The Thonet Origins of Bentwood Furniture
Michael Thonet transformed furniture making in the 19th century by developing a method of bending solid beechwood using steam. The technique made it possible to create strong, lightweight chairs from elegantly curved timber components and established a new approach to furniture production. In 1861, Thonet established a factory in Bystřice pod Hostýnem, in what is now the Czech Republic. The factory became an important centre of Thonet production and continues to make bentwood furniture today as TON, carrying this knowledge of timber bending into a new generation of furniture.
Original Thonet Chairs, Made by TON
Among the collection is the Chair 14, designed by Michael Thonet and first produced in 1859. Its economical construction and distinctive curved form helped establish it as one of the defining examples of bentwood furniture. The Chair 18 followed, with production beginning at the Bystřice factory in 1876. Alongside these original Thonet chairs, TON continues to explore bentwood through contemporary designs, applying generations of manufacturing knowledge to new forms. Explore timber, cane and upholstered options across Huset’s collection of bentwood dining chairs.
Choosing Bentwood Chairs for Your Dining Space
The curved profiles and relatively light visual presence of bentwood chairs make them easy to introduce around different Dining Tables. Natural timber can bring warmth and grain to the setting, while stained finishes, cane and upholstery allow the chair to take on a different character. Bentwood chairs can be used as a complete set or combined with other Dining Chairs where a more varied arrangement is preferred. Consider the relationship between the chair, table and surrounding materials rather than looking for an exact match.
Explore TON Bentwood Chairs at Huset
Discover TON bentwood chairs online as part of Huset’s wider Dining Furniture collection. Selected designs can also be experienced at our Cheltenham showroom in Melbourne. If you are interested in a particular chair or finish, contact our team before visiting to confirm its current showroom availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bentwood chair is made using timber that has been shaped into curved components rather than cut entirely into shape. Michael Thonet developed an industrial method of steam-bending solid beechwood in the 19th century, allowing strong, lightweight chairs to be produced using relatively few components.
The terms are often associated because Michael Thonet was instrumental in developing and industrialising bentwood chair production. However, bentwood describes a method of making furniture, while Thonet refers to Michael Thonet, his historical company and the designs associated with that history. Huset's collection includes original Thonet designs manufactured today by TON as well as contemporary TON bentwood chairs.
TON's factory in Bystřice pod Hostýnem was established by Michael Thonet in 1861 and became a major production facility within the Thonet business. Following changes in ownership and organisation during the 20th century, the factory became part of the Czechoslovak company named TON in 1953. Bentwood furniture continues to be produced at the same site today.
Chair 14 is a bentwood chair associated with Michael Thonet's development of industrial furniture production. Introduced in 1859, its construction used six bent components, eight screws and two bolts. TON continues to produce Chair 14 today, and Huset sells the TON-made design.
Traditional TON bentwood production is closely associated with beechwood, which can be steamed and bent into curved forms. Materials can vary between individual chair designs and options, including timber, cane and upholstery, so check the specifications of the individual product before choosing.
ON manufactures its furniture in the Czech Republic. Its Bystřice pod Hostýnem factory has produced bentwood furniture continuously since Michael Thonet established the factory there in 1861.
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