Bentwood Chairs were the creation of a German furniture maker, Michael Thonet, who had the idea of using steam to bend wood, and in the late 19th century, his classic design was born. Michael was a thorough man who sought perfection in everything he did, and the chairs revolutionised the furniture industry with sleek and natural flowing lines that would not normally be achievable.
Oak and beech
These two timber species are ideal for making bentwood chairs, as they have the qualities needed for the wood to be flexible enough for making chairs. The natural grain of the wood adds to its charm, especially with staining and varnishing. There are Australian suppliers of European-made bentwood armchairs at very affordable prices, with stylish and elegant chairs that tick all the boxes.
How are bentwood chairs made?
The tradesman has racks of timber sections that are mostly straight and when he requires an arm section, for example, he meticulously inspects suitable pieces and selects one. The section of wood is them steamed and gradually bent to the required shape and when it cools, the shape remains and the piece is put to one side, ready for assembly. When mass produced, the pre-shaped sections have already been prepared and the craftsman assembles the chairs one after the other.
As with most things, the steaming process was developed and today, they have machinery that applies steam to the right location and makes the bending process a simple one. Michael Thonet had the best idea when he made the chairs up from kits and this is still the way today, over 100 years later.
Different designs
Bentwood chairs typically have numbers, such as the iconic number 14 chair, which is by far the most popular design. Click here for the best home improvement projects in 2025.
This chair consists of the following components:
- 6 pieces of wood
- 10 screws
- 2 nuts
- Seating section made from weaved rattan
The chair can be assembled in literally a few minutes, which is why the chair is sold in kit form, which prevents damage.
Ideal for bars and restaurants
The famous No 14 bentwood chair is perfect for bars and restaurants and they can pack 36 units in a single crate. If you thought IKEA were the first to introduce kit furniture, think again, as way back in the late 19th century, Michael Thonet was selling furniture in kit form. Another popular design is the B9 with a padded seating section, while the 811 chair is another stylish alternative to the classic No 14 chair.
Online solutions
If you are an Australian business owner and you are looking for bentwood chairs for your business, you can order from an established local supplier. Do check the warranty, as you would with any product; a top-quality manufacturer would offer a comprehensive warranty on all of their products.