Material science: Wood types, wickerwork & frames at Thonet

Anyone who holds a genuine Thonet chair in their hands will immediately sense it: the materials are carefully selected – and perfectly crafted. Whether bentwood, Viennese wickerwork, or chrome-plated tubular steel – every detail follows a long tradition and a clear commitment to quality and aesthetics.

Contents

1. Beech wood – the classic for bentwood

Thonet was an early adopter of solid beechwood because of its excellent suitability for bending. Its fine grain, uniform density, and high elasticity make it ideal for the steam bending process.

  • Beech wood is dimensionally stable and durable.
  • It can be easily stained and color-matched.
  • In well-preserved vintage chairs, you can still see the steam marks in the bends – a sign of quality.

2. Viennese wickerwork – light, airy, elegant

The typical seat and backrest of many Thonet chairs are made of Viennese wickerwork – a six-thread wickerwork pattern made of rattan, which is obtained from the pith of the rattan or rattan palm.

3. Steel tube – the material of modernity

From the 1920s onwards, Thonet experimented with chrome-plated tubular steel – a milestone for Bauhaus design.

  • Designers such as Marcel Breuer , Mart Stam and Mies van der Rohe designed cantilever chairs with a floating aesthetic.
  • The chrome-plated tube provides lightness while remaining stable and flexible.
  • Especially with Thonet cantilever chairs, the material combination of tube and wood or wicker is crucial for comfort.

4. Leather, upholstery, veneers – on later models

In later decades, upholstered versions , fine leather covers , and wood veneers were added. These reflected changing tastes and the need for more comfort – without losing the Thonet DNA.

Conclusion:

The materials are more than just a means to an end—they speak of tradition, innovation, and the joy of craftsmanship. Choosing a Thonet chair means choosing quality that will last for generations.

To the Thonet collection at 2nd home →