood. However, Thonet’s design used bentwood, which was significantly cheaper and quicker to manufacture.
This allowed the furniture to be made much more quickly, and in much greater quantities, than before.
Secondly, the chair was revolutionary for its portability and easy assembly. The pieces of the chair were designed to fit together without any nails or glue. This allowed the chairs to be easily transported and quickly set up.
They also took up less space, so were suitable for smaller rooms and apartments.
Because of its revolutionary design and manufacture, the Thonet Chair was immensely popular with furniture buyers, and it quickly became an iconic piece of design. It was adopted by the upper-classes for the home, but it was also widely used in cafes, restaurants and other public spaces.
It has since become such a classic piece of furniture, it is still in production today, over 150 years after it was first introduced.
