Although Thonet has created a large number of different furnitre designs it is one iconic item that has brought the name a worldwide fame and recognition – the coffee house chair (AKA the Viennese chair, the Chair No14 or simply the Thonet chair).
It is one of the first mass-produced furniture item in the world; and some even consider it the all-time best selling mass-produced thing.
When Micheal Thonet, a talented Austrian carpenter, came up with a new method of bending hardwood, he wasn’t aware that he’d be responsible for a design icon that continues enjoying popularity even after 150 years in production. That’s right, they’re still making the Coffee house chair and, I must say, it’s appeal goes far beyond the coffee houses. I bet many of you have got at least one (I’ve got one and I’d always find space for a few more).
Although it is not obvious, the Thonet chair started as a very green idea. The chairs were supplied in a kit form in a 1 cu-metre box that contained 36 chairs!!! They were so simple that anybody could assemble them in a matter of minutes.
Less packaging, less transportation costs – that’s how a shrewd businessman thinks.
I don’t know how the chair is packaged nowadays but it still maintains its green image by being so simple and easy to make. In spite of being so unpretentious, it still manages a much stronger presence than some of the modern “fancy” designs.
I’ve always loved Thonet and I should say I’ve got a few of his antique chairs in my collection, and not only the 14 one. It has an eternal appeal, no matter what’s the current furniture fashion.
A nice simple design, not really my cup of tea but I had no idea they were a “greener” chair. Something to keep in mind when buying furniture from now on, thanks for the post.