An undeniable classic, the Thonet bentwood cafe chair has been around for well over a hundred years and still holds the same charm and elegance today as it did in 1855 when the #14 chair was first produced. Michael Thonet and his sons were known for their innovative method of steaming and bending wood into beautifully shaped furniture through an inexpensive manufacturing process and at an achievable price point for most. In many ways, the Thonet men laid the ground work for the Eames duo in the mid-twentieth century (another pair of designers who were tremendously influential in the history of furniture manufacturing). Lately, I’ve been running into these pieces all over the place! First at the local thrift store (gorgeous set of four cafe chairs in wonderful condition…if they stay put for a few more days, you may just see them here on this blog), then at the Starbucks corner of our near-by Kroger, and now in this lively painting by Toulouse-Lautrec.
Image Credit: Toulouse Lautrec
You’ve probably passed these pieces many times before and never thought twice about it. But now you are savvy to the wonderful history and heritage of Thonet’s work! Doesn’t that bring a greater understanding of the spaces and designs they are used in?
Photo Credit: Tom Scheerer
Photo Credit: via Carrier & Company
Photo Credit: Tom Scheerer
Photo Credit: Suzy Hoodless
Photo Credit: Tom Scheerer
I told you…they were a standard then and they’re a standard now! Where have you seen this style of furniture?
0 comments
Marion says:
Sep 23, 2010
What an interesting lamp underneath those stairs!
Marion says:
Sep 23, 2010
Or alcove!
Hilary Walker says:
Sep 23, 2010
Really?! Which alcove and what kind of piece is it? I’m sure I’ll remember it immediately but I just can’t think of it now.
Hilary Walker says:
Sep 23, 2010
I know, isn’t it cute?! I love that it is a playful addition to a relatively unexciting corner.
Elise Lowerison says:
Sep 27, 2010
I love the look of these older chairs. The style is simple, yet elegant. I came across your post this afternoon while browsing interior design blogs and the topic of window treatment selection was very interesting to me. Are there older fashioned-style window coverings that would match such chairs as these? It is true that you must dress your windows appropriately to bring out their true beauty. Thank you for writing and as a special thanks to you and your readers, I would like to offer a 20% off coupon using this code upon checkout: BLG20.
Hilary Walker says:
Sep 27, 2010
Thanks for stopping by Elise! I am sure my readers will appreciate your coupon as well. Hope to hear from you again soon!