Coffee House Chair
Thonet GmbH
The celebrated “Coffee House Chair” from Thonet is an iconic piece of design that remains highly popular to this day. The chair marked the advent of modern furniture through the new technique of solid wood bending, which Michael Thonet refined in the 1850s, enabling the series production of his products. The chair consists of just six individual parts, which is key to its particularly resource-saving production and logistics. Thanks to its clear and reduced aesthetic, this classic item of furniture has found a place in a wide range of contexts for over 160 years.
Award winner 2024 in the category »Produkt«»With this chair, Thonet has made history. A chair that is archetypical of design classics that has found its place worldwide – a chair, as an iconic example of long-lasting products that will still be purchased in 100 years. Its design language, its history, and its sustainable production are being honored with this special commendation. A chair that makes returning developments of new products, which in turn generate CO2 footprints, unnecessary. A timelessly sustainable chair.«
Werner Aisslinger
Three questions for Simone Eberling, Team Marketing Communications
What is the history of the Coffee House Chair?
Michael Thonet first experimented with wood bending techniques in his workshop, which he founded in 1819 in Boppard am Rhein. When Prince Metternich became aware of the work of Michael Thonet, he brought him to Vienna. From there, Thonet was the first to industrialise furniture manufacturing, managing eventually to conquer markets all around the world with innovative marketing and products at unrivalled low cost. The emblem of this revolution is unquestionably Chair No. 14, now 214, which was manufactured in the millions.
What (historical) highlights has the Coffee House Chair experienced? Was there a low point?
36 disassembled chairs, including screws, were packed in a transport case with a volume of one cubic metre and then dispatched around the globe. These were later assembled on location in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. This is why Thonet is seen as a pioneer of industrial design, and Chair No. 14, now 214, is considered the most successful industrial product in the world. It signifies the beginning of the history of modern furniture.
Where do you see the Coffee House Chair in 30 years?
This chair has stood and continues to stand in homes, cafes and public areas of all kinds. The design is absolutely timeless. We see it continuing to be used unchanged well into the future.
Are there any interesting anecdotes about the Coffee House Chair that you can share with us?
One anecdote concerns the restaurant of the new Eiffel Tower in Paris, which was furnished with Thonet chairs. One of the chairs fell from the first platform – a height of 57 meters – and was undamaged! To this day, the design, quality and durability are the key characteristics of Thonet furniture.
