Bentwood chair 209 – 125 years of Thonet design history
Some pieces of furniture are more than just functional objects – they tell a story. The Thonet bentwood chair 209 is undoubtedly one of them. This year, the design classic celebrates its 125th anniversary, and it still looks fresh, light and surprisingly modern. Chair No. 209 represents the perfect combination of traditional craftsmanship and timeless design – a true masterpiece in the history of furniture.
The first examples of the Thonet No. 209 chair were produced in the workshops of the Thonet brothers at the turn of the 20th century. What makes this bentwood chair so special is its construction: made from just six individual parts, it impresses with its clear form and characteristic bow, which forms both the backrest and armrests. This element is made from a single piece of solid beech wood – bent using an innovative technique developed by Michael Thonet in the 1830s. This pioneering work revolutionised furniture design and made the name Thonet famous worldwide.
The Thonet 209 became a favourite among modern architects and designers early on. Its minimalist, flowing structure and organic lines perfectly matched the clear design language of early modernism. Le Corbusier used the chair in the Pavillon de l'Esprit Nouveau in Paris, in the Villa de la Rocca and in houses nos. 13 and 14/15 in the Weissenhof Estate in Stuttgart – as a symbol of functionality, lightness and elegance. The 209 bentwood chair was more than just a piece of furniture; it became an expression of a new attitude to life in which aesthetics and function became one.
„This chair solves its task—to be a lightweight, comfortable armchair with a low backrest—with perfection. If an architect makes this chair five times as expensive, three times as heavy, half as comfortable and a quarter as beautiful, he can make a name for himself.“ - Poul Henningsen
Today, the Thonet Chair 209 can be found in cafés, living rooms and offices around the world – still elegant, still light, still iconic. The bentwood chair reminds us that good design does not fade away, but endures. 125 years after its creation, the Thonet Chair No. 209 is a symbol of timeless beauty, craftsmanship perfection and the vision to constantly rethink design.
